NATIONAL HIGH POTASSIUM AWARENESS DAY IS 5.1.23
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).
WHAT: National High Potassium Awareness Day
WHEN: Save the date! National High Potassium Awareness Day on Monday, May 1, 2023. (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 5.1.23 with us:
Here are four easy ways TO STAY involved
LEARN & SHARE High Potassium Educational Resources
- Quiz: Test Your Knowledge - Take A Potassium Quiz
- Potassium Awareness Toolkit: English
- Potassium Fact Sheet: English, Spanish
- Potassium Infographic: English, Spanish
- Pocket Guide to Managing High Potassium
- Article: A Practical Guide to Managing Your Potassium, by Carol Feibig, MS, RD, LD, CCTD
- Article: High Potassium in Kidney Disease: Causes, Consequences, and Corrections, by Anne Rossi, RD
- Article: A Picture into Your Potassium Levels: The Connection between Your Kidneys and Heart, by Pooja Desai, Ph.D.
Follow us on social media
Follow us on social media! Find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @areyouok5point1.
Share our posts with your social media followers. Use the hashtag: #areyouok5point1.
WATCH ONDEMAND VIDEOS
Check out the National High Potassium Awareness Day YouTube playlist on our YouTube channel.
SEND A PROCLAMATION LETTER
AAKP has been successful in getting proclamations in the states of Florida, Georgia and Texas! For information on supporting proclamations for our 2023 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 2023 National High Potassium Awareness Day is proudly supported by educational donationS from:
