A Publication of the National Kidney Foundation of Kentucky
Winter 2006
Reducing Your Risk Of Chronic Kidney
Disease Is Easier Than You Might Think
If you have high blood pressure, diabetes or a family history of
kidney disease, you're at risk for chronic kidney disease (CKD).
But the news isn't all bad. Preventing CKD is not as difficult as
you might think.
March is National Kidney Month and here are some prevention
tips from the National Kidney Foundation:
• Find out your family’s health history if you don’t already
know it. Research whether or not anyone in your family has
CKD, diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), coro-
nary heart disease or protein or blood in the urine, and let
your physician know.
• Visit your doctor for regular checkups for the above dis-
eases and request blood and urine tests to check for CKD.
One vital CKD blood test is a check for your glomerular
filtration rate (GFR), a test that can see how well your kid-
neys are filtering wastes.
• Follow your doctor’s instructions to keep hypertension and
diabetes in control.
• Keep your weight in check. Being overweight can increase
your chances of developing diabetes, heart disease and other
problems and is also associated with CKD. Follow a bal-
anced diet recommended by your doctor.
• Start exercising by walking for 30 minutes at least three
times a week. Exercise helps control weight and can allevi-
ate hypertension. Check with your doctor before beginning
any exercise program. (cont. on pg. 3)
Coping with Depression:
Take Action to Feel Better
Emotional well-being can be a challenge for people who have to
cope with physical illness. How an illness effects independence,
family life, ability to work and finances becomes nearly as impor-
tant as the physical symptoms or treatment of the illness. Poor
physical health and the worries that go with having chronic kidney
disease (CKD) can cause depression. Depression is not just feeling
down in the dumps or blue now and again. It is a real medical dis-
order that affects not only mood but thoughts, feelings, physical
health and behavior. It is common for people who have a chronic
illness, such as CKD, to also experience depression. (cont. on pg. 4)
A Message from the Executive Director,
Lisa Allgood
As 2006 comes to an end, it is customary to reflect
on the accomplishments of the year and consider
those areas which still need attention. The last
year for the NKFK has been one of growth and
stability. Much of our efforts have focused on kid-
ney disease prevention and promotion of organ
donation. Hosting the US Transplant Games was
the highlight of 2006. I recently attended an event
that reiterated to me the vital need to continue in
2007 our efforts in prevention and organ donation.
I had the pleasure to attend a tribute for a trans-
plant recipient who recently died. He lived with
kidney disease and was a kidney recipient, but that
did not define his life. Many times people are
identified by a disease. It can become easy to treat
the disease and forget to honor the person. His life
was cut short, a life of accomplishment personally
and professionally. As I listened to person after
person praise him and his life, I became acutely
aware that kidney disease had cut his life short and
prevention should be a priority always. I am glad I
took the time to get to know him. I met him at one
of his most difficult times and I still recognized his
strength and determination. Organ donation made
a kidney transplant possible for him. As a result,
he like so many others was given a second chance,
another opportunity to live life and touch the lives
of others.
The work of the National Kidney Foundation of
Kentucky is necessary and an obligation. We owe
it to those who are building a legacy no matter the
magnitude. We owe it to families who deserve to
see their loved ones live and laugh. While we
work to prevent kidney disease and identify the
disease early, we must also never forget that each
person affected by kidney disease is a person first.
It makes working toward our mission so much
more meaningful.
 Kentucky Medical Association Resolution:
“Measurement of Glomerular Filtration Rate in Chronic Kidney Disease”
WHEREAS, twenty million Americans have chronic kidney disease today and twenty million more are unknowingly
at risk; and

WHEREAS, the number of Kentuckians requiring dialysis is likely to double by the year 2010, creating a strain on
current health care resources in the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, chronic kidney disease has been identified as a focus area by the United States Surgeon in the Healthy
People 2010 Initiative; and

WHEREAS, early identification of chronic kidney disease and treatment of associated co-morbidities in early stages
can delay the onset of end stage kidney failure, dramatically reduce the number of patients that require dialysis, reduce
health care costs, and improve overall patient quality of life; and

