PEOPLE are urged to get back to basics and focus on the four pillars of lifestyle as part of Kidney Health Week.
The theme this year is Connection – Kidney Health for all, with World Kidney Day falling on March 10.
The week reminds the community how nutrition, movement, managing stress and sleeping well are still vitally important not only for overall health but for kidney health.
One in three Australians have an increased risk of kidney disease.
Knowing and checking the risk factors can potentially help protect you against developing irreversible kidney disease.
Did you know that Australian adults are at an increased risk of chronic kidney disease if they:
– Have diabetes
– Have high blood pressure (hypertension)
– Are obese (body mass index greater or equal to 30)
– Have a family history of kidney disease
– Are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin
– Are over 60 years of age
– Are a smoker
– Have established heart problems (heart failure or past heart attack) and/have had a stroke
It is advised that men over the aged of 50 have a prostate check up.
It is estimated that by the age of 50, around three out of 10 men suffer from enlarged prostate, this figure rises to five out of 10 by age 70 and may reach eight out of 10 by 80 years.
The prostate is a small, male gland (about the size of a walnut in normal adults) which wraps around the outlet of the bladder, like a collar.
Early symptoms of an enlarged prostate are being woken at night by the need to urinate, urinating frequently, a reduction in the flow of urine, delay in starting the flow and dribbling afterwards.
If symptoms are severe enough, treatment will usually be recommended, generally the options are medication for management or surgery, treatment will be determined and advised by a GP.
While women do not have to worry about prostate disease, it is advised that women aged over 50 also get a check up for their kidney and urinary tract health.
Although most people continue to feel perfectly well, some conditions which affect the kidneys and urinary tract begin to make their presence felt.
Around this age people are entering a time of increased risk of cancer and degenerative illnesses, but the principles of a healthy lifestyle and early detection remain as valid as they do for 20 and 30 year olds.
People within this age group are urged to book an appointment with their GP for a health check, detecting symptoms early can potentially improve health outcomes and delay the progression of kidney disease, prostate problems or urinary tract conditions.
The Kidney Health Australia’s website has great resources and information about Kidney health. Connect at www.kidney.org.au or call 1800 454 363.
Swan Hill District Health’s Dialysis Unit operates Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 6.30am and 3pm. Call 5033 9342.
