World Kidney Day
World Kidney Day is observed on second Thursday of March around the world, to raise awareness about the role of our kidneys in our wellbeing and kidney-related health issues. One of the primary goals of World Kidney Day is to encourage preventative tactics in adults to avoid problems with their kidneys as they age.
In 2023 World Kidney Day will be observed on 9th March. The theme for this year is “Kidney Health for All”.
Objectives:
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Raise awareness about the importance of healthy lifestyle and its primary role in the prevention of many types of kidney diseases.
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Make screening for high-risk individuals, such as diabetics and others.
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Urge not to take over-the-counter medicines to maintain kidneys.
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Encourage to avoid soft drinks and energy drinks.
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Highlight the importance of taking preventive measures for all people everywhere around the world.
The Role of Kidneys
The role of the kidneys is to filter blood. The blood that has been filtered is returned to the body. Waste is converted to urine, which gathers in the kidney’s pelvis, forming a funnel-shaped structure that flows to the bladder through a tube called the ureter. In summary, kidneys:
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Eliminate waste
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Maintain the body’s fluid balance and
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Maintain proper electrolyte levels.
Several times a day, all of the blood in the body flows through them.
Tips for a Healthy Kidney
Diabetes, hypertension and heart disease are the most common causes of chronic kidney diseases (CKD) in developed and developing countries. There is no treatment for chronic kidney diseases apart from dialysis and transplantation, prevention and early detection to delay severe kidney failure are key to maintaining kidney function. However, adopting a healthy lifestyle now can change your life for the better, no matter how old you are!
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is really not that difficult. All it needs is a conscious, consistent effort. You simply need to make small changes to your life to accommodate these steps.
1. Maintain a balanced diet
Whatever you eat your Kidney breaks it down. Food that negatively affects kidneys includes the things you eat that are bad for your health like lots of fat, excessive dairy, salt, or sugar. A bad diet habits will effect your kidney in a long run.
2. Avoid taking frequent NSAID medication
Common drugs, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) for pain, for example, medicines like ibuprofen, can harm the kidneys if taken regularly. Individuals with reduced kidney function should talk with their doctor about pain treatment without further compromising your kidneys with over-the-counter drugs.
3. Keep yourself hydrated
Water helps get essential nutrients to your kidneys and moves waste to your bladder in the form of urine.
4. Check and control your blood pressure
High blood pressure can damage your kidneys and is especially likely when associated with other factors like diabetes, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular diseases.
5. Exercise regularly
Staying active can help maintain ideal body weight, reduce your blood pressure, and the risk of chronic kidney disease.
6. Quit excessive drinking and smoking
Smoking and drinking, regularly has been found to double the risk for kidney disease.
7. Get yourself regularly checked
If you are at risk for kidney disease, get your kidneys checked periodically, which is done by your health specialist with simple blood and urine tests.
Suggested Read: World Organ Donation Day
