Every second Thursday of March, communities around the globe pause to recognize World Kidney Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about how vital our kidneys are and what each of us can do to protect them. According to the official World Kidney Day campaign, this global initiative celebrates kidney health and promotes habits that help prevent kidney disease and its complications.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 7 U.S. adults, roughly 35.5 million people, have chronic kidney disease (CKD). Even more concerning: 9 out of 10 adults with CKD don’t know they have it.
Your kidneys quietly work around the clock, filtering your blood, balancing fluids, and keeping your body in harmony. Yet kidney disease often doesn’t announce itself until it’s progressed. That’s why World Kidney Day isn’t just a date on the calendar but a reminder that proactive health choices can make a lifetime of difference.
At University Medical Center of El Paso, we believe awareness is one of the most powerful tools in protecting your health. Understanding the facts can help you take action early.
5 Things Your Kidneys Do (and Why They Matter)
Your kidneys are small, but their impact on your health is HUGE. Here are five essential roles they play every single day:
1. Filter Waste and Excess Fluid
Each day, your kidneys clean your blood by removing toxins and excess water.
2. Balance Electrolytes & Chemicals
Your kidneys keep potassium, sodium, and acidity in harmony, so muscles, nerves, and organs can function normally.
3. Help Regulate Blood Pressure
By regulating fluid levels and hormones, your kidneys help to maintain healthy blood pressure. This is why high blood pressure and kidney disease often go hand in hand.
4. Support Bone and Blood Health
Your kidneys help activate vitamin D (important for strong bones) and produce erythropoietin, a hormone that signals your body to make red blood cells.
5. Aid in Chemical Balance & Hormone Control
From maintaining acid-base balance to processing substances your body needs or needs to eliminate, kidneys help keep your internal environment stable.
It is important to monitor your health regularly to prevent, detect, and manage potential risks. At University Medical Center of El Paso (UMC), our health professionals are here to support your overall well-being. Call (915) 521-7979 today to schedule an appointment or visit umcelpaso.org to learn more.
