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.

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