Fresenius Medical Care Sponsors Kidney Health
Fair Along With Free Access to the B.B. King Museum
Public Invited to Tour the Museum and Learn About Kidney Disease

Fresenius Medical Care North America (FMCNA), the nation’s leading network of dialysis facilities, invites the public to a special free event, “Fresenius Medical Care Presents: The B.B. King Museum Open House and Health Fair,” on Saturday, Sept. 29 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center, located at 400 Second St. in Indianola. In addition to information on diabetes, kidney disease and dialysis, attendees will have access to all of the museum and interpretive center’s exhibits to learn about the life of legendary blues musician B.B. King, as well as Mississippi Delta history and culture.

The museum is a fitting location for the health fair because B.B. King, who has lived with diabetes for more than 20 years, has long been an advocate for diabetes awareness. Diabetes, the leading cause of kidney failure in the U.S., accounts for about 44 percent of those who start treatment for kidney failure each year.

Chronic kidney disease is a growing epidemic across the U.S., and Mississippi has one of the nation’s highest rates of the disease. In fact, the prevalence of kidney failure in Jackson, the state capital, is 26 percent higher than the national average. More than 75 percent of blacks with kidney failure in Jackson also have diabetes or high blood pressure.

People with diabetes need to understand their elevated risk of developing kidney disease and get regular screenings, because early detection and treatment can help slow the progression of the disease. FMCNA encourages anyone with diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of kidney disease – as well as friends or family members of those who might be at risk – to attend this free health fair.

At this event Fresenius Medical Care will offer:

WHAT:
– Medical staff to answer questions about chronic kidney disease and dialysis patient services, including home therapies.
– Education materials on prevention and early detection of kidney disease.
– Treatment Options Program (TOPs) information to inform at-risk patients and their families about chronic kidney disease and how to choose treatments for kidney failure that best suit their health and lifestyle needs.
– Information on FMCNA’s Healthy Lifestyles program, which is aimed at helping people with chronic kidney disease enjoy better, more flexible lifestyles on dialysis by being more physically active and eating healthier foods.
– A renal-friendly cooking demonstration by David Crews, lead chef instructor for MDCC Culinary Arts Tech Program. FMCNA also will provide dialysis-friendly recipes, and samples, to attendees.
– Cooking tips for dialysis patients from Fresenius Medical Care renal dietitians, who will be available to discuss the importance of healthy eating. Fresenius Medical Care social workers will be available to discuss the importance of staying active while on dialysis.
– Fresenius Medical Care professional sessions: FMCNA will share information about when primary care physicians and nurses should refer kidney disease patients to a nephrologist, and why.

1. First Session 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM
2. Second session 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM

In addition, the following will also be featured at the event:

– FREE screenings and information with health experts on site:
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Mississippi Kidney Foundation offers free kidney disease screening: blood pressure, glucose test, urinalysis, full renal panel, cholesterol and complete blood count.
1 p.m. to 4 p.m. - Mississippi Delta Health Collaborative offers free blood pressure,cholesterol checks and blood glucose tests.
– Educational materials from onsite representatives of Juvenile Diabetes Research.
– Healthy eating and weight management materials, as well as sample menus and recipes, from Mississippi’s State Health Department. The department will also provide blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose tests.
– Dr. Michael O. Minor, “The Southern Preacher Who Banned Fried Chicken in His Church,” will talk about “the Gospel of Healthy Living.”
– Live musical entertainment from a gospel choir.
– Blues Bands, musical entertainment by the B.B. King Museum.

COST: Free

WHO: Open to the public

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 29, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

WHERE: B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center
400 Second St.
Indianola, Miss.

 Fresenius Medical Care Presents: The B.B. King Museum Open House and Health Fair- Poster