World Kidney Day is a global awareness campaign that emphasises the value of kidney health and actions that can be taken to reduce kidney disease and related illnesses.
On Thursday, 14 March 2024, the Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART) in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the North-West University (NWU) raised awareness around the risk factors of chronic kidney disease (CKD) such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. These CKD risk factors can be modified by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, exercising self-care, and adhering to treatment as advised by healthcare providers.
Prof Lebo Gafane-Matemane, associate professor of Physiology and community engagement champion at HART, emphasised the importance of empowering communities and patients with the necessary knowledge and tools. She added: “It is crucial to initiate awareness early as a preventative strategy and work with local communities and healthcare facilities.”
According to the World Kidney Day 2024 campaign, over 850 million individuals worldwide are estimated to have CKD, which robbed over 3,1 million people of their lives in 2019. Because 80% to 90% of patients are unaware of their diagnosis, this leads to death due to missed opportunities for early detection and optimum treatment of CKD.
Tips for healthy kidneys
- Stay active by exercising regularly, as this promotes circulation of blood and overall well-being.
- Nourish your body by maintaining a balanced diet. This can include fruits, vegetables and lean proteins that support kidney functioning.
- Avoid harmful habits by limiting the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and other substances, as this can worsen kidney damage.
- Stay hydrated by drinking about six to eight glasses of water daily, as this will support kidney functioning and help flush toxins.
- Monitor vital health indicators by assessing your blood pressure and blood sugar levels. For more information about kidney health, visit: https://www.worldkidneyday.org/.
Prof Lebo Gafane-Matemane educating students about the importance of kidney health at the Wasgoedpennetjie Lane on the Potchefstroom Campus.
