National High Potassium Awareness Day

NATIONAL HIGH POTASSIUM AWARENESS DAY IS on 5.1

Join together on May 1 (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 decreases 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).

Thank you to everyone who watched and participated in this year’s National High Potassium Awareness Day virtual event! If you missed it, watch the recording OnDemand now!

WHAT: National High Potassium Awareness Day

WHEN: Save the date! National High Potassium Awareness Day on May 1 each year. (Why May 1?  5.1 mEg/L. is the blood potassium level to be under in order to be in the SAFE range.)

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 four easy ways you can get involved. 

Countdown to 5.1.25 with us:

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Here are four easy ways TO STAY involved

 

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Share our posts with your social media followers. Use the hashtag: #areyouok5point1.

 

SEND A PROCLAMATION LETTER

AAKP has been successful in getting proclamations in the states of Florida, Georgia, Texas and Illinois! For information on supporting proclamations for our 2025 campaign, click the green button to email us.

Kidney Patients Share Their High Potassium StorIES

Click below to visit our blog articles to read about fellow patients and how they have dealt with high potassium in their kidney journey.

AAKP Delicious! Kidney-friendly recipes

The AAKP Delicious! recipe series program was created to support those affected by kidney disease, whether you’re a patient or family member, in your efforts to take charge of your health care through nutrition.

Let our recipes and information about nutrition and cooking inspire you. Get ready to experience the joy of preparing and sharing kidney-friendly meals! Browse through our recipes by clicking the button below:

For more information on potassium and kidney disease, visit the AAKP HIGH POTASSIUM EDUCATIONAL WEB PAGE.

the 2024 National High Potassium Awareness Day is proudly supported by educational donationS from: