Our P.M's apology to Australia's Aboriginal people paves the way for reconciliation. However, one wee problem needs urgent response.

Kidney Health Australia Welcomes Rudd Commitment on Indigenous Health.

Kidney Health Australia today welcomed the commitment by the Federal Government to tackle the health issues facing Indigenous Australians with a concerted effort to close the seventeen year life expectancy gap between Indigenous Australians and the rest of the community.

Anne Wilson CEO of Kidney Health Australia said, "The overall death rates from Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) are up to ten times higher in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities compared to the rest of the Australian community.

"The incidence of kidney failure is increasing in the Aboriginal population at a faster rate than in non Aboriginal communities."

Ms Wilson said that the public statement and commitment on resources to tackle the health issues of the Indigenous communities as part of Prime Minister Rudd's "Sorry Statement" is a major signpost to the people in the front line of combating chronic diseases that the Federal Government is looking beyond the band-aid approach of the past.

Medical Director of Kidney Health Australia Dr Tim Mathew said, "Greater prevalence of CKD in some Indigenous Australian communities is due to the traditional high risk factors including , diabetes, high blood pressure and smoking.

"This can be compounded due to increased levels of poor nutrition, high alcohol use, streptococcal throat and skin infection, and socio economic disadvantaged living conditions which makes the Federal Government commitment to housing an important step in chronic disease prevention.

"Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is often referred to as the "silent killer" as 80 -90% of kidney function can be lost before an individual experiences any symptoms.

"The latest research has recognized kidney disease is a "disease multiplier". It causes death in many people with diabetes and hypertension and predicts the development of a cardiovascular event."

Kidney Health Australia with the support of the Federal Government and BHP Billiton has organised KEY - 'Kidney Evaluation for You', an early detection program to evaluate kidney function, cardiovascular health and diabetes in high risk individuals to be carried out in three States as Australia's first national screening program.

"If detected early through the screening of high risk groups CKD can be treated, thereby reducing other complications," Dr Mathews said.

http://www.kidney.org.au/

(end of media release)

Don't let any wee problems in your life become chronic kidney disease. Take action now.

Ask your family doctor for a kidney function test or phone 1800 682 531 to make a "Kidney Evaluation for You" appointment. If you use a TTY telephone, call 1800 005 881.

E-mail contact for Kidney Health Australia is, Health@kidney.org.au

Sue Bayliss. Cairns, Australia.

Do you know . . .

World Kidney Day is Thursday 13 March 2008 and this year will promote the theme of Amazing Kidneys.

Our kidneys filter 200 litres of blood daily and 73,000 litres annually - twice the amount of water it takes to fill the average backyard swimming pool.

Photograph is of Ann Wilson, Chief Executive Officer of Kidney Health Australia.

Have a read of Kidney Health Australia's February on-line bulletin.

Wherever we live, an awareness of chronic kidney disease is something we all need to have. What will you do to ensure your kidney health today?

Sue Bayliss. Cairns, Australia.

No, that won't make you go blind but this will ...

Kidney Disease Could Increase Risk Of Blindness Threefold

Kidney Health Australia today said a major Australian study just published has identified for the first time a significant relationship between early age related macular degeneration of the eye and early Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). The findings could see future best practice protocols for people with CKD include monitoring of the eye for evidence of macular degeneration.


Kidney Health Australia Medical Director Tim Mathew said, "Age related macular degeneration is the commonest cause of irreversible blindness in Australia and whilst known to co-exist with chronic kidney disease (CKD) has not previously been recognized to be increased in frequency in these patients."

Image above right: Dr Tim Mathew Medical Director Kidney Health Australia.

"The Blue Mountains Eye Study studied 1184 people aged over 54 yrs and assessed eye function sequentially through a five year study period."

Dr Mathew said, "The results showed a surprising threefold increase in the onset of macular degeneration during the five year period in those with early CKD compared to those with no CKD."

"This association increased with increasing age and suggests that the 2 conditions share similar causative mechanisms."

