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GRENADA NATIONAL PATIENT KIDNEY FOUNDATION |
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WORLD KIDNEY DAY THURSDAY MARCH 11, 2010
World Kidney Day is a joint initiative between the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations (IFKF).
World Kidney Day began in March 2006.
World Kidney Day is observed every year on the second Thursday in
March. There is always a theme for which the observance will be
focused. The theme for this year is “Protect you Kidneys: control
diabetes”
Why an Observance?
The day is observed to:
(a) Raise awareness of the importance of healthy kidneys.
(b) Encourage preventative behaviours in the populace.
Who needs to know?
Everyone needs to know about kidney disease.
Medical professionals in particular have a very important role to play
as it relates to early detection and reducing the risk of the disease.
People need to know that they have the first responsibility to themselves to prevent this disease.
Children need to be taught from an early age the importance of healthy diet and lifestyle.
What you need to know
The signs and symptoms. Kidney disease is often ‘silent’ causing few symptoms especially in the early stages.
What is to be done
Educate about the main risk factors of chronic kidney disease, i.e. hypertension and diabetes.
Governments need to be encouraged to take action and invest in
screening. Increased cases of this disease would not only have an
adverse affect on the country’s financial resources, but most
importantly, its human resource.
Promote healthy diet and lifestyle in the population geared towards prevention.
Get tested – kidney disease if detected early and appropriate treatment administered, chronic kidney disease can be averted.
Lend support in whatever way possible to those who are currently battling with the illness.
Lend support to the family and caregivers of kidney patients, as it is emotionally and financially challenging.
The seriousness of this disease cannot be over emphasized. It is not
something to be taken lightly. Is there a cure? No, but long term
treatment is to be dialyzed three times per week, maintain a strict
diet and prescribed medication. Prevention is the key word.
Past Themes of World Kidney Day
2006 Are your kidneys okay?
2007 Common, Harmful and Treatable.
2008 Amazing Kidneys.
2009 Protect your Kidneys: Keep your pressure down.
The Grenada National Patient Kidney Foundation hopes that the focus on
the kidneys on world kidney day will be the beginning of a change in
lifestyle and diet for many Grenadians who may already be borderline
diabetics. For patients and teachers, we hope you will help us
transfer this knowledge to the children of our nation.
Be kind to your kidneys not only on World Kidney Day but for 365 days!
Patricia Bruno
Grenada National Patient Kidney Foundation.
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