IThe urban community is finally beginning to understand the importance of screening for the silent killers of cancer and heart disease. We have watched enough loved ones suffering from symptoms that could have been treated more effectively through early intervention. Choosing to monitor our blood pressure and cholesterol, while adopting a healthier lifestyle are major steps in the right direction. However, there is another growing health problem that is complicated by diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and obesity — chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Healthy kidneys are responsible for six bodily functions: regulating water level, filtering waste and toxins, helping to regulate blood pressure, activating vitamin D for strong bones, helping in the production of red blood cells and balancing minerals (sodium, phosphorus and potassium). There are eight common signs that your body is in trouble: fatigue/weakness, difficult/painful urination, foamy urine, pink urine, increased need to urinate, puffy eyes, swollen face/appendages and increased thirst. Family and personal history increase the risk factors. Ultimately, CKD can lead to total kidney failure, which can lead to dialysis or a transplant.

On March 8, the National Kidney Foundation (NFK) promoted World Kidney Day as an opportunity to raise awareness about the 20 million Americans that suffer from CKD. As with other health issues, African Americans are disproportionately represented, constituting 32 percent of the cases while comprising only 13 percent of the total U.S. population, according to Dr. Joycelyn Elders, the former U.S. Surgeon General. Unfortunately, these are issues prevalent in the urban community as a whole. The good news is that there are four simple tests that can help determine your status, including checking blood pressure, protein in urine, creatinine in blood and calculating your glomerular filtration rate. Dr. Elders is part of the Kidney Early Evaluation Program (KEEP), which is offering free screenings in 30 cities across the country. To find a testing site in your area visit: www.keeponline.org. You may also obtain a free brochure, “Am I at Risk” developed by the National Kidney Foundation by calling: (800) 622-9010.

In order to stay your healthiest, the NKF recommends that you lower your blood pressure, reduce salt and potassium intake, keep blood-sugar level, avoid NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), consume moderate protein and get an annual flu shot. Share this information with your relatives, because knowledge is power, and together, we can make our families stronger. - cheryl a. johnson

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