Did you know that one in 10 British Columbians has some degree of kidney disease, but most don’t even know it?
Almost everyone in the early stages of the disease has no symptoms. In fact many lose up to 80 per cent of their kidney function before they are diagnosed. By that point, it may be too late to save these vital organs, and dialysis or a transplant may be required to stay alive.
However, if kidney disease is diagnosed early, it can often be slowed and sometimes even stopped through medication and changes to lifestyle and diet.
This is especially important for people in high-risk categories – those with high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease or a family history of kidney disease.
BC Renal has developed a quick and easy
online kidney self-assessment, available in English, Chinese and Punjabi. It only takes a couple minutes and you can enter to win an Apple Watch during Kidney Month.
Throughout March you can also support your kidney health by taking part in the #KidneyHealthChallenge. BC Renal is sharing one tip a day on
Facebook and
Twitter.
You can also help BC Renal raise awareness about kidney disease by sharing their new video (see below), a collaboration with the Kidney Foundation of Canada, BC and Yukon Branch. The video uses humour to encourage people – especially those in high risk categories – to assess their kidney health.
Finally, if you're in Vancouver on March 14th, come celebrate World Kidney Day - and the new "Could you lose 80%" campaign - at a fun 'Fashion Faux Pas' event at Robson Square between 11:30am - 1:00pm.
