March 9th is World Kidney Day

SALISBURY, Md. – March is National Kidney Month, and March 9th is World Kidney Day.

Referred to as “the silent killer”, kidney disease can slowly deteriorate a person’s kidney until it’s too late and they’re on dialysis. That’s why organizations like the National Kidney Foundation promote tactics like testing and screenings to see if you have kidney disease or are at risk, educate the public on risk factors, and explain the importance of donating a kidney if you are able.

But caring for your kidneys first is the most important step.

“Think about what your kidneys are doing in your so not only is it filtering out the toxins and waste, it’s also helping to regulate your blood pressure. Stay away from processed foods or foods that are high in salt, don’t put the salt shaker on the table, and don’t cook with it. Use a sugar-free or salt-free seasoning instead, and then watch your diet and of course exercise and drink lots of water are tips also to protect your kidneys,” says Nicole Scharf with the National Kidney Foundation representing Maryland and Delaware. She says an alarming 37 million Americans have Chronic Kidney Disease, yet 90% of them don’t even know it.

The waiting list for a kidney is years long, with 100,000 people on the waiting list and less than 30,000 kidney transplants being completed each year. A small percentage of those transplants are from living donors, and health experts say, a kidney from a living donor has the greatest life span. That’s why this day is also about the importance of live donors to help those who are suffering.

Nicole Scharf also says dispelling the myths surrounding donation is important because thousands of people can live healthy, normal lifestyles with just one kidney.

If you want to learn more about taking care of your kidneys or the process of donating one, you can visit kidney.org.