HMC to Observe World Kidney Day Tomorrow

Doha, March 13 (QNA) - Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) is organizing a series of events here, from March 14 to 16, to raise health awareness while observing the World Kidney Day here tomorrow, Thursday. The day will be observed in collaboration with Ooredoo, HMC said Wednesday. The theme of this year's events is: 'Kidneys for Life: Stop Acute Kidney Injury'. HMC Nephrology Department Head Dr. Hassan Al Malki said, "Since 2006 World Kidney Day has been celebrated on the second Thursday in March. Its aim is to raise awareness of the importance of kidneys to the overall health and to reduce the frequency and impact of kidney disease and its associated health problems worldwide. Our kidneys are a vital organ. They remove toxins and excess water from our blood and help to control our blood pressure, to produce red blood cells and to keep our bones healthy." "Anybody may have a kidney attack or an acute kidney injury," said Dr Al Malki. "Elderly people and those with chronic diseases such diabetes, hypertension or heart diseases are particularly at risk of developing this severe renal complication. Nearly 10% of the Nephrology Department s inpatients have acute kidney injury." There will be information booths offering kidney health information in the lobbies of Hamad General Hospital (HGH) and the Outpatient Clinics. HMC clinic staff will also visit schools in Doha to educate students on how to avoid kidney injuries by maintaining a healthy diet and undertaking regular exercise. On March 15 the World Kidney Day events will move to Katara Cultural Village. Qatar Armed Forces Musical Band, Qatari, Indian and Filipino schools will perform from 4pm onwards. The day will also include other performances and contest. Visitors will be able to take free diabetes, blood pressure and weight check-ups performed by HMC staff. Other World Kidney Day events include a symposium for HMC physicians and nursing staff on kidney injuries, HMC said. (QNA)