World Kidney Day March

Kidney Health For All - Preparing For The Unexpected, Supporting The Vulnerable!

 Since 2006, the second Thursday of March has been officially recognized as world kidney Day, a global healthcare event. The objective is to bring together patients suffering from kidney problems and raise awareness of "wonderful kidneys" by educating them. This year world kidney day is celebrated on March 14 2024.
 

Kidney And Kidney Diseases

The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs roughly the size of a fist. These can be found on either side of your spine in your back. The kidneys primarily filter waste products, excess water, and other contaminants from the blood. When your kidneys are injured and unable to work properly, it can lead to kidney disease, a degenerative disorder. It can develop at any age, and several risk factors accelerate the condition. Acute kidney disease (AKA) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are the two main types of kidney diseases. When kidney disease is not treated properly, it can lead to kidney failure and other health problems, including weak bones, nerve damage, and malnutrition. 

Prevalence Of Kidney Disease In India 

• Chronic kidney disease affects more than 10% of the world's population, accounting for more than 850 million individuals.
• It is one of the leading causes of death worldwide.
• Kidney diseases have risen from the world's 13th leading cause of death to the 10th. Mortality has increased from 813 000 in 2000 to 1.43 million in 2019.
• 1 in 10 people around the world suffers from some sort of chronic kidney disease.

World Kidney Day 2024 Theme

 The theme for this year is "Kidney health for all- Advancing Equitable Access to Care and Optimal Medication Practice" an appeal to patients, governments, global leaders, and concerned stakeholders in positions of power to collaborate in order to raise awareness about the issues encountered by individuals suffering from chronic kidney disease.

Chronic kidney disease is more common among Indians, and the problem will only get worse due to rising rates of diabetes, hypertension, and aging populations. The upcoming wave of CKD can be resolved only with awareness. Understanding can aid in the early detection of kidney illness, and it is more likely to be successful if the awareness program reaches the patient.

The theme emphasizes the urgent need to address inequalities in kidney healthcare and ensure that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has access to quality care and receives appropriate treatment for kidney diseases. By promoting equitable access to care and optimal medication practices, World Kidney Day aims to improve kidney health outcomes on a global scale and reduce the burden of kidney diseases worldwide.

History Of World Kidney Day 

World kidney awareness day was initiated by the international society of nephrology (ISN) and the international federation of kidney foundations (IFKF). It contributes to raising awareness about the importance of "wonderful kidneys" in our overall health and reducing the prevalence of renal disease worldwide. 

The ISN is a non-profit organization established in 1960 that aims to improve kidney disease diagnosis, screening, treatment, and prevention in low-income and high-income countries. ISN 2020 celebrated its 60th anniversary with over 9,000 professional members from 126 countries. The international federation of kidney foundations (IFKF), like ISN, is a non-profit organization founded in 1999. The IFKF's global advocacy focuses on improving the health and quality of life of people with kidney disease, facilitating kidney foundations in developing countries, and promoting kidney disease research.

Chronic Kidney Disease And Importance Of Screening

 Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by a progressive loss of kidney function over months or years. When kidney function goes below a particular threshold, it is referred to as kidney failure. Kidney failure can be fatal when left untreated, requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant to support life. It is more prevalent in older people, women, and individuals with certain health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and heart failure. Chronic kidney disease is a major burden in low- and middle-income countries. 

Early screening can detect the condition, and treatment can prevent chronic kidney disease from worsening. Acute and chronic kidney disease can also arise from Poverty, gender inequality, illiteracy, work risks, and pollution.

9 Amazing Tips To Prevent Kidney Disease

 For Everyone! For Everywhere!

1. Healthy Food Makes You Good.

Diet is the first step to having healthy kidneys. Follow a healthy balanced diet plan that is healthy for your kidneys. Step out from high salt and sugary foods. Instead, you can have whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables. 

2. Stop Smoking! Start Living!

Smoking seriously harms your kidneys in many ways. Smoking can decrease the blood flow to the kidneys and worsen kidney disease. 

3. Time To Quit Alcohol 

Drinking more alcohol can increase your risk factors for getting kidney disease. It decreases the function of the kidneys, making them less able to filter blood. 

4. Make The Water Your Best Friend.

Drinking sufficient quantities of water improves kidney health. Drink 3 liters (men) and 2.2 liters (women) of water or fluids daily unless you have kidney disease. Water removes the toxins from your blood in the form of urine. It dilates your blood vessels in the kidney, ensures easy blood flow, and delivers essential nutrients. 

 5. Keep Yourself Fit 

Keeping yourself active makes your kidney more active. Physical activity for 30 minutes or more makes your kidneys work efficiently. Start a workout plan with aerobic exercises like walking, running, jogging, playing your favorite sport, or swimming.

 6.  Check And Manage Your Health. 

If you have diabetes or prediabetes, then the risk of catching a kidney disease is higher. The best way to protect your kidneys from damage is to keep your numbers in control and take the medicines as prescribed. 

7. Avoid Long-Term Medications

Avoid over-the-counter medications in the long term unless your doctor advises taking them.
 

8. Make Screening For Kidney Disease A Priority.  

Blood tests and ultrasounds are the best way to rule out your kidney function. Take periodic checkups to assess kidney function tests to make sure your kidney is functioning effectively. 

9. Control Your Stress Before It Controls You.

Stress can damage your kidney's function and make you more prone to kidney disease. Stress-free activities like yoga, meditation, tai chi, or practicing a hobby can better manage your stress. Stress can also increase your chances of getting obese and having diabetes, leading to kidney diseases. 

Good Kidneys Represent Good Health

Spread the word! March is world kidney day, so it will be the perfect time to improve our kidney health. Let us join hands on this world kidney day 2024 and promote awareness of the importance of our kidneys to our overall health and to reduce the prevalence and impact of kidney impairment and its associated health concerns globally.

 Did You Know?

• Your kidneys filter 200 liters of fluid every 24 hours.
• YONO - You only need one kidney to live healthily.
• Kidneys have the highest blood flow compared to the heart and brain.
• Almost 1.8 million nephrons are present in the kidneys.
• 1% of the nephrons start degenerating every year as you age.
• Kidneys also activate vitamin D only when the other sources fail.
• Pradhan Mantri's national dialysis program was initiated in 2016 by MoHFW in India to ensure the availability of dialysis services free of cost for those below the poverty line.