Kidney Health Week - 22 May to 29 May 2011
Are you at risk of kidney disease?
Take the test now to find out at www.checkmykidneys.com.au
Watch our new commercial screening around Australia now.
What do your kidneys do?
The major role of the kidneys is to remove waste from the blood and eliminate it in the urine. To remove this waste and extra water, blood enters the kidney through the renal artery; blood is then cleaned in the kidney as it passes through tiny filters called nephrons.
Cleaned blood returns to the body by the renal vein. Waste and extra water removed by the kidney passes through a tube called the ureter to the bladder where it is stored as urine or wee. When the bladder is full, the urine passes out of the body through another tube called the urethra.
What is the role of your kidneys in keeping you healthy?
- Act as filters for your body
- Control blood pressure
- Make red blood cells, and
- Maintain strong and healthy bones
Download the latest Kidney and Urinary Fast Facts document for more information.
What are the stages of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?
There are different stages of chronic kidney disease; Early, middle, later and end-stage. To learn more information on the stages of chronic kidney disease, download our Chronic Kidney Disease Fact Sheet.
Who is at increased risk?
One in every three Australians is at increased risk of developing Chronic Kidney Disease. Adult Australians are at increased risk if they:
- Have diabetes
- Have high blood pressure (hypertension)
- Are obese
- Have a family history of CKD
- Are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent
- Are over 50 years of age, or
- Are smokers
What should you do if you are at increased risk?
If you fall into any of the above seven categories, we highly recommend that you see a doctor and have a kidney function test. There are no warning signs for CKD and individuals can lose up to 90% of their kidney function before they feel any symptoms and by then it's too late. Early intervention can reduce CKD progression and cardiovascular risk by 50%, and improves quality of life.
For more information of what you should talk to your doctor about, click here.
 For more information about Kidney Health Week or to order resources for your health promotion, contact us by phoning.
Donate Now to Kidney Health Australia
 To help support the fantastic work Kidney Health Australia does in the community, please click here to make a tax deductible donation.
Check out the Kidney Health Week activities in your state
Medical Health Resources to support your Kidney Health Week promotion
We offer a range of colourful posters which can be posted to you or downloaded via links at the bottom of this page. Our website also offers a huge range of kidney health information to support any event.
Wish to order our material? Health professionals may order bulk copies of fact sheets, brochures and publications - fill out our Resource Order Form and fax to 'KHA Health Programs Manager' at 08 8334 7540 or email to info@kidney.org.au
Our Health and Medical team suggest the following resources:
Updated 10 August 2010
Disclaimer: This information is intended as a general introduction to this topic and is not meant to substitute for your doctor's or health professional's advice. All care is taken to ensure the information is relevant and applicable to each Australian state. It should be noted Kidney Health Australia recognises each person's experience is individual and variations do occur in treatment and management due to personal circumstances. Should you require further info always consult your doctor or health professional. |