WHEREAS, calculation of the glomerular filtration rate is an inexpensive method of determining kidney health and of
staging kidney disease in populations at risk (especially in patients with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, advanced age,
malnutrition, or patients with family members with kidney disease), allowing for identification of patients with
chronic kidney disease; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Kentucky Medical Association urges physicians to consider ordering a glomerular filtration rate
calculation when a serum creatinine is ordered on patients at highest risk for kidney disease; and be it further

RESOLVED, that physicians in the Commonwealth be urged to become familiar with the five stages of chronic kid-
ney disease to promote detection and treatment.

NKFK Chapter News

♦ Bowling Green
The first Kidneys in the Classroom was introduced to 55 7th and 8th graders at Drakes Creek Middle School in
Bowling Green. Chapter volunteers will be introducing the program to hundreds of other
Warren County School children.
The first annual NKFK family bike event will be held in Bowling Green on April 28, 2007. The bike event
will be the perfect fun-filled Spring day for family, friends, and couples to enjoy. Chapter members are work-
ing with the local bike club to plan course logistics. Learn more about this event in the next issue of Kidney
Connection!
The Medical Center will utilize the Re-Ink 4U Recycling Program. They are also considering becoming a
community drop off center for the program.

♦ Lexington
The NKFK is proud to announce that the Lexington area held its first chapter kick-off meeting in November.
Twenty-five nephrologists, social workers, and others in the medical community attended to learn about the
exciting programs and services that will be coming into the area.

♦ Paducah/Mayfield
The NKFK is also proud to announce that Western Kentucky will also begin a NKFK chapter. The first
meeting will be scheduled for the 1st quarter of 2007.
If you are interested in attending a chapter meeting, please contact the NKFK at 502-585-5433.

2
 Reducing the Risk of Kidney Disease
(cont. from pg. 1)
• Limit salt intake to control high blood pressure.
• If you smoke, quit. Smoking can contribute to a host of health
problems including lung cancer, heart disease and hyperten-
sion, as well as contribute to kidney deterioration.
• Avoid taking large amounts of painkillers, especially drugs
containing a combination of caffeine, acetaminophen and
aspirin. Combination agents such as these are associated with
an increased risk of kidney disease. It has been observed that
a daily dose of eight to ten tablets or capsules of acetamino-
phen alone can damage the kidneys over a five-year period.
Studies in humans and animals suggest that combination
agents can cause damage in even less time. Non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs containing ibuprofen as well as
those containing naproxen sodium can also harm the kidneys,
but only if the kidneys are already under stress. Dehydration
from, for example, overexertion, can stress the kidneys. If
you stay hydrated, these drugs generally are safe for the kid-
neys.
• Limit your intake of alcoholic beverages. Alcohol can both
cause and worsen hypertension.
African Americans, Hispanics, Asian and Pacific Islanders are at
increased risk for chronic kidney disease. To learn more about
risk factors, prevention and treatment contact the National Kidney
Foundation of Kentucky at 502-585-5433 or 800-737-5433 or log
on to www.nkfk.org.
Celebrate Family
on
World Kidney Day
It doesn't quite have the heart-tugging
appeal of Mother's or Father’s Day yet,
but on World Kidney Day, you may just
find yourself closer to your family than
ever.
The second World Kidney Day, coming
on March 8, 2007, has been designed to
raise international awareness about one
of the body's most vital organs and to let
people know who’s at risk for chronic
kidney disease (CKD) and what to do.
While no one expects World Kidney Day
to be celebrated with parades and picnics
(hold the kidney pie!), the National Kid-
ney Foundation suggests using it as a
time to celebrate family and share health
history. Why? Because many, if not
most, people who are considered “at-
risk” for chronic kidney disease have
been placed in that group because of
health problems inherited from family
members. So finding out your health his-
tory is the first step to preventing chronic
kidney disease.

