Health facilities in Gauteng will on Thursday, 14 March 2013, screen people for blood glucose, blood pressure and providing education on how to take care of kidneys as part of World Kidney Day.
The incidents of kidneys problems are increasing in South Africa because of uncontrolled diabetes, uncontrolled high blood pressure, HIV and AIDS, inherited kidney disease, some over the counter medicines and medicines obtained from traditional healers.
Professor Sarla Naicker, head of nephrology at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic hospital, estimated that there were 25 000 people throughout South Africa who needed to be treated for kidney problems.
However because of lack of awareness of the disease, only 5 500 people were currently on treatment.
She said home dialysis had been introduced to assist patients who live far from health institutions. “However we need more people to donate kidneys. If we could do more kidney transplants the need for dialysis will be less.”
Most kidney problems happen slowly and a person may have a silent kidney disease for years. People with chronic kidney disease may also have a high risk of dying from a stroke or heart attack.
Symptoms of kidney problems include frequent need for urination, feeling tired and drowsy, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, swelling of hands and/or feet, feeling numb and discolouring of the skin.
Kidney diseases can be prevented by quitting smoking, following a low protein diet and maintaining healthy levels of cholesterol in the blood stream. Other preventative methods include having the regular blood pressure check-ups, making sure that your diabetes in under control, avoiding indiscriminate use of non-prescription medication especially painkillers and if you are HIV positive have a blood test to check your kidney function annually.
Gauteng offers dialysis at seven facilities, namely Chris Hani Baragwanath, Dr George Mukhari, Steve Biko, Charlotte Maxeke, Helen Joseph, Leratong, and Sebokeng hospitals.
Enquiries:
Simon Zwane
Cell: 082 551 9892
