[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 43 (Tuesday, March 29, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E548]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING MARCH AS NATIONAL KIDNEY MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ADAM SMITH

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 29, 2011

  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize March 
as National Kidney Month. This is an ideal time to renew the commitment 
to take action to stop kidney disease.
  National Kidney Month observes the significance of kidney health and 
allows us to educate each other on methods of prevention, treatments, 
and potential cures for kidney disease. More than 26 million Americans 
have chronic kidney disease. Minority patients and communities 
including Hispanic, African-American, and Native-American populations 
are at an increased risk at developing the disease. While the rate of 
those affected by kidney disease is increasing, many individuals with 
kidney ailments go undiagnosed. Most people forego visiting a doctor 
until symptoms are severe and damages to the kidneys are irreparable. 
Kidney disease can be fatal to those who do not identify the symptoms 
of kidney failure. Every year, thousands die prematurely of 
cardiovascular problems linked to kidney disease where death could have 
been prevented in many cases.
  In addition to the health effects of kidney disease, kidney failure 
can also be costly. Currently, less than one percent of all Medicare 
beneficiaries have some form of renal disease, yet the disease consumes 
nearly seven percent of the annual Medicare budget.
  Prevention is the best approach at dealing with kidney disease. The 
most common risk factors are high blood pressure and diabetes, which 
can be controlled by diet, exercise, taking prescribed medication, and 
regular visits to a health care professional. National Kidney Month 
serves as an important reminder for individuals, especially minorities 
as well as those with hypertension and diabetes, to get their kidneys 
checked regularly.
  In my district, the non-profit Northwest Kidney Centers provides 
testing opportunities at community events and provides important 
education to the public about kidney health and renal disease 
prevention.
  Kidney disease is common, harmful, but treatable, especially if 
caught in time. Let's continue to work to stop kidney disease, save 
Medicare dollars, and save lives while doing it.

                          ____________________