Dialysis education program available

HAYDEN - Liberty Dialysis Hayden recently launched its Pre-ESRD (End Stage Renal Disease) Education program to help patients before they are on dialysis better understand kidney disease and their dialysis treatment options.

March is National Kidney Awareness Month.

"Our Pre-ESRD Education program helps patients to better understand their treatment options, says Susan Johnson, national director of home therapies for Liberty Dialysis.

Johnson encourages patients who have recently been diagnosed with kidney failure to involve themselves in the free program.

"Finding a treatment that fits with a patient's lifestyle is imperative for superior dialysis care," she said. "Whether it is a home dialysis treatment or an in-center treatment option, our Pre-ESRD Education program helps patients determine what fits best for their individual needs."

Who is at risk?

* 31 million Americans, 1 in 6 adults, have chronic kidney disease;

* 20 million are at increased rate for kidney failure;

* Primary risk factors include diabetes, hypertension and a family history of kidney disease; and

* High-risk groups include African-Americans, Hispanics, Pacific Islanders, Native Americans and those 60 and older.

The Liberty Dialysis Pre-ESRD Education program is available to dialysis and pre-dialysis patients in more than 25 cities nationwide.

The program helps patients to understand the various tools, treatment options, and insurance guidelines associated with dialysis care.

Kidneys filter blood, removing wastes and extra water.

"Diseased kidneys act as filters causing wastes to build up in the blood, damaging the body," said Debbie Gunsch, national director of home therapies for Liberty Dialysis. "If not treated, kidney disease can lead to kidney failure. But you can prevent kidney failure by managing risk factors."

Info: www.libertydialysis.com