Rob Base’s ‘It Takes 2’ gets a remix to amplify the call for kidney health screening

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), a lurking ailment often referred to as a “silent killer,” has been garnering increased attention in the healthcare sphere. Individuals with pre-existing conditions such as type 2 diabetes or hypertension are particularly at risk, making early detection and management of kidney disease imperative. A noteworthy initiative, encapsulated in the catchy phrase “It Takes 2,” underscores the collaborative venture between individuals and healthcare professionals in mitigating the risks associated with CKD.

Spotting Kidney Disease: The Understated Importance

Kidney disease often advances stealthily, with a staggering 90% of those affected remaining unaware of their condition. This stealthy progression is a clarion call for regular testing, especially among individuals with type 2 diabetes or hypertension, who are predisposed to kidney ailments. The alarming statistics further unveil a harsher reality for minority communities, who bear a disproportionate burden of kidney disease.

Harnessing the Power of Early Detection

Central to the discourse on combating CKD is the emphasis on early detection. Two pivotal tests, the estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) and the Urine Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (UACR), are instrumental in assessing kidney function. The eGFR measures how efficiently kidneys filter blood, while the UACR gauges the ratio of albumin, a protein, in the blood to creatinine, a waste product, in the urine. Together, these tests offer a comprehensive picture of one’s kidney health, enabling timely intervention.

A Musical Encore: “It Takes 2 – The Remix”

The iconic rhythm of Rob Base’s 1988 hit, “It takes two to make a thing go right,” reverberates with a fresh beat in a health initiative aimed at combating CKD. This musical ensemble is part of a promotion for “It Takes 2,” a campaign spearheaded by Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly and Company. With a remix encouraging CKD testing, the initiative addresses a critical health issue affecting over 35 million U.S. adults. The 1988 classic not only resonates with its original fans but also strikes a chord within the significantly impacted Black community, raising awareness about the importance of comprehensive CKD testing and fostering partnerships with healthcare professionals for better kidney health management.

The Path Ahead: Fostering A Culture of Proactive Healthcare Engagement

The data is both unsettling and motivating; less than 20% of individuals at risk for kidney disease underwent full testing between 2013 and 2019. This statistic is not merely a reflection of the past but a rallying cry for the future. It beckons a shift towards proactive healthcare engagement, a culture where regular testing and timely intervention are the norm rather than the exception.

The “It Takes 2” initiative is a commendable stride towards unmasking the hidden peril of CKD, particularly among the high-risk cohorts. By fostering a culture of regular testing and informed healthcare collaboration, the journey towards reducing the debilitating and potentially fatal complications associated with kidney disease is well underway.

For a deeper dive into kidney health and the “It Takes 2” campaign, follow this link.