According to Diana Franklin of Fresenius Medical Care, "Unfortunately we can get a lot of damage to our kidneys from high blood pressure, the blood vessels within the kidneys can be damaged or because of diabetes, not well-controlled can also damage our kidneys."

Fresenius Medical care looks after patients who must be on dialysis because of kidney failure, but the staff does more than that.

"We work with people that have kidney disease but not yet on dialysis, so helping them to make changes to their diet to help preserve their kidney function for as long as possible," Franklin said.

Leland Medeiros knows all too well the importance of kidney health.

"At age 27, I was diagnosed with end-stage renal disease, due to hypertension or high blood pressure, and that was overwhelming for me," Leland said.  "Kidney disease is a silent killer."

Leland was one of the lucky ones.

"Three years ago, I underwent a transplant successfully, and life is doing a lot better now," Leland commented.  "My strength is back, and I'm able to work now and go out surfing and eating the right foods."

Diet is a key factor regarding kidney health, according to experts, and dietary needs may have to be changed, depending on kidney health.

Franklin explained the importance of being informed.

"That's why it's really important for people to work closely with their doctors and their dieticians about changes in their diet if there should be changes in their diet if there should be changes in their kidney function."

The National Kidney Foundation will be conducting screenings tomorrow at the Ala Moana Hotel.