Celebrate World Kidney Day the 2nd Thursday in March Every Year
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If your kidneys are working right you probably don’t think about them much. But today’s the day to offer them a silent thanks for all they do for you, on World Kidney Day.
The International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations (IFKF) started the day in 2006. The idea is to raise awareness of the importance of your kidneys and the prevention of kidney disease.
It started with just a few countries, but in the past decade it has grown to be celebrated by more than 100 countries around the world. It has truly become a global event.
A Few Kidney Health Facts
Did you know:
- Kidney disease can affect anyone, and about 1 in 10 people has it at some level.
- There’s no cure for chronic kidney disease. But it is treatable, especially when caught early enough.
- Kidney disease is the eighth most common cause of death in the United States.
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is more common in women.
- Smoking increases your risk of getting kidney cancer by 50%.
- More than 1/3 of adults with diabetes also has chronic kidney disease.
- Some over-the-counter pills, like Ibuprofen, can damage your kidneys if you take too many.
- Kidneys help regulate your blood pressure by removing extra water from your body.
- Kidneys filter toxins and other chemicals from your blood and flush them out of your body in your urine. In fact, they filter about 200 liters of blood every day.
- You can live a completely normal life with just one healthy kidney. That’s why people can donate one of their kidneys without hurting their own health.
- Kidney disease increases your risk for heart disease.
- Kidney disease can also lead to anemia and weak bones.
All the different organs and systems in your body really are connected. And kidney disease can affect, or be affected by, other chronic conditions. So it’s important to prevent chronic diseases when possible and effectively treat them when you have them.
Scroll down for some ideas on celebrating this unofficial but important holiday.
How to Celebrate World Kidney Day
Each year World Kidney Day has a different theme. In 2014 the theme was “kidneys age, just like you,” which is an important thing to keep in mind.
For 2015 the theme was “Kidney Health for All.” A very worthy goal, but one that can only be met with everyone’s help. You can help by taking care of your own kidneys and spreading the word to help others realize they need to do the same.
Each year’s theme is announced on the World Kidney Day website.
Think about how your kidneys help support your health, and promise yourself to take good care of your health, kidney and otherwise.
Learn how your kidneys work and how to keep them healthy.
- National Chronic Kidney Disease Fact Sheet (PDF) from the Centers for Disease Control
- Tips to keep your kidneys healthy (PDF)
- Kidney Facts website
- The NIH’s National Kidney Disease Education Program
Go to a World Kidney Day event. Find events around the world here.
If you smoke, pledge to stop.
Pledge to make sure you drink enough water every day.
If you’re at high risk for kidney disease, talk to your doctor about getting your kidney function checked.
Stay updated with news about World Kidney Day by following the day on Twitter @worldkidneyday.
Dates for Future World Kidney Day Observations
The actual date for World Kidney Day changes every year. So make sure you don’t miss one, here’s a list of the dates for the 2nd Thursday in March for the next few years:
- 2019 – Thursday, March 14
- 2020 – Thursday, March 12
- 2021 – Thursday, March 11
- 2022 – Thursday, March 10
- 2023 – Thursday, March 9
- 2024 – Thursday, March 14
- 2025 – Thursday, March 13
- 2026 – Thursday, March 12
- 2027 – Thursday, March 11
- 2028 – Thursday, March 9
