The Department of Health and Community Services is warning Territorians that they could have 90% kidney failure before any symptoms appear.
The warning comes at the end of 2008 Kidney Health Week.
Senior Nurse Renal Advisor Gillian Gorham says Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a silent killer but certain factors may place you at higher risk.
"If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, are overweight, smoke or have a relative in the family with kidney disease you should visit your GP or local clinic for a kidney health check.
"People at higher risk are those over 50 years of age or, if you're of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin, over 35 years of age.
"There are no warning signs and you can lose most of your kidney function before you even feel sick," said Ms Gorham.
And the burden on the health system is enormous. It costs around $60,000 every year to keep just one person on dialysis.
"It's proven that with proper medication and management, the risk and amount of people with kidney failure can be reduced significantly.
"But you can avoid all of this and keep your kidneys healthy very simply.
"Enjoy an active lifestyle weight, eat a healthy diet, drink water instead of sugary drinks or alcohol and quit smoking," said Ms Gorham.
Media Contact: Cameron Jackson, 0401 116 144
Media Note:
A photo opportunity will be available this afternoon.
Where: Nightcliff Renal Dialysis
When: 1:15pm
Release date: 30 May 2008
