By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

NORTH SHELBY—More than 26 million Americans have kidney disease, and according to the National Kidney Foundation, it is the ninth leading cause of death in the United States, claiming 47,000 lives in 2013. Learn about the signs, symptoms, treatments and ways to prevent kidney disease at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen’s Breakfast with the Doc program on Oct. 15.

“Chronic renal disease is on the rise, especially in the southeast,” St. Vincent’s One Nineteen registered dietitian Donna Sibley said. “It does affect everyone.”

This month’s Breakfast With the Doc will feature nephrologist William Lyndon. Lyndon will lead a presentation about the importance of kidney health, and share information about how to slow or prevent the disease. After the presentation, Lyndon will answer questions from the audience.

“We feel like the biggest benefit is being able to talk with the physician,” Sibley said.

The free event will be hosted in the St. Vincent’s One Nineteen conference room from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. and will include a light breakfast.

The regular Breakfast with the Doc program features a new health topic each month with insight from a different St. Vincent’s One Nineteen expert.

“We do Breakfast with the Doc once a month, every month,” Sibley said. “It’s a way to showcase our doctors here.”

The program is always free of charge, and is designed to educate the public on health topics that may impact their lives.

“It’s really one of those ways St. Vincent’s One Nineteen gives back to the community,” St. Vincent’s Marketing and Communications Manager Lauren Thomason said. “It’s just nice for people to come and ask (the doctor) questions.”

To reserve a spot for the Oct. 15 Breakfast with the Doc, call 408-6550.