Control your blood sugar level

Stella de Kock

South Africa has one of the highest rates of end stage kidney failure in the world and a very low rate of organ and tissue donation and transplants. The lack of education in the medical field and the public at large, around the situation is only making matters more difficult. By taking a hands on approach and educating the medical fraternity and public, TELL (Transplant Education for Living Legacies) hopes families, friends and colleagues start the conversation and that everyone accepts that organ and tissue donation is a benefit to society. Stella de Kock, TELL Project Manager was diagnosed with End Stage Renal Failure in 2011 at the age of 35. While Stella is waiting for a kidney transplant, she needs to receive hemo-dialysis three times a week for fours hours at a time. Stella has been on the waiting list for a kidney since 2012. Covid has had an affect on everyone, especially for patients with chronic diseases which are classified as higher risk. These patients body's are already taking strain and contracting Covid could be fatal for them. As a renal patient, Stella needs to be very risk averse and take extra care when venturing outside. Organ transplants have also been affected by Covid, some transplants centers have suspended their programmes due to resources allocated towards the pandemic. Transplant patients are on immune suppressant medication and the first three months after a transplant in particular are a very critical time where their immune systems are suppressed to the max. Some transplants centers are continuing with transplants under very strict protocols and with physician and patient approval. National Kidney Awareness week, celebrated from 7-11 September 2020, present the ideal opportunity to address the issues concerning kidney health, kidney donation and transplants. Eight Golden Rules for Kidney Health. You don’t really think about your kidneys and the work that they do, until they don’t function anymore. You can lose up to 90% of your kidney function before showing any signs or symptoms. World Kidney Day, a global awareness campaign have developed eight golden rules to follow to ensure you keep your precious kidneys healthy.

6. Don’t start to smoke and quit if you do

1 . Monitor and control your blood pressure

It is good practice to know what your blood pressure is; as high blood pressure can damage your kidneys and cause Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) which can progress to End Stage Renal Failure (ESRD). Normal blood pressure is 120/80, if you blood medication (such as ibuprofen) on a regular basis, you could be

pressure is above this level when measured on two different days, consult your healthcare provider to discuss lifestyle and dietary changes that you need to make to control your blood pressure.

2. Control your blood sugar level

Many people who are diabetic develop End stage Renal Disease (ESRD), therefore it is important to maintain your blood sugar detection, the progression to ESRD from diabetes can be reduced or even prevented.

3. Get moving

Some of the benefits of regular exercise are: -maintaining your ideal body weight; -reduce blood pressure; -reduce the risk of developing Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).

4. Eat a healthy diet and keep your weight stable

The reason for eating a healthy diet is that it can prevent a lot of lifestyle related disease such as: diabetes, heart disease and other chronic condition associated with Chronic Renal Failure. Thus keeping your weight in check put less stress on all you organs. Limiting your salt intake to 5-6 grams a day (a teaspoon). Processed food contains a lot of salt, it is best to prepare your meal form fresh ingredients whenever possible. 5. Drink enough water Your kidneys will thank you for looking after them, drinking enough water helps clear your system of excess minerals such as sodium, potassium and phosphates which can cause damage to your organs and ultimately death. The ideal amount of fluid you need to take will be influenced by how active you are, the climate you stay in, health conditions, pregnancy and breastfeeding. Consult your doctor on the appropriate fluid intake for your condition.

Smoking causes less blood to reach you kidneys which in turn cause them to function properly. As stated above if your kidneys don’t function properly they cannot clear your body of excess minerals and toxins.

7. Avoid taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication on a regular basis.

If you take over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory levels and have your kidney function tested regularly. With early

putting your health at risk of develop Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Consult your healthcare professional to manage you pain and protect your kidneys.

8. Get your kidney function checked regularly if you are in the high risk group.

You are considered to be a high risk to develop Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) if you have: -diabetes -hypertension -a family history of kidney disease -are obese

Unfortunately there is no cure for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), but it can be prevented and the progression to End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) can be managed. Make sure that you follow the eight golden rules to look after your kidneys. The beans (kidneys) in your body will thank you.