Beaumont Royal Oak Offers Free Kidney Screenings Thursday

Beaumont Hospital Royal Oak and the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan (NKFM) will offer free kidney disease screening tests Thursday, March 8. The World Kidney Day screenings don’t require an appointment, but lab work will only be offered to the first 200 people, according to a statement released by the hospital.

According to Beaumont, people with high blood pressure or diabetes are at increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease. An estimated 30 million American adults have chronic kidney disease, making it the ninth leading cause of death in the U.S. Chronic kidney disease leads many patients to need dialysis or a transplant to stay alive. While these conditions or a family history of kidney problems puts people at risk, screenings can help people know if they’re in early stages of kidney disease, when they may be able to manage the progression with lifestyle changes.

According to Beaumont, Kidney disease can often be managed through lifestyle changes, including healthier eating, maintaining a healthy weight and exercise. Paul Kellerman, Beaumont Royal Oak’s chief of nephrology, says anyone with diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, obesity or a family history of kidney disease should participate in the screening, or speak with their doctor about getting tested for kidney disease.

“It takes simple tests at a physician’s office to check your kidney health,” Kellerman said.

The care team will conduct screenings from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. in Beaumont Royal Oak’s South Tower, 3601 W. Thirteen Mile Road, Royal Oak. Free parking is available in the South Parking Deck. The event will also include information about NKFM programs and kidney disease.

Photo via Beaumont Hospital.