Kidney Day
WHEREAS, healthy kidneys are essential to regulate the body, remove fluids, waste, toxins and drugs introduced to the body, release hormones, that regulate blood pressure, make red blood cells and promote strong bones; and
WHEREAS, nearly 900,000 Virginians, about one in nine adults, suffer from chronic kidney disease, of those over 9,000 are afflicted with end-stage renal disease and require life saving dialysis treatments; and
WHEREAS, nearly 2,300 Virginians are waiting on the national donor list for a kidney transplant; and
WHEREAS, the two main causes of chronic kidney disease are diabetes and high blood pressure, which are responsible for up to two-thirds of the cases of kidney disease; and
WHEREAS, by calling attention to the importance of education and patient self-empowerment with regard to chronic kidney disease within our city we hope to improve the quality and availability of such information and services; and
WHEREAS, the cost of treatment for kidney disease patients is disproportionately higher than any other chronic disease; and
WHEREAS, the citizens of Commonwealth value the benefits of good health, recognizing that it is the key component of a long, productive and fulfilling life, therefore, we proudly support observances that raise public awareness concerning crucial health issues, such as Chronic Kidney Disease;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert F. McDonnell, do hereby recognize March 11, 2010 as KIDNEY DAY in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.