"Early age-related macular degeneration thus joins the list of conditions known to occur significantly more frequently in people with CKD."

"These include anemia, high blood pressure, heart failure, atherosclerotic vascular disease and bone disease."

Fast Facts:

• 1 in 3 adults are at increased risk of developing CKD.
• 1 in 7 adults have at least one clinical sign of existing CKD.
• Approximately 2 million Australians may be affected by early-stage kidney disease and don't know it.
  

Media Enquiries:

• Dr Tim Mathew, Medical Director KHA Mobile: 0416 149 863.
• Ron Smith Media Communications Kidney Health Australia
  Mobile: 0417 329 201

end of media release

Wherever you live, ask your family doctor about an annual kidney function test.

Sue Bayliss. Cairns, Australia.

What do your early warning signs tell you ...

about what you are reading on web health information?

Today, 22 January 2008, Kidney Health Australia is sending out this message to us all:

When you go onto the web to look for medical information make sure you get proper professional advice from your GP or specialist to avoid unproven health information.

Kidney Health Australia has released a fact sheet, "Using the Internet to Research Health Information" on the organization's own website aimed at protecting people seeking medical advice.

Many people who are suffering a chronic disease are vulnerable and if given the wrong information can make decisions which can influence their health says KHA CEO Anne Wilson as there are no rules controlling the quality of health information that appears on websites.

Kidney Health Australia says alarm bells should ring viewing a site that has the following qualities:

· Does the site only use case histories or personal testimonies as proof?

· Is the treatment based on a secret formula?

· Does the treatment claim to work on everyone with that condition?

· Does the treatment claim to work immediately and permanently with no further medical intervention required?

· Is the treatment available only from one source? - Eg. over the internet.

· Does the site claim that information about their treatment is being covered up or unfairly attacked by medical professionals?

· Does the site claim to have a cure for a condition?

· Does the site promote self-diagnosis and self prescription?


Kidney Health Australia says consumers need to ask three basic questions:

• Who runs the website and are they credible?
• Who pays for the website?
• Is the material evidence based or focused on selling products?
  

A full fact sheet is available from http://www.kidney.org.au/ under the patient information section Click Here To Download

Media Enquiries: Anne Wilson, CEO Kidney Health Australia Mobile: 0400 165 391

Dr Tim Mathew, Medical Director Kidney Health Australia Mobile: 0416 149 863

Ron Smith Media Communications Kidney Health Australia Mobile: 0417 329 201.

(end of media release)

My family and I are strong supporters of Kidney Health Australia. Every day of our lives we experience the loss of my husband who died from end stage renal disease and end stage cardiac disease resulting from cholesterol embolism.

May we never take our health for granted! Listen to the messages from qualified health professionals and be aware of our own physical, emotional and mental, health.

Personal awareness is not an obsessive trait but indeed means taking personal responsibility for our own health. Speak to your family doctor about any concerns or questions you may have. Be wary of 'quick fixes' mentioned to you by well meaning friends. Avoid responding to clever health related marketing strategies - they are there to take your dollar, not caring for your health!

My husband Capt Peter J. Bayliss A.M. wrote about some of his experiences however, his e-book is now off line but the introduction highlighted here remains on the Lae Gamefishing Club site in Papua New Guinea. Our Son David is working through his Dad's book, correcting typographical errors etc and getting photographs sorted in the correct sequence before posting it back on-line. Read a little about Peter's life and history. You may be surprised!

Sue Bayliss. Cairns, Australia.

Townsville makes History ...

First Location for Kidney Screening Programme in Australia.


Townsville is set to take its place in history as the first location in Australia to undertake a screening program for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) next month.

Image right: Anne Wilson CEO Kidney Health Australia

Kidney Health Australia with the support of the Federal Government and BHP Billiton will launch KEY - 'Kidney Evaluation for You', an early detection program to evaluate kidney function, cardiovascular health and diabetes in high risk individuals.

With 1 in 3 Australian adults at increased risk of developing CKD, Townsville residents who are in the "high risk" group are able to book in to have a free KEY health check.

