Kidney Health is Wealth

WORLD KIDNEY DAY 2019 CELEBRATIONS – March 1 & 2                             World Kidney Day is celebrated on 2^nd Thursday of March every year and this year it falls on March 14^th. The theme for this year is ” Kidney Health for Everyone and Everywhere”. About 850 million people world wide are now estimated to have kidney disease from various causes. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) causes atleast 2.4 million deaths per year and are now the 6^th  fastest growing cause of death. Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is one of the predisposing factor of CKD , affecting over 13 million people worldwide and 85% of these cases are found in low and middle income countries. CKD and AKI in children not only lead to substantial morbidity during childhood but also result in medical issues beyond childhood. CKD and AKI often arise from modifiable and preventable risk factors like improper lifestyle and food habits, obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension and infections including urinary infection. Transplantation is the final treatment of CKD requiring highly specialised team and infrastructure. This year WKD sets out to raise awareness of the high and increasing burden of kidney disease prevention and management.   The Department of Pediatric Nephrology at Dr.Mehta’s Hospital with the motto of ‘ Prevention is better than cure’  set out to educate the public with the support of  Kids kidney care, a non-profitable organisation run by them and International Society of Nephrology. The perfect blend of modern medical science and ancient cultural art heritage created the magic at the WKD celebration on March 1^st and 2^nd where the Pediatric Nephrologists from Dr.Mehta’s Hospital, Chetpet in collaboration with the team from MVJ productions spread awareness about kidney health through ‘Therukoothu’ – street play- an ancient performing art of Tamil Nadu.  With the loud striking of ‘parai’ the messages kept the people thought-struck and awakened them. Over the two days the team encountered audience from different walks of life school children, college students, people from low income group communities and public gatherings.   Through  street play they conveyed to the public that healthy lifestyle with good eating habits, reduced salt intake, adequate water intake and good physical activity would be the best way to prevent kidney disease. Antenatally diagnosed renal problems need to be followed with kids kidney specialist with appropriate investigations. It is also important for us to screen regularly for blood pressure, urine and monitor weight for diagnosing kidney problems early. The public engaged and connected well with the play and were curious to bombard the doctors with queries and left with a vow to take care of their kidneys and lead a healthy lifestyle.           Following are the venues of the street play Venue March 1:

1. Patrician college (100 students)

Address : No 3 Canal Bank road,  Gandhi  nagar, Adyar Timing: 11 – 11.30 am  

2. MSSW college (200 students)

Address: Sulaiman Zackria Avenue ,Casa major  road ,Egmore Timing: 12.30 – 1.00 pm  

3. CTTE college (300 students)

Address: 16,Saint Mary’s Road, Perambur Timing: 2.30 – 3 pm  

4. Patinapakkam community , Dignity foundation (NGO)

Address: Srinivasapuram Foreshore Estate,Pattinapakkam Timing: 5 – 6 pm   Venue March 2:  

1. LM Dadha  Senior Secondary School (500 students covered in 2 batches)

Address:17/6 Krishnapuram street, Krishnapuram, Choolaimedu Timing : 8.30 – 9.30 am  

2. Mehta Multispecialty Hospitals Pvt Ltd

Address: 2, McNichols Road, 3^rd lane, Chetpet Timing: 10.15 -11 am  

3. Koyambedu Bus stand

Timing: 3 – 4pm  

4. Annanagar Tower park,

Annanagar Timing: 5 – 6pm