2006 Winter Newsletter

A Publication of the National Kidney Foundation of Kentucky

Winter 2006 Reducing Your Risk Of Chronic Kidney Disease Is Easier Than You Might Think If you have high blood pressure, diabetes or a family history of kidney disease, you're at risk for chronic kidney disease (CKD). But the news isn't all bad. Preventing CKD is not as difficult as you might think.

A Message from the Executive Director,

Lisa Allgood March is National Kidney Month and here are some prevention tips from the National Kidney Foundation:

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Find out your family’s health history if you don’t already know it. Research whether or not anyone in your family has CKD, diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), coronary heart disease or protein or blood in the urine, and let your physician know. Visit your doctor for regular checkups for the above diseases and request blood and urine tests to check for CKD. One vital CKD blood test is a check for your glomerular filtration rate (GFR), a test that can see how well your kidneys are filtering wastes. Follow your doctor’s instructions to keep hypertension and diabetes in control. Keep your weight in check. Being overweight can increase your chances of developing diabetes, heart disease and other problems and is also associated with CKD. Follow a balanced diet recommended by your doctor. Start exercising by walking for 30 minutes at least three times a week. Exercise helps control weight and can alleviate hypertension. Check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program. (cont. on pg. 3)

Coping with Depression: Take Action to Feel Better

Emotional well-being can be a challenge for people who have to cope with physical illness. How an illness effects independence, family life, ability to work and finances becomes nearly as important as the physical symptoms or treatment of the illness. Poor physical health and the worries that go with having chronic kidney disease (CKD) can cause depression. Depression is not just feeling down in the dumps or blue now and again. It is a real medical disorder that affects not only mood but thoughts, feelings, physical health and behavior. It is common for people who have a chronic illness, such as CKD, to also experience depression. (cont. on pg. 4)

As 2006 comes to an end, it is customary to reflect on the accomplishments of the year and consider those areas which still need attention. The last year for the NKFK has been one of growth and stability. Much of our efforts have focused on kidney disease prevention and promotion of organ donation. Hosting the US Transplant Games was the highlight of 2006. I recently attended an event that reiterated to me the vital need to continue in 2007 our efforts in prevention and organ donation. I had the pleasure to attend a tribute for a transplant recipient who recently died. He lived with kidney disease and was a kidney recipient, but that did not define his life. Many times people are identified by a disease. It can become easy to treat the disease and forget to honor the person. His life was cut short, a life of accomplishment personally and professionally. As I listened to person after person praise him and his life, I became acutely aware that kidney disease had cut his life short and prevention should be a priority always. I am glad I took the time to get to know him. I met him at one of his most difficult times and I still recognized his strength and determination. Organ donation made a kidney transplant possible for him. As a result, he like so many others was given a second chance, another opportunity to live life and touch the lives of others. The work of the National Kidney Foundation of Kentucky is necessary and an obligation. We owe it to those who are building a legacy no matter the magnitude. We owe it to families who deserve to see their loved ones live and laugh. While we work to prevent kidney disease and identify the disease early, we must also never forget that each person affected by kidney disease is a person first. It makes working toward our mission so much more meaningful.

Kentucky Medical Association Resolution: “Measurement of Glomerular Filtration Rate in Chronic Kidney Disease” WHEREAS, twenty million Americans have chronic kidney disease today and twenty million more are unknowingly at risk; and WHEREAS, the number of Kentuckians requiring dialysis is likely to double by the year 2010, creating a strain on current health care resources in the Commonwealth; and WHEREAS, chronic kidney disease has been identified as a focus area by the United States Surgeon in the Healthy People 2010 Initiative; and WHEREAS, early identification of chronic kidney disease and treatment of associated co-morbidities in early stages can delay the onset of end stage kidney failure, dramatically reduce the number of patients that require dialysis, reduce health care costs, and improve overall patient quality of life; and WHEREAS, calculation of the glomerular filtration rate is an inexpensive method of determining kidney health and of staging kidney disease in populations at risk (especially in patients with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, advanced age, malnutrition, or patients with family members with kidney disease), allowing for identification of patients with chronic kidney disease; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the Kentucky Medical Association urges physicians to consider ordering a glomerular filtration rate calculation when a serum creatinine is ordered on patients at highest risk for kidney disease; and be it further RESOLVED, that physicians in the Commonwealth be urged to become familiar with the five stages of chronic kidney disease to promote detection and treatment.

