World Kidney Day's annual campaign builds global awareness and encourages knowledge sharing. This year's theme – Are Your Kidneys OK? Detect early, protect kidney health – asks people to consider their risk factors and take action. "We encourage Canadians to take 10 minutes out of their day on World Kidney Day to answer 10 simple questions about their health and lifestyle," said Elizabeth Myles, National Executive Director of The Kidney Foundation of Canada.
"As people answer the quiz, they will learn more about what could cause kidney disease. It can help them understand if they are at higher risk and if they should be seeing a doctor or other healthcare provider to get tested." To take The Kidney Foundation's quiz, visit kidney/risk .
If risk factors are identified, kidney disease can be detected through simple blood and urine tests. "Catching kidney disease early and getting treatment can slow or halt its progression," said Ms. Myles.
"Because there are often no symptoms until kidney disease is quite advanced, many people aren't aware that they have the disease until they've already lost most of their kidney function." There is no cure for kidney failure. When kidneys fail, people need dialysis or a kidney transplant to survive.
People with known risk factors, which include diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, obesity or a family history of kidney disease should have their kidney health checked regularly. Being of Indigenous, African/Caribbean, Asian, South .