Tampa, Fla., December 1, 2008 - The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) is teaming up with the Bureau of Immunization to host a Kidney Beginnings: Live program. As part of the program, the Bureau of Immunization is providing FREE flu shots. Kidney Beginnings: Live is a free educational seminar that teaches individuals about the basics of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and proper kidney care. Programs feature topics such as:

• What the kidneys are, what they do and how to care for them;
• Managing conditions that may lead to CKD;
• Side effects and challenges CKD patients face, such as anemia;
• Diet management;
• And much more!

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 36,000 Americans die from flu-related complications each year and more than 200,000 Americans are hospitalized from flu complications each year. People at greatest risk of developing the flu include people 65 and older; people with CKD, lung or heart conditions, pregnant women and young children.

“AAKP is pleased to partner with the Bureau of Immunization to provide these free services,” stated AAKP President Roberta Wager, RN, MSN. “Nearly two million Floridians suffer from chronic kidney disease and many do not know they have it; or know they are at risk of developing kidney disease. We want to equip the people of Tampa Bay with information needed to take charge of their healthcare.”

The Kidney Beginnings: Live program is being held Saturday, Dec. 13 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the Hillsborough County Health Department located at 4951B E. Adamo, Drive, Suite 228. The complimentary free flu shot clinic follows the program from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. A continental breakfast is being served.

To register for the upcoming program, contact Jolene Bussiere at jbussiere@aakp.org or call (800) 749-AAKP. For more information about the American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) and its Kidney Beginnings: Live program visit www.aakp.org.
                                                                                             ###

AAKP is the voluntary, patient organization, which for 40 years, has been dedicated to improving the lives of fellow kidney patients and their families by helping them deal with the physical, emotional and social impact of kidney disease. The programs offered by AAKP inform and inspire patients and their families to better understand their condition, adjust more readily to their circumstances, and assume more normal, productive lives in their communities.