Today is World Kidney Day. This year's theme is "Protect your kidneys, Save your heart", which is very true. Most people who have kidney disease do not die of kidney disease, they die of other conditions caused by failed kidneys, most likely related to the heart.

So, it is important that if you do not have kidney disease, you should take steps to make sure that you don't ever get it. The best part is - it is in your control! The only thing you need to do is to recognize that fact and do something about it.

Here are five things you can do to reduce your risk of getting kidney disease (mostly taken from the official World Kidney Day website):

• Reduce your salt intake
• Drink at least 8 glasses of water every day
• Exercise at least 30 minutes every day
• Eat natural, healthy food
• Avoid antibiotics and pain killers unless prescribed by your doctor

A quick glance at the list and you might be saying, "What's new?" Exactly! That's what it is. The same old stuff. But take one more look at the list and see how many you are doing? It is very simple. You don't need anything complicated to prevent kidney disease. It is all straight forward. Its just about being disciplined and consciously making an effort.

Most of us get caught up in our daily lives without realizing that there could be a time bomb ticking inside us. We realize this only when it blows up. And by then it is too late. We all think that we are immune to these kinds of chronic conditions. "We will never get them". Honestly, I never, ever, even remotely considered the possibility of being diagnosed with a life threatening, life-long condition such as this. When it happened, it happened. I could do nothing.

You are probably in a stage where you can do something. The list above, when you think about it, is very general. It will help prevent a lot of chronic conditions. It is not at all specific to the kidneys! So, make a pledge. Use whatever tricks that work for you to follow these. You will not regret it.