"We hope people will embrace March 8 as a day devoted to talking to, or learning
more about, one's parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters; in fact, any blood rela-
tives,” says Lisa Allgood, Executive Director. "You may find out fascinating things
about the people close to you, and in the process, you may also find out that some-
one in your family suffers from high blood pressure, diabetes or even chronic kid-
ney disease itself."
If you or a family member has diabetes or high blood pressure (hypertension), you
are at significant risk for CKD. Also, people who belong to minority groups, includ-
ing African-Americans, Hispanics, Asians or Pacific Islanders, are at higher risk for
CKD.
The National Kidney Foundation of Kentucky is joining forces with Kidney Foundations around the globe to
highlight World Kidney Day and its theme of early detection and prevention. The foundation reminds us that
chronic kidney disease is a potentially fatal one, often called a "silent" killer.
The foundation hopes family discussion on World Kidney Day will encourage people to delve into the health of
their entire family, and then to get their kidneys checked out through simple blood and urine tests. To find out the
foundation’s schedule of free kidney screenings around the country through its KEEP or Kidney Early Evaluation
Program, visit www.nkfk.org.
So, while World Kidney Day may not get you a vacation day off from work, it could end up adding years to your
life!

3
 Mark your Calendar! 2007 Events
Program Events
Support Group
2nd Thursday every month
Call for information
KEEP Screening
January 27
Dean Kutz 5K Race for Organ & Tissue
Lexington
St. John Missionary
Baptist Church
March 24
Louisville
Metro Louisville Health
Department
March 31
Paducah
Washington Street Baptist
Church
Coping With Depression (cont. from pg. 1)
It is not a sign of weakness, nor is it some-
thing to snap out of through will power.
Understanding more about depression may
be helpful in overcoming it. Here are some
facts and figures that show how common
depression is:
♦ Depression is the leading cause of dis-
ability in the United States.
♦ Depression is now the leading cause of
disability in the world.
♦ Chronic illness increases one’s chance
for depression.
♦ Depression is treatable and most people
who are treated show improvement.
When untreated, depression can cause un-
necessary pain and suffering for the individ- the challenges you may be facing. There
ual and his or her family. Symptoms can
last for weeks, months, or even years.
Among its many effects, depression can
impact one’s ability or desire to follow
treatment recommendations, such as a
proper diet, getting enough exercise and
taking part in your overall plan of care.
Learning about the signs and symptoms of about your concerns to see if you could
HOW TO HELP
YOURSELF
IF YOU ARE
Special Events DEPRESSED
NKFK Gala Depressive disorders may make
Louisville, Hyatt Hotel one feel exhausted, worthless,
helpless, and hopeless. Such
March 10, 2007 negative thoughts and feelings
make some people feel like giv-
NKFK Bike Event
ing up. It is important to realize
Bowling Green that these negative views are
April 28, 2007 part of the depression and typi-
cally do not accurately reflect
the actual circumstances. Nega-
Donation Awareness, Louisville tive thinking fades as treatment
June 16, 2007 begins to take effect. Some
things you can do include:
NKFK Golf Classic • Set realistic goals in light of
Louisville the depression and assume a
reasonable amount of respon-
June, 2007 sibility
NKFK Golf Classic • Break large tasks into small
ones, setting priorities and
Lexington doing what you can as you
July 16, 2007 can.
• Try to be with other people
Kidney Walk and to confide in someone; it
Louisville, Waterfront Park is usually better than being
September 15, 2007 alone and isolated.
• Participate in activities that
make you feel better.
•
Exercise, go to a movie, a
ballgame, or participate in
religious, social or other ac-
depression may be a good first step. Here tivites.
are some things to look for, especially if • Expect your mood to im-
they have occurred nearly every day for at prove gradually, not immedi-
least two weeks: ately. Feeling better takes
♦ Feeling sad or empty most of the day time.
♦ Loss of interest or pleasure in life
♦ Difficulty concentrating or inability to
benefit from treatment for
make decisions
depression. Treatment op-
♦ Feeling worthless
tions may include prescrip-
♦ Thoughts of suicide
tion antidepressant medica-
It can be useful to talk to family members or tion and counseling with a
friends to see if they have noticed mood or mental health professional in
behavior changes that you may not have your community.
been aware of. Mental health professionals You can regain feelings of
can help you find ways to better cope with emotional well-being. Tak-
ing action is a necessary first
are important things you can do to help step toward feeling better.
yourself when facing depression. (See side-
Article from Kidney Care News-
bar: How to Help Yourself If You Are De-
pressed.) letter, Vol. 1, No. 2, page 6.
If you think you may be depressed, under- If you are struggling with de-
pression, please come to the
stand that depression is treatable. Talk to
NKFK support group held the
your doctor or a mental health professional 2nd Thursday of every month.
Please call 502-585-5433 for
more information.
4
 Gift of Life Gala Kidney Early Evaluation Program

