Register Now: FREE “Keep Healthy” Kidney Screening May 30th

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National Kidney FoundationOne in three American adults are at risk for kidney disease. Are you the one?  Find out at a FREE screening hosted by Mattie Rhodes Center and the Midwest chapter of the National Kidney Foundation (NFK).

The NFK’s KEEP Healthy program is a community-based initiative designed to educate the public about the kidneys, risk factors for kidney disease and steps to keep your kidneys healthy.

The event is Saturday, May 30, 2015 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Mattie Rhodes Center (Northeast), 148 N. Topping Avenue, Kansas City, Mo. Save time at the event by pre-registering on the NKF’s website.

The KEEP Healthy check-up includes:

  • A Risk Survey
  • Body Mass Index (BMI) Calculation: Height and Weight Measurements
  • A blood pressure check
  • An ACR urine test for albumin (a type of protein) – For individuals at risk only!
  • Free educational materials
  • The opportunity to speak with a health care professional

For more information on kidney health, visit the NKF website at www.kidney.org or call 913-262-1551.

Swope Health Services is proud to promote and sponsor the work of the National Kidney Foundation as many of our patients have risk factors that can lead to kidney disease. These include high blood pressure, a BMI greater than 30, diabetes and a family history of kidney disease. If you or someone you know is concerned about your kidney health, please call 816-923-5800 to schedule an appointment with one of our providers.

Dr. Karmen Smith Honors Mother and Supports SHS

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On Friday, May 15, SHS hosted a luncheon with Dr. Karmen Smith, a Trauma Specialist and Ordained Minister based in Las Vegas, Nevada.

From left: Mark Miller, Vice President of Behavioral Health and SHS CEO Dave Barber receive Karmen Smith's donation.

From left: Mark Miller, Vice President of Behavioral Health and SHS CEO Dave Barber receive Karmen Smith’s donation.

Dr. Smith’s “A Legacy of Compassion” presentation reflected on the career and philosophy of her mother, Kanzetta Harris, a former social worker with SHS. The Kanzetta Harris House, one of the SHS group homes, is named in her honor.

“My mother had a different set of eyes than I did,” said Dr. Smith. “She endeavored to see her clients the way God sees them.”

Dr. Smith recalled how she would question her mother’s compassion when applied to those who beat their spouses or robbed others for drug money.

But her mother would answer, “If I can’t see the good in those people, how can I help them?”

The heart of her message is best captured through the quote she shared and attributed to the theologian, Thomas Merton, “Our job is to love others without stopping to inquire whether or not they are worthy.”

At the conclusion of her presentation, Dr. Smith surprised all attendees with a $10,000 donation for the Kanzetta Harris House.

Learn more about Dr. Smith’s online workshop, Trauma to Triumph.