World Kidney Day-2024: Achieving Kidney Health for All!
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Have you ever thought about what those two bean-shaped organs in your back are for? Those are called kidneys! Their main work is behind the scenes, filtering waste and keeping your body balanced. But to be honest, most of us don’t ever think about these organs until there’s an issue. This World Kidney Day (14th March 2024) let’s pledge to change that! Let’s explore why kidneys are important and how to ensure happy and healthy kidneys.
What is the theme of World Kidney Day 2024?
The theme for this year is fairness! Each year, there is a particular theme for World Kidney Day. Following the same, the theme for this year is “Kidney Health for All- Advancing Equitable Access to Care and Optimal Medication Practice.”
Let’s understand what this means!
- Equitable Access to Care: This means everybody, regardless of where they live or the status of their financial condition, must have access to the specific treatment they require for kidney issues.
- Optimal Medication Practice: Healthcare professionals must be able to provide the best medications to kidney patients.
Although there are advanced treatments for kidney problems, it’s not possible for everyone to have access to those. The theme of World Kidney Day 2024 wants to change that! The only motive of the theme is to ensure everyone has a fair opportunity to keep their kidneys healthy.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
There are many kidney problems, but on this World Kidney Day, let’s discuss one of the most common problems, Chronic Kidney Disease.
The primary function of your kidneys is to clean your blood! They filter out the extra wastewater from about half a cup of blood every minute. However, a high blood pressure level can damage these filters.
If your kidneys get too weak, they won’t be able to clean your blood properly. This is called Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). To treat this, you may require dialysis, a specialized treatment that helps clean your blood. The other option is a kidney transplant, where you receive a new kidney from a donor.
Diabetes is one more platform for CKD. High sugar levels might also damage your kidneys and can even lead to kidney failure.
Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease
- Feeling tired all the time
- Swollen feet, ankles, or hands can be a symptom of your body finding it tough to get rid of those extraneous fluids.
- Blood in your urine. This is not usual! Please consult a healthcare professional straight away.
- Loss of appetite. You don’t feel like eating much.
- Trouble sleeping. Restless night can be a symptom of CKD.
Some Simple Tips to Keep Your Kidneys Healthy!
Your kidneys work tirelessly, cleaning our entire body and helping us stay healthy. But these often-ignored organs need some care, too. This World Kidney Day, let’s glance at a few simple and easy steps to show your kidneys some love.
- Tip 1 :- Water is the best friend of your Kidneys! According to the NHS, women must drink at least eight 200ml glasses of fluid per day, while men must drink ten 200ml glasses a day.
Note: If you are diagnosed with kidney disease, please talk to your doctor before making any dietary changes.
- Tip 2 :- Workout is essential for our body, and our kidneys love it too! Try to exercise for at least half an hour daily to stay fit and active.
- Tip 3 :- Maintaining a healthy weight helps your kidneys and overall health.
- Tip 4 :- Smoking damages your health, and kidneys are no exception! If you smoke regularly, quitting is one of the best gifts you can give to your kidneys this World Kidney Day!
- Tip 5 :- Monitor your blood pressure. High blood pressure can harm your kidneys. An ideal reading is 120/80. However, if the reading is consistently above 140/90, you might have high blood pressure. Talk to a professional and try to monitor your blood pressure on a regular basis.
Note: If you have a family history of diabetes or kidney disease, please inform your doctor. They will monitor your kidney health more closely.
Some Quick Myth Busters on Chronic Kidney Disease
There are many myths revolving around Chronic Kidney Disease. Let’s spread awareness on World Kidney Day by stating the facts.
- Myth: Kidney stones lead to Chronic Kidney Disease.
Fact: Kidney stones causing CKD is very rare.
- Myth: Frequent urination can be a sign of a healthy kidney.
Fact: Frequent urination can be a sign that something is wrong as it is a feature of certain types of kidney disease as well as some other medical conditions.
- Myth: Chronic Kidney Disease is rare.
Fact: CKD is a common condition. CKD results in more deaths each year than colon or breast cancer combined.
- Myth: CKD is curable.
Fact: CKD cannot be cured. Although, if the condition is discovered early, the disease’s course can be halted.
- Myth: If you don’t face any issues passing urine, you don’t have any kidney problems.
Fact: Symptoms of CKD do not occur until the condition has moved to an advanced phase. Hence, having no symptoms doesn’t mean your kidneys are entirely safe!
Final Words!
Always keep your kidneys healthy! They are crucial organs that help keep your body healthy. By following these simple precautions and prevention tips, you can ensure your kidneys are healthy. On this World Kidney Day, spread awareness by sharing this blog as much as possible.
