Protect your kidneys on World Kidney Day

March 12 is World Kidney Day and calls on you to have your kidneys checked and to celebrate these important organs.

“The theme this year is ‘kidney health for all’. This day is a global phenomenon to raise awareness of the importance of our kidneys to our overall health and to reduce the frequency and impact of kidney disease and its associated health problems worldwide,” said Nephrologist (kidney specialist) Dr Kamal Maharaj.

Netcare Alberlito Hospital in partnership with Ampath, Lancet, National Renal Care and Healthy Start will be hosting a community kidney screening session from 9am-1pm on Thursday, March 12 on the first floor foyer. Dr Maharaj emphasises that chronic kidney disease (which is kidney damage, or a decreased level of kidney function for a period of three months or more), needs to be attended to immediately and gives a few common pointers of people who are in danger of suffering from this.

“Early signs of kidney disease include high blood pressure, fluid retention, swelling of the ankles or legs, puffy eyes, changes in urine colour or consistency, fatigue and itching,” he said.

Besides the above signs, people should have their kidney function tested if they have a family history of kidney disease or have diabetes, hypertension, are obese, smoke or have protein and/or blood in your urine.

There are a few simple tests to measure kidney health such as blood pressure measurement, blood and urine tests.

“By changing your lifestyle, it is possible to prevent further damage to your kidneys. Eating healthy, controlling blood pressure, controlling blood sugar, drinking up to two litres of water per day, being aware of the medical drugs one consumes and regularly having a follow up appointment with your Nephrologist,” he said.

For further inquiries and screening for kidney disease please contact Dr Maharaj at 032-9466784.

So, drink an extra glass of water on World Kidney Day and go have them checked out.