March is National Kidney Month, an annual reminder for everyone to learn more about how their kidneys function, discuss kidney health with their physicians, and understand the risks of kidney disease.  

To spread awareness and understanding, Dr. Adam Weinstein, chief medical information officer for DaVita, talked with radio stations and podcasts across the U.S.—reaching approximately 27 million listeners.

Dr. Weinstein shared that people often don’t experience pain or telltale symptoms of kidney disease until later stages. For this reason, talking with primary care providers and getting routine bloodwork done can help with early detection and management of risk factors, such as diabetes or hypertension.

Of the 37 million U.S. adults estimated to have kidney disease, Dr. Weinstein points out, not all will experience kidney failure, called end stage kidney disease. For those who do, they can work with their nephrologists to determine the right treatment for them, whether that’s pursuing a kidney transplant, dialysis in an outpatient center, or a home treatment option like peritoneal dialysis (PD) or home hemodialysis (HHD).

“Make sure you’re having the ongoing conversation with your doctors about what you can do to keep healthy,” Dr. Weinstein advised on the American Urban Radio Network's syndicated show, Inspirations with Liz Black. “Because keeping your whole body healthy actually keeps your kidneys healthier as well.”

Download and listen to Dr. Weinstein's interview with Liz Black

To learn more about chronic kidney disease, visit DaVita.com/CKD.