Tampa, Fla., Sept. 13, 2006 -- The American Association of Kidney Patients invites the public to explore its revamped patient-friendly Web site: www.aakp.org.  The site features a new look with emphasis on chronic kidney disease (CKD), dialysis, transplantation and pediatric information, as well as a new online tool for patients called AAKP My Health™.  AAKP thanks Roche for sponsoring the AAKP My Health™ section of its new Web site.

 AAKP My Health™ allows patients to record their lab test results, medications, review doctor visits and test their knowledge about kidney disease. Subsequently patients who maintain their online medical record using the site will be able to provide documentation of medical information in a medical emergency.

“This is a unique Web site for patients,” says AAKP Executive Director & CEO Kris Robinson. “With each step we took in creating the site, we had the patient in mind. Will they be able to find the information they are looking for? What can we teach them? How will they benefit from this? Our goal is to arm patients with the tools necessary to be the leader of their healthcare.”

The revamped Web site and new patient tool, AAKP My Health™, was unveiled at the AAKP National Convention Sept. 1, where it received praises from both renal professionals and patients. “We heard from physicians who said they couldn’t wait to tell their patients about it. We heard from patients who said they would tell their friends about it,” said AAKP President Donald Dowe. “This new patient interactive tool can help everyone in the renal community.”

AAKPMy Health™ is a free service to renal patients. The information patients enter into the site is stored in a secure location. Only the patient who enters the information will have access to it unless he/she shares it with a caregiver.

It is estimated that 20 million people suffer from kidney disease and millions more are at risk of developing the disease. Early detection can prevent progression of kidney disease to kidney failure. The AAKP Web site will provide patients with the information they need to take control of their healthcare.

Sign up today for AAKP My Health™ at www.aakp.org or call the National Office at 1-800-749-2257 if you have any questions.