Dr Mehta's Children's Hospital to mark the World Kidney Day

 Dr Mehta's Children's Hospital to mark the World Kidney Day

More than 500 children today took part in a walkathon organised by the city-based Dr Mehta's Children's Hospital to mark the World Kidney Day. The event was organised at the Marina Beach near the Gandhi statue where the enthusiastic children participated in the 500 m walk to create awareness on kidney-related ailments and early medical interventions to prevent it. Popular Tamil Film actress Sneha and her actor-Husband Prasanna flagged off the event, in which 200 adults also participated. After the walkathon from Gandhi statue to Light House and back, participation certificates were given to all the children by Hospital Chairman Mr Dilip Mehta and CEO Mr Sameer Mehta. The children, including boys and girls studying 4th and 5th standard, were drawn from various schools in the city and they carried placards and banners with a message to donate kidney and for early detection of kidney-related ailments, especially among the young ones, which were on the rise. Hospital doctors said there was a need for all-round intensive awareness program on lifestyle and health aspects to prevent kidney diseases among children. The theme for his year's World Kidney day is ''Kidney Disease and Children - Act Early to prevent it.'' The walkathon was aimed at creating awareness among parents, policy makers and general Public about early detection and a healthy life style in children and risk of kidney damage that originates in childhood