new Delhi: The kidney, a bean-shaped paired organ the size of a fist, is important for bodily functions, and they help maintain the proper balance of fluids in the body in addition to getting rid of toxins and waste.
World Kidney Day is observed annually on 10 March to raise awareness about kidney function and ensure ways to keep them healthy. It is a joint initiative of International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and International Federation of Kidney Foundations (IFKF).
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Importance of World Kidney Day
World Kidney Day, which started in 2006, is celebrated every year with a special theme. Health organizations around the world celebrate this day to help people prevent kidney disease and also inform them to take precautions to lead a healthy life. Many campaigns are run to spread the message about kidney diseases.
According to the website Worldkidneyday.org, 8 to 10 percent of the adult population has some form of kidney failure, and each year millions of people die prematurely from complications related to chronic kidney disease (CKD).
The purpose of this day is to encourage people to adopt a healthy diet and lifestyle (access to clean water, exercise, healthy diet, tobacco control, and climate change prevention) to maintain good kidney health, for those with CKD. To prolong kidney function in people and enhance overall normal growth. Awareness about the importance of kidney.
World Kidney Day 2022 Theme
World Kidney Day The Joint Steering Committee declared 2022 as ‘Kidney Health for All’, with the campaign focused on bridging the gaps in improving kidney health.
How to ensure good kidney health
Stay active and fit: Not only does it help you maintain an ideal body weight, but it also lowers your blood pressure and your risk of chronic kidney disease.
Control blood sugar: About half of people with diabetes have kidney damage. But it can be prevented/limited if diabetes is well controlled, according to Worldkidneyday.org. Check your kidney function regularly with blood and urine tests.
Monitor blood pressure: High blood pressure can cause kidney damage. High blood pressure can damage your kidneys. This is especially possible when it is associated with other factors such as diabetes, high cholesterol and cardiovascular diseases. The risk can be reduced with good control of blood pressure.
Do not smoke: Smoking slows blood flow to the kidneys. When less blood reaches the kidneys, it can reduce their ability to function normally.
Check fluid intake: The right level of fluid intake for any individual depends on many factors, including exercise, climate, health status, pregnancy and breastfeeding. Typically this means 8 cups per day, about 2 liters (quarts) for a healthy person in comfortable climatic conditions. Your fluid intake may need to be adjusted if you have kidney or heart or liver disease.