Celebrated on the second Thursday in March, the mission of World Kidney Day is to raise awareness of the importance of our kidneys to our overall health and to reduce the frequency and impact of kidney disease and its associated health problems worldwide. 

Kidney diseases are silent killers, which will largely affect your quality of life. These eight golden rules can help reduce the risk of developing kidney disease.

1. Keep fit and active
2. Keep regular control of your blood sugar level
3. Monitor your blood pressure
4. Eat healthy and keep your weight in check
5. Reduce your salt intake.
6. Maintain a healthy fluid intake
7. Do not smoke
8. Do not take over-the-counter pills on a regular basis

Get your kidney function checked if you have one or more of the ‘high risk’ factors:

• you have diabetes
• you have hypertension
• you are obese
• one of your parents or other family members suffers from kidney disease
• you are of African, Asian, or Aboriginal origin.

Source: World Kidney Day