(NAPSA)—Many people don't know it, but when your kidneys stop working, so do you. Yourkidneysareas essentialtolife as other vital organs, such as your heart. Kidney healthy is also heart healthy, so when you “Heart Your Kidneys,” you also show love for your heart. ‘That's because the No. 1 cause of death in people with kidney disease is heart disease. The Problem More than 30 million American adults are estimated to have chronic kidney dis- ease, and most are unaware ofit. One in three American adultsis at risk for chronic kidney disease. Its the ninth leading cause of death in the U.S., and growing in prevalence. For manypeople,dialysis or a transplant is neededjustto stay alive. WhatTo Watch For Risk factors for kidney disease include diabetes, high blood pressure, heart dis- ease, obesity, and a family history of kid- ney failure. People of African American, Hispanic, Native American, Asian or Pacific Islander descent are at increased risk for developing the disease. African Americans are three times morelikely than whites, and Hispanics are nearly 1% times more likely than non-Hispanics, to develop end-stage renal disease, also known askidneyfailure. The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) urges everyone with risk factors to speak with their doctor about taking the two simple tests, blood and urine, to check for kidney health. And if you don't have majorrisk factors for chronic kidney disease, you shouldstill discuss your kidney health with your doctor. Even if you inherit kidney disease, you may be able to slow its progression with lifestyle changes. You can join the conversation on social media and post #HeartYourKidneys. NKFis the largest, most comprehensive and long-standing organization dedicated to the awareness, prevention and treatment of kid- neydisease. WhatTo Do AboutIt On World Kidney Day, March 8, throughout March—National Kidney rm Angelica Hale, National Kidney Foundation Kid Ambassador, transplant recipient, and “America’s Got Talent” runner-up. Month—andat any time of year, NKF says, all Americans should “Heart Your Kidneys” byfollowing some simpletips. “Eat right, exercise, drink water, and keep your kidneys healthy, because whatever you're goodat, there’s only one you,’ says 10-year-old “America’s Got Talent” singer, kidney transplant recipient, and first-ever NKF Kid Ambas- sador Angelica Hale in a new “Heart Your Kidneys” video public service announcement. At age 4, Angelica’s kidneys failed. Her mother, Eva Hale, donated one of her own kidneys to her daughter to save herlife. Today, both mother and daughterare healthy. Angelica has also become NKF’s newest kidney advocate on Capitol Hill at the Kidney Patient Summit in Washington, D.C., by sup- porting NKFlegislative priorities. Fast Kidney Facts Your kidneys are located in the back just below yourrib cage. Each of your kidneys is about the size of yourfist. e'The kidneys’ major function is to remove waste products and excess fluid from the body. Kidney disease usually affects both kidneys. Nearly 100,000 people in the US. are waiting for a kidney transplant. Learn More For more information about kidney health, visit www.kidney.org.
