One thousand high-risk British Columbians will be screened for chronic kidney disease, thanks to $200,000 in funding to the Kidney Foundation of Canada, BC & Yukon Branch.

“Early detection is essential to reducing the potentially life-threatening effects of kidney disease,” said Shuswap MLA Greg Kyllo, who made the announcement on behalf of Health Minister Terry Lake yesterday on World Kidney Day. “Targeted screening in communities throughout B.C. will help identify those who may have compromised kidney function, and provide them with information and tools to make healthy lifestyle changes.”

The BC & Yukon Branch of the Kidney Foundation will hold 25 screening events over 18 months in communities throughout B.C., working with community organizations who serve high-risk populations for kidney disease. At-risk populations include people who:

• Are of Asian, Pacific Islanders, African, South Asian or Aboriginal descent,
• Have diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardio vascular disease; and/or
• Have a family history of chronic kidney disease.

Each participant will discuss their results immediately with a registered nurse, and those with compromised kidney function will be encouraged to connect with their family doctor.

“It is estimated one in 10 British Columbians has some form of kidney disease, but because early stages of the disease are rarely accompanied by symptoms, many people don’t realize they have it,” said Pia Schindler, executive director, BC & Yukon Branch of The Kidney Foundation of Canada. “Although there is no cure for chronic kidney disease, a healthy lifestyle and early interventions can go a long way towards preventing the need for dialysis or transplant.”

This year’s World Kidney Day focused on kidney disease and obesity. People who struggle with obesity are more likely to develop kidney disease. Obesity increases the risk of developing diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure, the two leading causes of chronic kidney disease. A healthy lifestyle will decrease the risk of developing obesity and chronic kidney disease.

To help British Columbians make healthier choices, Healthy Families BC is an online resource for health and wellness information. From healthy eating tips, to programs and supports to become more physically active, Healthy Families BC helps British Columbians to better manage their own health and reduce chronic disease.

Learn more:

To learn more about the Kidney Foundation of Canada, visit: www.kidney.ca/bc-home

To learn about World Kidney Day, visit: www.worldkidneyday.org/

For guidelines on identification, evaluation and management of chronic kidney disease, visit: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/practitioner-professional-resources/bc-guidelines/chronic-kidney-disease

For more information on Healthy Families BC, visit: www.healthyfamiliesbc.ca/