Our amazing kidneys are two bean shaped organs approximately the size of our fists which are located in the back on either side of the spine just jutting down below the lower ribs. Despite their small size, they receive a very rich blood supply and are responsible for filtering our entire blood volume as many as fifty times each day! They remove waste products and toxins from the body, remove excess fluid producing urine, regulate the concentration of salts like sodium and potassium, help control the pH of the body fluids and help to regulate blood pressure. In other words, they operate as the sanitation department and the master chemists all in one. In addition to these well known filtration functions our kidneys also produce chemicals and hormones that help us make red blood cells and keep our bones healthy and strong. Our kidneys are vital organs which means that we cannot survive without some function from them.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is prevalent. As many as 10% of the population may have some degree of CKD. Moreover, the early stages are frequently asymptomatic so many persons are unaware of having kidney problems until they have lost as much as 90% of all kidney function. Diabetes and Hypertension, the two most common chronic diseases in Jamaica, are the leading causes of CKD. Kidney disease itself is an independent risk factor for Cardiovascular Disease namely heart attack, heart failure, stroke and peripheral vascular disease. Persons with kidney disease are 10 times more likely to have Cardiovascular Disease that the general population. Kidney disease affects all age groups, races and socioeconomic classes but the risk increases with age. CKD progresses on a scale of stages from 1 to 5, from mild, moderate to severe. Although the milder stages are common, the most severe form, Stage 5, ESKD or kidney failure can be delayed and sometimes prevented by early detection and appropriate treatment. This is why raising public awareness is vital, as most low and middle income countries like Jamaica have limited capacity to treat the most severe forms which require dialysis or kidney transplantation. The imperative of governments, health planners, physicians and patients, is to prevent or slow the progression of kidney disease, as the cost of treating kidney failure is prohibitive and the outcomes are suboptimal.
The focus of World Kidney Day is on public education to promote and maintain kidney health. The theme this year is “Are Your Kidneys OK? Detect Early, Protect Kidney Health “. We should all ask ourselves, Are our Kidneys Ok?
Eight Golden Rules for Kidney Health
Protect kidney health by observing the 8 golden rules.
1/ Keep Fit and Be Active
This will help to maintain a healthy weight, help control blood pressure and cholesterol and reduce the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease and CKD
2/ Have a healthy balanced diet
Reduce the salt intake and have enough servings of fruits and vegetables. Reduce frying and bake and grill meats in preference. Limit Carbohydrates and avoid sugary drinks.
This will promote a healthy weight, avoid hypertension and improve health status.
3/Stop smoking.
Smoking damages blood vessels and can lead to kidney damage (CKD)
4/Maintain good control of Blood Pressure.
Hypertension is the leading cause of Kidney failure in Jamaica, accounting for 60% of patients on dialysis. It is important to monitor and control Blood Pressure at all times.
5/ Control Blood Sugar if Diabetic
This becomes more important in middle aged and elderly patients as diabetes is the second most common cause of Kidney failure in Jamaica 20%,and the rate is rising. It is the commonest cause in most high-income countries (HIC).
6/Stay Hydrated
This helps the kidney filter waste and excess fluids from the body.
7/ Avoid Regular Use of Over- the- Counter Anti-Inflammatory/Pain -Killer Pills (NSAIDS)
These medications are damaging to kidneys and are especially harmful if kidney disease is already present.
8/ Get Tested or Screened for Kidney Disease If you are at Risk
You are at risk for having kidney disease if you have any of the following conditions,
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Hypertension
- Family history of kidney disease
- Repeated tests showing blood or albumin in the urine.
- Getting older, male >55 years, Female >60
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
- Sickle Cell Anaemia
- Obesity
Get Tested Today.
Tests include a urine test for a type of protein called albumin and a blood test to measure serum creatinine. This measurement is used to calculate your GFR, which reflects the percentage of kidney function and determines the stage of kidney disease.
Dr. L. Johnson-Whittaker,
Nephrologist, CEO Sunshine Dialysis Centre Ltd
