World Kidney Day: a chance to safeguard your health
Every year, on March 13, World Kidney Day raises awareness about one of the most insidious and underestimated diseases: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). This condition, often symptomless until advanced stages, affects approximately 10% of the global population. Yet, most people are unaware of their condition until it’s too late, leading to the need for dialysis or kidney transplantation.
A quiz to assess your risk
Have you ever wondered if your kidneys are healthy? Today, you can find out with a simple online quiz, available on the official World Kidney Day website. In less than a minute, you can get an initial assessment of your risk for CKDand take action in time to prevent it.
Free screenings and prevention initiatives
To highlight the importance of kidney health, on World Kidney Day, free screenings will be available in hospitals, shopping centers, pharmacies, general practitioners’ offices, and sports centers. Additionally, nephrology departments across Italy will open their doors for check-ups and specialized consultations.
A growing disease: alarming data
Over the past 30 years, new dialysis cases have increased by 43%, while mortality linked to CKD has risen by 41%. Projections for the future are even more concerning: by 2040, Chronic Kidney Disease is expected to become the fifth leading cause of death worldwide.
According to Massimo Morosetti, President of the Italian Kidney Foundation (FIR), “You can lose up to 60-80% of kidney function before experiencing any symptoms, drastically reducing treatment effectiveness and making dialysis or transplantation inevitable.”
The economic burden of Chronic Kidney Disease
Beyond its human cost, CKD places a heavy financial burden on healthcare systems. In Italy, dialysis treatment can cost up to €45,000 per patient per year, totaling about €2.5 billion annually.
Luca De Nicola, President of the Italian Society of Nephrology (SIN), emphasizes the need for a global prevention strategy: “The high healthcare, social, and human costs of CKD highlight the urgent need for early diagnosis and preventive actions.”
The 8 golden rules to protect your kidneys
Want to take care of your kidneys? Follow these key steps:
- Stay fit and active
- Follow a healthy, balanced diet
- Monitor your blood sugar levels
- Keep your blood pressure under control
- Drink enough fluids
- Avoid smoking
- Limit the use of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs
- Get regular kidney check-ups if at risk
Share your experience
World Kidney Day is the perfect time to get informed and take action. Have you ever had a kidney check-up? Do you have any experience with CKD? Share your story in the comments below!
Meta description: Protect your kidneys! Take a quiz to assess your risk and join the free screenings for World Kidney Day.