In recent years, Chronic Kidney

The Gift of Life Disease (CKD) has received in-
Gala is an exciting creased attention as a public health
evening of cocktails, issue in the United States. Nearly
dining, and dancing 20 million Americans suffer from
to the Decades. Lots CKD and another 20 million are at increased risk. It is
of fun will be had projected that by 2010, the incidence of CKD will have
bidding on our many doubled.
silent and live auc- Diabetes and hypertension are the leading causes of CKD
tion items. We’ll in the United States. In the state of Kentucky, the rate of
also take a nostalgic diabetes and hypertension exceeds the national average.
look back at the US Dr. Bonnie Lazor had the winning bid An estimated 8.5% of adult Kentuckians have diagnosed
Transplant Games held for this adorable puppy at the 2006 diabetes, ranking Kentucky 7th in the nation for the high-
Gala. est number of people diagnosed with the disease
here in Louisville last
(Kentucky Cabinet of Health and Human Services). Hy-
June and honor a few individuals who have gone above pertension, the second leading cause of CKD, impacts
and beyond for the prevention of kidney disease and the 29.8% of adult Kentuckians compared to 25.5% of the
promotion of organ donation. Finally and most impor- U.S. adult population (Behavioral Risk Factor Surveil-
tantly, the Gala raises awareness and generates funds for lance System).
our programs to “make lives better” for kidney patients
Due to the staggering impact of diabetes and hypertension
and organ recipients. on Kentuckians, it is vital to screen this high risk group
The Gift of Life Gala will be held March 10, 2007 from for kidney disease. The Kidney Early Evaluation Pro-
6pm-12pm at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Louisville. gram (KEEP) of the National Kidney Foundation of Ken-
For more information, please contact Johanna Clapp at tucky offers a free health screening to identify individuals
with CKD and encourage participants to delay the onset
502-585-5433 or jclapp@nkfk.org. of the disease. KEEP screening tests include blood pres-
sure, weight and height measurements, and blood and

High Five!
Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast
Attention all Volunteers! You deserve a high five for your
dedication in the fight against kidney disease! The NKFK
would like to show our appreciation for you at our High
Five Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast.
If you have volunteered for the NKFK,
please join us on February 14, 2007,
8:30am at the Galt House. For more in-
formation or to RSVP please contact
Laura Temple at 502-585-5433 or ltem-
ple@nkfk.org.
If you are interested in volunteering
for the NKFK, please contact
Laura Temple at
502-585-5433 or ltemple@nkfk.org.
urine analysis. In addition, participants consult with an
on-site health professional, are provided with physician
referrals for follow-up care and a variety of educational
materials.
In 2006, the National Kidney Foundation of Kentucky
screened 908 people for kidney disease. The screening
sites are as follows: Owensboro (49 participants), New
Albany (32 participants), Paducah (81 participants), Lou-
isville (104 participants), Bowling Green (92 partici-
pants), Madisonville (44 participants), Louisville (61 par-
ticipants), Danville (51 participants), Louisville (34 par-
ticipants), Henderson (82 participants); Maysville (66
participants); Richmond (61 participants), Paris (151 par-
ticipants).
♦ 60% learned they may have kidney disease
♦ 10% learned they may have hypertension
♦ 8% learned they may have diabetes
♦ 83% had at least one value outside the normal range
(values tested include hypertension, microalbumin-
ura, hematuria, pyuria, albumin to creatinine ratio,
creatinine, glucose, hemoglobin, eGFR, PTH, cal-
cium, phosphorus, cholesterol, and triglycerides).
If you would like more information on KEEP or to
schedule an appointment, please contact Laura Temple at
502-585-5433 or ltemple@nkfk.org

