Kidney Screening

In the United States, nearly 26 million people are unaware that they have or are developing kidney disease. Often the symptoms are vague and similar to other common medical conditions.  Some people may feel tired or have trouble sleeping. Others report swelling in the feet and ankles or dry, itchy skin.  Since these symptoms do not seem urgent or life threatening, many people simply dismiss them. That’s why screening is so important.

Unfortunately, people are not diagnosed with chronic kidney disease until the symptoms are advanced or severe. By that time, treatment is more challenging and may result in kidney failure, which could require dialysis or even a kidney transplant.

Mercy Health and the National Kidney Foundation have partnered to provide free screening for anyone over age 18. No registration or preparation is required. All testing is confidential.

Date & time:   Sunday, Sept. 24; 8 a.m. to noon

Location:        Sacred Heart Chapel

4301 Pearl Ave, Lorain

The screening includes:

• Risk assessment survey
• Blood pressure check
• Body mass index (BMI) measurement
• Consultation with a healthcare professional
• Educational materials
• For adults who are considered at risk, an ACR urine test for albumin (a type of protein that can indicate kidney disease)

The information provided at this event is for general information only and is not intended as a diagnosis. If the screening indicates you may be at increased risk, our healthcare consultants can advise you on next steps or recommend physicians who can help provide an accurate diagnosis. 

“The two most common causes of chronic kidney disease are diabetes and high blood pressure,” explains Beth Finnegan, Director of Health Ministry/Parish Nursing and Resource Mothers Programs for Mercy. “These are two very common conditions impacting the health of adults in our community. If you have one or both of these conditions, we especially encourage you come and get screened.”

In addition to diabetes and elevated blood pressure, older age and having with a family member with kidney disease add to your risk. African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders and American Indians have a higher rate of diabetes and elevated blood pressure, which puts these populations at greater risk. 

“Mercy and our partner, the National Kidney Foundation, are committed to serving as many people in the community to help prevent, educate and successfully treat those who are impacted by kidney disease,” continued Finnegan. “The screening is simple, painless, and you will leave knowing your kidney disease risk.”

For more information, contact Antoinette Greene Tubbs, program director for the National Kidney Foundation, at Antoinette.Greene@kidney.org.