Gospel Great Byron Cage Raises His Voice To Raise Awareness About Chronic Kidney Disease (NAPSA)—Gospel culture and free prescription savings program for eligible individuals and families its powerful music have the ability to inspire people to take a positive role in nurturing their mind, body wholack prescription drug coverage and arenoteligible for Medicare. and spirit. Now, world-renowned, award-winning gospel artist Many people do not realize that they have chronic kidney disease, music to lead a new public awareness program—sStrength in Har- until they have reached advanced stages of the condition. In fact, Byron Cage is using the power of or are at risk for developingit, mony™—to encourage those at risk results from 37,000 individuals participating in the National Kidney Foundation’s (NKF) Kidney for chronic kidney disease to rec- ognize warning signs and obtain early medical intervention. Early Evaluation Program (KEEP) screenings showed that Strength in Harmony is being offered by Ortho Biotech Products, L.P., in partnership with The COSHARFoundation, Inc., a non- World-renowned gospel artist half of the participants, most of AME Church in Ft. Washington, Maryland. Additionally, The whom had risk factors, had chronic kidney disease, but only 2 percent were awareofit. “Ninety percent of the KEEP participants reported visiting their doctors in the last year yet most were not aware they could be at risk for chronic kidney disease,” munity together to take action against chronic kidney disease.” mation to the 8,500 congregations that make up its Health Min- This makes it so important that those at high risk for chronic gressive condition in which the kidneys are unable to function effectively. Currently, 20 million “There is a great need for education about chronic kidney disease awareness in the AfricanAmerican community,” said Sharon Allison-Ottey, M.D., profit organization with a focus on health education through faithbasedinitiatives. “I am excited to be working with Ortho Biotech and COSHAR on the Strength in Harmony initiative,” said Minister Cage. “I hope to help bring the African-American comChronic kidney disease is a pro- Americans have kidney disease and another estimated 20 million are at risk. African-Americansare affected disproportionately as they repre- sent 33 percent of patients treated for kidney failure in the U.S., but only 13 percent of the overall population. People at elevated risk include those with diabetes or high blood pressure, and those who have a family history of kidney disease. The program launched with a kickoff concert at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in At- lanta. The concert is one of two Strength in Harmony events taking place this year. The second, a free health workshop and concert featuring Minister Cage, will be Byron Cage uses music to help those at risk for chronic kidney disease recognize warning signs and get early medical attention. held in November at Ebenezer COSHAR Foundation will distribute chronic kidney disease infor- reported Dr. Allan Collins, president-elect of the NKF. istries Network. kidney disease learn to recognize COSHAR’s Director of Health and Community Initiatives. “The combination of spirituality and health ticipants with CKD had anemia, a disproportionately higher rate than other races. Anemia is a potentially debilitating condition that occurs when awareness is a powerful team to combat this disease. The COSHAR Foundation is committed to assisting churches around the country in focusing health messages and efforts to make an impact on the health disparities in this country.” Strength in Harmonyis also supported by a coalition of organiza- tions, including the American Asso- ciation of Kidney Patients, American Kidney Fund, the Alliance of Minority Medical Associations and Together Rx Access’, which offers a early warning signs of the condition, such as anemia. In fact, the KEEP screenings showed that 21 percent of African-American par- the body does not have enough red blood cells, which carry oxygen. Symptoms of anemia include feel- ing tired or weak, shortness of breath, dizziness, decreased abil- ity to concentrate and paleness. To learn more about chronic kidney disease, anemia and Strength in Harmony, please visit www.strengthinHarmony.com. Ortho Biotech Products, L.P., is the marketer of PROCRIT’ (Epoetin alfa). me a ee ee eeeVe ee ee ee eee eee Note to Editors: PROCRIT (Epoetin alfa) is a prescription medication for the treatment of anemia in chronic kidney disease patients who are not on dialysis and is injected by doctors or nurses. PROCRIT is not for patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure. High blood pres- sure has been noted in patients treated with PROCRIT and blood pressure should be monitored carefully. Drugs like PROCRIT may increase the risk of blood clots and seizures. Loss of response to PROCRIT could be a sign of a very rare but serious condition. In studies, the most common side effects were high blood pressure, headache, joint pain and nausea. Please visit www.PROCRIT.com for full prescribing information.