The high risk group is as follows:

· Anyone 50 years and above or 35 years and above if of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander origin

· Anyone with diabetes

· Anyone with high blood pressure (on or not on treatment)

· Anyone with a first degree relative (mother, father, brother or sister) with kidney disease

KEY is free and will be available on the 4th, 5th, 7th and 8th of February at North Ward Health Campus between 9am -5pm (33 Gregory St North Ward).

People wanting to take advantage of the free service should contact Kidney Health Australia on 1800 682 531 to book a consultation.

Anne Wilson CEO of Kidney Health Australia said, "Until now a primary health care program for chronic kidney disease (CKD) detection has not existed and the pilot study which will commence in Townsville will be a significant signpost for the future evaluation and detection of Kidney disease."

CKD is often referred to as the "silent killer" as 80 - 90% of kidney function can be lost before an individual experiences any symptoms. Yet the level of awareness of CKD amongst the general public and health professionals is low and many risk factors of CKD are modifiable.

Dr Tim Mathew Medical Director of Kidney Health Australia who will be in Townsville for the program said, "a KEY program is vital in Australia to reduce the burden of kidney disease and kidney failure and the pilot program in February could be the start of one of the most important and effective primary care programs to manage CKD in Australia."

Media Enquiries:

Anne Wilson, CEO Kidney Health Australia Mobile:

0400 165 391

Dr Tim Mathew, Medical Director Kidney Health Australia Mobile:

0416 149 863

Olivia Corso CKD Early Detection Project Manager Mobile:

0421 545 916

Ron Smith Media Communications Kidney Health Australia Mobile:

0417 329 201.

Sue Bayliss. Cairns, Australia

The Diary of Dialysis Patient Vicki.

Media Release

23 September 2007

The Diary of Dialysis Patient Vicki who has made a decision to purchase a kidney for transplant from overseas has been released today to every Member of State and Federal Parliament in Australia by Kidney Health Australia via a special email bulletin.

Vicki's story has become public today in the Sunday Telegraph in NSW .

Vicki, a forty year old from New South Wales, has been waiting for a kidney transplant for three years and details her weekly physical and personal fight for survival and the trials and tribulations of surviving on dialysis.

Read Vicki's Diary

Patient plans to buy kidney to stay alive.

Anne Wilson, CEO of Kidney Health Australia said, "Vicki had approached Kidney Health Australia to tell her story publicly with the aim of highlighting the daily issues dialysis patients face and the urgent need to increase the number of organ donors."

Ms Wilson said, "the brave actions of Vicki to tell her story will place a community focus on the many difficulties dialysis patients and their families face everyday.

"At the present moment there are just over fourteen hundred people waiting for a kidney transplant with the average waiting time being around four to five years."

We believe the shortage of kidneys for transplantation will in the future see an increase in people purchasing organs from overseas as the number of people moving onto dialysis is increasing at 6.5% a year, Ms Wilson said.

Kidney Facts:
· One in three Australians is at risk of developing kidney disease.
· One in seven Australians has at least one indicator of kidney damage.
· As many as 2.3 million Australians may be affected by early-stage kidney disease and not know it.
· Kidney disease is the seventh biggest killer of Australians, killing more people each year than accidents, suicide and breast cancer.
· Over 40 people die of kidney failure each day.
· 11.3% of all deaths in Australia are due to, or associated with, kidney failure.
· Deaths from kidney failure have doubled in the past 20 years.
· A person can lose up to 90% of their kidney function before experiencing any symptoms.
· Number of cases of kidney failure is increasing at around 6% per annum
· The number of people on lifelong dialysis has increased by 6.5% each year

Media Enquiries:Ron Smith National Communications Manager Kidney Health Australia Mobile: 0417 329 201.
------
Please, do read Vicki's diary and Vicki's story as printed in today's Sunday Telegraph in New South Wales.

Vicki is such a brave woman. Her story speaks for itself. Kidney disease dealt a devestating blow to my family. Well do we know the anguish associated with renal failure. My husband died as a result of this disease. Links included in the article above will give you more information on the key words highlighted.

