Tampa, FL, April 20, 2009 – Join the American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) as it hosts a Kidney Beginnings: Live program on Saturday, April 25, in San Diego, Cal. Kidney Beginnings: Live is a FREE kidney disease education program targeting the chronic kidney disease (CKD) population. The program is designed to educate individuals about the basics of kidney disease and proper kidney care.

The program will be lead by Prabhleen Singh, MD, a physician-scientist practicing at the Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Clinic at University of California, San Diego. Programs last approximately three hours and feature presentations on: what the kidney are and how they function; managing conditions that may lead to CKD, including diabetes and hypertension; side effects and challenges CKD patients face; and diet management and nutrition.

It is estimated 26 million Americans suffer from CKD. Diabetes and hypertension are the leading two causes of the disease. Kidney disease patients, those at risk of developing the disease, family members and friends are encouraged to attend the program. Individuals who attend receive complimentary educational materials, learn about kidney disease in a welcoming atmosphere and have the opportunity to have questions answered by Dr. Singh.

The Kidney Beginnings: Live program takes place Saturday, April 25, at the Crowne Plaze San Diego located at 2270 Hotel Circle North from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. A continental breakfast is provided. To register for this program, please contact AAKP at 800-749-AAKP or register online at www.aakp.org/events/KB--Live.

AAKP would like to thank Ortho Biotech Products, L.P., Abbottt Laboratories and Amgen for their support of the Kidney Beginnings: Live program.

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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.

Dr. Prabhleen Singh is also a researcher at Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS) with numerous research presentations at scientific conferences and publications. She studies the mechanisms involved in early stages of CKD that may lead to the progression of disease. These factors are poorly understood and hence not amenable to specific treatment. CKD is a growing health problem with 26 million Americans afflicted and millions of others are at increased risk.