The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) among Filipinos necessitating dialysis is on the rise, and the Philippine Society of Nephrology (PSN) is sounding the alarm. In an effort to combat this issue, they are urging individuals in the Philippines to prioritize kidney health, as while CKD can be managed, there is no complete cure through medications. Data obtained from the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) reveals that approximately one Filipino develops chronic renal failure every hour, translating to roughly 120 Filipinos per million population annually. Unfortunately, under diagnosis remains a persistent problem.
On World Kidney Day, observed on March 14, 2024 the Philippine Society of Nephrology (PSN) is organizing a lay forum dedicated to educating Filipino on CKD with the theme of “Kidney Health for All: Advancing Equitable Access to Care and Optimal Medication Practice.” The primary objective is to raise awareness about the significance of ensuring equal access to appropriate treatment and care for individuals living with kidney disease. This, in turn, aims to enhance their quality of life and delay the progression of the disease.
The host chapter PSN-Central Luzon headed by its President Dr. Girlie Reoyan, emphasizes the need for everyone to understand the significance of their kidneys for overall health. She stresses the importance of recognizing the risk factors and signs of kidney disease, advising individuals to seek proper medical diagnosis since majority of individuals with early CKD experience no symptoms as all. Among the risk factors highlighted are high blood sugar, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, smoking, age over 60 years, and family history.
Dr. Ginger Samonte, President of PSN who will be leading all PSN chapters in the celebration of World Kidney Day, reiterates PSN’s continuing initiative #StopCKD, an online self-awareness test designed to assess one’s risk for kidney disease. She encourages every Filipinos to take a test to understand one’s potential risk to develop CKD. The questionnaire can be accessed at https://az.app.box.com/v/know-your-CKD-risk.
According to Dr. Vimar A. Luz, esteemed member of PSN’s Board of Trustees and the Head of Cluster of Patient Care, Filipinos have the power to prevent chronic kidney disease (CKD) by adopting certain golden rules for maintaining healthy kidneys. Dr. Luz stresses that a simple lifestyle change can go a long way in saving our kidneys.
One of his key recommendations is to follow a healthy diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean meat, fish, and whole grains, while limiting the intake of added sugar, sodium, and fat. Regular exercise, proper hydration, avoidance of smoking & vaping, responsible use of pain relievers and supplements, as well as scheduling regular check-ups are additional golden rules that all Filipinos can adopt to safeguard their kidney health.
Given the increasing prevalence of chronic kidney disease in the country, it is crucial for individuals to be proactive and vigilant about their kidney health. The PSN’s dedicated efforts to raise awareness and promote preventive measures aim to alleviate the burden of CKD among Filipinos and contribute to the overall well-being of the nation.
