As we settle into this “new normal,” many parents in Oregon and across the U.S. are looking for ways to balance many priorities, including working remotely, teaching their children, and staying healthy. To help parents keep their kids engaged at home, Fresenius Medical Care has created The Kidney Kid initiative– a collection of virtual learning activities that teach children about kidney health.
An “edutainment” (education + entertainment) program, The Kidney Kid is a superhero character that takes children on adventures to learn about their kidneys and how to keep them healthy. The program includes a website, free smartphone app, and games for children ages 6-12—offering activities for children to learn and have fun with their parents.
While it’s important to make sure children are “edutained” during school closings, it is also critical to promote awareness of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) at an early age. According to the World Health Organization, obesity is a primary risk factor for CKD; 381 million children and adolescents aged 0-19 were overweight or obese in 2016, making it essential to ensure that kids stay active in order to curb the risk of CKD.
“We teach kids at a young age about essential organs that are needed for survival like the heart, brain, and lungs, and we want to make sure kidneys are included on that list,” said FMCNA Director of Community Relations, Jessie Newman. “Awareness and prevention should start early, and the Kidney Kid provides opportunities for children at home to get exercise, stay entertained, and gain awareness of their kidneys and kidney disease, in a fun and engaging way.”
Families can learn more at The Kidney Kid website and access resources like comics, activities, games, and videos. You can even order a kit filled with interactive materials including capes, masks, bags, balloons, and stickers to help engage and entertain children while learning about their “super organ,” the kidneys.
Another unique feature is the game app—children can play along as the “Kidney Kid” as they run, jump, fly, swim, and dash through a series of challenges to collect food and drinks that support healthy kidneys, while promoting physical activity and helping them solve mysteries in the imaginary town of Whippington.
“No matter how old you are, mastering a healthy diet can be challenging,” Newman said. “The Kidney Kid helps establish healthy eating habits at an early age while also sharing the benefits certain foods and drinks have on our kidneys.”
