World Kidney Day

World Kidney Day is today - a global campaign that helps to raise awareness of the importance of our kidneys and shed light on health problems associated with kidneys.

Hundreds of events take place each year to create awareness about preventive behaviors, risk factors, and how to live with kidney disease. This is a joint initiative that is taken on by the International Society of Nephrology and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations.

So what do our kidneys even do?

The main job of our kidneys is to cleanse the blood of toxins and transform waste into urine so the body can get rid of it. Kidneys also help control our blood pressure, keep our bones healthy, help make red blood cells, and balance our pH levels. Kidneys are some of the most important organs in our body which is why it's so important to keep them healthy.

How can I help keep my kidneys healthy?

Diabetes and high blood pressure are the leading causes of kidney failure. There are ways you can help prevent health conditions that cause kidney damage though:

• Make healthy food choices
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Check and monitor your blood pressure and blood sugar levels regularly
• Exercise
• Get enough sleep
• Don't smoke
• Limit your alcohol

It's also important that you get your kidney functions checked if you have any of these high-risk factors:

• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• If you are overweight
• If you have a family history of kidney disease

 Check out WorldKidneyDay.org for more information.

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