The National Kidney Foundation of Illinois will host a free virtual Black History Month celebration on Thursday, February 24, 2022, from 5:30 to 6:30 pm. to provide another opportunity to help keep Illinoisans healthy. This celebration of BHM focuses on empowering people at increased risk for chronic kidney disease to take charge of their health by becoming aware of the risks, making simple, healthy lifestyle changes, and learning how to advocate for themselves. African-Americans are three times more likely to develop kidney disease.
Attendees will hear speakers including NKFI Program Manager Angelique Marseille, who will share information about NKFI. Take Charge Program designed to teach patients how to advocate for themselves during doctor visits. Dr. April Kennedy, Clinical Nephrologist, will discuss what kidney disease is and preventive measures that promote a healthy lifestyle and nutrition. Additionally, WVON Radio co-host Atiba Buchanan will share her story of what it’s like to live with kidney disease.
Kidney disease often has no symptoms in its early stages and may go unnoticed until advanced stages; that is why it is often referred to as a silent disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2019, kidney disease ranked as the eighth leading cause of death in Illinois. Stage five kidney failure requires dialysis or a transplant to survive.
“Black History Month is an excellent opportunity to recognize and promote the importance of understanding kidney disease and the lifestyle changes needed to prevent it,” said Jacqueline Burges-Bishop, FACHE, Executive Director of the National Foundation of the Illinois Kidney. “Knowledge is power, and we want to reduce the number of new cases occurring across the state.
Record required for this free event at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/266979451727, or tune in to Facebook Live @NKFIllinois on on February 24the at 5:30 p.m. sharp.
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