The kidneys are often forgotten by the general public, overshadowed by their neighbours, the heart and lungs. Yet the kidneys, paired bean-shaped organs, nestled just below the ribs in the upper rear abdominal cavity, deserve at least as much attention. They may be small and shy but the kidneys have several essential roles within our bodies: cleaning the blood and filtering waste products into the urine; regulating blood pressure; maintaining salt and water balance; playing a vital role in bone homeostasis; and contributing to the production of red blood cells. Phew!
One in ten adults within Europe have reduced kidney function and yet many will be unaware of this.
Why? Because it is usually only once a significant amount of kidney function is lost that symptoms arise. However, even a minor reduction in kidney function can ’silently’ increase a person’s risk of premature cardiovascular disease and death. Additionally, if detected early, there are strategies, which can be employed to slow or halt the progression of kidney disease. However, the loss of kidney function cannot be reversed. It is estimated that around 70 million Europeans suffer from progressive kidney impairment and this may culminate in the need for kidney replacement therapy with dialysis or transplantation.
It is therefore essential that the general public are educated about the importance of the kidneys and how to protect them. This is why the ERA has launched the ‘Kidney Health Awareness’ Days. With the ‘Strong Kidneys for Europe’ initiative, we want to reach as many people as possible across Europe. The main goal is to raise awareness about the kidneys and their essential role within our bodies.
We would like to encourage the organisation of new activities but also to support all existing efforts. Via this platform, we want to give already existing national initiatives the opportunity to present their messages and to network across Europe .
Let’s show the general public
– how fascinating and valuable our kidneys are
– how healthy eating, exercise, mindfulness and regular check-ups with your doctor can help to optimise kidney function as well as general health
– that diabetes and high blood pressure in particular can damage the kidneys, particularly if not monitored or managed adequately, and so regular review of those affected is essential.
General practitioners and specialists have a key role in monitoring and in risk reduction. We would encourage regular patient reviews and monitoring so that chronic kidney disease can be detected at an early stage thus allowing appropriate treatments to be instigated. Consequently, the progression of kidney disease can be slowed or even halted and the risk of associated complications reduced.
Kind regards
Christoph Wanner
NEWS
Christoph Wanner
President of ERA and Head of Nephrology at Würzburg University Hospital
Christoph Wanner invites you to join in the campaign.
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