Kidney Health Fest for African American families June 2, 2012

Northwest Kidney Centers will hold its 10th annual Kidney Health Fest for African American Families, featuring free health screenings, entertainment and healthy food samples made by local celebrity chefs.

Participants can receive a free kidney health screening and private consultation with a doctor about the results. Diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity all contribute to the current epidemic of kidney disease, which can affect African Americans and other minority groups more than Caucasians.

The morning includes a health education program hosted by Ron Sims, former King County executive and former deputy secretary, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Seattle celebrity chefs will serve a free tasting menu at lunch time, and the day also includes entertainment, music, exhibits, fitness demonstrations, an obstacle course and a chance to win prizes.

Co-host churches include Damascus Baptist, First AME, Freedom Church of Seattle, Goodwill Missionary Baptist, Immaculate Conception, Liberation Ministries, Mt. Zion Baptist, New Beginnings Christian Fellowship, New Hope Missionary Baptist, Pentecostal Covenant Church, Southside Church of Christ, St. Mary's, Tabernacle Missionary Baptist and Walker Chapel AME.

Northwest Kidney Centers will provide three simple health screenings to assess a participant's risk of kidney disease:
* Blood pressure check
* Test for protein in a urine sample
* Test for creatinine in a blood sample

Washington Oral Health Foundation and Medical Teams International will do free dental screening and treatment for adults at the Fest. (Children will be referred to the free dental program that is operated out of the Boys & Girls Club.)

Free mammograms and women's health exams will be provided by African Americans Reach and Teach Health Ministry, the YWCA and Swedish Mobile Mammography.

Official Website: http://www.nwkidney.org/aboutUs/news/KidneyHealthFest.html