Tampa, Fla., October 7, 2009 – The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) is hosting a Kidney Beginnings: Live program in St. Louis, Mo. The program takes place Saturday, Nov. 7 at the Marriott St. Louis Airport located at 10700 Pear Tree Lane. The program runs from 9:00 a.m. – Noon. Kidney Beginnings: Live is a FREE kidney disease education program targeting chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, those at risk of developing CKD and their family members. The program is designed to educate individuals about the basics of kidney disease and proper kidney care.

AAKP President Roberta Wager, RN, MSN will lead the program. Ms. Wager is a registered nurse and CKD educator. The Kidney Beginnings: Live programs last three hours and feature presentations on: what the kidneys 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.

More than 26 million Americans suffer from CKD with diabetes and hypertension accounting for more than 70 percent of new occurrences. 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 Ms. Wager.

To register for this event, please call AAKP at (800) 749-2257 or register online at www.aakp.org/events/KB-Live/stlouis. Directions to the Marriott St. Louis Airport are also available on the site. A complimentary breakfast will be served.

AAKP would like to thank Ortho Biotech Products, L.P., Abbott 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.