The Health Crisis America Is Not Talking About

February 11, 2020

Thirty-three percent of adults in the United States are at risk for kidney disease. That's 1 in every 3 people. Let that number sink in for a minute.
 
It's huge.
 
Sometimes when we are presented with medical statistics, our eyes glaze over and the meaning behind the numbers gets lost. We are bombarded with numbers today more than ever.
 
But we need you to understand this important statistic, so please take the time to let us show you why you need to take action.
 

Kidney disease risk, visualized

 
Imagine you're in a traffic jam with an Uber on your left, a semi-truck to your right, and a mom driving a minivan in front of you. Look around, 33 percent of your fellow drivers are at risk for kidney disease.
 
One third of adults in America are right now at risk of life-threatening kidney disease, and some studies suggest that COVID-19 is just making it worse. We know your focus is on the pandemic, but we need every adult in America to understand if they are at risk of kidney disease and that kidney failure is deadly. 
 
The good news is that early intervention can make a difference. Lifestyle changes and a healthy diet can sometimes slow the progression of the disease when caught in the early stages.
 
The key is to find kidney disease before the trouble starts. Two simple tests -- one blood and one urine -- can detect kidney disease.
 

Who is at risk?

Niagara Falls with 33% blanketed in orange
Niagara Falls is not your average waterfall. Few words can describe it. It is a geological wonder and world-famous destination.
 
A boat tour through the majestic falls may hold 700 people. On any given day, you may see people from all over the country, spanning age, demographic, and background.
 
Just as you may see anyone on tour, a third of those same people could have one or more risk factors for kidney disease. These factors include diabetes, heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, and family history.
 
When it comes down to it, kidney disease can affect anyone—especially if you have any of the 5 risk factors.
 

Are you the 33%?

 
Knowing if you are at risk for kidney disease is the first step towards a healthier life. We've made it easier than ever to find out where you stand.
 
It takes just one minute to take our Kidney Risk Quiz to see if you are at risk for developing kidney disease. One minute of your time could save your life. When's the last time 60 seconds had that much value?
 

How can you help?

 
“Are You The 33%?” is an initiative by the National Kidney Foundation to illustrate the staggering percentage of people at risk for kidney disease.
 
A simple share to your social networks could save a life.
 
Tweet on Twitter
#DYK that 33% of American adults are at risk of #kidneydisease? Help raise awareness by sharing this quick quiz by @NKF to help others find out where they stand. MinuteForYourKidneys.org #MinuteForYourKidneys
 
Post on Instagram
33% of adults in the United States are at risk for #kidneydisease. That's 1 in every 3 people! Knowing if you are at risk is the first step towards a healthier life and this short, one-minute quiz from @nationalkidneyfoundation will tell you where you stand. Go to MinuteForYourKidneys.org today. #MinuteForYourKidneys
 
Share on Facebook
One in every three adults in the United States are at risk for kidney disease and most don't even know it. The National Kidney Foundation wants you to take a #MinuteForYourKidneys with this quick, one-minute quiz to see where you stand. MinuteForYourKidneys.org
 
Other ways to help: share our articles and social media posts, use our letters to write to local governments and businesses, and post our videos on your company intranet.
 
Just by taking the quiz or sharing a post, you could save a life, maybe your own.