Kidney Health Awareness: National Kidney Foundation (Kidney.org)
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The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) is encouraging all Americans to Heart Your Kidneys (#heartyourkidneys) throughout the month of March.
“When it comes to vital organs, hearts get all the love. Kidneys get the short end of the stick,” said Kevin Longino, CEO, National Kidney Foundation. “But kidneys are essential to keeping you healthy—when your kidneys stop working, so do you. Trust me, I know,” added Longino, who received a kidney transplant 12 years ago.
NKF’s awareness campaign debuted new tactics at South by Southwest (SXSW), the annual conglomerate of film, interactive media and musical festivals that took place in Austin, Texas.
One is a high-tech tattoo designed by researchers at Northwestern University — a first-of-its-kind, flexible microfluidic device that easily adheres to the skin and measures the wearer’s change in hydration level in response to exercise. Slightly larger than a quarter, the simple, low-cost device analyzes key biomarkers to help a person decide quickly if any adjustments, such as drinking more water or replenishing electrolytes, need to be made or if something if medically awry.
“When it comes to vital organs, Kidneys get the short end of the stick..But…when your kidneys stop working, so do you.”
NKF has also co-branded a water bottle that uses a sensor to record how many ounces of water is consumed. The Hidrate Spark 2.0, using a connected hydration app, suggests your daily water goal based on your physiology and environment, and gives a glowing reminder to hydrate. It also syncs to Fitbit, Apple Watch, and more. And a special “Heart Your Kidneys” water bottle will be available for sale, with 10% of all proceeds benefitting National Kidney Foundation.
More than 26 million Americans have a kidney disease, and most don’t know it.
There are over 95,000 people waiting for kidney transplants.