Health Baltimore Kidney Health Chronic Kidney Disease

Health

Baltimore Kidney Health

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a preventable problem. Yet as many as 26 million Americans already have CKD, and many more are at risk (National Kidney Foundation, 2012). Why do so many Americans have CKD if the problem is preventable? The answer is simple: lack of awareness. Americans at risk for CKD do not know that by simple changes to their diet and lifestyle habits, they can become healthier human beings. Moreover, their healthy habits will carry over into how their children and grandchildren live their lives. The purpose of this nutrition program is to highlight the simple changes that can be made to an individual's or family's diet. These changes cost little to nothing, and require only a commitment to health and positive change.

According to the National Kidney Foundation (2012), early detection can help the progression of kidney disease to kidney failure. Moreover, hypertension and heart disease are associated with CKD and related kidney problems. Therefore, a diet that promotes kidney health is also one that promotes general and heart health too. The proposed program aims to improve total health, and not just kidney health. With this diet, an individual can eat well and enjoy a healthy lifestyle.

Because African-Americans are at greater risk for hypertension, heart disease, and kidney disease, the target audience for this program is African-Americans (National Kidney Foundation, 2012). This program will reach out to African-American community members and help improve access to the goods and services that promote health. The program focuses on diet and exercise among African-Americans by distributing free leaflets with recipes and offering free dance and other fun exercise classes at local parks and community centers.

According to Lin (2012), diets that are low in sodium, potassium, fat, and cholesterol are most beneficial for promoting health. Moreover, smoking is anathema to people wanting to improve their health and well-being, while exercise is essential in promoting health. This means that the proposed program introduces community residents to a program of diet, exercise, and clean living that reduces instances of CKD and eliminates signs of kidney problems in persons at risk.

The program is set up in a straightforward manner, reaching out to the African-American community in a variety of ways. Flyers and booklets are available at local schools, churches, and community centers. These flyers and booklets contain information about free exercise, dance, and other physical activity programs that welcome all members of the community regardless of age or gender. Moreover, the flyers include a newsletter-format information section that teaches readers about CKD warning signs. The newsletter advises readers about dietary changes that can help at-risk populations and those already diagnosed with CKD. The handouts include recipes that are easy to make, not requiring expensive ingredients or time-consuming processes. Yet these recipes also challenge individuals to cook using fresh vegetables and other local ingredients rather than rely on processed and packaged foods.