John Mitty Wednesday, August 7, 2013 |
Westbury, NY -- The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) will conduct free health screenings for people at increased risk for kidney disease on Saturday, August 24, 2013 at the Bethany Seventh-day Adventist Church, 962 Prospect Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590 from 10am to 2:30pm.
The NKF’s Kidney Early Evaluation Program (KEEP) is designed to identify and educate people who are at risk for kidney disease. People with diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of kidney disease should take advantage of this free screening. KEEP is a comprehensive kidney screening program which is offered FREE to all participants.
KEEP screening participants will have their weight and blood pressure checked. Physicians, physician’s assistants and nurse practitioners from the Bethany Health Ministry and North Shore- LIJ Health System will be present at the screening to review participants’ results. Additional lab results will be sent to participants 4 to 6 weeks after the screening. Participants can also choose to have their results sent directly to their doctor. Those with abnormal lab results are encouraged to follow-up with their primary care doctor or health clinic. Within three months of the screening, participants will receive a follow-up contact to determine if the participant visited a physician as recommended.
“A kidney screening can determine if medical intervention is necessary. And, getting medical attention at the right time can often postpone the onset of kidney disease or kidney failure. Most importantly, early detection can save your life!” said Wisly G. Augustin, MD, Leader of Bethany’s Health Ministry. “We encourage everyone in our community to get a FREE kidney screening.” According to the National Kidney Foundation, more than 26 million Americans have chronic kidney disease and most don’t even know it. Millions more are at risk.
The bone marrow drive, designed to increase matches for minorities, will require a cheek swab. The results will be added to a national registry. THE NKF says, it is crucial to conduct bone marrow drives because only 29 percent of minorities who need a bone marrow transplant find a match.
The screenings are being held as part of Bethany’s Annual Health Day, which will include a church service at 11am. “We look forward to having our neighbors and friends fellowship with us and take advantage of this free kidney evaluation,” said Jaime M. Kowlessar, Bethany’s Pastor.
To register for the KEEP and the bone marrow drive or to learn more, contact the National Kidney Foundation at 212-889-2210, ext. 236 or kidney.org/KEEPhealthy. Walk-ins are welcome, but prior registration is encouraged. To get screened, you must be 18 years of age or over.
jmitty@longislandyellowpages.com Appears In: Local Events , Press Releases
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