Australians are encouraged to add a blood check to their next GP checkups ahead of Kidney Health Australia’s Red Socks Appeal. 

63 Australians die every day from kidney-related problems, despite screening being as simple as taking a blood test.

Silver screen star Michala Banas told Deborah Knight at just six years of age, she came close to dying when a duplicated ureter went undetected.

“My symptoms weren’t really anything sort of pointing directly to the kidneys, initially.

“People often don’t realise there’s a problem until it’s past the point of [treatment].

“If you get in there early enough, you can manage things for yourself better.”

Press PLAY below to hear Banas’ message to all Australians 

Click HERE for more information on the Red Socks Appeal.

Image: Luis Ascui/Getty Images