Currently expenses associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) represent 30% of the Medicare budget.  Simply by reducing that number we positively impact the deficit.  I can only imagine the impact of kidney disease on the new healthcare program.
 
But more importantly, anyone can develop kidney problems, according to the American Kidney Fund.   Many people that are currently afflected with problems are unaware.  Today, about 1 in 7 people suffers from CKD. However, that number is expected to increase to approximately 1 in 4 because of the rising obesity rate.

 

 “Obesity triples the risk of chronic kidney failure” (Science Daily). According to the Center for Disease Control, "American society has become 'obesogenic,' characterized by environments that promote increased food intake, nonhealthful foods, and physical inactivity. Research has shown that as weight increases to reach the levels referred to as "overweight" and "obesity," the risks increase for various conditions, including coronary heart diease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, stroke and a variety of others.

Certain people are at a higher risk of developing kidney disease, particularly those who

• Have diabetes
• Have high blood pressure / hypertension
• Have a family member with kidney disease
• Are African American, Hispanic, Native American or Asian