Vancouver – March 8 is World Kidney Day and in communities across British Columbia special events are planned to help raise awareness of kidney disease and the important role kidneys play in maintaining our health.
The theme for World Kidney Day 2012 is transplantation.
In B.C. about 200,000 people live with some level of kidney disease. And because there are no early symptoms, most of them are unaware they have this potentially life-threatening disease.
The kidneys filter blood to remove wastes from the body. When the kidneys stop functioning individuals need either regular dialysis or a kidney transplant to survive.
For World Kidney Day, Kidney Foundation of Canada, BC Branch is partnered with BC Transplant and the BC Renal Agency, agencies of the Provincial Health Services Authority, on a range of public awareness activities throughout the province. Except where noted, all events take place on March 8.
Abbotsford
- West Oaks Mall: Information table at the Price Smart store
Penticton
- Cherry Lane Mall: Information display
Prince George
- Pine Centre Mall: Information table, awareness walk starting at 1pm
- University Hospital of Northern BC: Information table
Port Alberni
- Shopper’s Drug Mart Pharmacy: Information display
Quesnel
- Aboriginal Health Conference at the Quesnel and District Seniors Centre (March 7 - 8), information booth
Richmond
- Richmond Community Dialysis Unit: Renal-friendly recipe taste testing, games and prizes
Surrey
- Guildford Mall: Information display
- Newton Community Dialysis Unit: Open house and education session
- Surlang Pharmacy: Information display, games and prizes (throughout the week)
Terrace
- Save On Foods Pharmacy: Information display
Vancouver
- St. Paul’s Hospital: Games and prizes, refreshments served
- BC Children’s Hospital: Information display, blood pressure clinic
Victoria
- Belmont Secondary School: Students will hand out info at the school, nursing students will be interviewed about kidney health, Sidney the Kidney will be there!
- Royal Jubilee Hospital: An awareness walk will be held.
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