Get the Score! On Chronic Kidney Disease

    NEW YORK, Sept. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- What you don't know can't hurt --right?
 Wrong, says the National Kidney Foundation. When it comes to kidney disease, a
 little knowledge could improve your health and even save your life. According
 to the Foundation, one in nine American adults has chronic kidney disease, but
 most people don't even know it. Newark residents will have a chance to learn
 about risk factors, prevention and treatment at a free educational program and
 luncheon, "Get The Score! On Chronic Kidney Disease." Get the Score! will be
 held on Saturday, September 24, 2005 from 11:30 am-2:00 pm at the Mezzanine at
 the National Newark Building on 744 Broad Street in downtown Newark, NJ.
     Featured event speakers are former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Joycelyn
 Elders, who will address risks, symptoms, diagnosis and prevention of chronic
 kidney disease, and professional basketball player Alonzo Mourning, who will
 share his personal experience with chronic kidney disease.
     "If you have diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of chronic
 kidney disease, you are at risk. African Americans, Hispanic Americans and
 senior citizens also are at higher risk. But there are steps people in the
 risk groups can take. Early detection and treatment, including diet and
 medication, can help prevent kidney failure. My goal has always been to change
 the way Americans think about health by putting prevention first and this
 program will help those at risk for kidney disease do just that," says Dr.
 Elders.
     Says Mourning, "Because I can personally identify with the disorder, this
 program gives me the opportunity to bring awareness to a disease that most
 people aren't familiar with."  A celebrated all-star athlete, Mourning
 received a kidney transplant in December 2003. He has since returned to
 basketball, playing with the New Jersey Nets and later joining the Miami Heat,
 where he currently plays center.
 
     Get the Score! is sponsored by the National Kidney Foundation, The
 University Hospital, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and
 Ortho Biotech Products, L.P.
 
     Advance registration is required. To reserve your spot, call 1-877-485-
 0465.
 
 

SOURCE  National Kidney Foundation