NKFK Chapter News ♦

Bowling Green The first Kidneys in the Classroom was introduced to 55 7th and 8th graders at Drakes Creek Middle School in Bowling Green. Chapter volunteers will be introducing the program to hundreds of other Warren County School children. The first annual NKFK family bike event will be held in Bowling Green on April 28, 2007. The bike event will be the perfect fun-filled Spring day for family, friends, and couples to enjoy. Chapter members are working with the local bike club to plan course logistics. Learn more about this event in the next issue of Kidney Connection! The Medical Center will utilize the Re-Ink 4U Recycling Program. They are also considering becoming a community drop off center for the program.

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Lexington The NKFK is proud to announce that the Lexington area held its first chapter kick-off meeting in November. Twenty-five nephrologists, social workers, and others in the medical community attended to learn about the exciting programs and services that will be coming into the area.

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Paducah/Mayfield The NKFK is also proud to announce that Western Kentucky will also begin a NKFK chapter. The first meeting will be scheduled for the 1st quarter of 2007. If you are interested in attending a chapter meeting, please contact the NKFK at 502-585-5433. 2

Reducing the Risk of Kidney Disease (cont. from pg. 1)

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Limit salt intake to control high blood pressure. If you smoke, quit. Smoking can contribute to a host of health problems including lung cancer, heart disease and hypertension, as well as contribute to kidney deterioration. Avoid taking large amounts of painkillers, especially drugs containing a combination of caffeine, acetaminophen and aspirin. Combination agents such as these are associated with an increased risk of kidney disease. It has been observed that a daily dose of eight to ten tablets or capsules of acetaminophen alone can damage the kidneys over a five-year period. Studies in humans and animals suggest that combination agents can cause damage in even less time. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs containing ibuprofen as well as those containing naproxen sodium can also harm the kidneys, but only if the kidneys are already under stress. Dehydration from, for example, overexertion, can stress the kidneys. If you stay hydrated, these drugs generally are safe for the kidneys. Limit your intake of alcoholic beverages. Alcohol can both cause and worsen hypertension.

African Americans, Hispanics, Asian and Pacific Islanders are at increased risk for chronic kidney disease. To learn more about risk factors, prevention and treatment contact the National Kidney Foundation of Kentucky at 502-585-5433 or 800-737-5433 or log on to www.nkfk.org.

Celebrate Family on World Kidney Day It doesn't quite have the heart-tugging appeal of Mother's or Father’s Day yet, but on World Kidney Day, you may just find yourself closer to your family than ever. The second World Kidney Day, coming on March 8, 2007, has been designed to raise international awareness about one of the body's most vital organs and to let people know who’s at risk for chronic kidney disease (CKD) and what to do. While no one expects World Kidney Day to be celebrated with parades and picnics (hold the kidney pie!), the National Kidney Foundation suggests using it as a time to celebrate family and share health history. Why? Because many, if not most, people who are considered “atrisk” for chronic kidney disease have been placed in that group because of health problems inherited from family members. So finding out your health history is the first step to preventing chronic kidney disease.

"We hope people will embrace March 8 as a day devoted to talking to, or learning more about, one's parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters; in fact, any blood relatives,” says Lisa Allgood, Executive Director. "You may find out fascinating things about the people close to you, and in the process, you may also find out that someone in your family suffers from high blood pressure, diabetes or even chronic kidney disease itself." If you or a family member has diabetes or high blood pressure (hypertension), you are at significant risk for CKD. Also, people who belong to minority groups, including African-Americans, Hispanics, Asians or Pacific Islanders, are at higher risk for CKD. The National Kidney Foundation of Kentucky is joining forces with Kidney Foundations around the globe to highlight World Kidney Day and its theme of early detection and prevention. The foundation reminds us that chronic kidney disease is a potentially fatal one, often called a "silent" killer. The foundation hopes family discussion on World Kidney Day will encourage people to delve into the health of their entire family, and then to get their kidneys checked out through simple blood and urine tests. To find out the foundation’s schedule of free kidney screenings around the country through its KEEP or Kidney Early Evaluation Program, visit www.nkfk.org. So, while World Kidney Day may not get you a vacation day off from work, it could end up adding years to your life! 3

Mark your Calendar! 2007 Events Program Events

Special Events NKFK Gala Louisville, Hyatt Hotel March 10, 2007

Support Group 2nd Thursday every month Call for information

NKFK Bike Event Bowling Green April 28, 2007

KEEP Screening January 27 Lexington St. John Missionary Baptist Church

HOW TO HELP YOURSELF IF YOU ARE DEPRESSED

Dean Kutz 5K Race for Organ & Tissue Donation Awareness, Louisville June 16, 2007

