An expert in kidney disease, Dr Manda David-West, has stated that in general terms, living a healthy life style is one sure way of preventing heart related diseases.
Dr. David-West, who made the disclosure during events marking this year’s World Kidney Day in Port Harcourt, said living a healthy lifestyle entails noting habits that will enhance healthy living.
Such habits, she said, include limiting salt intake, reduction of alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, and drinking adequate amount of clean water.
It also include exercising regularly, going for regular medical checkups, especially for Blood Pressure (BP), blood sugar check, and undergoing yearly screening of urine test, kidney function test , as well as desisting from patronizing herbal remedies and using over-the-counter pain killers.
“Generally, living a healthy lifestyle is what is required to stay free from kidney diseases.
“Too much salt, for instance”, she said, “can raise up the BP, and once the BP is raised, if you are not on medication, It can damage the kidney over time”.
The Nephrologist further stated that to prevent kidney disease, there was the need to cut down on carbohydrate and callory intake as well.
This, she continued, should be alongside checking food in-take capable of increasing chances of developing diabetes mellitus.
David West, a Consultant Nephrologist at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), therefore, called for a general healthy lifestyle in accordance with recommendation from a specialist.
As part of events marking this year’s World Kidney Day, the Rekiff Kindney Support Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation in Rivers State embarked on health talks, screening of UPTH community and school children, as well as creating awareness on kidney disease through television and radio.
Urinalysis diagnosis were also carried out on over 300 people at the Haemodialysis Unit, Department of Paediatrics, UPTH, and at the Graceland Internal School in Port Harcourt.
The theme for the 2022 World Kidney Day is “Kidney Health For All – Bridge the Knowledge Gaps to Better Kidney Care”.
By: Sogbeba Dokubo
