This is one of the diseases that is considered a “silent killer” as many with the condition experience no symptoms until their kidneys fail completely. The Department of Health considers Chronic Kidney Disease V as one of the primary causes of mortality among Filipinos. Worldwide, 850 million people are estimated to have kidney diseases from various causes. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) cause at least 2.4 million deaths per year and is now the 6th fastest growing cause of death.
The National Kidney and Transplant Institute said CKD affects some 10,800 Filipinos yearly and that each year, 30,000 to 40,000 CKD V patients need to undergo dialysis. Like other diseases, kidney diseases often cannot be cured but it can be prevented.
Obesity and hypertension are said to be the drivers of this disease. Lifestyle plays a major role – an unhealthy diet and sedentary lifestyle can lead to diabetes, which makes one vulnerable to kidney diseases.
June is celebrated every year as National Kidney Month through Proclamation No. 184 by then Pres. Fidel Ramos in 1993, to stress the importance of proper kidney care to the public.
Last Friday, Col. Mark Solero, chief of the PRO’s Regional Health Service XI, said that kidney diseases have become prevalent in the police force with 130 cases recorded last year. This is a cause of concern because law enforcers are expected to be fit and healthy to be able to perform their job.
Dr. Maria Theresa Bad-ang, a nephrologist at the Davao Medical School Foundation (DMSF), told the police during the same event that there are many who are undergoing dialysis. Since prevention is the only way to go, she stressed that there should be intensified information regarding the disease so the police force can take early measures to ensure their men and women are at the peak of health.
Be that as it may, prevention of any form of disease is something that all of us should aspire for, health-wise.