March 24 Louisville Metro Louisville Health Department March 31 Paducah Washington Street Baptist Church

Depressive disorders may make one feel exhausted, worthless, helpless, and hopeless. Such negative thoughts and feelings make some people feel like giving up. It is important to realize that these negative views are part of the depression and typically do not accurately reflect the actual circumstances. Negative thinking fades as treatment begins to take effect. Some things you can do include:

NKFK Golf Classic Louisville June, 2007

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NKFK Golf Classic Lexington July 16, 2007

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Kidney Walk Louisville, Waterfront Park September 15, 2007

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Coping With Depression (cont. from pg. 1) It is not a sign of weakness, nor is it something to snap out of through will power. Understanding more about depression may be helpful in overcoming it. Here are some facts and figures that show how common depression is: ♦ Depression is the leading cause of disability in the United States. ♦ Depression is now the leading cause of disability in the world. ♦ Chronic illness increases one’s chance for depression. ♦ Depression is treatable and most people who are treated show improvement.

depression may be a good first step. Here are some things to look for, especially if they have occurred nearly every day for at least two weeks: ♦ Feeling sad or empty most of the day ♦ Loss of interest or pleasure in life ♦ Difficulty concentrating or inability to make decisions ♦ Feeling worthless ♦ Thoughts of suicide

It can be useful to talk to family members or friends to see if they have noticed mood or behavior changes that you may not have been aware of. Mental health professionals can help you find ways to better cope with When untreated, depression can cause unnecessary pain and suffering for the individ- the challenges you may be facing. There are important things you can do to help ual and his or her family. Symptoms can yourself when facing depression. (See sidelast for weeks, months, or even years. bar: How to Help Yourself If You Are DeAmong its many effects, depression can pressed.) impact one’s ability or desire to follow treatment recommendations, such as a If you think you may be depressed, underproper diet, getting enough exercise and stand that depression is treatable. Talk to taking part in your overall plan of care. your doctor or a mental health professional Learning about the signs and symptoms of about your concerns to see if you could 4

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Set realistic goals in light of the depression and assume a reasonable amount of responsibility Break large tasks into small ones, setting priorities and doing what you can as you can. Try to be with other people and to confide in someone; it is usually better than being alone and isolated. Participate in activities that make you feel better. Exercise, go to a movie, a ballgame, or participate in religious, social or other activites. Expect your mood to improve gradually, not immediately. Feeling better takes time.

benefit from treatment for depression. Treatment options may include prescription antidepressant medication and counseling with a mental health professional in your community. You can regain feelings of emotional well-being. Taking action is a necessary first step toward feeling better. Article from Kidney Care Newsletter, Vol. 1, No. 2, page 6. If you are struggling with depression, please come to the NKFK support group held the 2nd Thursday of every month. Please call 502-585-5433 for more information.

Kidney Early Evaluation Program

Gift of Life Gala The Gift of Life Gala is an exciting evening of cocktails, dining, and dancing to the Decades. Lots of fun will be had bidding on our many silent and live auction items. We’ll also take a nostalgic Dr. Bonnie Lazor had the winning bid look back at the US Transplant Games held for this adorable puppy at the 2006 Gala. here in Louisville last June and honor a few individuals who have gone above and beyond for the prevention of kidney disease and the promotion of organ donation. Finally and most importantly, the Gala raises awareness and generates funds for our programs to “make lives better” for kidney patients and organ recipients. The Gift of Life Gala will be held March 10, 2007 from 6pm-12pm at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Louisville. For more information, please contact Johanna Clapp at 502-585-5433 or [email protected].

High Five!

Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast Attention all Volunteers! You deserve a high five for your dedication in the fight against kidney disease! The NKFK would like to show our appreciation for you at our High Five Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast. If you have volunteered for the NKFK, please join us on February 14, 2007, 8:30am at the Galt House. For more information or to RSVP please contact Laura Temple at 502-585-5433 or [email protected].

