World Kidney Day on the second Thursday in March sets out each year to create increased awareness about kidney care.

Our kidneys are vital to our everyday health, and many health issues contribute to Chronic Kidney Disease. Preventative measures help to reduce our risks and improve outcomes.

Several health conditions impact our kidneys. These are just a few:

  • Diabetes is one of the leading causes of kidney failure.
  • High blood pressure weakens blood vessels, including the ones in the kidneys.
  • High Cholesterol impacts how well the kidneys work and can also lead to high blood pressure and diabetes.
  • Anorexia Nervosa causes chronic kidney disease due to the lack of a healthy balance of water, electrolytes, and salt in the body.
  • Lupus causes your immune system to attack parts of your body. It sometimes impacts the kidneys, too.
  • Polycystic Kidney Disease causes cysts to grow inside the kidneys.

Early Chronic Kidney Disease usually has no symptoms, so early detection is essential. Educating medical professionals, identifying high-risk populations, and increasing donor programs are some of the key objectives of reducing Chronic Kidney Disease.

In 2022 I was rushed to the emergency room with kidney stones I didn’t even know I had. Today I am happy to say I had the stones on the left surgically removed. In the process I learned to take better care of myself and my kidneys. I did such a good job I ended up not needing surgery on the right. My urologist gave me a clean bill of health and encouragement to keep them that way.

WORLD KIDNEY DAY HISTORY

In 2006, the International Federation of Kidney Foundations created World Kidney Day to raise awareness and increase educational opportunities regarding kidney diseases and prevention.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #WorldKidneyDay

We all need to take care of our own health, but it is important to be supportive of others, too. Check out ways you can do both.

  • If you’re on a medication regimen that requires testing of your kidney function on a regular schedule, be sure to follow your physician’s instructions.
  • Learn about conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, that increase the risk for Chronic Kidney Disease.
  • Find out if kidney diseases run in your family and update your medical records with your family physician.
  • Volunteer to support those receiving dialysis.
  • Attend a seminar or screening at a local clinic.
  • Learn about donor programs and consider becoming a donor.
  • Learn more by visiting www.worldkidneyday.org

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