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Improve kidney health through lifestyle modifications – Nephrologist urges Nigerians

By Chidinma Ewunonu-AlukoDr Yemi Raji, a Consultant Nephrologist, has advised Nigerians to pay more attention to kidney functions and work  to improve their kidney health through lifestyle modifications.Raji, who works at the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan and University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN ) in Ibadan on Thursday.Raji spoke in commemoration of the World Kidney Day.He listed the lifestyle modifications to include low salt intake, low fat diets, adequate water intake, regular exercise, fruits and vegetables intake, and adequate control of risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus.Raji said that hypertension, excessive use of painkillers, diabetes mellitus, intake of herbal concoctions, drug abuse, HIV, prostate problems, cervical cancer, among others, could lead to kidney disease.He also advised people to reduce alcohol intake and reduce weight if overweight.“The populace should endeavor to always know their numbers – blood pressure, blood sugar, blood level, weight, height, etc.“World Kidney Day is set aside to create awareness and educate the world about kidney disease, risk factors/causes, treatment and, more importantly, its prevention.“This year’s theme, ‘Are Your Kidneys Okay? Detect Early, Protect Kidney Health’, is apt.“The theme was chosen to remind the populace that they need to check their kidney status and be sure it is okay and learn to protect its functions through healthy living.“Individuals, governments and non-government organisations are all stakeholders in creating awareness on how kidney disease burdens can be reduced,” he said.The consultant  urged collaboration in advocacy and health education geared toward improved kidney health.Raji lauded the recent subsidy of kidney dialysis by President Bola Tinubu.He, however, urged the Federal Government to put in place structures and policies to ensure its sustainability.“Also, state governments should be encouraged to complement Federal Government’s efforts  by ensuring that the initiative starts in their respective states.“The initiative should be extended to kidney transplantion and  post-transplant medications,” Raji said. (NAN)