World Kidney Day - Know More About It!

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 – 

1. Keep fit, be active – exercise more often 

2. Have a healthy diet – fill your plates with leafy greens, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats

3. Check and control your blood pressure level

4. Check and control your blood sugar level

5. Maintain appropriate fluid intake

6. Don’t smoke

7. Refrain from taking over-the-counter pain-killer or anti-inflammatory pills regularly

8. 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.