PAPUA NEW GUINEA PEOPLE DIE OF KIDNEY DISEASE

The National 7 February 2019

A doctor says that about 1500 people a year die in Papua New Guinea from kidney disease. The disease is increasing rapidly due to lifestyle changes and diabetes two.

The kidneys carry out the complex task of filtering bodies of excess waste removed from the blood and excreted. Dangerous levels of waste can build up in the body if the kidneys fail to function.

He said that problems occur when the blood flow to the kidneys was affected or the kidneys were not working properly due to damage or disease or the urine flow was blocked. Early detection can help prevent serious kidney damage.

The risk factors for developing the disease include high blood pressure and diabetes. There may be a family history.

The most common signs are anaemia, blood in urine, dark urine, decreased mental alertness, decreased urine output, edema – swollen, feet, hands and ankles, fatigue, high blood pressure, insomnia and itchy skin.

There is also loss of appetite, male inability to maintain an erection, frequent urination particularly at night, muscle cramps, muscle twitches, nausea, pain on the side or mid to lower back, shortness of breath, protein in urine, sudden change in body weight and unexplained headaches.

To avoid kidney failure, prevent diabetes two and other lifestyle diseases, maintain regular physical exercise, have a healthy diet including plenty of fruit, vegetables, grains and lean meat. Drink clean water.

That is Positive Living not just for HIV/AIDS but all aspects of a healthy lifestyle and all lifestyle diseases.