March 9 is the 12th edition of the World Kidney Day (WKD), a joint initiative of the International Federation Kidney Foundation (IFKF) and the International Society of Nephrology (ISN). WKD is a celebrated event focused on kidney health across the globe. It aims to raise awareness about protective behaviours and preventable risk factors to avoid the burden of kidney disease. For this year, the theme for WKD is “Kidney Disease and Obesity—Healthy Lifestyle for Healthy Kidneys.”
March 9 is the 12th edition of the World Kidney Day (WKD), a joint initiative of the International Federation Kidney Foundation (IFKF) and the International Society of Nephrology (ISN). WKD is a celebrated event focused on kidney health across the globe. It aims to raise awareness about protective behaviours and preventable risk factors to avoid the burden of kidney disease.
For this year, the theme for WKD is “Kidney Disease and Obesity—Healthy Lifestyle for Healthy Kidneys.”
In celebration of the theme for World Kidney Day 2017, Obesity and Kidney Diseases, the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) Section of Nephrology, in cooperation with Philippine Society of Nephrology (PSN), prepared several activities that aim to promote awareness and encourage a more active and healthier lifestyle among Filipinos.
Obesity-related information in the form of infographics and video presentations were disseminated via social media thru Facebook and Twitter using the hashtags #move4kidneys #ShooObesity #FightAgainstFats #WKDPhil2017. The “#move4kidneys” is a symbolic gesture to remember that kidneys are vital organs and that they should be taken care of. This action urges everyone around the globe, from all cultures and ages, to keep fit and active.
Various media appearances in radio and television were also initiated to promote awareness.
On March 5 (Sunday), UP-PGH being this year’s host, started a WKD Kick off Event which started with a parade around the UP Diliman Campus, followed by a flashmob, a public gathering of patients, relatives, staff, medical residents, nephrology fellows and consultants, performing a choreographed dance number at the iconic Quezon Hall in UP Diliman Campus. This was participated by the PSN, Pediatric Nephrology Society of the Philippines (PNSP), UP-PGH, Chinese General Hospital (CGH), Makati Medical Center (MMC), National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI), St. Luke Medical Center (SLMC), The Medical City, University of Sto.Tomas (UST), Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC), Dialysis PH Support Group, Renal Nurses Association of the Philippines (RENAP), and different Hemodialysis units around Metro Manila. The event was concluded through a MetaBEAT Exercise for all headed by Coach Toni and Coach Jim Saret of ABSCBN The Biggest Loser.
On March 9, each PSN Chapter and Hemodialysis unit was challenged to create their own WKD event. A series of activities have been lined up to celebrate WKD all over the Philippines. The different institutions nationwide held their own flashmob dance, zumba marathon, lay forum, quiz show, yoga, funrun, brisk walking exercises. Indeed, World Kidney Day 2017’s campaign to raise awareness on Obesity and Kidney Disease and #move4kidneys is a success! Together, let us continue to get moving and Celebrate our Kidneys!
