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Letter: One in nine affected by kidney disease

National Kidney Month is a good time to reach out to those facing this life-threatening disease.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) affects millions of people in America. Here are a few statistics that you might not be aware of:

One in nine Americans have CKD, according to the National Kidney Foundation.

CKD is the ninth leading cause of death in the United States.

Diabetes and hypertension are known risk factors for CKD.

If CKD progresses to kidney failure, the only treatment options are dialysis or a kidney transplant. It is therefore vital that these individuals find personalized, expert care that is conveniently located.

World Kidney Day and National Kidney Month is a time to educate the public about CKD and the importance of prevention and the proactive ways they can reduce their risk of kidney failure.

Tests to check blood glucose levels and blood pressure are essential steps in preventing kidney disease.

As a social worker with over 25 years of experience, I have spent most of my time at an in-center unit where people with kidney disease come three to four times per week for dialysis. And now, due to advances in technology, there are ways for treatment to be provided at home.

Please use the opportunity during this month to take the appropriate test to make sure you have healthy kidneys.

Deborah Kurland, LCSW

Palo Alto