KOCHI: In 2006, the first World Kidney Day was observed to create awareness among public regarding the importance of kidneys in relation to overall health and also reduce the impact of kidney-related disorders worldwide.Since then, the second Thursday of March is observed as the World Kidney Day (WKD) in more than 100 countries.The WKD is a joint initiative of the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations.High blood pressure is a major risk factor in the patients of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and needs to be carefully monitored.High blood pressure results in increased stress on blood vessels throughout the body - including those in the kidneys.This has an adverse effect on renal function, as the kidneys become unable to properly filter waste products from the blood.High blood pressure is one of the few symptoms and causes of chronic kidney disease.The kidneys - among other things - play a key role in keeping a person’s blood pressure in a healthy state and blood pressure, in turn, can affect the health of the kidneys.The concern is enhanced by the emerging evidence that CKDs are not only a problem on their own but are also a major risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and are a deadly complication of diabetes mellitus.This necessitates constant monitoring for renal complications.Diabetes is the epidemic of the 21st century.Worldwide, over 240 million people suffer from diabetes and the figure is expected to reach 380 million by 2025.Indeed, a third of people suffering from diabetes are affected by diabetic nephropathy.The incidences of Diabetes Mellitus are on the rise and India has become the diabetic capital of the world and Kerala is that of the country.The predicted increase in the number of patients with end-stage renal diseases in developed countries, where regular renal replacement therapy programmes are available, poses the risk that health care resources are inadequate to guarantee full coverage of dialysis expenses.In developing countries, there are very few chances of needy getting renal replacement therapy, now or in the future.Achieving optimum blood sugar and blood pressure control can significantly reduce the risk of needing dialysis or experiencing a heart attack or a stroke.Aluva District Hospital’s Community Dialysis Centre, which was an initiative of the government, has done 5500 quality dialysis so far.At present, the centre has twelve donated units and owning to the long waiting list, the centre is going on an expansion programme to increase the capacity by 10 more units.The centre is in desperate need of sponsorships.Awareness classes on blood and organ donation are held twice a week. SEVEN GOLDEN RULES1. Keep fit and active2. Control blood sugar level3. Monitor the blood pressure4. Keep a check on the bodyweight5. Do not smoke6. Avoid over-the-counter pills7. Keep a tab on kidney function
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