focus on KIDNEYS, no kiddin'

Kidneython 2018, Aurangabad

By Veloscope

October 6^th, 2018

Don't hate. Hydrate!

A 5k, 10k and 2k race was organised in Aurangabad by the United Ciigma Hospital to commemorate World Kidney Day.

Their aim was simple: get participating runners to understand that kidney health is important, and various preventative actions are within our focus. It starts with drinking adequate water during the day. In the event that there are people struggling with kidney issues, the event intended to bring together awareness that kidney donation is an option. To spread this awareness, they invited kidney receivers and kidney donors families to participate in the event. The resultant dialogues and focus of these stories on stage meant that kidney health is on the minds of people who participated.

Worldclass healthcare. everywhere.

A trend taking root all over India is the rise in world-class medical care. The United Ciigma Hospital is an example of one such effort. An NABH accredited hospital, they wanted to send out a strong message that "Prevention is better than cure" On a daily basis, nobody is thinking of the health of their kidney. People know that reducing salt intake, eating cabbages, cauliflowers and berries, not smoking and exercising regularly, are all generally good things. They don't know that all these contribute to good kidney health and this reduces occurrences of hypertension, blood sugar issues and more.

But when families are invited for a morning outing of a 2k walk (and maybe run/ walk a 5k or 10k), a selfie competition and an opportunity to win prizes for the best banner on kidney health, that turns an ordinary Sunday morning into a fun and memorable family occasion.

kidney party

The event started off with warming up with Zumba, which the enthusiastic crowd excitedly participated in.

At the finish line, which was lined with volunteers to help people cool down, and have some water and electrolytes, there were other things to be done: there were finisher pictures to be taken, for instance.

start them young

A heartwarming trend was the amount of young ones that were at the run. Awareness at a young age is an invaluable gift we can give to the next generation. They will grow up knowing the value of exercise as much as the value of focussing studying and getting good marks in exams. They will realise the value of being a donor and encourage the older generation to change how they think.

All walks of life

People were just out to have a great time, care a little for their bodies, and hopefully, thank their kidneys for the good job it has been silently doing.

There were the old and the young, women reminding themselves that slowing down is not an option, people running with their young ones, and people just refreshed at the effort they put in, and celebrating themselves.

coming together for kidneys

At the end of a hard day's effort of running the distance, participants left with timings, finisher medals, a phone full of photos and a heart full of memories. Thanks to the effort by the hospital, kidney health and opting to lend a helping hand to others is also a lasting message the participants would have taken home with them.