Pupils to learn about kidney health

Thursday 5th April 2012

Two kidney charities have joined forces to help teachers educate young children about the importance of kidney health.

Kidney Research UK and Kids Kidney Research have produced an information pack which aims to teach children at key stages one and two about their kidneys.

The pack, which is available as a free online resource for all schools, contains information about what the kidneys do, how they function and why they are important.

Professor Neil Turner, chairman of Kidney Research UK, said: "We have identified a clear need to begin educating children about their kidneys at a young age. There has been a significant rise in the number of people developing kidney disease because of lifestyle factors such as poor diet and lack of exercise. This problem is being made worse by a lack of awareness about basic kidney health among most adults.

"Improving children's understanding of their kidneys and the importance of kidney health, even in a very small way, could have a major impact in reducing the threat of kidney disease in this country."

The new pack contains activities, games and quizzes, plus links to useful websites and a short video about a young girl called Martha, who is waiting to receive a kidney transplant.

To download the pack, visit http://www.kidneyresearchuk.org.

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