New Delhi: Today over 66 countries including India is celebrating ‘World Kidney Day’. Every year the second Thursday in March is dedicated to the most crucial yet taken for granted organ of our body- kidney.
Today around 850 million people across the world are distressed due to kidney disease. It is reported to be the sixth-largest cause of human death.
To mark the special day and spread the awareness about Kidney diseases and their implications further CitySpidey spoke to Urologist, Dr Vimal Dassi.
Dr Dassi is a leading kidney transplant surgeon at Max Hospital, Vaishali and has more than 17 years of experience in Urology, Robotics, and Kidney Transplant.
Why is there a rise in kidney problems?
In everyday life and rush, most of us ignore the importance of Kidneys in general and take the organ for granted. Due to the increase in incidents of diabetes and hypertension in the community, kidney diseases are increasing alarmingly. Kidney disease can be treated if detected and diagnosed early.
Do we need to take the rise as an alarm?
In spite of the rise in disease the good part is that there is a lot, we all can do to keep the kidney problems at bay. A common man needs to understand that ‘Kidney health is for everyone and everywhere’. All we need to do is to just follow the basics in our everyday routine.
How can one know if one has kidney problems?
The most basic thing to follow is – Get yourself tested yearly.
Meet your doctor six-monthly or yearly to test your blood and Urine. If there is a protein (albumin) in your urine, it’s maybe an indication of the start of kidney disease due to diabetes.
Who is more likely to develop kidney disease?
- Approximately 1 of 3 adults with diabetes and 1 of 5 adults with high blood pressure may have Chronic Kidney Diseases (CKD) or have high chances to have it.
- In addition to diabetes and high blood pressure, people with heart disease, obesity (being overweight), and a family history of CKD is at high risk.
- Kidney infections and a physical injury can also cause kidney disease.
What is the best way to keep your kidneys healthy?
- Keep your blood pressure ideal or below 140/90.
- Stay in your target cholesterol range.
- Lose weight if you are overweight
- Eat foods lower in salt.
- Add more fruits and vegetables to your diet.
- Stay active. Physical activity helps control blood sugar levels.
- Quit smoking.
- Take your medications as directed.
- Don’t overdo over-the-counter (OTC) medications