WORLD KIDNEY DAY 2015

World Kidney Day (WKD) is a global health awareness campaign focusing on the importance of the kidneys and reducing the frequency and impact of kidney disease and its associated health problems worldwide.

World Kidney Day is observed annually on the 2nd Thursday in March. Initially in 66 countries observed this date in 2006 (the year it started) and then this number rose to 88 in 2years. WKD is a joint initiative of the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations (IFKF).

What are Kidneys?

The kidneys are complicated and amazing organs that do many essential tasks to keep us healthy. Each roughly the size of your fist, kidneys are located deep in the abdomen, beneath the rib cage. 

Functions of the Kidneys

The main job of your kidneys is to remove toxins and excess water from your blood. Kidneys also help to control your blood pressure, to produce red blood cells and to keep your bones healthy.

 

What is Chronic Kidney Disease?

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a progressive loss in kidney function over a period of months or years. Each of your kidneys has about a million tiny filters, called nephrons. If nephrons are damaged, they stop working. For a while, healthy nephrons can take on the extra work. But if the damage continues, more and more nephrons shut down. After a certain point, the nephrons that are left cannot filter your blood well enough to keep you healthy.

When kidney function falls below a certain point, it is called kidney failure. Kidney failure affects your whole body, and can make you feel very ill. Untreated kidney failure can be life-threatening. 

 

What you should not forget:

• Early chronic kidney disease has no signs or symptoms.
• Chronic kidney disease usually does not go away.
• Kidney disease can be treated. The earlier you know you have it, the better your chances of receiving effective treatment.
• Blood and urine tests are used to check for kidney disease.
• Kidney disease can progress to kidney failure.

To protect your kidneys, these tips can help:  

• Drink good quantity of water daily - water satisfies thirst without any calories

• Eat a healthy diet full of fresh fruit and vegetables

• Maintain healthy cholesterol levels

• Maintain healthy weight for your height

• Be a non-smoker - smokers are 3 times more likely to have reduced kidney function

• Make physical activity a regular habit - 30 minutes of regular moderate-intensity physical activity.

• Drink alcohol in moderation

• Take medications as prescribed by your doctor; don’t overuse pain-killers

• Maintain a positive attitude, do things that help you to relax and reduce stress.