Sue Bayliss. Cairns, Australia.

Dystonia and nutrition. Why bother?

Eating a well balanced diet based on good nutritional value is essential for us all, no matter what our age or physical condition may be. For those of us with dystonia, we need to be aware of foods that are low in fat, sugar and salt, to keep us in the best possible physical condition. In this way we can overcome fatigue, depression and physical stress, resulting from constantly spasming muscles and twisted bodies.

Healthy people, those affected by life threatening diseases and all who are somewhere between, need to be aware of the range of choices we have that directly relate to our day to day well-being. That old saying, 'we are what we eat' has a haunting ring to it when we acknowledge the high rates of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, renal failure, cancer, and mental illness affecting so many people within our global community.

Wherever we live exercise, appropriate to our age group, level of physical fitness and the climatic conditions in our area, is as important as our diet.

I hope this gives you food for thought and also inspiration for improving your diet. For those people with a medical condition requiring a specific diet, please speak to your family doctor or a nutritionist before changing any of the food groups you are now using.

Sue Bayliss. Cairns, Australia.

Influenza - is it worth the risk?

The following important message is from Kidney Health Australia's Online Bulletin.

The National Institute of Clinical Studies (NICS) has launched their 2007 www.fightflu.com.au campaign and website to provide information about the real risk of influenza and encourage vaccinations amongst health care providers, carers and people of all ages at risk of developing complications such as pneumonia.

There are over 1.2 million Australians aged 18-64 who are in the 'at risk' groups because they have a chronic disease such as diabetes, kidney failure, cancer or severe asthma, said NICS CEO, Dr Heather Buchan.

We know that vaccination is the single most effective preventative measure against influenza, but only 42 per cent of those at risk are being vaccinated. Influenza can kill but vaccinations saves lives so avoiding it really isn't worth the risk, said Dr Buchan.

For more information, visit www.fightflu.com.au or contact Sue Montague on (03) 8866 0415 or email: smontague@nicsl.com.au

Sue Bayliss. Cairns, Australia.

Drink water, nature's health drink on International Water Day.

With over two million Australians showing some sign of kidney disease, Kidney Health Australia has chosen International Water Day to call on people to drink water, nature’s health drink.

Anne Wilson CEO of Kidney Health Australia said, ”the organisation would also be encouraging all companies to print out fact sheets from the Kidney Health Australia website for the workplace water cooler, to get the kidney health message out to millions of Australians”.

“Water is nature’s health drink and the linking of kidney health awareness with drinking water is a perfect way for getting our vital message out to the broader community.”

On average, five new patients are accepted onto the Australian dialysis program each day, the cost of treating a patient with dialysis is $72,000 per annum and the number of patients on dialysis is increasing at 6% per annum.

Research shows over 25% of all patients coming to dialysis and transplantation do not see a kidney specialist until less than 90 days before dialysis starts, which is a clear indication of the need for a national awareness campaign on understanding and recognising the early causes of kidney disease.

Ms Wilson said research has shown that many people do not understand the main job of their kidneys is to remove toxins and excess water from our blood.

“Every day our kidneys filter an average of 200 litres of blood – a quantity that would fill 20 buckets!

“Besides this impressive, daily feat, kidneys also help to control our blood pressure, to produce red blood cells and to keep our bones healthy.”

Kidneys gradually lose their ability to function making it a “silent” disease as it often goes unnoticed because it may not be “felt”, Ms Wilson said.

About Kidney Health Australia:

Kidney Health Australia is a national organisation committed to reducing the burden of kidney disease through funding and stimulating innovative research; providing education and support; promoting access to high quality healthcare, and increasing public awareness and commitment to advancing kidney health and organ donation.

Media Enquiries:Anne Wilson CEO Kidney Health Australia Mobile: 0400 165 391Ron Smith Corporate Media Communications (03) 9818 5700 Mobile: 0417 329 201.

