World Kidney Day

World Kidney Day History

World Kidney Day aims to raise awareness about kidney health and kidney disease. The day focuses on the crucial role kidneys play in the overall health and advocates for effective measures to prevent and manage kidney conditions. This international awareness campaign emphasizes regular screening for early detection, the connection between diabetes and hypertension as key risk factors for chronic kidney disease, and the need for kidney health education in all sectors of society.

World Kidney Day has been celebrated worldwide since 2006, including in Canada. The Canadian Society of Nephrology has played a vital role in promoting this event across the country, highlighting the fact that nearly 4 million Canadians either have kidney disease or are at risk. The day sends a pressing message, appealing to Canadians to take proactive steps towards the prevention and early detection of kidney disease. It reminds Canadians to maintain a healthy lifestyle, get routine check-ups and stay informed about kidney health.

In observance of World Kidney Day, various activities are organized throughout Canada. These include educational seminars, awareness walks, free screening programs, and public talks. Building on the theme of living well with kidney disease, focus is also given to patient empowerment and importance of inclusion in decision-making processes related to treatment. While the date of World Kidney Day varies each year, it is typically observed on the second Thursday of March in Canada.

Facts about World Kidney Day

• The theme for World Kidney Day in 2024 was Kidney Health for All – Advancing equitable access to care and optimal medication practice. In 2023 the theme was Kidney Health for All – Preparing for the unexpected, supporting the vulnerable.
• Kidneys are essential organs with a lot of responsibility. According to worldkidneyday.org, your kidneys are responsible for making urine and removing any waste or extra fluid from your blood. They help control your body's chemical balance and your blood pressure and they also keep bones healthy. They even help the body make red blood cells.
• The leading cause of Chronic Kidney Disease is diabetes. Diabetes results in high blood sugar levels, which causes organ damage and affects the kidneys abilities to filter waste.
• The Kidney Foundation of Canada also conducts various events and activities every year to mark World Kidney Day, these include health check-ups, educational seminars, scientific research, community outreach, and more.
• Nearly 4,000 Canadians are on the waitlist for a kidney transplant, and about 76% of those are waiting for a kidney.

In the News and Trending in Canada for World Kidney Day

Top things to do in Canada for World Kidney Day

• Drink plenty of water - 6 to 8 cups daily. Water helps keep your kidneys healthy by helping them flush out waste.
• Smoking increases the risk of kidney cancer by 50%. If you or someone you know smokes, why not try quitting? Smoking reduces the flow of blood to the kidneys which can cause them to operate inefficiently.
• Kidney Health Education: Numerous hospitals, clinics, and health institutions host special lectures, seminars, or webinars to educate the public about kidney health and disease. These are often free to participate in, and are useful for those keen on learning and improving their lifestyle for their own kidney health.
• Read a book to learn more about kidney health:
  The Kidney: A Comprehensive Guide to Pathologic Diagnosis and Management - by Donna E. Hansel, Christopher J. Kane, Gladell P. Paner, and Sam S. Chang.
  Renal Disease in Canada: A Multidisciplinary Approach - by Norman A. Walton
  The Kidney Seller: A Journey of Discovery in Iran - by Sigrid Fry-Revere. This book provides a global perspective on kidney disease and treatment, with some insights applicable to Canada.