The National Kidney Foundation of Florida needs your help to raise awareness about kidney disease. Join their 2026 Fort Lauderdale Kidney Walk on Saturday, Nov. 14 at Plantation Central Park. Visit FortLauderdaleKidneyWalk.org for more information.
Here are three more ways YOU can take action:
Raise Awareness: Book an appointment with your doctor for a simple test of your kidney function, and encourage family and friends of all ages to do the same. Don’t forget to ask your doctor “Are My Kidneys Okay?” and get copies of all lab results.
Join The Conversation: Post on your social media platforms using #minuteforyourkidneys to help raise awareness. One minute might save your life
March is National Kidney Month: Wear orange the signature color for kidney disease during the month of March and celebrate World Kidney Day on the second Thursday in March.
Kidney failure does not discriminate – it can affect anyone of any race, at any age.
37 Million American adults are affected by kidney disease and 90% of them don’t know it. Kidney disease has no early symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment for kidney disease can significantly delay and even prevent kidney failure and the need for dialysis. When your kidneys fail, you only have two options: dialysis or kidney transplant.
What is Chronic Kidney Disease? It means your kidneys are damaged and losing their ability to filter your blood and keep you healthy.
What are the main risk factors? Diabetes and high blood pressure. If you have one or both risk factors, you should get tested. Other risk factors include family history of kidney disease, bieng over the age of 60, obesity, and heart disease.
How to detect kidney disease? Two simple tests: a urine test to determine protein leakage and Blood test to determine how well your kidneys are filtering. It also determines your eGFR (Glomerular Filtration Rate) number that identifies stage of kidney disease and creatinine levels.
What are the stages of kidney disease? There are five stages. From Stage 1 which is normal to Stage 5 or failure.
How does the heart and kidneys work together? The heart pumps blood filled with oxygen through all parts of your body, including the kidneys. Your kidneys clean the blood, removing waste products and extra water. Without your kidneys, your blood would have too much waste and water.
Without your heart, your kidneys would not have the oxygen-filled blood it needs. And without the help of your kidneys your heart would be working too hard or not at all. A healthy functioning cardiovascular system is important for your kidneys to do their job.
