Free kidney screenings set in Rehoboth Beach Feb. 10
The National Kidney Foundation of Maryland will hold free kidney health screenings from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 10, at Beebe Healthcare’s Health Fair at the Atlantic Sands Hotel on the Boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach.
As part of NKF-MD's mission of early detection and early intervention, KEY screenings (Kidneys: Evaluate Yours) identify early markers for high blood pressure, diabetes and kidney disease. No appointments are needed for the screening, and any adult can participate. Lasting about 20 minutes, the screening includes blood pressure and weight checks, as well as counseling with a doctor and dietitian. Those needing to have their blood sugar and kidney function checked may have blood tests.
Kidney disease is the ninth leading cause of death in the United States, killing more people every year than breast or prostate cancer. While 26 million Americans (1 in 9) live with chronic kidney disease, most don't know it. In fact, 25 percent of the 1,170 people screened in 2016 by NKF-MD demonstrated significant results.
"Approximately 9,300 Marylanders and 2,175 Delawareans are on dialysis," said Pattie Dash, NKF-MD vice president of mission advancement. "We'd like to reduce these numbers by spreading the word that early detection and treatment can slow or prevent the progression of kidney disease." Toward that end, the foundation educated nearly 4,200 individuals through community outreach, health fairs and events in 2016.
For more information, go to www.kidneymd.org or call 410-726-8732 to speak with Nicole Scharf, NKF-MD director of field services for the Eastern Shore of Maryland and southern Delaware.
