National HIGH POTASSIUM Awareness Day
Join together on May 1st (5.1) each year to learn and share knowledge about HIGH POTASSIUM, also known as HYPERKALEMIA! It is important for people living with kidney disease to learn about potassium and to be aware of how much potassium they take in.
Potassium is an important mineral (K) that plays a key role in controlling the function of nerves and muscles, particularly the heart. Potassium is found in many foods, particularly fruits and vegetables. Most of the extra potassium eaten in the diet is removed by the kidneys. When kidney function deceases to a certain level, the body cannot get rid of as much extra potassium. If potassium levels become too high (for example, if too much potassium is taken in and kidney function is not good enough to remove the extra potassium, or if potassium levels rise due to certain medications), then serious and potentially life-threatening side effects could occur. The SAFE range for your blood potassium level is considered to be under 5.1 (3.5 -5.0 mEq/L).
Let's learn more about the importance of potassium management- watch this webinar recording from our 2020 event!
- What: National High Potassium Awareness Day
- When: Annually on 5.1 (Why 5.1? 5.1 mEq/L. is the blood potassium level to be under in order to be in the SAFE range - learn more.)
- Why: To educate and share knowledge about High Potassium (hyperkalemia) and Kidney Disease.
- Who: National High Potassium Awareness Day is a program of the American Association of Kidney Patients (www.AAKP.org)
- Where/How: There are LOTS of ways you can join in - read below!
#areyouok5point1
Join in ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Follow us on social media all year to learn about high potassium at @areyouok5point1 on Facebook and Twitter or with the hashtag #areyouok5point1!
Share the posts with your social media Followers!
Check out this YouTube video, What Foods Are O-K+? Game created by Jennifer Jones, AAKP Ambassador, for National High Potassium Awareness Day!
Kidney Patients share their High Potassium story
For more information on Potassium and Kidney Disease, visit www.AAKP.org or the AAKP High Potassium Educational web page.
This inaugural National High Potassium Awareness Day Campaign is proudly supported by an educational donation from Relypsa, Inc.
