CEBU CITY -- Take care of your kidney and help stop chronic kidney disease (CKD). No less than the Philippine Society of Nephrology (PSN) issued this call when it spearheaded the celebration of the World Kidney Day on Thursday, March 9, here. The PSN noted that chronic kidney disease and Filipinos requiring dialysis continue to increase. While the CKD cannot be completely cured with medications, the group said it can be slowed down. “All of us need to be informed of the importance of our kidneys to our general health,” said PSN president Dr. Maaliddin B. Biruar. “Everyone needs to be aware of the risk factors and signs and symptoms of kidney disease, and see a doctor for proper diagnosis, even those without symptoms but are at risk,” added Dr. Biruar. Citing data from the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI), the PSN revealed that one Filipino develops chronic renal failure every hour, or about 120 Filipinos per million population every year. Worse, there are those who have developed kidney disease but remain underdiagnosed, the group said. In celebration of World Kidney Day, the PSN is reminding Filipinos that the kidneys are important to overall health and becoming informed about CKD is a great first step to preventing or managing the disease. World Kidney Day is a global campaign aimed at raising awareness about the importance of kidneys not only to one’s overall health but also to reducing the frequency and impact of kidney disease worldwide. As part of the celebration, the PSN is undertaking a lay forum that targets informing Filipino patients about kidney functions and CKD — its risk factors and causes, signs and symptoms, diagnostic tests for the disease, and golden rules for healthy kidneys. “Majority have no symptoms, especially in early CKD, and so it is best to check with your doctor if you think you are at risk,” said Dr. Biruar, adding that risk factors include high blood sugar, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, smoking, age over 60 years, and family history. “All the more that those with signs and symptoms such as fatigue, poor appetite, edema, nausea and vomiting, decreased urine, etc., should see a nephrologist,” Dr. Biruar added. Dr. Vimar Luz, head of Cluster of Patient Care and member of PSN’s Board of Trustees, said that apart from getting screened for possible CKD, Filipinos can start following some golden rules for healthy kidneys. “This disease can be prevented. A lifestyle change can save the kidneys. This golden rule will help in keeping the kidneys healthy,” Dr. Luz said. “Control blood pressure and blood sugar. The target BP should be lower than 140/90 or as determined by your physician. Blood sugar control level is individualized, so see your doctor about it.  And if you’re under medication, take your medicines regularly,” he added.