The two bean-shaped organs that sit at your lower back keeping your blood clean are looking for a little love tomorrow and one local health-related agency is leading the charge.
Thursday is World Kidney Day and the Edmonton office of the Kidney Foundation of Canada is hosting several public events as a way of encouraging people to think about their bodies and be pro-active towards illness prevention.
Kim Kearns, co-ordinator of kidney care services, was on hand at the University of Alberta Hospital on Monday answering questions and getting people to sit in the chair for a free blood pressure check. The test is one of the first, best and easiest ways to get on the right path to health.
“For kidney screening, most doctors would check your blood pressure and also check to see if you have diabetes. High blood pressure and diabetes are the numbers one and two causes of kidney disease.”
According to information provided by the foundation, some two million Canadians have kidney disease, but many don’t even know it. Each day, an average of 14 people learn that their kidneys have failed. Treatment for kidney failure ranges from dialysis to organ transplant.
Kidney disease is also a strong indicator of cardiovascular disease, the most common cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide.
In Edmonton there are several related events taking place in support of World Kidney Day. Foundation staff and nurses from the Northern Alberta Renal program will be in the foyer at Edmonton City Hall from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday to discuss the problem and do more blood pressure checks.
On Friday, people can visit the Stanley A. Milner Library in Churchill Square from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the Canadian Diabetes “Ask the Experts” Expo.
Next week, the pedway mall on the Alberta legislature grounds will also feature a kidney health exhibit.
“It’s a call for advocacy and for government and the general public to learn more about kidneys and how important they are.”
While organ donation isn’t a focus of this year’s awareness, it does become more prominent in the fall.
The Give the Gift of Life Fun, Run & Walk 2011 takes place at Lions Park on Sunday, Sept. 11. To learn more about the event or register, call 780-451-6900 or visit www.kidney.ab.ca.
All proceeds go to the foundation’s efforts to provide care (including peer support, education, and help in emergencies) and fund research into chronic kidney disease.
