public health – Page 6

World Kidney Day • March 12

Kidneys may be small, but they run a huge part of the body’s daily maintenance. They filter waste from the blood, balance fluids, help control blood pressure, and keep important minerals at the right levels.

When kidneys begin to fail, the effects often appear slowly. Many people do not notice symptoms until the condition has already progressed. Because of this, awareness and early testing are very important.

There are also subtle signs that sometimes appear early, though they are easy to ignore.

• swelling in the ankles or feet
• puffy eyes, especially in the morning
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• changes in urination, such as foamy urine or needing to urinate more often at night
• dry or itchy skin

These signs do not always mean kidney disease, but they can be clues that something in the body needs attention.

Kidneys are located in the lower back, just under the rib cage, one on each side of the spine. Because of this position, kidney problems are sometimes mistaken for ordinary back pain.

However, most kidney disease does not cause pain in its early stages. Pain usually appears only in specific situations such as kidney stones or infections. When it does occur, it is often felt deeper in the side of the back, sometimes spreading toward the abdomen or groin.

Common causes of kidney disease

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Obesity
• Heart disease
• Family history of kidney problems

Simple ways to protect your kidneys

• Drink enough water
• Keep blood pressure under control
• Manage blood sugar if diabetic
• Avoid excessive salt
• Exercise regularly
• Do not overuse painkillers like NSAIDs

A small but important fact many people miss is that kidney disease often develops silently. Regular health checks can detect problems early, long before serious damage happens.

World Kidney Day reminds people that these two bean-shaped organs work for us every minute of every day, keeping the body balanced without much attention.

Taking care of them is not complicated. Most of the time, it simply means taking care of the whole body.

Small habits today can protect kidney health for many years.

Your kidneys rarely complain. That is exactly why they deserve attention before they do. 🩺💧

⌨ ᴛʸᵖⁱⁿᵍ ᴏᵘᵗ ᵒᶠ ᵗʰᵉ ʙˡᵘᵉ ᵈᵃʳᵉᵐ ᵐᵘˢⁱᶜ ᵇˡᵒᵍ

Beyond the Clouds of Worries in the Moment • Darem Placer

No Smoking Day is observed every second Wednesday of March. In 2026, it falls on March 11.

The day began in 1984 in the United Kingdom as a public health campaign to encourage smokers to try quitting for at least one day. The simple idea was this: sometimes people only need a small starting point. One day without cigarettes can open the door to something bigger.

Smoking has been one of the most common habits in the world for more than a century. It became widespread during the 1900s, especially when cigarettes were mass-produced and heavily advertised. For many years, smoking was even portrayed as stylish or sophisticated.

But by the late 20th century, medical research had made the dangers clear. Smoking was strongly linked to diseases such as lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and chronic respiratory illness. Governments and health organizations began launching campaigns to reduce smoking rates, and No Smoking Day became one of those reminders.

The goal of the day is not to shame smokers. Instead, it focuses on encouragement and support.

Many people who eventually quit smoking say their journey started with a small decision: “Just for today, I won’t smoke.”

From there, one day sometimes becomes two. Then a week. Then a new lifestyle.

Today, the message of No Smoking Day has expanded. It also highlights the dangers of second-hand smoke, encourages smoke-free homes, and promotes healthier alternatives to nicotine addiction.

The day is really about choice. A reminder that even habits that feel permanent can still change—one decision, one day at a time. 🚭

⌨ ᴛʸᵖⁱⁿᵍ ᴏᵘᵗ ᵒᶠ ᵗʰᵉ ʙˡᵘᵉ ᵈᵃʳᵉᵐ ᵐᵘˢⁱᶜ ᵇˡᵒᵍ

Tag: public health

Are Your Kidneys OK?

No Smoking Day