13 Mar 2016

Batswana have been requested to check if they are at risk for kidney disease and any other silent killer diseases in order to prevent them.

Speaking during the Princess Marina Hospital World Kidney Day commemoration in Gaborone, the Assistant Minister of Health Dr Alfred Madigele said kidney disease is a silent killer which would largely affect one’s quality of life and therefore urged Batswana to check themselves saying early detection would assist.

Dr Madigele however pointed out that there are easy ways to reduce the risk of the disease and encouraged preventative behaviour such as making sure that one keeps fit and active.

He said keeping fit and active helps to reduce blood pressure. He also encouraged parents to encourage children to be active by playing outside instead of sitting indoors and playing computer games to avoid health complications.

Dr Madigele also encouraged everyone to keep regular control of their sugar level saying half of the people with diabetes develop kidney damage.

Among the preventative methods, he mentioned monitoring blood pressure, eating healthy and keeping weight in check, avoiding smoking as well as maintaining a healthy fluid intake.

He said water is good as it helps to remove toxins from the body 

He also advised people not to take over the counter medication saying common drugs such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen are known to cause kidney damage and other diseases if taken regularly.

He nevertheless said such medication would probably not pose any significant danger if used for emergency purposes only and the kidneys are healthy.

He stated that Princess Marina Hospital alone sees over a thousand clinic visits annually at Nephrologyl Outpatient Department.

He said currently more than 400 patients with chronic kidney diseases are on dialysis with 2/3 using haemodialysis and 1/3 using peritoneal dialysis.

Nevertheless, he mentioned that the MoH has opened a Nephrology centre of Excellence at Princess Marina Hospital that is meant to provide better care to people suffering from chronic kidney disease and to prevent major complications which could result in death.

Dr Madigele also urged the nation to change their lifestyle in accordance with medical advice in order to prevent and control chronic kidney diseases.

He also encouraged those already affected to strictly follow dietary requirements and doctors recommendations in order to keep the disease under control, saying that would prevent long term complications.

He also called for a direct community participation, especially among those currently suffering from chronic kidney diseases.

He urged them to form or join existing chronic kidney disease support groups for support and to share experiences as part of the healing process.

He said it is within support groups that they would find motivation from individuals who are going through the same experience and would assist them to comply with their prescribed diet, weight loss, exercise routine and adherence to treatment. ENDS