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March is National Kidney Month!
The American Kidney Fund is commemorating National Kidney Month with a series of events designed to focus the nation’s attention on kidney health.
Kidney Action Day on the Hill
AKF took the fight to prevent kidney disease to Capitol Hill with its March 7 Kidney Action Day on the Hill. With a focus on preventing kidney disease, AKF provided free kidney health screenings, kidney health education and fun fitness activities.
Eleven AKF patient-advocates from seven states and the District of Columbia were on hand for advocacy training and a series of meetings with their elected representatives. These patient-advocates shared their stories of living with kidney disease or caring for a loved one who have kidney disease, and discussed the impact of health care policy on those living with the disease.
The Pair Up Promise
During National Kidney Month, the American Kidney Fund will begin asking people to make the Pair Up Promise—a simple pledge that can help prevent kidney disease. The Pair Up Promise asks you to “Do the Math”—add healthful choices to your lifestyle, subtract things that are unhealthy, and multiply the impact by spreading the word.
Awareness and Education
The President and CEO of the American Kidney Fund, LaVarne A. Burton, conducted a series of radio interviews with stations around the country to raise awareness of kidney disease. With more than 31 million Americans affected by this disease, her message—that most cases of kidney disease could be prevented by controlling its leading causes, diabetes and high blood pressure—is one that can save lives. Interviews are airing throughout the month; links will be posted on the AKF website.
Calendar Kids Cover Art Contest
Thirteen finalists in the American Kidney Fund’s 18th annual Calendar Kids Art Contest will compete for the honor of gracing the cover of AKF’s 2014 calendar. A two-week online voting contest to select the winner began on Friday, March 15 and will close on Friday, March 29. The child whose artwork receives the most online votes will receive a trip to Washington, D.C., to be honored at AKF’s annual gala, The Hope Affair, this fall. All 13 children who are named finalists will have their artwork published in the 2013 calendar and will receive prizes.
Kidney Mondays
Each Monday, the American Kidney Fund is highlighting a new article relating to the kidneys and kidney health on its website. Check back each week to learn more about our amazing kidneys and how you can protect yourself from kidney disease.
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