7th World Kidney Day - 8 March 2012
Theme: 'Kidneys for Life' promoting organ donation and transplantation
Celebrate World Kidney Day in Australia and help to spread the word about kidney disease, organ donation and transplantation!
OBJECTIVES OF WORLD KIDNEY DAY
- Raise awareness about our amazing Kidneys
- Highlight that diabetes and high blood pressure are key risk factors for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
- Encourage systematic screening of all patients with diabetes and hypertension for CKD
- Encourage preventive behaviours
- Educate all medical professionals about their key role in detecting and reducing the risk of kidney disease, particularly in high risk populations.
- Stress the important role of local and national health authorities in controlling the CKD epidemic. Health authorities worldwide will have to deal with high and escalating costs if no action is taken to treat the growing number of people with CKD. On World Kidney Day all governments are encouraged to take action and invest in further kidney screening
- Encourage transplantation as a best-outcome option for kidney failure and the act of organ donation as a life-saving initiative.
- Download the World Kidney Day 2012 logos, posters and other material including video below.
World Kidney Day is a joint initiative of the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and the
International Federation of Kidney Foundations (IFKF). Global website www.worldkidneyday.org
World Kidney Day is celebrated annually on 2nd Thursday in March.
EARLY DETECTION OF KIDNEY FAILURE
What is a Kidney Health Check? Any health system in the world should include simple methods for early detection of kidney disease. When indications are that you are at 'increased risk' of developing CKD, one simple method to measure your kidney function is to measure albumin in the urine by dipstick that detects protein in urine. If you are at 'increased risk' and tick YES to any of these
- are 50 years or older, or aged 35 years or older if of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent
- are diabetic
- have a family history of kidney disease
- have established heart problems (heart failure or past heart attack) and/or have had a stroke
- have high blood pressure
- are obese (BMI>=30)
- are a smoker
..... you should ask your GP for aKidney Health Check which includes:
- a blood test
- a urine test
- blood pressure measurement
- BMI (Body Mass Index) including height, weight and waist circumference
Read our key kidney health prevention messages on the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle
Symptoms of reduced kidney function
- high blood pressure
- changes in the amount and number of times urine is passed, e.g. at night
- changes in the appearance of urine
- blood in the urine
- puffiness e.g. legs and ankles
- pain in the kidney area
- tiredness
- loss of appetite
- difficulty sleeping
- headaches
- lack of concentration
- itching
- shortness of breath
- nausea and vomiting
- bad breath and a metallic taste in the mouth
What can you do to keep your kidneys health - the golden rules
- Keep fit and active
Increase daily physical activity as it helps reduce your blood pressure and reduces your risk of CKD. See Measure Up and CKD webpages *Measure Up with physical activity *Measure Up with healthy eating *Measure Up and wellness in harmony with Australian Government Measure Up Campaign.
- Keep regular control of your blood sugar levels, blood lipids and anaemia
About half of people who have diabetes develop kidney damage, so it is important for people with diabetes to have regular tests to check their kidney function. Kidney damage from diabetes can be reduced or prevented if detected early. It is important to keep control of blood sugar levels with the help of doctor or pharmacist.
- Monitor blood pressure, reduce if necessary - lower the blood pressure, slower your GFR declines Although many people are aware high blood pressure can lead to a stroke or heart attack, few know it is also the most common cause of kidney damage. High blood pressure is especially likely to cause kidney damage when associated with other factors like diabetes, high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease.
 Eat healthy and keep your weight in check
This can help prevent diabetes, heart disease and other conditions associated with CKD. Reduce salt intake - recommended salt intake is 5-6 grams of salt per day (a teaspoon). In order to reduce your salt intake, try to limit the amount of processed and restaurant food and do not add salt to food. It will be easier to control your intake if you prepare the food yourself with fresh ingredients.
- Do not smoke
Smoking slows the flow of blood to the kidneys. When less blood reaches the kidneys, smoking limits the kidney's ability to function properly. Smoking also increases the risk of kidney cancer by about 50%! QUIT 137848 ask for a FREE Quit Pack or Smokenders Australia Helpline 1800 021 000.
- Do not take over-the-counter pills on a regular basis
Common drugs such non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen are known to cause kidney damage and disease if taken regularly. Such medications probably do not pose significant danger if your kidneys are relatively healthy and you use them for emergencies only. If you are dealing with chronic pain such as arthritis or back pain, work with your doctor to find a way to control your pain without putting your kidneys at risk.
If concerned your medication may be affecting your health, refer to ABC Health Consumer Guides or check with Medicines Line 1300 MEDICINE (1300 633 424) for more information.
- Have a kidney health check, to measure your kidney function if you have one or more of the 'high risk' factors.
UPDATED 11 JANUIARY 2012
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