The recent Kidney Health for All event held in Chennai shed light on the growing concern of chronic kidney diseases and the imperative need for prevention. Health Secretary Gagandeep Singh Bedi emphasized the importance of reversing the increasing number of people requiring dialysis by advocating for a healthy lifestyle and early detection.
Mr. Bedi highlighted Tamil Nadu’s pioneering effort in promoting physical activity by incorporating an 8-km stretch in every district for walking, equivalent to around 10,000 steps, which is a common practice in Japan. This initiative aims to encourage citizens to incorporate regular exercise into their daily routines as a means of preventing lifestyle diseases such as chronic kidney disease.
The event, organized by NephroPlus, Tanker Foundation, and Mohan Foundation, with the Kidney Warriors Foundation playing a pivotal role in its development, aimed to create public awareness regarding the prevalence of chronic kidney disease in agricultural and low economic resource areas, placing a burden on the healthcare system.
He highlighted the significance of adopting healthy lifestyle practices, such as maintaining a balanced diet and engaging in regular physical activity, as the first crucial step in preventing chronic kidney disease. Additionally, Mr. Bedi stressed the importance of early detection through periodic testing of diabetes and blood pressure, which are vital indicators of kidney health.
Dr. Georgi Abraham underscored the necessity of monitoring creatinine levels, citing a device in Japan that can quickly and accurately measure creatinine levels with a single prick. This advancement in medical technology has the potential to significantly aid in the early detection of kidney diseases, thereby allowing for timely intervention and treatment.
Addressing the need to expand access to medical care, nephrologist D. Arvind Canchi mentioned Singapore’s mandatory military service, which includes comprehensive medical check-ups for all individuals, ensuring that they are regularly monitored for any health issues. This systematic approach to healthcare has proven to be effective in identifying and managing chronic conditions.
Dr. N. Gopalakrishnan shared insights from a recent study, revealing that 52% of chronic kidney disease cases in Tamil Nadu were attributed to factors unrelated to lifestyle diseases. Factors such as heat stress, environmental pollution, and chemical exposure were identified as significant contributors to the prevalence of the disease, highlighting the need for comprehensive preventive measures.
Furthermore, Dr. Jayam Kannan emphasized the importance of monitoring kidney health during pregnancy, particularly in cases where women may downplay the severity of symptoms due to societal norms. It was stressed that regular medical check-ups and blood pressure monitoring during pregnancy are essential in detecting and addressing potential kidney-related complications.
The event also featured expert insights from Dr. Edwin Fernando, Dr. Sunil Shroff, Dr. Muruganathan, Dr. P B Sivaraman, and Dr. Vasanth Ravi, who collectively highlighted the critical importance of preventive measures and early detection in combating the growing burden of chronic kidney diseases.
In conclusion, the Kidney Health for All event served as a platform for healthcare professionals and experts to address the urgent need for preventive strategies in managing chronic kidney diseases. With a focus on promoting healthy lifestyle practices and early detection, the event underscored the significance of proactive measures in mitigating the impact of this widespread health issue. As the dialogue on kidney health continues, it is evident that collaborative efforts and public awareness are essential in addressing this pressing concern.
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