Jamaica Hospital will be hosting its World Kidney Day event on March 12 in hopes to educate the public about kidney disease.
“This is our second year organizing the event, which is our way of trying to educate the public,” Natifia Gaines, Public Relations Coordinator at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, said.
Tables will be set up in the main lobby of Jamaica Hospital and the Axel building across the street from the hospital with tons of fliers and brochures to hopefully help the public learn more about kidney disease.
According to information given out by Jamaica Hospital, 26 million American adults have kidney disease and millions more are at risk without even knowing it.
Early diagnoses and treatments can save lives, according to Dr. Emmanuel B. Masih, Director of Nephrology at Jamaica Hospital. “It’s important to know if you are at risk for or are experiencing symptoms of kidney disease.”
Controlling your weight, following a healthy diet, monitoring your blood and cholesterol and not abusing alcohol or smoking are some of the ways Dr. Masih recommends keeping your kidneys healthy.
Kidney disease and health issues are something everyone should be aware of “mainly because symptoms do not show until the disease is well advanced and life-saving dialysis is needed,” according to Dr. Masih.
Free blood pressure screening administered by dialysis nurses and contact information for follow-up appointments if needed will be available at the World Kidney Day information tables.
Anyone who is interested in learning more about kidney disease is encouraged to head over to Jamaica Hospital on March 12 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
To schedule an appointment for testing on another day, you can contact Jamaica Hospital’s Renal Clinic at 718-206-5740.