5
 “KEEP Saved My Life”
Grace Green knows the importance of healthy living. Grace, a diabetic, walks 3 miles a
day, six days a week. When she started to feel short of breath and extremely fatigued
during her routine walks, she knew something was wrong. She went to a diabetes meet-
ing and learned of a KEEP screening in her area. Grace knew she needed to participate
since she was at-risk for the disease. When she received her KEEP test results in the
mail, Grace learned that her blood count was extremely low. She took her results to her
doctor, who ran additional tests and determined Grace was anemic. Her doctor immedi-
ately canceled a surgery she was to undergo three days later and gave her two pints of
blood. Grace was soon seeing a blood specialist and discovered that her kidneys were
not sustaining a healthy blood level. She was administered shots every week for her kid-
neys and now has control over anemia. Grace is feeling great and continuing her daily
Grace & her husband Carl walks with no problems.
live in Richmond, KY

A New Year’s Blessing

If you could save a life, would you? The answer “yes” by some generous donor resulted in
kidney transplants for eight year old Abby Sarkisian and her ten year old sister, Natalie. Abby and Natalie were
both born with a genetic disorder that affects kidney function. Abby has lived with kidney disease most of her
life. She received dialysis three times a week for two years and she received her 3rd kidney transplant on Janu-
ary 2, 2006. It gave very profound meaning to the words “Happy New Year.” Natalie did not have to receive
dialysis but as the kidney disease progressed, she became tired and disinterested in her favorite things. On Oc-
tober 6, 2006, Natalie received a kidney transplant from a deceased donor.
Most children ask for toys from Santa, Abby and Natalie asked for a kidney. Most children wait for Santa to
come, Abby and Natalie waited for the call that someone had said “yes” to organ donation. This year, the holi-
days will be different. Both girls feel better and are eager to talk about Santa and carrots for the reindeer and
making cookies with Aunty Missy. They also look forward to the holiday season with their baby brother, Na-
than.
Kidney disease affects the entire family and imagine the despair of parents whose children may not live to see
another holiday season. Tom and Beth have been determined to preserve their holiday traditions despite the
struggles they have endured.

Abby and Natalie’s Holiday Favorite

World Famous Macaroni & Cheese

Ingredients:
1 box elbow macaroni 2 Tbs. Flour
1 box Velveeta 3-4 Cups Milk
2 Beaten eggs

Abby, 8 Natalie, 10
Butter casserole dish, set aside. Cook box of elbow macaroni until done. Drain. Place in
casserole dish. Cut 1 box of Velveeta cheese into cubes. Place on top of macaroni. Mix
together eggs, flour, milk. Pour on top of macaroni, dot with butter and bake for 1 hour
at 350°

6
 In Loving Memory…
The following individuals donated to the National Kidney Foundation of Kentucky in memory of loved ones
from September 21, 2006 through November 21, 2006. We are very grateful for these thoughtful contributions
and wish to express our sympathy to the family and friends of the deceased.

