The Weekly Citizen: National Kidney Foundation of Illinois to Host Virtual Black History Month

From the Weekly Citizen

National Kidney Foundation of Illinois to Host

Virtual Black History Month Celebration

as Part of Kidney Health For Life Campaign

The National Kidney Foundation of Illinois will host a free virtual Black History Month Celebration on Thursday, February 24, 2022, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. to provide another opportunity to help keep Illinoisans healthy. This BHM celebration focuses on empowering those most at 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 from speakers including NKFI Program Manager Angelique Marseille who will share information on NKFI’s Take Charge Program designed to teach patients how to advocate for themselves during doctor visits. Dr. April Kennedy, a clinical nephrologist will discuss what kidney disease is and what are preventive measures that promote a healthy lifestyle and nutrition. In addition, WVON Radio co-host Atiba Buchanan will share his story on what it’s like living with kidney disease.

Kidney disease often has no symptoms in its early stages and can go undetected 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 transplant for survival.

“Black History Month is a prime opportunity to recognize and promote the importance of understanding what kidney disease is and lifestyle changes needed to prevent the disease, said Jacqueline Burges-Bishop, FACHE, National Kidney Foundation of Illinois’ Chief Executive Officer. “Knowledge is power and we want to reduce the number of new cases that occur statewide.

Registration is required for this free event at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/266979451727, or tune in to Facebook Live @NKFIllinois on February 24th at 5:30 p.m. sharp.