I hope you find the above media release informative and helpful. My husband died of end stage renal disease and end stage cardiac disease following cholesterol embolism syndrome, commonly referred to as a cholesterol shower. Together, let us all embrace life, love our kidneys and love water.

Sue Bayliss. Cairns, Australia.

Do you know today is World Kidney Day?

The Economic Cost of Kidney Disease in Australia is raising at the rate of $1 million a week.

The cost of treating kidney disease in Australia is rising by $50 million a year and will jump from $700 million in 2006 to $900 million in 2010, according to the first ever report on The Economic Impact of Kidney Disease in Australia released today.

Commissioned by Kidney Health Australia and carried out by the George Institute of International Health, the report being released this morning outlines major holes in the current health policies and highlights ways the government can save hundreds of millions of dollars in the next decade through new initiatives.

Anne Wilson CEO of Kidney Health Australia said, "The detailed and comprehensive report identifies clearly that the Federal Government can save hundreds of millions of dollars in the future by extending home dialysis and transplantation."

The key findings of the report are:

• Over the last 25 years, while the Australian population has grown less than 40%, the number of Australians being treated with dialysis or a kidney transplant has grown more than 400%.
• In 2010, the number of Australians commencing renal replacement therapy (RRT) will increase between 19% and 47% above the current incidence of RRT.
• This equates to an additional 850 patients commencing RRT each year.
• In 2010, the number of Indigenous Australians commencing RRT will increase between 19% and 84% above the current incidence of RRT.
• Conservative estimates indicate that the total health sector cost for providing RRT services to 2010 will be between $4.26 and $4.52 billion.
• Approximately 60,000 life years (and 30,000 quality- adjusted life years) would be gained by providing RRT for all cases of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD).
• Increasing the number of kidney transplants by 10% to 50% would save $5.8 million to $25.9 million.
• Increasing the rate of home haemodialysis to an optimal level would produce a saving of $88.2 million.
• Increasing the rate of PD to an optimal level would produce a saving of $135.4 million.

Ms Wilson said, "despite the significant burden of disease there is no national strategic plan addressing Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) issues and planning for the projected growth in incidence and prevalence of CKD.

There are also no systematic national programs (government or non-government) in place addressing ways of bridging the gaps that exist in the delivery of the advances in clinical care that have occurred in the last decade."

Please, spend a little time thinking about World Kidney Day today, the 8th March 2007. Take care and remember, looking after your kidneys will keep you healthy and extend your normal life span. The contact information below is for your information.

Sue Bayliss. Cairns, Australia.

Kidney Health Australia, 344 St Kilda Road Melbourne.

Media Enquiries: Anne Wilson CEO Kidney Health Australia. Mobile: 0400 165 391

Dr Tim Mathew, Medical Director of Kidney Health Australia Mobile: 0416 149 863

Ron Smith Corporate Media Communications. (03) 9818 5700 Mobile: 0417 329 201.

Dystonia: eating well and being active can improve our health and keep depression away!

When coping with a funny voice and feeling like an avocado seed is stuck down our throat, coping with the gripping spasms of muscles in neck, shoulders, back, arms, torso, legs or eyelids, being twisted or bent over into positions affecting breathing, vision and speech, we feel as though it is enough to lead any sane soul along the road to poor general health, depression and social isolation.

Whether you are living with spasmodic dysphonia, cervical dystonia, blepharospasm, writer’s cramp, early onset dystonia, myoclonus dystonia, or any of the other forms of dystonia, a well balanced and appropriate diet together with an exercise regime will be of benefit in many ways. When our bodies are spasming and twisting every which way, thinking about diet and exercise can sometimes be too much trouble to be bothered with. Then, hey presto, along comes the Queensland Government with a bold initiative to whip all us Queenslanders into shape!

Although the Queensland State Government’s initiative with the ‘Make the most of it’ campaign does not specifically take into consideration the effects of dystonia nor depression, it does focus on dietary and exercise factors as prevention strategies for medical conditions currently draining our States and Commonwealth Government's health systems. These chronic medical conditions are identified by the Queensland State Government as type II diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease and certain cancers. There is growing evidence these illnesses result from poor nutrition, the lack of physical activity and increasing levels of obesity.