In recent years, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) has received increased attention as a public health issue in the United States. Nearly 20 million Americans suffer from CKD and another 20 million are at increased risk. It is projected that by 2010, the incidence of CKD will have doubled. Diabetes and hypertension are the leading causes of CKD in the United States. In the state of Kentucky, the rate of diabetes and hypertension exceeds the national average. An estimated 8.5% of adult Kentuckians have diagnosed diabetes, ranking Kentucky 7th in the nation for the highest number of people diagnosed with the disease (Kentucky Cabinet of Health and Human Services). Hypertension, the second leading cause of CKD, impacts 29.8% of adult Kentuckians compared to 25.5% of the U.S. adult population (Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System). Due to the staggering impact of diabetes and hypertension on Kentuckians, it is vital to screen this high risk group for kidney disease. The Kidney Early Evaluation Program (KEEP) of the National Kidney Foundation of Kentucky offers a free health screening to identify individuals with CKD and encourage participants to delay the onset of the disease. KEEP screening tests include blood pressure, weight and height measurements, and blood and urine analysis. In addition, participants consult with an on-site health professional, are provided with physician referrals for follow-up care and a variety of educational materials. In 2006, the National Kidney Foundation of Kentucky screened 908 people for kidney disease. The screening sites are as follows: Owensboro (49 participants), New Albany (32 participants), Paducah (81 participants), Louisville (104 participants), Bowling Green (92 participants), Madisonville (44 participants), Louisville (61 participants), Danville (51 participants), Louisville (34 participants), Henderson (82 participants); Maysville (66 participants); Richmond (61 participants), Paris (151 participants). ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

If you are interested in volunteering for the NKFK, please contact Laura Temple at 502-585-5433 or [email protected]. 5

60% learned they may have kidney disease 10% learned they may have hypertension 8% learned they may have diabetes 83% had at least one value outside the normal range (values tested include hypertension, microalbuminura, hematuria, pyuria, albumin to creatinine ratio, creatinine, glucose, hemoglobin, eGFR, PTH, calcium, phosphorus, cholesterol, and triglycerides).

If you would like more information on KEEP or to schedule an appointment, please contact Laura Temple at 502-585-5433 or [email protected]

“KEEP Saved My Life” Grace Green knows the importance of healthy living. Grace, a diabetic, walks 3 miles a day, six days a week. When she started to feel short of breath and extremely fatigued during her routine walks, she knew something was wrong. She went to a diabetes meeting and learned of a KEEP screening in her area. Grace knew she needed to participate since she was at-risk for the disease. When she received her KEEP test results in the mail, Grace learned that her blood count was extremely low. She took her results to her doctor, who ran additional tests and determined Grace was anemic. Her doctor immediately canceled a surgery she was to undergo three days later and gave her two pints of blood. Grace was soon seeing a blood specialist and discovered that her kidneys were not sustaining a healthy blood level. She was administered shots every week for her kidneys and now has control over anemia. Grace is feeling great and continuing her daily Grace & her husband Carl walks with no problems. live in Richmond, KY

A New Year’s Blessing If you could save a life, would you? The answer “yes” by some generous donor resulted in kidney transplants for eight year old Abby Sarkisian and her ten year old sister, Natalie. Abby and Natalie were both born with a genetic disorder that affects kidney function. Abby has lived with kidney disease most of her life. She received dialysis three times a week for two years and she received her 3rd kidney transplant on January 2, 2006. It gave very profound meaning to the words “Happy New Year.” Natalie did not have to receive dialysis but as the kidney disease progressed, she became tired and disinterested in her favorite things. On October 6, 2006, Natalie received a kidney transplant from a deceased donor. Most children ask for toys from Santa, Abby and Natalie asked for a kidney. Most children wait for Santa to come, Abby and Natalie waited for the call that someone had said “yes” to organ donation. This year, the holidays will be different. Both girls feel better and are eager to talk about Santa and carrots for the reindeer and making cookies with Aunty Missy. They also look forward to the holiday season with their baby brother, Nathan. Kidney disease affects the entire family and imagine the despair of parents whose children may not live to see another holiday season. Tom and Beth have been determined to preserve their holiday traditions despite the struggles they have endured.

