Kidneys: Master Chemists of your Body
Bones can break, muscles can atrophy, glands can loaf, even the brain can go to sleep without immediate danger to survival. But should the kidneys fail, neither bones, muscles, glands nor brain could carry on.’ |
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-Dr. Homer W. Smith
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Your kidneys are the master chemists of your body. They perform the following vital functions:
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• Remove waste products from your body |
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• Balance your body’s fluids |
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• Release the hormones which regulate your body’s blood pressure |
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• Synthesize the vitamins which control your body’s growth |
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• Control the production of red blood cells
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If your kidneys fail, your other organs will suffer too. The two leading causes of kidney failure are diabetes and high blood pressure. If these diseases are controlled, kidney failure can be avoided. Although many forms of kidney disease do not produce symptoms until late in the course of the disease, there are six warning signs of kidney failure:
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• Burning or difficulty during urination |
• An increase in the frequency of urination |
• Passage of bloody urine |
• Puffiness around eyes, swelling of the hands and feet |
• Pain in small of back just below ribs |
• High blood pressure
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You can help thousands of Michigan residents escape a serial killer! |
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Kidney disease silently stalks its victims. It is unseen, unheard and rarely observed before it strikes. Its so insidious, in fact, you may be shocked to discover more than 20 million Americans are suffering from kidney and urinary diseases.
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Each year, 95,000 people die from kidney and urinary diseases, while more than 250,000 die from associated complications. Often, the symptoms are ignored or undiscovered until it is too late.
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Since 1955, The National Kidney Foundation of Michigan (NKFM) has led the fight against these life-threatening diseases. NKFMs staff and volunteers are devoted to the eradication of kidney and urinary diseases.
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Through research, education and patient services programs, NKFM helps more people cope with kidney and urinary disease than any other voluntary health agency in Michigan.
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NKFM’s efforts have changed legislation, ensured quality care for patients and advanced medical knowledge. NKFM continues to help thousands of Michigan residents escape this deadly disease through its patient and family programs.
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The first generation of volunteers saw their efforts save lives and return health to thousands of people. With your support, this generation may be the one to witness the discovery of a cure.
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Through the efforts and donations of people like you, the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan will one day reach its goal. . . to find a cure. For more information write:
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2350 South Huron Parkway |
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Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104 |
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313-971-2800 or 800-482-1455 |
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