Sept. 9, 2006 – The Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital and Medical Center (JFLH) will join the American Nephrology Nurses' Association (ANNA) in a nationwide celebration honoring nurses during "Nephrology Nurses Week," Sept. 10 – 16. Nephrology nurses care for patients with kidney disease and provide lifesaving care each day. This year, JFLH will mark the event with activities recognizing and rewarding nephrology nurses.
About 20 million Americans suffer from kidney disease, and more than 400,000 experience kidney failure. The rising number of people with kidney disease, many of whom are minorities, is partly attributed to the country's obesity epidemic. This alarming trend that has led to more cases of diabetes and high blood pressure, both major contributors to kidney failure.
ANNA's theme this year is "Caring for a Lifetime. It's Who We Are…It's What We Do." The theme highlights the unselfish work nephrology nurses perform each day to maintain the health of hundreds of patients with kidney disease.