In Memory of Ralph Carpenter In Memory of Phillip Malone In Memory of Ruth Thompson

Don & Mary Settle
In Memory of Catherine Hines
Federal Reserve Retirees
In Memory of Jimmy Howard
Hunter Martin & Assoc.
Darryl & Vanda Campbell
Rebecca Jussila
Judith Rudolph
Crittenden County Class of ‘51
Lillian Rothwell & family
Allie & Albert Lichtenberg
Joe & Connie Lichtenberg
Caroly & Donald Spicer
Phillip Barr
Al Wittwer Family
Miton & Gail Bagwell
Gerald & Shannon Greer
In Memory of Frank Kather
Laura Powell
Fixed Wing Product Management Office
Employees
Bob & Pauline Martin
Aviation Division, Redstone Arsenal, AL
Lloyd & Susan Mills
Monumental Life Insurance Millard Wayne Allen
In Memory of Kenneth Tomlinson
In Memory of Shirley Metzgar
Tony Martin
Joe & Jane Gedraitis
Jessica Embry
Donna Pingrin
Debra & George Cayton
In Memory of Dusty Miller James & Tracy Courtney
Carl & Margie Dickerson Jason & Nicki Beckham
Dale & Ann Ralston
In Memory of Walter E. Nugent Betty Tomlinson
Charles Falk Lauren Alexander
In Memory of Dorothy O’Donnell Alice Busick
Residents of King’s Daughters Apartments Blandon & Beth Ann Toombs
In Memory of Richard Rucker In Memory of Marvin Wilson
Tracy Rucker Janet Connell
In Memory of Gemma Scanzoni In Memory of Helen Wolf
KFC National Counsel & Advertising Coop- Donna Finnell
erative ARC
In Memory of J.E. “Whitey” Sprowles In Memory of Connie Woodrum
Peggy Chambers Valarie DeSalvo
In Memory of James Swenck
The Fiedler’s

Honor Your Loved One

Honor your loved one who has kidney disease or received an organ transplant by making a donation to the National
Kidney Foundation of Kentucky! Your donation will continue to help those who are affected by kidney disease and
organ donation. You can honor a friend or family member who:
Received an organ transplant
Celebrated their transplant anniversary
Passed away with kidney disease
Continue to fight courageously against the disease
All donations made in honor of your loved one will be announced in an issue of Kidney Connection. If you are
interested in making a donation to the NKFK, please send your name, address, honoree’s name, announcement, and
donation to NKFK, 250 E. Liberty St., #710, Louisville, KY 40202.

Need Help? Dial 2-1-1!

The NKFK is a participating organization in the Metro United Way’s 2-1-1 call system, a ser-
vice that connects people to community resources. A 2-1-1 caller is connected with a coun-
selor who directs them to organizations that can assist them with their emotional, financial, or
material needs. Metro United Way CEO Joe Tolan says 2-1-1 will “help people navigate what
can be a complicated network of services.” Callers will receive information on a wide range
of community organizations that provide anything from clothing to support groups. 2-1-1 is available 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week and serves Southern Indiana (Clark, Floyd, and Harrison) and nine counties in Kentucky
(Bullitt, Carroll, Jefferson, Henry, Nelson, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer, and Trimble).
7
 Board Members
George Basinger
Janet Connell
R. Scott Cornell, MD
250 E. Liberty Street
Jan Day
Suite 710
Chuck Fischesser Louisville, KY 40202
Stefan Kiessling, MD (502) 585-5433
Larry Kozlove (502) 585-1445 (fax)
Jeff Leonard www.nkfk.org
Mary Lou Marzian
Newton McCravy
Patrick Northam
Michael Parlier
Sanford Reikes, MD
Brad Rives
Marissa Vincent
Staff
Lisa Allgood, Executive Director
lallgood@nkfk.org
Jahanna Clapp, Admin. Assistant
jclapp@nkfk.org
Laura Temple, Program Associate
ltemple@nkfk.org
Virginia Barr, Office Manager
vbarr@nkfk.org

April is Donate Life Month. Learn more about Kidney Connection

organ donation in the next issue is now on the web!
of Kidney Connection!
Please visit us at
www.nkfk.org!

Yes! I would like to receive the

Kidney Connection

Name _______________________________
Address _____________________________
____________________________________
City ________________________________
State _______________ Zip _____________
Email ______________________________
Please complete and send to:
National Kidney Foundation of KY
250 East Liberty Street, Ste. 710
Louisville, KY 40202
Or email Johanna Clapp at jclapp@nkfk.org