World Kidney Day 2024: Promoting Awareness and Prevention of Chronic Kidney Disease
March 14th marks World Kidney Day, a global initiative aimed at promoting awareness and information to preserve kidney health and prevent chronic kidney disease. This year, the focus is on the key word “awareness,” with various initiatives being carried out by organizations such as the Italian Society of Nephrology (SIN) and the Italian Kidney Foundation (FIR) across the country.
One of the joint initiatives includes free kidney screenings in hospitals, sports centers, and public places, as well as information points and prevention programs in schools. Monuments in various Italian cities will be illuminated to raise awareness, and a live social event will be held on the Facebook page of the Italian Society of Nephrology, featuring “The expert responds.”
Nephrologists emphasize the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle, including daily walks, a low-fat diet, monitoring blood sugar levels, and blood pressure. Other recommendations include staying hydrated, regular check-ups, avoiding smoking, and refraining from using anti-inflammatory drugs.
In Italy, more than 4 million people suffer from chronic kidney disease, with approximately 100,000 requiring life-saving therapies. Currently, 45,000 individuals are undergoing dialysis, while 28,000 have received a kidney transplant. However, advancements in treatment and therapeutic interventions have significantly slowed down the progression of renal failure, reducing the need for dialysis or transplants in many cases.
Massimo Morosetti, President of FIR-ETS and Director of the Nephrology and Dialysis Unit at Giovan Battista Grassi Hospital in Rome, notes the positive impact of these advancements on patients. He emphasizes the importance of early detection and intervention in managing chronic kidney disease.
Stefano Bianchi, President of SIN, underscores the need for concrete actions to raise awareness about the condition and its implications on individuals and the healthcare system. By promoting prevention and early intervention, they aim to reduce the burden of chronic kidney disease on society.
To read the full article, visit ANSA.it. Let’s all join hands in raising awareness and taking action to protect our kidney health on World Kidney Day 2024.