Message from the President and CEO
Dear Friend,
We’ve been busy celebrating National Kidney Month all month long here at the American Kidney Fund by honoring people who make a difference for kidney patients; sharing health information and tips; bringing together kidney patient advocates; and reaching out to broader audiences with our prevention messages. Kidney Month is an annual commemoration intended to raise awareness of kidney disease and the importance of prevention.
In these final days of Kidney Month 2010, I encourage you to visit AKF’s website for information, exciting new podcasts, articles and health tips. One of my personal favorite new projects is our Kidney Heroes Podcast Series, which aligns with our vision to truly “celebrate” Kidney Month this year and the people who are making a difference in the fight against kidney disease.
It is because of friends and supporters like you that we can achieve our mission of fighting kidney disease through direct financial support to patients in need; health education; and prevention efforts. As we continue in this exciting year filled with initiatives, programs and events that will help us further this mission, watch your email for news and updates—and be sure to join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.
With best wishes for your continued good health,
LaVarne A. Burton
President and CEO
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Spotlight on Health: 5 Healthy Living Tips
These simple tips can help you to live kidney healthy. Take charge of your health today!
1. Cut it Out! – The Salt, That Is. Try using fresh herbs rather than salt. Reducing your salt intake can help keep your blood pressure healthy.
2. Eat Right! – Make sure your diet is balanced and eat food low in fat. This can help you keep a healthy weight.
3. Check It Out! – Get regular check-ups from your doctor or find free health screenings in your area. Get tested for diabetes and have your blood pressure checked often.
4. Work Out! Exercising 30 minutes a day can help prevent kidney disease and other related conditions. In the hustle and bustle of your daily routine, it may seem hard to stick to a workout schedule. Here are some easy tips you can use to get moving: take the stairs rather than the elevator; park far away from the front door; walk to work or school; pop in your favorite CD and dance to a few songs; multitask! Get moving while watching your favorite TV shows at night.
5. Put It Out! - Don’t Smoke. If you smoke, quit today. Chewing sugar free gum may help reduce the urge to smoke. Talk to your doctor about methods that you can use to quit your habit.
The American Kidney Fund offers free kidney health brochures and fact sheets on several topics, including a “Take Charge: Protect your Kidneys” wallet card. You may download free PDF versions, or order one for free.
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Chicago Takes Action, Gets Tested on Kidney Action Day
On March 13, Chicago residents gathered at South Park Baptist Church to take advantage of free kidney health screenings and information offered by AKF, in partnership with the Thapelo Institute. More than 150 participants in Kidney Action Day hung out with DJ Ramonski Luv from the popular Chicago radio station V-103 and heard from AKF President and CEO LaVarne Burton, Assistant Public Health Commissioner of Chicago and Thapelo Institute founding member Joe Harrington and Dr. Thomas L. Pitts of Thapelo.
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AKF Advocates Address Congressional Leaders
On World Kidney Day, March 11, three AKF Patient Advocates gathered with other patients on Capitol Hill in an effort to raise awareness about kidney disease among congressional leaders. The AKF Advocates met with their respective members of Congress to share their experiences living with kidney disease and to advocate on behalf of prevention initiatives. Thank you to our brave advocates for their time and dedication to fighting kidney disease. Get more information on how to join the AKF Advocacy Network.
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New York Spring Event Raises More than $94,000 for Kidney Patients
The 4th Annual New York Spring Event was held on World Kidney Day, March 11, at Twenty Four Fifth in New York City. Thanks to AKF supporters in the Northeast, the event raised more than $94,000 for kidney patients in need. This year’s event, chaired by Liz Enright, honored kidney donor Carla Giampaglia as Humanitarian of the Year and Victor L. Schuster, M.D. as Nephrologist of the Year. Thank you to our sponsors, event attendees and honorees.
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Join in the Conversation!
The AKF Social Network is growing! Connect with AKF and others in the kidney care community by becoming a Facebook fan and Twitter follower. Read inspirational stories, post encouraging messages and interact with kidney disease patients and advocates.
