30 Mar 2017

Kidney disease is a non-communicable disease that affects both the young and old and it has affected many in Botswana.
Speaking during the World Kidney Day with a theme Kidney Disease and Obesity; Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Kidneys, Dr Gagoitsewe Saleshando, a nephrologist at Renal Care Institute said it was important to sensitise the public about the kidney disease and how to prevent it.
He said the theme showed that obesity was one of the things that could lead to one getting the disease because it directly impacted on the body.
Dr Saleshando said signs of the disease did not instantly show until the kidneys no longer worked properly.
He said exercising for 45 minutes to one hour every day, walking or jogging might help prevent the disease.
Healthy eating and testing for diseases related to kidney disease such as high blood pressure and diabetes was important according to Dr Saleshando.
Unit manager at Renal Care Institute, Ms Hazel Thipe said healthy eating and exercising was vital for good health.
She encouraged those affected by kidney disease to seek medical attention whenever they experienced difficulties and avoid being obese by eating healthily.
Mr Nico Molwantwa, a kidney disease patient, said the disease had impacted his life negatively so much that he was no longer able to do some household chores.
He encouraged healthy eating as well as eating the right amount of food. Mr Molwantwa urged those affected by the disease to take medications correctly and consistently. ENDS