Kidney disease screening test coming to Tyrone
By Jimmy Mincin, jmincin@altoonamirror.com
POSTED: March 31, 2008
Fact Box
Symptoms of Chronic Kidney DiseaseMost people may not have any severe symptoms until their kidney disease is advanced. However, you may notice that you:
n Feel more tired and have less energy
n Have trouble concentrating
n Have a poor appetite and have trouble sleeping
n Have muscle cramping at night
n Have swollen feet and ankles
n Have puffiness around your eyes, especially in the morning
n Have dry, itchy skin
n Need to urinate more often, especially at night.
Source: National Kidney
Foundation, www.kidney.org
The kidneys play a crucial role in maintaining the body’s overall health but are rarely appreciated until they become damaged and can no longer do their jobs, according to the National Kidney Foundation, a voluntary health organization dedicated to preventing kidney disease and increasing the availability of organ transplantation. And unless Americans start doing more to protect kidney health, millions could be finding out what it’s like to be without it.
An estimated 7.69 percent of adults aged 20 years or older (15.5 million) have been diagnosed with kidney disease in the United States between 1999 and 2004, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. One in nine Americans have the disease, and 100,000 die each year.
In recognition of March being National Kidney Month, Tyrone Hospital and the National Kidney Foundation will provide a Kidney Evaluation Program at the Tyrone Hospital Classroom, on the basement level, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 11.
Dr. Pawan Gupta, kidney specialist at Tyrone Hospital, called kidneys the body’s ‘‘master chemists.’’
‘‘When kidney function is impaired ... serious health consequences ensue, including kidney failure, heart attacks and stroke,’’ he said in a release. ‘‘Most people know that heart disease and cancer can be silent killers, but many people are unaware that Chronic Kidney Disease is another common, life-threatening illness that often goes undetected until the disease is very advanced.’’
Kidneys filter 200 liters of the body’s blood a day, removing two liters of toxins, wastes and water, Gupta said. They also regulate the body’s hydration and water balance, regulate blood pressure by controlling fluid levels, regulate blood acid levels and produce the hormone that stimulates bone marrow to manufacture red blood cells.
High blood pressure and diabetes are the two most common causes of kidney disease. But early detection, through simple blood and urine tests, can prevent further kidney damage, he said, adding that there are numerous things people can do to protect kidney health.
‘‘They can start by simply turning off the TV and walking more — getting more exercise,’’ he said. ‘‘That will not only reduce the risk for kidney disease, but also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and high blood pressure — because they’re all linked.’’
Jessica Gomber, regional manager for the National Kidney Foundation of the Alleghenies, said the program is for people 18 years or older who have high blood pressure, diabetes or a family history of chronic kidney disease. The screening is free and includes a blood pressure check, weight measurement, blood testing and urine testing. Screening participants will receive a report of their results, and can also request to have a copy of their results sent to their physician. Dr. Gupta will be on site to answer questions.
‘‘It’s about $250 worth of tests free of charge. That’s pretty significant,’’ she said, adding that those who are not at an increased risk also are welcome.
‘‘We’ll be happy to check their blood pressure, and if it’s elevated, they’re welcome to participate in the screening,’’ she said.
Theresa Yanchetz, director of marketing and volunteer services at Tyrone Hospital, hopes for a good turn out.
‘‘This is the first time the hospital has ever done this, so it’s hard to know what to expect,’’ she said. ‘‘We’re accepting registrations up through just before the screening, and we can accept up to 100 people. ... There’s stilly plenty of reservations available.’’
Yanchetz said the screening has been made possible through the cooperative efforts of the National Kidney Foundation, Tyrone Hospital and Dr. Gupta.
‘‘We’re just really thrilled to be able to have this relationship with the foundation,’’ she said. ‘‘Dr. Gupta has been a very key part of all of this. We’re very excited to have a nephrologist (kidney specialist) available to serve the northern Blair County area and its neighboring communities.
‘‘There are so many people out there with diabetes and high blood pressure,’’ she said. ‘‘That’s what’s so stirring about this — just realizing how relevant this program is. Just hearing about it made me want to run out and make sure everyone knows about it.’’
Those who wish to participate in the screening can make an appointment by calling the National Kidney Foundation at 1-800-261-4115. Appointments are now being scheduled and are provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
Mirror Staff Writer Jimmy Mincin is at 946-7460.
