The American Kidney Fund (AKF) is rallying the community to take action to prevent kidney disease on Kidney Action Day, Sept. 19 at The Mall at Stonecrest in Lithonia from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kidney Action Day is a free, fun-filled, family-friendly event with a serious purpose: helping people understand their risk for kidney disease and how to prevent it. The American Kidney Fund’s signature outreach event, Kidney Action Day is held in cities where rates of kidney disease are higher than the national average.
Kidney Action Day activities include:
- Free health screenings. Kidney disease often has no symptoms until the late stages. Simple tests can tell you if you are at risk for kidney disease. Tests offered may include blood pressure, blood glucose and kidney function.
- Healthy cooking demos. Good, healthy food doesn’t have to be boring or hard to prepare! Sample delicious healthy food prepared by local chefs. Learn how to make the foods you prepare healthier.
- Fitness demos. Even small changes can make a big difference, and local fitness experts will demonstrate fun ways to help you get fit. Join in Zumba, line dancing, warm-ups and other activities that can be part of a healthy lifestyle.
- Entertainment. Local performers help keep things lively.
- Kidney health education. Have questions about your kidney health? The American Kidney Fund has lots of information that can help you keep your kidneys healthy.
- Contests. Raffles, quizzes, and even hula hoops have been used to give away prizes at Kidney Action Days in the past.
Facts about kidney disease in Atlanta:
1 in 3 Americans is at risk for kidney disease. Are you?
Common Risk Factors:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Family history of kidney disease
- Race/ethnicity – African-Americans, Asian-Americans, Native-Americans & Hispanics are at greater risk for kidney disease.
- Over age 60
Atlanta by the numbers
Of the people screened by AKF in Atlanta last year 80 percent had blood pressure greater than 120/80 and 19 percent had elevated glucose levels.
In 2014, AFK gave dialysis patients $5 million in grants to access lifesaving health care.
18,375 Georgia residents are on dialysis.
AFK provided $14.4 million in grants to Georgia dialysis patients last year.
Take control of your health on Kidney Action Day!
- Free health screenings by medical professionals
- Free healthy cooking demos and food tastings
- Fun, interactive fitness sessions
- Family-friendly entertainment and fun for kids
- Follow-up services and resources
Go to www.kidneyfund.org for more information.
