Save Money, Save Lives: Why the Silence on the Fiscal and Fatal Consequences of Kidney Disease Matters

Saving lives is about more than media awareness of a disease. It is about doctors making sure their patients understand all risks for a disease. And ultimately that saves lives and money. Breast cancer awareness, for instance, is aided by high profile public efforts such as the Avon 39: The Walk to End Breast Cancer, or the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Even when using what many criticize as misguided language concerning cancer survivors, the blog about a Komen ad this week went viral, bringing even more media attention. February is Heart Health Month, and millions wore red recently to demonstrate the need for heart health, thanks to the American Heart Association. Even the ice bucket challenge completed by millions last year helped The ALS Foundation earn dollars and awareness. Yes, increasing visibility about any disease is important for informing people about the importance and need to take preventive measures to change behavior, seek out screening tests and start treatment early. Such efforts offer greater social support and reduce isolation for people with the disease. But chronic kidney disease -- without the splashy races, ad campaigns, and extensive media coverage -- falls below the public radar. And because of that, a patient may be less likely to ask his or her doctor how to prevent it or even understand how it develops. March marks National Kidney Month in the U.S. and World Kidney Day on March 12. The National Kidney Foundation and its affiliat...
Source: Healthy Living - The Huffington Post - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news