DEERFIELD, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Baxter International Inc. (NYSE: BAX), a global innovator in renal care for more than 60 years, is a proud supporter of World Kidney Day, an education campaign focused on reducing the frequency and impact of kidney disease. As part of its support, Baxter is encouraging individuals around the world to understand their risk factors and make lifestyle changes that can prevent kidney disease, or dramatically slow its progression. An estimated one in 10 people around the world have chronic kidney disease (CKD), which translates to approximately 26 million Americans.
“Most people don’t realize that your kidneys play a vital role in your health, from filtering toxins from your blood to regulating blood pressure,” said Maggie Gellens, M.D., medical director for Baxter. “Diabetes and hypertension take their toll on your kidneys and are the most common causes of CKD.”
Kidney disease is often called a ‘silent disease’ because it does not always present symptoms. Kidney disease is a lifetime condition and does not go away, but some types of kidney disease can be treated—especially when caught early—which is why it is so important to recognize risk factors and early symptoms. Watch this video to learn more about kidney disease.
“If I only knew then what I know now regarding the impact of my choices on my kidneys, I would have made different decisions in the past,” said Karmen Laws, a wife and grandmother with end-stage renal disease, which is the most severe form of CKD. She uses Baxter’s peritoneal dialysis therapy at home every night to remove toxins from her blood now that her kidneys no longer work properly. “Don’t wait until you have kidney disease to make a change. Integrate healthy lifestyle choices into your daily activities, including proper nutrition and exercise.”
Baxter has a long legacy of supporting the kidney disease community, and has been a sponsor of World Kidney Day for many years. Baxter and the NAACP have also launched a new partnership to improve knowledge about kidney disease and dialysis treatment options for African Americans. Learn more about upcoming town hall events in Jackson, Miss. and Chicago.
About Baxter
Baxter provides a broad portfolio of essential renal and hospital products, including home, acute and in-center dialysis; sterile IV solutions; infusion systems and devices; parenteral nutrition; biosurgery products and anesthetics; and pharmacy automation, software and services. The company’s global footprint and the critical nature of its products and services play a key role in expanding access to healthcare in emerging and developed countries. Baxter’s employees worldwide are building upon the company’s rich heritage of medical breakthroughs to advance the next generation of healthcare innovations that enable patient care.
Baxter is a trademark of Baxter International Inc.
