March 1, 2024 – During the month of March, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Office of Minority Health (CMS OMH) recognizes National Kidney Month. This is a great opportunity to raise awareness about early chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD is a disease that damages the kidneys and affects their ability to properly filter blood. If left untreated, CKD can cause toxic waste products and excess fluid to build up, leading to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and early death. Nine out of 10 adults living with CKD don’t know they have the disease because people with early-stage kidney disease usually don’t experience symptoms. This month, CMS OMH is emphasizing the importance of early screening for CKD to prevent kidney failure and other health problems, especially for those at high risk for the disease.

Chronic kidney disease affects an estimated 14% of U.S. adults. The biggest risk factors for CKD include diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and obesity. These conditions continue to disproportionately impact minority populations. Among adults 18 and older with CKD, Black Americans (20%) are most severely affected by the disease, followed by Asian Americans (14%) and Hispanic Americans (14%). ). To prevent CKD and lower the risk of kidney failure, patients should learn about risk factors, get tested annually, increase physical activity, take all medications as directed, and see their doctor regularly. there is.

CMS OMH is raising awareness about CKD during National Kidney Month. We encourage you to share the following resources with your community this month and throughout the year.

resource

Learn about the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Chronic Kidney Disease Initiative, which provides public health strategies to promote kidney health.

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