World Kidney Day’, March 8,=HEALTH-AWARENESS=

World Kidney Day, celebrated on March 8 every year, aims to raise awareness of the importance of our kidneys to our overall health and to reduce the frequency and impact of kidney disease and its associated health problems worldwide. The Day has the following objectives:

 

 

wOrLd Kidney Day

This day is to be well-remembered too!
Yes! It's World Kidney Day and who knows 

if one day it's gonna be World Kidney-Heart Day soon
cos the Kidney is so much linked to the health of our Heart!
Well, that's the theme for this year's Kidney day!

 

• Raise awareness about our kidneys
• Highlight that diabetes and high blood pressure are key risk factors for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
• Encourage systematic screening of all patients with diabetes and hypertension for CKD
• Encourage preventive behaviours
• Educate all medical professionals about their key role in detecting and reducing the risk of CKD, particularly in high risk populations.
• Stress the important role of local and national health authorities in controlling the CKD epidemic. Health authorities worldwide will have to deal with high and escalating costs if no action is taken to treat the growing number of people with CKD. On World Kidney Day all governments are encouraged to take action and invest in kidney screening.

The  World Kidney Day Campaign focuses on the important association between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) and the fact that CKD is a major risk for CVD. The slogan for this year's campaign is “Protect Your Kidneys and Save Your Heart”.

World Kidney Day calls attention to the large, and often unappreciated, role played by kidney dysfunction in increasing premature cardiovascular disease, the most common cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide.     

CVD is the most common of the chronic diseases that impact global mortality. About 30% of all deaths worldwide and 10% of all healthy life lost to disease are accounted for by CVD alone. Although there has been some decline in mortality from CVD in developed countries, no such decline has been reported in developing countries, in ethic and socially disadvantaged minority populations, or in people with accompanying CKD.

Kidneys serve a very important function in the human body, mainly to remove toxins and excess water from our blood. They help to control our blood pressure and red blood cell production and keep our bones healthy. Kidney disease is common, and often life-threatening. Fortunately many conditions are treatable, if detected early. Every year, millions of people die prematurely due to kidney failure and heart attacks and strokes linked to chronic kidney disease.  Diseases affecting the kidney are often silent, having few symptoms, especially in early stages. If left unchecked, the disease can progress or lead to kidney failure, which can then severely affect the quality of life.

If kidney disease is detected early, appropriate treatment can delay or prevent the development of chronic kidney disease. It is simple to detect early signs of kidney problems by taking some precautions and undergoing a few tests.
What can you do for your kidneys?

1. Keeping fit and active- Keeping fit helps to reduce your blood pressure and thereby lowers your risk of CKD. Regular exercise helps you keep fit.
   
2. Keep your sugar levels under check– Over half of people who have diabetes go on to develop kidney damage, so it is important for people with diabetes to get their kidney functions tested regularly. If detected early, kidney damage from diabetes can be reduced and even prevented.
   
3. Monitor your blood pressure- Although many people may be aware that high blood pressure can result in a stroke or heart attack, few know that hypertension is also the one of the most common causes of kidney damage. If your blood pressure consistently goes 140/90 and above, you should discuss the risks with your doctor and monitor your blood pressure level regularly. High blood pressure is especially likely to cause kidney damage when associated with other risk factors like diabetes, high cholesterol and cardiovascular diseases.
   
4. Maintain a healthy weight– Keeping your weight under check can help prevent diabetes, heart disease and other conditions risk factors associated with CKD.
5. Eat healthy- Reduce your salt intake. The recommended sodium intake is 5-6 grams of salt per day (around a teaspoon). In order to reduce your salt intake, try and limit the amount of processed and restaurant food. It will be easier to control your intake if you prepare the food yourself with fresh ingredients.
   
6. Say NO to smoking- Smoking slows the flow of blood to the kidneys. When less blood reaches the kidneys, it impairs their ability to function properly. According to many scientific studies, smoking also increases the risk of kidney cancer by about 50 percent.
   
7. Don’t take OCTs regularly- Common drugs such non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen are known to cause kidney damage if taken on a regular basis. Such medications probably do not pose significant danger if your kidneys are relatively healthy and you use them for emergencies only, but if you are dealing with chronic pain, such as arthritis or back pain, work with your doctor to find a way to control your pain without putting your kidneys at risk.
8. Check out for the “risk factors”– The following factors make you all the more vulnerable to CKD:
   • diabetes
   • hypertension
   • obesity
   • family history of kidney disease
   • Asian, African and Aboriginals origin
     
9. Keep track of your cholesterol- Hypercholesterolemia (high levels of cholesterol in the blood) is linked with heart disease, strokes and kidney disease. That is why controlling your cholesterol level is crucial to your overall well-being.
10. Stay well-hydrated- Many people are chronically dehydrated. It is always important to drink plenty of water, especially during summers. Individuals who suffer or have suffered from Kidney Stones in the past, should develop an appropriate hydration strategy. Just make sure you don’t consume too much water. Try to strike the proper balance when it comes to hydration. You may consult your physician, if necessary.

