media release

DATE 22/05/09

Kidneys Get the Spotlight 

Senator Polley welcomed the start of Kidney Health Week by meeting with the dedicated staff at the Launceston General Hospital Renal Unit today. Kidney Health Week runs from 24 – 30 May 2009 and aims to raise awareness about the key risk factors that can lead to chronic kidney disease.

“Chronic Kidney Disease really lives up to its name as ‘The Silent Killer’ where a person can lose 90% of their kidney function before they show any symptoms.” Senator Polley highlighted. Approximately 2 million Australians may be affected by early stage Chronic Kidney Disease and not even realise.

Senator Polley met with Sarah Challenor, of Kidney Health Australia, and Ian Campbell, a St Helens resident who has been receiving dialysis at the LGH for 2 years. “People need to be aware that high blood pressure is a leading cause of Chronic Kidney Disease.” Ms Challenor said. “Other risk factors include diabetes, a family history of the disease, obesity and being over 50.”

Mr Campbell is one of many Tasmanians who face a long and uncertain future on regular dialysis. Rose Mace, Nurse Unit Manager of the Renal Unit, said “some patients are on dialysis for 14 or 15 years and they become like part of the family.” Kidney Health Week is about ensuring that you don’t become part of that same family.

If you fit into one of the risk categories, please consider seeing your GP for a kidney check.

For additional comments, please do not hesitate to contact Sancia Colgrave on (03) 6331 2599.