The Nephrology Unit of Paediatric Department of University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, recently sensitized the pupils and students of Alakahia Community School to mark the World Kidney Day.
World Kidney Day is a global campaign that aims to raise awareness of the importance of our kidneys to our overall health and to reduce the frequency and impact of kidney disease and its associated health problems worldwide.
World Kidney Day is celebrated every second Thursday in March.
The theme: “Kidney Health for all: Preparing for the unexpected, supporting the vulnerable”, states to be alert for unexpected kidney issues and get them detected on time. Also, support the ones who are suffering from it.
Consultant Paediatric Nephrologist, Prof. Ifeoma C. Anochie, while addressing the children described the kidney as two bean-shaped organs located just below the ribcage, one on each side of the spine.
She stated how important the kidneys are and as such, should be well taken care of, to avoid kidney disease. She noted that the kidneys are responsible for getting rid of waste products, drugs and toxins through our urine, controlling acid-base balance, water balance, blood pressure and maintaining electrolyte balance,
producing the hormone erythropoietin, activating Vitamin D amongst others.
Another Consultant Paediatric Nephrologist, Dr. Chuks Obinabor, enlightened the children on some of the causes of kidney disease. He noted that some of the causes of kidney disease are high blood pressure, Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), eating processed food, eating too many foods high in sugar, drinking excessive alcohol, overuse of painkillers, untreated or poorly treated malaria, Hepatitis B, herbal concoction, constipation, trauma e.t.c.
He advised the children to ensure they desist from conditions that might put them at risk of having kidney disease.
Dr. Tochi Uchenwa, a Consultant Paediatric Nephrologist, pointed out some of the symptoms of kidney disease are frequent urination, urinating blood, body swellings, poor appetite, dry, itchy skin, fatigue, difficulty in sleeping amongst others.
According to Dr. Uchenwa, when a person experiences any of these symptoms, they should immediately see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Advocacy for healthy kidneys is very important and should be taken seriously. The Nephrologists advised the children to take very good care of their kidneys by drinking lots of water, and to inform their parents on the need to monitor blood pressure, weight gain and eating balanced diet, avoid smoking, avoid taking over-the-counter painkillers e.t.c.
