Kidney failure, a major health disparity in South Carolina, is not often discussed and is a problem that few African Americans understand. One would understand the reason renal failure is high among African Americans in the state if the myths and untruths circulating in our community were explored. Uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, and gout continue to be major causes of renal failure in African Americans and the underserved.

Discussions with victims of renal failure would provide some insight about some of them requiring dialysis because they failed to understand the importance of following the physician’s advice.

Kidney failure is increasing among young African Americans who do not take the treatment of mild hypertension seriously.

Remember, once your kidneys are damaged, there is little that can be done to reverse the damage and dialysis is probably the next step.

Talk to your physician about kidney failure and determine if your kidneys are functioning properly.