Trinidad and Tobago: NCRHA aware public about kidney diseases, ahead of World Kidney Day

Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago: North Central Regional Health Authority (NCRHA) of Trinidad and Tobago has updated about World Kidney Day 2023, which is worldwide celebrated on the second Thursday of March every year and this year, it will be celebrated on March 9.

The recent post by the Health Authority, updated on March 8, 2023, read, “World Kidney Day, commemorated annually, is a global campaign aimed at raising awareness of the importance of our kidneys to overall health and reducing kidney disease and its associated problems globally.”

It further stated, “Our dedicated and caring staff, who are committed to providing quality healthcare, educated patients and relatives on the importance of kidney health at the Arima General Hospital!”

It also mentioned tips to safeguard kidneys. Some tips to keep the kidneys healthy, as per NCRHA, were:

• Make healthy food choices.
• Drink lots of water! Stay hydrated.
• Make physical activity part of your lifestyle.
• Get the right amount of sleep.
• Manage NCDs such as diabetes.
• Practice stress-reducing activities.
• Schedule regular check-ups!

Furthermore, it mentioned, “A special thank you to our NCRHA staff for going above and beyond to educate our communities to ensure they live healthier, happier and longer lives.”

It is worth noting that the kidneys are vital organs that filter waste products from the blood and remove them from the body through urine. They also help regulate blood pressure and produce hormones that stimulate the red blood cells production. Unfortunately, kidney disease can go undetected for years, leading to irreversible damage and potentially life-threatening complications.

Kidney disease affects millions of people across the world, and it is estimated that one in ten adults has some form of kidney damage. The leading causes of kidney disease are diabetes and high blood pressure, but other factors such as obesity, smoking, and a family history of kidney disease can also increase the risk.

The theme for World Kidney Day 2023 is “Living Well with Kidney Disease.” The campaign aims to grow awareness about the importance of early detection, along with management of kidney disease to improve the quality of life for people living with the condition. The campaign also aims to empower patients to take control of their kidney health by promoting healthy lifestyle choices and educating them about the importance of self-care.

Living well with kidney disease involves several lifestyle changes, including following a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, avoiding smoking, and managing blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Early detection as well as treatment of kidney disease can also help prevent or delay the need for dialysis or kidney transplantation.