Asian Pacific Islander Kidney Health Fair
One in seven American adults has kidney disease, but most don’t know it because there are often no noticeable symptoms. The disease is even more prevalent in minority communities. But it can be prevented and, if caught early, can be slowed or stopped.
Event Details
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Noon to 4 p.m.
Great Wall Shopping Mall
18230 E. Valley Highway
Kent, Washington |
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The Asian Pacific Islander Health Fair will feature free blood pressure checks, entertainment, and the chance to ask questions of a kidney expert. Health information will be provided in several languages.
The fair will also feature exhibits and free photos with Sidney, the Northwest Kidney Centers mascot. |
Kidney specialist Dr. Danh Ngo will deliver a half-hour keynote address at 1 p.m., followed by a 15-minute question-and-answer session. Ngo, who practices at Minor & James Medical and Swedish Medical Center in Seattle, received his medical degree from Emory University in 2001. He is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in nephrology and internal medicine. He joined the Northwest Kidney Centers Medical Executive Committee in 2009, and he speaks English, Vietnamese and Spanish.
“The primary purpose of this event is to help the Asian Pacific Islander understand that in general they have a higher risk of kidney disease than the general population of the United States,” said David Wilde, chairman of Northwest Kidney Centers’ Regional Council Southeast, which is sponsoring the event. “Our intention is for anyone who attends to learn that they should consider getting tested early and understand the health risks.”
The Health Fair is a wonderful opportunity to learn about kidney health and to get an accurate blood pressure reading, one of the key tests to help people understand the overall state of their health, including their kidneys.
Participants in the Health Fair will learn how to improve their lives to avoid kidney disease. This includes:
- Treating high blood pressure and diabetes, two of the leading causes of kidney failure.
- Quitting smoking.
- Eating a low-salt, low-fat diet. Obesity can lead to kidney disease.
- Exercising at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week.
- Avoiding the overuse of pain relievers such as ibuprofen and naproxen, which can damage kidneys.
