National Kidney Month
Keep your kidneys healthy! March is National Kidney Month, raising awareness about kidney disease prevention and treatment. Learn how lifestyle choices affect kidney health and the importance of early detection.
About National Kidney Month
Keep your kidneys healthy! March is National Kidney Month, raising awareness about kidney disease prevention and treatment. Learn how lifestyle choices affect kidney health and the importance of early detection.
History & origins
National Kidney Month is observed in March and is closely associated with the National Kidney Foundation, which has used the month for public education and prevention messaging for many years. The observance is rooted in the United States, where NKF has highlighted March as a time to focus on chronic kidney disease, risk factors, and early testing. Its exact origin date is not clearly documented in the sources reviewed, so it is best described as a long-running awareness observance rather than a formally established holiday.
Why it matters
National Kidney Month matters because chronic kidney disease often develops quietly, and many people do not know they have it until the disease is advanced. The observance encourages simple screening, blood pressure control, diabetes management, and healthier habits that can help prevent kidney damage or slow its progression. It also helps draw attention to the large number of Americans affected and the need for earlier diagnosis and better care.
How to celebrate
Get your kidney function tested. Learn about kidney-healthy diet. Stay hydrated and exercise. Control blood pressure and blood sugar. Share kidney health information.
Facts
- 37 million American adults have kidney disease
- 9 in 10 don't know they have it
- Diabetes and high blood pressure cause most kidney disease
- Your kidneys filter 200 quarts of blood daily
- Early detection can slow or prevent kidney failure
Frequently asked questions
When is National Kidney Month in 2026?
National Kidney Month in 2026 is observed throughout March 2026. It is a month-long observance rather than a single-day holiday.
What is National Kidney Month?
National Kidney Month is a kidney health awareness observance held in March. It focuses on prevention, early detection, and education about chronic kidney disease and related risk factors.
Who started National Kidney Month?
The observance is closely promoted by the National Kidney Foundation, but a single founder or official launch date is not clearly documented. It is best understood as a health-awareness campaign led by kidney advocates rather than a formal holiday with one clear origin story.
How do you celebrate National Kidney Month?
You can celebrate by getting kidney function checked, learning your risk factors, and sharing kidney-health information with others. Healthy choices like staying hydrated, exercising, and controlling blood pressure and blood sugar are also practical ways to participate.
Is National Kidney Month an official holiday?
No, National Kidney Month is not a federal holiday. It is an awareness observance meant to educate the public and encourage prevention and early screening.
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