Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and Filipinos requiring dialysis continue to increase. The Philippine Society of Nephrology (PSN) is calling on Filipinos to take care of their kidneys as CKD–while it can be slowed down–cannot be completely cured with medications.
Referring to data from the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI), the PSN revealed that one Filipino develops chronic renal failure every hour, or about 120 Filipinos per million population every year. Worse, it remains underdiagnosed.
“All of us need to be informed of the importance of our kidneys to our general health.
Everyone needs to be aware of the risk factors and signs and symptoms of kidney disease, and see a doctor for proper diagnosis even those without symptoms but are at risk,” said PSN President Dr. Maaliddin B. Biruar.
As the country observes World Kidney Day on March 9, The PSN is undertaking a lay forum that targets informing Filipino patients about kidney functions and CKD–its risk factors and causes, signs and symptoms, diagnostic tests for the disease, and golden rules for healthy kidneys.
“Majority have no symptoms, especially in early CKD, and so it is best to check with your doctor if you think you are at risk,” said Dr. Biruar, adding that risk factors include high blood sugar, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, smoking, age over 60 years, and family history.
The lay forum which will be held at the Archdiocesan Museum of Cebu, will also launch PSN’s initiative dubbed #StopCKD, an online self-awareness test to know one’s risk for kidney disease.
“By filling out a simple questionnaire, our fellow Pinoys can find out if they might have silent CKD now,” said Dr. Juliet Chua Chong – Noel, President of PSN Central and Eastern Visayas who will be leading the celebration in Cebu.
The questionnaire can be accessed thru https://az.app.box.com/v/know-your-CKD-risk.
For his part, Dr. Vimar A. Luz, Head of Cluster of Patient Care and Member of PSN’s Board of Trustees, said that apart from getting screened for possible CKD, Filipinos can start following some golden rules for healthy kidneys. “This disease can be prevented. A lifestyle change can save the kidneys. This golden rule will help in keeping the kidneys healthy,” Dr. Luz said.
Dr. Luz said another golden rule is to eat a healthy diet of vegetables and fruits; lean meat and fish; whole grains; and low in added sugar, sodium, and fat. Exercising regularly, drinking adequate water volume, quitting smoking, now abusing the use of pain relievers and supplements, and having regular checkups are the other golden rules Filipinos could follow, he added.
