Health
March 12 is World Kidney Day
By
Feb 4, 2009, 22:28

The Kidney Foundation of Canada goes door-to-door to raise awareness and funds for research and programs to help people living with kidney disease.(NC)-Four years ago the International Society of Nephrologists (kidney specialists), and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations decided to mobilize the global community to increase awareness of the importance of kidney health. Why? you ask.

Well, for starters, do you know what your kidneys do? Do you realize that they help maintain your body's chemical balance or metabolism, that they produce essential hormones, and clear your blood of waste products that act as toxins? Do you know that while a person can live with just one healthy kidney, if the two stop working, you could die in a matter of hours? Exactly.

Moreover, many people do not realize that lifestyle choices such as diet, regular exercise, stress reduction, eliminating smoking or limiting alcohol consumption are crucial to kidney health. And managing other conditions that may lead to kidney disease will also go a long way in keeping kidneys in tip-top shape. Dr. Copland, a nephrologist and chair of The Kidney Foundation of Canada's Public Policy Council notes: "High blood pressure is one of the major risk factors for chronic kidney disease. It's important to have it monitored and kept in check.''

Since 2005, the second Thursday of March has become World Kidney Day, a global reminder to pay attention to that organ we so often overlook. Also, during the month of March, The Kidney Foundation of Canada goes door-to-door in neighbourhoods across the country to raise awareness and funds for research and programs to help people living with kidney disease. For more information on World Kidney Day or the Foundation's March campaign, you can visit www.kidney.ca.

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