Today is World Kidney Day

MANILA, Philippines - Every year millions die prematurely of kidney failure or heart attacks and strokes linked to chronic kidney disease (CKD).

In the Philippines, kidney diseases are the 10th leading cause of death. A global health awareness campaign focusing on the importance of the kidneys and in reducing the frequency and impact of kidney diseases and its associated health problems worldwide is spearheaded locally by the Philippine Society of Nephrology (PSN).

Today, March 10, is World Kidney Day (WKD), to be celebrated locally with a free kidney clinic and disease awareness lectures at the GSIS main office on Macapagal Avenue in Pasay City.

Satellite free clinics and disease awareness lectures will be conducted by nephrologists in other cities nationwide in order to inform the public about the importance of the kidneys — an amazing organ that plays a crucial role in keeping us alive and well.

This activity is in cooperation with Pfizer Inc. Other sponsors include Genzyme Philippines, Janssen Pharmaceutica and Pascual Laboratories.

WKD encourages everyone to learn more about their kidneys and to raise awareness of the fact that that kidney disease is common, harmful and treatable.

Since 2006, the campaign is celebrated every year on the second Thursday of March in more than 100 countries on six continents.

The 2011 campaign aims to call attention to the large, and often unappreciated, role played by kidney dysfunction in increasing premature cardiovascular disease, the most common cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide.

This year’s World Kidney Day asks everyone to “Protect your kidneys, Save your heart!”

For information on the different activities, e-mail to [email protected] or [email protected].