Non-Communicable diseases linked to Kidney failure
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Non-Communicable diseases linked to Kidney failure |
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Contact: Claudia Monlouis
Monday 15 August 2011 – Persons who are suffering from kidney failure secondary to a non-communicable disease such as diabetes are being cautioned that they must stick to their specialised diets although it may be very restricted.
The Ministry of Health has recorded an increase in the number of persons battling kidney disease on the island and is taking measures to sensitize the public on the importance of caring for one's kidneys.
Chronic failure of the kidneys appears to be an increasingly common ailment that health officials want people to learn about and take the needed action to avoid.
Dietition Fadia Campbell of the Victoria Hospital says the dietician is available to guide patients on what they should or should not consume. “First of all your kidneys are very important organs in your body. They play very, very important roles. Regulating the amount of water and salt in the blood is another important function of the kidney. Kidney disease can also be caused as a result of diabetes, systemic lupus, traumas, obstruction of the urinary tract, and trauma and urinary infection.”
Although dialysis services are available at both the Saint Jude Hospital located at the George Odlum Stadium in the south of the island and at Victoria hospital there is still a waiting list of persons who have been recommended for dialysis treatment.
Meantime, the Caribbean is gearing up for the observance of Caribbean Wellness day next month. The observance of Caribbean Wellness Day was one of the decisions taken when the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government, deeply concerned about the physical, economic and social burdens caused by lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, stroke, heart disease, obesity and cancer.
CARICOM met in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago on September 15th 2007 to design a plan of action to stop the epidemic of chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)
To be observed annually on the second Saturday in September, Caribbean Wellness Day showcases national and community level activities to promote healthy living and encourage residents to develop good health practices.
Among the activities proposed for the day are the introduction of vehicle-free streets and smoke-free environments to provide opportunities and safe spaces for physical activity and healthy eating, free from exhaust emissions tobacco smoke and other pollutants. Regional and national organisers hope to launch a campaign of regular physical activities for popular participation to promote healthy living for prevention and control of NCDs. The main focus of the campaign will be on a small number of targets – eating healthy foods, regular exercise, checking and controlling blood pressure, quit smoking – to be achieved through constant gentle practice rather than drastic unsustainable activity. |
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