A message from the Paphos Kidney Association
The Paphos Kidney Association is committed to supporting people affected by kidney disease and raising awareness of kidney health in our community.
If you are concerned about your kidney health, speak to your doctor or healthcare professional. Early detection and appropriate treatment can make an important difference.
Your kidneys are important
Your kidneys work continuously to keep your body healthy. They remove waste products and excess fluid from your blood, help control blood pressure, maintain the right balance of salts and minerals in the body, and produce important hormones.
Kidney disease can be a “silent disease”
Kidney disease is often described as a “silent disease” because in its early stages, it may cause few or no symptoms. A person can have kidney damage or reduced kidney function for a long time feeling unwell.
This is why early testing is so important.
Who is at risk?
Two of the most important causes are diabetes and high blood pressure.
Other risk factors include:
• Heart disease
• Obesity,
• Smoking
• Increasing age
• A family history of kidney disease
• Previous acute kidney injury
• Frequent and excessive use of certain painkillers.
If you have one or more of these risk factors, speak to your healthcare professional about getting your kidney function checked.
Eat well and reduce salt
A healthy, balanced diet benefits your kidneys as well as your heart and circulation. Reducing salt is particularly important because excessive salt intake can contribute to high blood pressure, which can damage the kidneys.
Do not smoke!
Smoking damages blood vessels and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and kidney damage.
Be careful with painkillers
Some commonly used painkillers e.g. ibuprofen or naproxen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can affect kidney function, especially when they are taken frequently, at high doses, or by people who already have kidney problems.
What about water?
It is important to avoid becoming dehydrated. However, there is no single amount of water that is right for everyone.
Your water needs depend on your health, activity and other factors. Some patients with heart or kidney disease may even have to reduce their water intake! Therefore, it is very important to follow your healthcare’s professional advice.
Don’t wait for symptoms
The best approach is prevention, awareness, and early testing.
Your kidneys deserve a lifetime of care
Protecting your kidneys is not about following one complicated rule. It is about making sensible choices consistently:
Look after your kidneys — they are working for you every day.
Please be sure to visit our website (www.paphoskidney.com) and Facebook page where you can find out more about us and also how to donate securely if you so wish.
We rely on your financial support to assist people with kidney disease in Paphos.
Note for your diary: PKA Starlight Ball, Friday 20th November at the Coral Beach Hotel.