Asian Pacific Islander Kidney Health Fair May 22, 2010

Northwest Kidney Centers will hold a free Asian Pacific Islander Kidney Health Fair, featuring free blood pressure checks, entertainment, and the chance to ask questions of a kidney expert.

In addition to the blood pressure checks, 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 was elected to the Northwest Kidney Centers Medical Executive Committee in 2009, and he speaks English, Vietnamese and Spanish.

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. In people who have the disease, the kidneys don't function well, putting them at risk for serious health problems.

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.

Official Website: http://nwkidney.org