Abby and Natalie’s Holiday Favorite

World Famous Macaroni & Cheese Ingredients: 1 box elbow macaroni 1 box Velveeta 2 Beaten eggs Abby, 8

2 Tbs. Flour 3-4 Cups Milk

Natalie, 10

Butter casserole dish, set aside. Cook box of elbow macaroni until done. Drain. Place in casserole dish. Cut 1 box of Velveeta cheese into cubes. Place on top of macaroni. Mix together eggs, flour, milk. Pour on top of macaroni, dot with butter and bake for 1 hour at 350° 6

In Loving Memory… The following individuals donated to the National Kidney Foundation of Kentucky in memory of loved ones from September 21, 2006 through November 21, 2006. We are very grateful for these thoughtful contributions and wish to express our sympathy to the family and friends of the deceased. In Memory of Ralph Carpenter Don & Mary Settle

In Memory of Phillip Malone Monumental Life Insurance

In Memory of Catherine Hines Federal Reserve Retirees

In Memory of Shirley Metzgar Joe & Jane Gedraitis Donna Pingrin

In Memory of Jimmy Howard Hunter Martin & Assoc. Darryl & Vanda Campbell Rebecca Jussila Judith Rudolph Crittenden County Class of ‘51 Lillian Rothwell & family Allie & Albert Lichtenberg Joe & Connie Lichtenberg Caroly & Donald Spicer Phillip Barr Al Wittwer Family Miton & Gail Bagwell Gerald & Shannon Greer In Memory of Frank Kather Laura Powell Fixed Wing Product Management Office Employees Bob & Pauline Martin Aviation Division, Redstone Arsenal, AL Lloyd & Susan Mills

In Memory of Dorothy O’Donnell Residents of King’s Daughters Apartments

In Memory of Ruth Thompson Millard Wayne Allen In Memory of Kenneth Tomlinson Tony Martin Jessica Embry Debra & George Cayton James & Tracy Courtney Jason & Nicki Beckham Dale & Ann Ralston Betty Tomlinson Lauren Alexander Alice Busick Blandon & Beth Ann Toombs

In Memory of Richard Rucker Tracy Rucker

In Memory of Marvin Wilson Janet Connell

In Memory of Dusty Miller Carl & Margie Dickerson In Memory of Walter E. Nugent Charles Falk

In Memory of Helen Wolf In Memory of Gemma Scanzoni KFC National Counsel & Advertising Coop- Donna Finnell ARC erative In Memory of J.E. “Whitey” Sprowles Peggy Chambers

In Memory of Connie Woodrum Valarie DeSalvo

In Memory of James Swenck The Fiedler’s

Honor Your Loved One Honor your loved one who has kidney disease or received an organ transplant by making a donation to the National Kidney Foundation of Kentucky! Your donation will continue to help those who are affected by kidney disease and organ donation. You can honor a friend or family member who: Received an organ transplant Celebrated their transplant anniversary Passed away with kidney disease Continue to fight courageously against the disease All donations made in honor of your loved one will be announced in an issue of Kidney Connection. If you are interested in making a donation to the NKFK, please send your name, address, honoree’s name, announcement, and donation to NKFK, 250 E. Liberty St., #710, Louisville, KY 40202.

Need Help? Dial 2-1-1! The NKFK is a participating organization in the Metro United Way’s 2-1-1 call system, a service that connects people to community resources. A 2-1-1 caller is connected with a counselor who directs them to organizations that can assist them with their emotional, financial, or material needs. Metro United Way CEO Joe Tolan says 2-1-1 will “help people navigate what can be a complicated network of services.” Callers will receive information on a wide range of community organizations that provide anything from clothing to support groups. 2-1-1 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and serves Southern Indiana (Clark, Floyd, and Harrison) and nine counties in Kentucky (Bullitt, Carroll, Jefferson, Henry, Nelson, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer, and Trimble). 7

Board Members George Basinger Janet Connell R. Scott Cornell, MD Jan Day Chuck Fischesser Stefan Kiessling, MD Larry Kozlove Jeff Leonard

250 E. Liberty Street Suite 710 Louisville, KY 40202 (502) 585-5433 (502) 585-1445 (fax) www.nkfk.org

Mary Lou Marzian Newton McCravy Patrick Northam Michael Parlier Sanford Reikes, MD Brad Rives Marissa Vincent Staff Lisa Allgood, Executive Director [email protected] Jahanna Clapp, Admin. Assistant [email protected] Laura Temple, Program Associate [email protected] Virginia Barr, Office Manager [email protected]

April is Donate Life Month. Learn more about organ donation in the next issue of Kidney Connection!

Kidney Connection is now on the web! Please visit us at www.nkfk.org! Yes! I would like to receive the Kidney Connection Name _______________________________ Address _____________________________ ____________________________________ City ________________________________ State _______________ Zip _____________ Email ______________________________ Please complete and send to: National Kidney Foundation of KY 250 East Liberty Street, Ste. 710 Louisville, KY 40202 Or email Johanna Clapp at [email protected]

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