These are just some of many events around Australia held to focus on the 2013 theme. Email Alison.hickerson@kidney.org.au to tell us about your event and share photos, and we’ll add it here!
NORTHERN TERRITORY
Kidney health information stand
Group: Tennant Creek Hospital
Location: Schmidt St, Tennant Creek
When: Wednesday 13 March 2013
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Kidney health information stand with free information packs and health snacks
Group: Satterley Property Group with Kidney Health Australia
Location: Butler Community Centre (55 Kingsbridge Blvd, Butler WA 6036)
When: Wednesday & Thursday 13-14 March 2013 from 9am to 4pm
Awareness and education stall with blood pressure testing
Group: Stirling Diaverum and Kidney Health Australia
Location: Stirling Diaverum (a.m.) 1 Puccini Crt, Stirling & Innaloo
Shopping Centre (pm) Ellen Stirling Boulevard, Innaloo
When: Thursday 14 March 2013 - all day
QUEENSLAND
Kidney Kiosk Project Launch
Group: Department of Health, Cairns & Hinterland Hospital & Health Service with Kidney Health Australia
Location: Cairns Base Hospital, Cairns QLD
When: Thursday 13 March 2013 from 10 to11am
Kidney Health Awareness Information Booth
Group: Kidney patients from Princess Alexandra Hospital and Kidney Health Australia volunteers
Location: Lobby at Princess Alexandra Hospital, Ipswich Road, Woolloongabba
When: Thursday 13 March 2013 from 9am to 3pm
NEW SOUTH WALES
Q Kidney Risk Assessments at Kidney Health Australia workshop on ‘Engaging Men in Education, Awareness, Support and Baseline Measurement’
Group: Hunter Prostate Cancer Support and Education Group with Kidney Health Australia
Location: Newcastle, NSW
When: Thursday and Friday, 14-15 March 2013
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To receive our monthly Kidney Community News providing news on your Australian kidney community - email subscribe@kidney.org.au providing your name, address details and interest in CKD. You may also call 1800 4 543639 and our staff will sign you up, or simply subscribe from our home page.
Kidney Diseases are Common, Harmful and Treatable
The prevalence of kidney disease is increasing dramatically and the cost of treating this growing epidemic represents an enormous burden on healthcare systems worldwide. Between 8 and 10% of the adult population have some form of kidney damage and every year millions die prematurely of complications related to Chronic Kidney Disease. Take the test - www.checkmykidneys.com.au to see if you are at increased risk!
If you are at 'increased risk' and tick YES to any of the following.....
are 60 years or older - are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin
- have diabetes
- 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 (Body Mass Index BMI - of 30 or more)
- are a smoker
..... then you should ask your GP for a Kidney Health Check
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
Keep fit and active
Increase daily physical activity as it helps reduce your blood pressure and reduces your risk of CKD. Refer to Measure Up & CKD.
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
The lower the blood pressure, the slower your kidney function 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%! If you smoke - best thing to do for your health, is to quit now!
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).
- Raise awareness about our amazing kidneys.
- Highlight that diabetes and high blood pressure are key risk factors for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
- Encourage CKD screening of all 'high risk' groups, especially anyone with diabetes and hypertension.
- Encourage preventive behaviour.
- Educate 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, Governments are encouraged to take note of the facts above and take action to invest more in kidney screening.
- Encourage transplantation as a best-outcome option for kidney failure and the act of organ donation as a life-saving initiative.
New global website www.worldkidneyday.org
World Kidney Day is celebrated annually on the 2nd Thursday in March
World Kidney Day is a joint initiative of
