World Kidney Day (WKD) is a joint initiative of the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations (IFKF). WKD is the global awareness campaign aimed at raising awareness of the importance of our kidneys. Celebrated every year on the second Thursday of March (08-03-2018), World Kidney Day is the biggest event focused on awareness, prevention and healthy lifestyle to promote kidney health around the world.
World Kidney Day 2018: Kidneys & Women’s Health – Include, Value, Empower.
Chronic Kidney Disease affects approximately 195 million women worldwide and it is currently the 8th leading cause of death in women, with close to 600,000 deaths each year. The risk of developing CKD is at least as high in women as in men and, may even be higher. According to some studies, CKD is more likely to develop in women compared with men, with an average 14% prevalence in women and 12% in men. Hence the theme for WKD 2018 is Kidneys & Women’s Health – Include, Value, Empower.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a persistent and irreversible damage to the kidneys that is incurable and affects more than 1 in 10 people worldwide.
The term “chronic kidney disease” means lasting damage to the kidneys that can get worse over time. If the damage is very bad, your kidneys may stop working. This is called kidney failure, or end-stage renal disease (ESRD). If your kidneys fail, you will need dialysis or a kidney transplant in order to live.
The Facts about Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
- 30 million American adults have CKD and millions of others are at increased risk.
- Early detection can help prevent the progression of kidney disease to kidney failure.
- Heart disease is the major cause of death for all people with CKD.
- Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is the best estimate of kidney function.
- Hypertension causes CKD and CKD causes hypertension.
- Persistent proteinuria (protein in the urine) means CKD is present.
- High risk groups include those with diabetes, hypertension and family history of kidney failure.
- African Americans, Hispanics, Pacific Islanders, American Indians and Seniors are at increased risk.
- Two simple tests can detect CKD: blood pressure, urine albumin and serum
What can you do for your kidneys?
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 kidney disease.
- Keep fit and active
- Keep regular control of your blood sugar level
- Monitor your blood pressure
- Eat healthy and keep your weight in check
- Maintain a healthy fluid intake
- Do not smoke
- Do not take over-the-counter pills on a regular basis
- Get your kidney function checked if you have one or more of the ‘high risk’ factors
– you have diabetes
– you have hypertension
– you are obese
– one of your parents or other family members suffers from kidney disease
– you are of African, Asian, or Aboriginal origin
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REFERENCES
- https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/about-chronic-kidney-disease
- http://www.kidneyfund.org/kidney-disease/chronic-kidney-disease-ckd/
- http://www.worldkidneyday.org/faqs/take-care-of-your-kidneys/8-golden-rules/
- http://www.worldkidneyday.org/2018-campaign/2018-wkd-theme/
- https://www.theisn.org/advocacy/world-kidney-day