‘Visit doctor for a simple blood test’

'Everybody can't be a coach'
6/24/11
Thumbs up as Santa look-alike loses his locks
6/24/11
Charles Krauthammer: U.S. needs a new way to decide when we’re at war
6/24/11
Treasurer: ‘County finances can be rather complex’
6/24/11
> More opinion headlines

2:02 PM Friday, September 17, 2010

As we recognize “Take a Loved One for a Checkup Day” on Sept. 21, from the perspective of a dialysis patient, I would like to take this opportunity to urge everyone to visit their doctor for a simple blood test to determine whether they may be at risk for developing chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Although the most common risk factors associated with kidney disease are high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity, I did not possess any of these risk factors when I was diagnosed with focal glumerulosclerosis and kidney disease in 1988 as a sophomore in high school.

When I was diagnosed, these simple screening tests were not available. Luckily, since I played football, I had to undergo yearly physicals and was diagnosed with CKD before it progressed to kidney failure. I was able to control the progression of my kidney disease through diet and lifestyle changes for several years before having to begin dialysis.

As a “patient ambassador” for Dialysis Patient Citizens, I am committed to educating others about the risk factors associated with CKD.

In Ohio, more than 13,000 people must undergo dialysis because of kidney failure, and this number continues to increase as CKD risk factors are becoming more and more common.

... For more information on how to get involved with dialysis education and advocacy, please visit www.dialysispatients.org or call (866) 877-4242.

Todd Jermaine Martin

Middletown

Share this article