All Things Kidney #7

Happy Friday Kidney Warriors! I wanted to share this important video about Organ Donation. I hope you will keep it going by sharing it. I'm already getting excited for March as most of you know it's National Kidney Month. A month to promote education and awareness. An entire month dedicated to spreading the word about the need for organ donors, providing education about kidney health, and holding kidney screenings. And the NortheastKidney Foundation is getting ready for the NYS Advocacy Day at the New York State Capital. This event allows patients, family members, advocates, and elected officials to come together to talk about kidney related issues and push the need for organ donation. This year it will be March 18th and if you are interested in participating and are in the Upstate New York area please contact Northeast Kidney at info@healthykidneys.org to get involved. 

During March we also celebrate World Kidney Day, March 13, 2014. This is a day about learning about your kidneys , learning about different types of kidney diseases, and learning how to care for your kidneys. Raising awareness about how important the kidneys are to overall health is one of the objectives of  this years World Kidney Day. One of the other objectives of this years World Kidney Day is to focus on Chronic Kidney Disease, its risk factors and the preventative steps like kidney screenings for the most at risk groups. The leading causes of Chronic Kidney Disease are High Blood Pressure and Diabetes. If caught in the early stages Chronic Kidney Disease can be treated which may reduce the chances of low term issues of chronic renal and cardiovascular issues. Of course raising awareness about Organ Donation is always one of objectives of World Kidney Day. 

Although I have waited six years for a kidney, I still have hope that one day I will get my call. Today there are over 10,000 waiting for a kidney, along with me, in New York State  that's why the NeFK NYS Advocacy day is so important. Here in New York our state legislators passed "Lauren's Law" which requires every person who applies or renews their drivers licence is required to fill out the organ donation section of the application. This law even applies to non~driver I.D. cards. This law is designed to increase the number of registered donors. Who Know's what legislation we can help encourage at the next Advocacy Day! This is the day for all patients to have a voice. This is the day to get involved and help make a difference. 

Thanks for joining me today for another All Things Kidney. I hope you're all getting ready for March and National Kidney Month. And will consider joining the Northeast Kidney Foundation for their NYS Advocacy Day on March 18, 14. I look forwrd to hearing your comments, questions or concerns. 

Keep on fighting, all you Kidney Warriors! 

~ Kidney Bloger