Tampa, Fla., January 22, 2008. – The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) is pleased to release its 2008 Kidney Beginnings: Live program schedule. Kidney Beginnings: Live is one of AAKP’s most popular programs. This FREE educational seminar targets those recently diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD), those at risk of developing CKD and their family members.

CKD is the gradual loss of one’s kidney function over time. Diabetes, hypertension and family history of reduced kidney function are three of the main causes of kidney disease. Kidney Beginnings: Live teaches individuals about kidney function, how diabetes and hypertension can further damage the kidneys, diet management and more.

AAKP will host 12 Kidney Beginnings: Live programs this year in cities across the United States including Atlanta, Ga., West Palm Beach, Fla., Chicago, Ill., Washington, D.C., Detroit, Mich., Houston, Texas, Denver, Colo., San Diego, Calif. and Baltimore, Md.

The first program is scheduled for Feb. 23, at the Hyatt Regency Suites Atlanta Northwest in Marietta, Ga., from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Patients can register for any of the programs online at www.aakp.org, by clicking on the “Educational Programs & Events” button, or by calling AAKP at (800) 749-AAKP. A complete list of program dates and locations are posted on the Web site.

“AAKP is proud to work with Ortho Biotech Products, L.P. to bring patients this program,” said Kris Robinson, AAKP Executive Director/CEO. “Patients walk-away feeling more knowledgeable about their disease and empowered to take ownership of their healthcare.”

For more information about Kidney Beginnings: Live or if you would like us to consider your area for a future program, please contact Jolene Bussiere at jbussiere@aakp.org. Kidney Beginnings: Live is sponsored by Ortho Biotech Products, L.P.

AAKP is the voluntary, patient organization, which for more than 35 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.
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