Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 464-4854
940 Second Street – Portsmouth, Ohio 45662
E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu 
Web site: www.shawnee.edu

             The nursing students at Shawnee State University along with Able Ambulance helped the National Kidney Foundation in the Kidney Early Evaluation Program (KEEP) at the American Legion Post 23 on Court Street in Portsmouth on Tuesday, Dec. 1.
            Anyone more than 18 years of age with high blood pressure, diabetes or a family history of kidney disease was eligible for the free screenings.
            The nurses took blood pressure, weight measurements for body mass index, blood and urine tests for signs of diabetes and kidney disease including blood glucose check, test for anemia, calcium and phosphorus tests, among several other tests.
            The program KEEP provides three tests that determine kidney function to nearly 2,500 people each month in dozens of cities across the United States. Participants receive a comprehensive health risk appraisal, blood pressure measurement, blood and urine testing and the opportunity to discuss their health and review results with onsite clinicians.
            According to NKF, 26 million Americans have early kidney disease and most don’t know it. Early detection can prevent or delay the onset of chronic kidney disease.
            For more information on the KEEP program, call NKF at (800) 622-9010.