World Kidney Day

Celebrating World Kidney Day around the globe.

This whole month is Kidney Awareness Month, but today is World Kidney Day!  Today we set out to raise awareness of kidney disease and increase awareness about effective symptom management and patient empowerment. 

There is so much to know about the kidneys and what they do for us.  Below are a series of quick facts and questions regarding your own kidney health.  Empower yourself and those you are close to stay healthy and reduce risks. 

The 8 Golden Rules to Reduce Risk

1. Keep fit, be active
2. Eat a healthy diet
3. Check and control your blood sugar
4. Check and control your blood pressure
5. Take appropriate fluid intake
6. Don't smoke
7. Don't take over-the-counter NSAIDs regularly
8. Get your kidney function checked if you have one or more of the 'high risk' factors: you have diabetes, you have hypertension or you are obese.

​Did you know that your kidneys:

• Make urine
• Remove wastes and extra fluid from your blood
• Control your body's chemical balance
• Help control blood pressure
• Help keep your bones healthy
• Help you make red blood cells

​
​Who is affected by the silent killer of kidney disease?

• 10 of the worldwide population if affected
• Half of people aged 75+ have some degree of kidney disease
• 1 in 5 Men and 1 in 4 Women between the ages of 65-74 have kidney disease

Are you at Risk?

• Do you have high blood pressure?
• Do you suffer from diabetes?
• Do you have a family history of kidney disease?
• Do you smoke?
• Are you over 50 years?
• Are you African, Hispanic, Aboriginal or Asian origin?

If yes to one or more of these questions, reach out to you doctor.

We have enjoyed sharing with you these quick facts.  Browse our website for information on how we contribute to caring for your kidneys and  other reliable sources such as the National Kidney Foundation.  Look for worldwide Kidney Day activities at World Kidney Day Organization.  Stay empowered.

---