Continuing its commitment to community health and well-being, Mediclinic Newcastle is actively supporting National Kidney Awareness Week from 2-6 September. The initiative underscores the importance of kidney health and the proactive steps required to prevent kidney disease—a silent, often overlooked condition impacting millions globally.
Firstly, National Kidney Awareness Week is dedicated to increasing awareness regarding the significance of kidney health and the impact of kidney disease on individuals and communities.
The week also aims to educate the public about the indispensable role kidneys play in maintaining overall health, the risk factors associated with kidney disease, and the importance of early detection and prevention.
Looking at some of the focal points behind National Kidney Awareness Week, Mediclinic Newcastle highlights the following:
1. Raising Awareness: Kidney disease often goes undetected until it has reached an advanced stage, making awareness and education essential. This week seeks to inform people about the signs and symptoms of kidney disease and the steps they can take to protect their kidneys.
2. Promoting Early Detection: Early detection of kidney disease can significantly reduce the risk of progression to more severe conditions. Through screening and regular check-ups, individuals can identify potential issues early and take necessary preventive measures.
3. Encouraging a Healthy Lifestyle: Lifestyle choices such as maintaining a healthy diet, staying hydrated, exercising regularly, and managing conditions like diabetes and hypertension are key to preventing kidney disease. National Kidney Awareness Week emphasises the importance of these habits in maintaining kidney health.
According to data on the subject, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) continues to impact the lives of numerous South Africans.
In SA, it is estimated that one in ten individuals may have some degree of CKD, yet many cases remain undiagnosed until the condition has advanced. The leading causes of CKD include diabetes, hypertension, and certain genetic conditions, making regular monitoring of blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and kidney function essential, especially for those at higher risk.
Although CKD often presents with no symptoms in its early stages, warning signs such as swelling in the legs, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and changes in urination patterns may indicate a problem. Therefore, Mediclinic Newcastle advises that if you experience any of these symptoms, it is important that you promptly book a consultation with your doctor.
Moreover, preventive measures, such as reducing table salt (sodium chloride) intake, staying hydrated, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and maintaining a healthy weight, can greatly reduce the risk of developing kidney disease. Additionally, regular check-ups, including kidney function tests, are pivotal for early detection, particularly for individuals with a family history of kidney disease or other risk factors.
Zooming into the local communities under the medical institution’s care, Mediclinic Newcastle’s Dr Thusi, a Nephrologist who specialises in Internal Medicine, weighed in on the subject, discussing the issue and prevalence among Newcastillians.
When looking at the prevalence of CKD, Dr Thusi said, “Newcastle has bit of a higher rate than the provincial levels of 16%. Chronic Kidney Disease in Newcastle stands between 16% and 20%. A lot of the contributing factors to the issue locally is due to uncontrolled diabetes and uncontrolled hypertension, especially among people from 40 years and older. There are also unexplained diseases and causes among the younger generation which we are still investigating but could be linked to substance usage.”
Moreover, Dr Thusi highlighted that having CKD has a major impact on a person’s body. “The kidneys play a huge role in a person’s body, from regulating fluids in a person’s body to regulating hormones. It is therefore important for people with high risk factors, such as diabetes and hypertension, to go for regular check ups and urine tests. People with regular headaches and irregular urine flow should also go to their doctor or nearest medical facility to be examined for kidney-related health issues,” said Dr Thusi.
Due to the risks, Dr Thusi highlighted that swelling in the legs, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and changes in urination patterns were not the only warning signs. “The symptoms are vast and also include shortness of breath, dehydration, poor sleep, excessive itchiness and dry skin,” he warned.
Dr Thusi emphasised that chronic kidney disease (CKD) significantly impacts a person’s well-being. If left unchecked and the individual’s health deteriorates, they may require urgent medical attention. Doctors have observed cases where patients needed to be rushed to the ICU for treatment or undergo immediate dialysis to manage the condition.
By going for regular check-ups and understanding tell-tale signs of Chronic Kidney Disease, Dr Thusi said the necessary treatment could be started, which would be focused on the seriousness of the CKD when diagnosed. These treatments could include medications, dialysis and if too severe, a possible kidney transplant.
Leaving the community with a few final thoughts on the matter, Mediclinic Newcastle’s Hosptial General Manager, Japie Greyling stated, “Mediclinic Newcastle is committed to ensuring our communities have full access to comprehensive services, which include early detection technologies, patient education, and ongoing support for those affected by kidney disease. The hospital encourages everyone to take advantage of National Kidney Awareness Week to learn more about their kidney health and to make informed choices that can lead to a healthier life.”
With the above in mind and given the importance of kidney health, it’s paramount to prioritise regular check-ups to ensure these valuable organs are functioning well and free from any potential issues.
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