The second Thursday of March is celebrated every year as World Kidney Day. The day is marked by a global campaign aimed at increasing awareness about kidneys. In 2006 when it had initially begun, 66 countries had taken part. In 2 years, the number had gone up to 88 countries. The International Federation of Kidney Foundations (IFKF) and the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) had come together and taken the initiative to make people aware of kidney health.
What are the objectives of World Kidney Day?
The objectives of World Kidney Day are as follows –
To increase awareness by highlighting risk factors like Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and high blood pressure
To encourage diabetics and people with hypertension to get their kidneys checked
To encourage people to take preventative measures
To push local and national health authorities to take steps to control the CKD epidemic
To encourage organ donation and transplantation in case of kidney failure
This year, World Kidney Day will be observed on 11th March 2021. Each year, there is a different theme for World Kidney Day.
World Kidney Day 2021 Theme
The 2021 Theme for World Kidney Day is ‘Living Well with Kidney Disease'. This has been done in order to both increase education and awareness about effective symptom management and patient empowerment, with the ultimate goal of encouraging life participation. Whilst effective measures to prevent kidney disease and its progression are important, patients with kidney disease – including those who depend on dialysis and transplantation – and their care-partners should also feel supported, especially during pandemics and other challenging periods, by the concerted efforts of kidney care communities.
What do your kidneys do for you?
These bean-shaped organs work relentlessly to keep you healthy. The main functions of the kidney include –
They make urine
They help in removing toxins from your blood
Kidneys help in maintaining the chemical balance of the body
They help in regulating your blood pressure
Kidneys also contribute towards your bone health
Kidneys help in making red blood cells
What is CKD?
CKD or Chronic Kidney Disease is a condition that is characterized by the gradual loss of kidney function. The prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease amongst Indians clocks at 17.2%. Amongst the cohorts, about 18.8% were found to be diabetics and 43.1% were suffering from hypertension.
What are the other risk factors for kidney diseases?
Acute kidney injury caused by damage from medicines, a sudden drop in blood flow to kidneys, or sudden blockage that stops urine
Diabetes
High Blood Pressure
High Blood Cholesterol
Smoking
Obesity
#MyGr8Rule- Just another hashtag?
An initiative taken by the World Kidney Day committee, #MyGr8Rule is a symbolic gesture to remind people of eight golden rules that can help them be more aware and take better care of their kidneys. The committee is urging people to complete one or more of the 8 golden rules, take a picture of themselves in action, use the ‘Rules’ photo frame and share it on their social media with #MyGr8Rule. The eight golden rules are –
Keep fit, be active – exercise more often
Have a healthy diet – fill your plates with leafy greens, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats
Check and control your blood pressure level
Check and control your blood sugar level
Maintain appropriate fluid intake
Don’t smoke
Refrain from taking over-the-counter pain-killer or anti-inflammatory pills regularly
Get your kidneys checked if you have any high-risk factors like
Hypertension
Diabetes
Obesity
Family history of kidney disease
Look after these amazing organs as they look after you. This 11th March, pledge to follow the eight golden rules and keep yourself and your loved ones healthy.
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