We don’t want any of those little nasties now, do we? By improving our dietary and exercise habits we can avoid the debilitating effects of the above mentioned chronic illnesses. We will have all the more energy and thinking power to lobby for research funding for dystonia! Yea!

How wonderful it would be to see our Governments adequately support research into the cause of dystonia. Once the cause of this chronic, presently incurable neurological disease is found, the focus of treatment strategies will swing from relieving the symptoms to curing those affected.

Please, do consider taking time to follow up the link to ‘Make the most of it’ above. Enjoy the easy to follow suggestions for becoming fit and healthy. By thinking about our mental health at the same time as changing our eating and exercise habits, we can make a positive step towards coping with all those aches and pains we have become accustomed to living with.

As the ‘Make the most of it’ message says, be smart, eat well and be active!

Sue Bayliss. Cairns, Australia.

Do you have a question about kidney or urinary health?

In Australia, ring the Kidney Health Information Service 1800 682 531 if you need to ask any questions about kidney disease.

TTY (Teletypewriter service) for hearing or speech impaired ring 1800 005 881.

For those of you in other countries, the information here is informative and helpful. However, look also for Kidney Disease Information links in your country of origin.

Kidney Connect

Australia’s Kidney Connect is our umbrella support program for people with kidney disease, kidney donors and recipients, their carers and family members.

Kidney Care Program: Trained Kidney Care volunteers and coordinators conduct a Dialysis Support Service, which provides support and companionship to people undergoing haemodialysis treatment in renal units throughout Australia.

Peer Support Program: Supports people living with kidney disease, kidney donors and recipients, their families and carers via TelEconnect. This national telephone and/or email peer support service connects people in need with trained Peer Support Volunteers who have similar experiences.

The following sites will link you to informative Brochures.

Kidney disease and diabetes are killers. Learn more about these diseases now.

Kidney disease – are you the one in three? Early detection and prevention is the best medicine (booklet).

Kidney health – what you should know. This 16 page booklet offers important information about keeping your kidneys healthy.

Kidney and urinary health. A brochure with good information about kidney and urinary health.

Blood pressure and kidney disease. A brochure with information on kidney health and blood pressure.

You are able to access good information on this link including some of the above.

My husband died from a combination of end stage kidney disease and end stage heart disease at the age of 67. His illness was caused by high cholesterol. My family and I are well aware of the emotional and social cost of renal disease.

Be wise. Be healthy. Learn about kidney disease and live!

Sue Bayliss. Cairns, Australia.

Australians urged to register as an organ donor and give the gift of life.

Do you know 63% of all transplants are kidney-related?

The average wait for a kidney transplant in Australia is four years, with waits of up to seven years not uncommon. One person a week is dying whilst waiting for transplant, according to Kidney Health Australia.

Ann Wilson, Chief Executive Officer of Kidney Health Australia, said, “The number of new kidney failure patients commencing dialysis or transplant in 2005 was 2,210 representing an increase of 13% from the 1,950 people entering these programs in 2004. The number for 2005 was the highest ever recorded.

This is increasing pressure to lift organ donation rates with kidney transplants making up around 63% of all solid organ transplants in Australia in 2005.

Dr Tim Matthew, Medical Director of Kidney Health Australia, said that kidney transplantation is successful in 90% of cases and Australia has one of the best success rates of kidney transplant survival in the world.

“Sustained funding is needed at a federal and state level to support organ donation in hospitals which are working hard under the current collaborative program to increase the level of transplantation.”

“Patients on dialysis and their families are under great pressure waiting for the telephone call which could spell a new chance at life through a kidney transplant.”

My husband died in 2003, at 67 years of age, from a combination of end stage renal disease and end stage heart disease. My family and I are all to painfully aware of the great physical and emotional cost of kidney disease as well as the financial cost of treatment. My husband's renal failure resulted from high cholesterol.

Sue Bayliss. Cairns, Australia.