Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi / Manipal (VM)

Udupi, Mar 8: The world observes World Kidney Day on March 8. The facts are clear before us that over one lac people are diagnosed with kidney disease in India every year and 90 per cent die due to lack of timely treatment.

On the occasion of World Kidney Day-2007 Kasturba Hospital, Manipal has announced a free Special Kidney Health Check-up package for the screening the health of the kidneys. The camp which will be held from March 8 to 16 will include free registration, consultation, complete urine analysis, random glucose and creatinine)

To cater to this need, Kasturba Hospital offers free Kidney Health Check-up camp from March 8 to 16 at its hospital. The Kidney Checkup Package worth Rs 300 is given free during this week.

World Kidney day-2007 is being observed by creating awareness regarding health of kidneys and importance. Every day our Kidney does an amazing job of filtering and cleaning our blood (around 200 liters), regulates other chemicals in our blood, and controls blood pressure and keep bones healthy.

The purpose of World Kidney Day 2007 is to raise awareness about the importance of our kidneys – an amazing organ that plays a crucial role in keeping us alive and well – and to spread the message that ‘kidney disease is common, harmful and treatable.’

On the occasion of World Kidney Day on March 8 it is required to stimulate the curiosity of general public by asking the simple question “Are Your Kidney OK”. Chronic kidney disease is growing in alarming proportions all over the world as a silent epidemic.

According to Dr Ravindra Prabhu, Associate Professor and Head, Department of Nephrology, two main causes of Chronic Kidney Disease are diabetes mellitus and high blood pressure. Chronic Kidney Diseases (CKD) includes conditions that damage our kidneys and decrease their ability to keep us healthy.

It may get worse and one may develop complications like high blood pressure, anemia, weak bones, poor nutritional health and nerve damage. It may be caused by diabetes, high blood pressure, hereditary diseases and other disorders. Increase in life expectancy, unhealthy food habits and smoking etc., has brought in its wake chronic diseases Kidney Disease to India.

The early symptoms, says Dr Ravindra Prabhu, of an abnormality in functions of the kidneys are high blood pressure, urinary problems, painful urination, puffiness around the eyes, swelling of  feet, and in general a feeling of being fatigue or lack of energy. Diet and fluid management and regular exercises, BP control is the most important factors to keep CKD’s away from healthy body. As the disease is silent, effective screening programs are required to detect this early.

 Effective control of blood sugar and blood pressure would go a long way in prevention. Early detection of CKD prevents progression of the disease. Patients with diabetes mellitus, other kidney diseases and hypertension, Individuals who are obese or smoke, Individuals over 50 years of age, Individuals with a family history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension and kidney diseases should undergo simple Kidney Health Checks at least on an annual basis.