/ #Alive to Strive #kidney 

Alive to Strive Kidney Fitness Project Celebrates World Kidney Day

On March 12, 2015, Alive to Strive Kidney Fitness Project invites Ottawa residents to join people around the world in drinking a glass of water to mark World Kidney Day, a day that raises awareness of the important role that our kidneys play in our overall health. These fist-sized organs perform many essential tasks every day to keep us healthy, including regulating blood pressure, filtering toxins from our blood, and regulating salt and water levels in our blood.








The Ottawa-based Alive to Strive Kidney Fitness Project is committed to helping those living with chronic kidney disease maintain a healthy lifestyle. With approximately 2 million Canadians estimated to have chronic kidney disease, Alive to Strive is working hard to raise awareness of issues related to kidney health. The non-profit organization also operates an Active Living Grant Program that benefits those living with chronic kidney disease.








“Today, the Alive to Strive organization is joining the World Kidney Day campaign to celebrate their kidneys,” said Marie-Eve Chainey, President of Alive to Strive Kidney Fitness Project. “The symbolic gesture of drinking a glass of water and giving one too reminds us that our kidneys are vital organs and that we need to take care of them through the lifestyle choices we make every day.”








On April 26, Alive to Strive is hosting
**
 the 5
 
  th
 
 annual Alive to Strive Run for Kidney Health
**
to both raise awareness of kidney health and to raise funds for its Active Living Grant Program. Runners and walkers also raise funds for the Canadian Diabetes Association, Kidney Foundation of Canada, and the Ottawa Hospital Foundation. Race participants can choose from the 1km, 5km, 10km walk/run and the 5km Team Challenge distances, as well as a 5km wheelchair race. Race and registration details are available at www.alivetostrive.ca.








“Kidney disease is often silent. Many people do not even know that their kidney function is reduced,” said Chainey. “Our annual race is an important way to inform people about the risk factors of kidney disease and prevention. At the same time, runners and walkers are directly helping people in our community living with kidney disease since 100% of race fees go toward the fitness grants.”








With many dialysis patients living relatively sedentary lives, Alive to Strive’s grant programs help patients to get active. Physical activity helps to improve their strength, mobility, endurance and balance, and leads to more energized lives.








“I have seen the incredible benefits our grant programs have had on patients. They are stronger and healthier, they are happier,” added Chainey.








To learn more about the Active Living Grant Program and the Alive to Strive Race, visit

[

 www.alivetostrive.ca

](http://www.alivetostrive.ca/)

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