Whangarei Hospital's renal unit will run Beach 2 Basin on World Kidney Day at Forum North on Tuesday, 8 March. Cheryle Kiwi, Renal Service Manager of Whangarei Hospital says that World Kidney Day will be celebrated as fun day which will provide an opportunity to the renal team to stay healthy. The event will also encourage other runners and their families to participate in the event.

She said that the hospital will provide free simple checks to examine the risk of kidney disease. These checks will include blood and sugar test.

Kidney disease considered as a silent disease but there are a number of ways to slow down the disease. Changes in the life style such as losing weight, exercising, eating less salt, stopping smoking and drinking less alcohol can reduce the risk of the disease.

Free on-the-spot blood pressure and blood sugar tests will be provided for the public by Northland DHB staff t Forum North on Rust Avenue in Whangarei. The event will be held on Tuesday, 8 March 2011 from 10am to 2pm. If any further assistance would be required, the cases will be handed over to their GPs.