By Analou De Vera
The Department of Health (DOH)-Calabarzon emphasized the importance of urine testing among children as it can determine whether they have kidney ailments.
"Urine testing or urinalysis is the simplest, safest and inexpensive way to evaluate and detect serious renal diseases that may be present in the body," the DOH-Calabarzon said.
Recently, the DOH-Calabarzon conducted urine testing activities in selected schools in the region. A total of 500 elementary students were screened.
The students were from the National Training School in Tanay, Rizal; Carmona National High School in Carmona, Cavite; Parang Elementary School in Pagbilao, Quezon; Sta. Cruz Central Elementary School in Sta., Cruz, Laguna; and San Agustin Elementary School in Ibaan, Batangas.
"A urine test is important to check the color, clarity, odor, concentration, and acidity (pH) of a child's urine including the levels of protein, sugar, blood cells to determine conditions like diabetes, kidney stones, a urinary tract infection (UTI), high blood pressure, or even kidney or liver diseases. The activity was also done to heighten awareness on kidney diseases to school children," Regional Non-Communicable Disease Control Cluster Head Dr. Marilou Espiritu said.
“We need to conduct screening at an early age in order to provide treatment and prevent the onset of any chronic renal failure among our children,” she added.
During the activity, a total of 177 students were diagnosed with UTI and were given antibiotics for treatment.
Espiritu said that some of the causes of UTI among children are low water intake, more soft drink consumption, and too much salty food.
Espiritu said that it is important to have a healthy eating habit, especially the children.
“When we say healthy eating, it includes a diet that is low in salt, low in fat, low in cholesterol and high in dietary fiber and whole grains," she noted.
"Always consume the right number of calories that helps you achieve a healthy body weight. This can reduce the risk of getting obesity-related chronic diseases including kidney failure," she added.
As much as possible, children should limit the consumption of fast food meals, soft drinks, and junk food, said Espiritu.