(BLACK PR WIRE/BCW-GREENSBORO) – In October, many African Americans participated in breast cancer walks and fundraiser events across the United States. Breast cancer is prevalent in the African American community. In addition, kidney failure is one of the leading causes of death in the African American community.

According to the National Kidney Disease Education Program, there are three things you should do. Take a blood test that measures your GFR, which tells you how well your kidneys are working. GFR stands for glomerular (glow-MAIR-you-lure) filtration rate. A urine test measures the amount of protein in your urine. Protein can leak into the urine when the kidneys are not working well. Moreover, work on having a diet and health regiment that is suitable for your lifestyle.

Cheryl Brown was diagnosed in 2007 with kidney failure with renal disease. “It was a shock for me because I always went to my doctor’s appointments, ate healthy, and sustained a normal blood test.” Currently, Brown is on a three-day dialysis treatment that is within a three-hour time block. Some of her symptoms, more frequent after the dialysis treatment, still include having the chills, vomiting and lack of energy. “Yes, each day I progress, but I still ask God to keep me through so the renal disease can stay in remission.”

March 2010 is another month of showing your support. This time wear green ribbons and attend the National Kidney Foundation walks across this country.

Sources and for more information: http://www.nkdep.nih.gov/kidneymonth/ and http://www.kidney.org/.