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World Kidney Day is an initiative launched by the International Federation of Kidney Foundation and the International Society of Nephrology to raise awareness about Kidney health and decrease the frequency and impact of Kidney diseases and related health problems. Each year, several organizations work to raise awareness about the same. It includes medical campaigns such as screening of all types of Kidney diseases, promotion of preventive tips, and advocacy of kidney transplantation as the best possible option for the patient after kidney failure. At least one person out of ten suffers from Kidney disease. As a result, world kidney day is celebrated on March 9, 2023. Keep reading to know more about the world kidney day history, themes, importance, and kidney disease preventive tips.
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History
World kidney day was launched by the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and the International Federation of Kidney Foundation (IFKF). The aim is to popularise the importance of ‘amazing kidneys’ for our overall health. ISN is a non for profit organization founded in the year 1960. The aim of the organization is to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of kidney disease. While the IFKF is established in 1999 with similar goals. Below are the previous 5-year themes of world kidney day that were celebrated as a result of the collaboration of these organizations.
| Year | Theme |
| 2022 | Kidney Health for All – Bridge the knowledge gap to better kidney care |
| 2021 | Kidney Health for Everyone Everywhere – Living Well with Kidney Disease |
| 2020 | Kidney Health for Everyone Everywhere – from Prevention to Detection and Equitable Access to Care |
| 2019 | Kidney Health for Everyone, Everywhere |
| 2018 | Kidneys & Women’s Health. Include, Value, and Empower |
| 2017 | Kidney Disease & Obesity – Healthy Lifestyle for Healthy Kidneys |
Theme
The world kidney day theme for the year 2023 is ‘’Kidney health for all- preparing for the unexpected, supporting the vulnerable’’. The theme is a call for collaborative action of world leaders, governments, patients, and the concerned stakeholders who are in positions of power to increase awareness about kidney disease. Medical societies especially those that are striving for scientific research on debilitating hearing loss and regulation of multiple policies can work together to reduce the impact of kidney disease.
Importance
World Kidney Day is important for several reasons. Some of these reasons are listed below:
- Chronic kidney disease is a progressive illness that affects at least 10% of the world’s population. The disease is more common among the elderly and diabetic patients and places a financial burden on people from low and middle-income countries.
- In India, 800 people of 10 lakh people suffer from chronic kidney disease. Among them, 150-200 people suffer from end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The main cause is diabetic nephropathy.
- This epidemic among Indians has resulted in diabetes load, hypertension, and an ageing population. As a result, kidney disease awareness can help.
- The day also brings attention to national, and local authorities, and other stakeholders to work toward prevention of the kidney disease.
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Kidney Disease – Signs and Problems
Kidney disease causes several problems for an individual. Below are the signs that an individual suffers from kidney disease. World kidney day draws attention to these signs and problems.
| Signs of Kidney Disease | Problems caused by kidney disease |
| Blood in the urine (pink or dark urine color) | High blood pressure |
| Painful or difficult urination | Risk of stroke and heart attack |
| Increasing need to urinate | Weak bones |
| Increased thirst | Heart disease |
| Foamy urine | Kidney failure |
| Swollen hands, face, feet, abdomen, ankles | Nerve damage (neuropathy) |
| Puffy eyes | Put the life at risk |
| Fatigue or weakness | Anemia or low red blood cell count |
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Life-Saving Test for Kidney Diseases
World Kidney Day is also about spreading awareness about kidney tests that when conducted can save the life of a person. Below are the main Kidney tests out there.
| Kidney Test | Description |
| BP test or the blood pressure test | A normal person’s BP test score should be 140/90. For chronic kidney disease, a score under 130 is counted as better. |
| Urine test or protein in the urine | The presence of albumin and other proteins in the urine is a sign of a damaged kidney. A good score should be under 30 mg. |
| Kidney Function Test (KFT) | The test examines how smoothly the kidneys can filter blood. Scoring under 90 is considered a sign of healthy kidneys. Scoring under 60 for 3 months is a sign of kidney problems. |
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Chronic Kidney Disease Prevention Tips
World Kidney Day makes us aware of the importance of taking care of our kidneys. Hence, we have listed a few effective tips that anyone can follow to take care of their kidneys.
- Have a balanced diet and make healthy food choices
- Make physical activity a part of your lifestyle and maintain a healthy body weight
- Maintain ideal blood pressure levels and manage blood sugar levels
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake
- Drink enough water and get enough sleep
- Avoid regular intake of steroids
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FAQs
Ans: Every 2nd Thursday in the month of March World Kidney Day is celebrated. This year it is celebrated on 9th March.
Ans: World kidney day was started to be celebrated in the year 2006.
Ans: World kidney day can be celebrated by organizing events that include cycling, walking, jogging, flash mob, or dancing.
World Kidney Day is celebrated to spread awareness about kidney diseases and the importance to take care of them. Individuals can take care of their kidneys by being physically active, eating a balanced diet, drinking enough water, and maintaining sugar and bp levels. To discover more such articles visit Leverage Edu.
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