Kidney diseases are silent killers, which will largely affect your quality of life. There are, however, several easy ways to reduce the risk of developing the kidney disease. Some of the important ways were listed above. 

Battered by caffeine, a poor diet & stress, your kidneys fight to filter your blood. What Do Your Kidneys Do?  The body is a factory. Your two bean shaped organs (kidneys) track the body’s fluid usage, levels, pressure & location. Fluid is used to transport waste from the body’s organs, to the kidneys for processing or treatment then, excretion as urine. Your body also has to rid itself of gases, acids, oils, resins and sludge. Some of the compounds processed by the kidneys include, lactic acid, uric acid, various proteins, sugars, salts, excess calcium, potassium and ketones. When these products / by products cannot be fully flushed from the body, the body is forced to uncomfortably store them. Healthy kidneys will utilize between 64 to 128 ounces of fluid a day cleansing your system.  Due to their importance in keeping us healthy, the Chinese call the kidneys “The Master Organ.” Since all of our organs run on fluid, the kidneys regulate every organ of our body .     How Your Kidneys Work      Your Kidneys: The Master Organ Of Life  The kidneys regulate your entire system including: the bladder, blood pressure, ovaries, estrogen, period cramps, testicles, testosterone, sperm production, uterus, prostate, sex drive, pancreas, spleen, lymphatic system, heart, ligaments, ears, scalp, right / left low back, upper back, left; shoulder, pectoral, trapezes, elbow; both calves, thighs, biceps, triceps, forearms, wrists, knees, ankles, your spine, all fingers and toes. The only areas not regulated by the kidneys are your right shoulder, right pectoral and right trapezes, all monitored by your liver. Your right elbow represents your stomach. There is never a kidney problem that does not include a liver problem. The two organs work hand and glove together. Always address them at the same time.     "The state of our internal organs are represented on the face"  - Yellow King of China 's physician, circa 2670 B.C. Fact: When an area of the face is very pronounced or calling attention to itself, it indicates a weakness or predisposition to weakness of the associated organ. The half moon of darkness, redness, puffiness or pronounced wrinkling under each eye indicates the state of your kidneys. Your right half moon represents your right kidney and the left is the left kidney. Regardless of age, these areas should be smooth and blemish free.     Location of Your Kidneys  The kidneys are: Two bean-shaped organs, one on each side of the backbone. Represent about 0.5% of the total weight of the body. 20–25% of your body’s total blood supply can be found in the kidney at all times. Cleanses the body’s entire blood supply about 300 times a day. Continuously regulates the chemical composition of the blood within narrow limits (diet permitting). The liver and kidney form the major homeostatic (or balancing) centers for the body.     Do Your Kidneys Need Help?  1) Low back pain, stiffness or soreness? 2) Tire quickly or sleepy from 3-7 P.M.? 3) Left shoulder pain, stiffness or soreness? 4) Sore ankles, calves or feet? 5) Rough periods or low sex drive? 6) Bladder infections & frequent urination? 7) Tinnitus, vertigo or high blood pressure? 8) Puffy, red or dark circles under the eyes? 9) Clear shapes in your field of vision? 10) Weak nails that chip or break? 11) Sore, tingling or numb muscles? 12) Thyroid or lymphatic issues? 13) Swollen, stiff or sore wrists, knees or joints? 14) Scalp irritations or thinning hair? 15) Weak or sore left side of your body? 16) Spleen, pancreatic or weight issues? 17) History of kidney issues or kidney stones? 18) Reproductive health issues? Follow the mentioned tips to lead a healthy and a happy life. ALWAYS LISTEN TO YOUR FAMILY DOCTOR The Kidneys Hate: Alcohol Excessive protein Salts and excess sodium Fried foods and processed fats Caffeine Sugar and Chocolate Chemicals / drugs of all types Dairy products Processed Carbohydrates Lack of sleep Heavy Meals Your Kidneys Need: Clean Water Fresh Fruit Fresh Vegetables Less protein Light meals A healthy Liver