Today, on World Kidney Day, I want to take the opportunity to highlight the crucial importance of kidney health and the urgent need to tackle chronic kidney disease (CKD) in our community.
Our kidneys are vital organs that work tirelessly to filter waste, balance essential minerals, and regulate blood pressure, essentially safeguarding our overall health. Beyond these critical functions, they also produce essential hormones that support red blood cell production and help maintain strong, healthy bones.
CKD is among the most costly medical conditions on the island. With treatment costs ranging between $150,000 and $200,000 per patient annually, it is clear that our current model of CKD care is unsustainable. This growing health crisis demands urgent action and collaborative solutions.
The Ministry of Health has taken a proactive approach. In March 2024, we released the “Chronic Kidney Disease Integrated Care Pathway Report,” a comprehensive plan to enhance prevention, early detection, and management of CKD across Bermuda. This initiative reflects our commitment to improving patient outcomes and alleviating the strain CKD places on our healthcare system.
Through targeted strategies, we aim to improve the quality of life for individuals living with CKD, reduce its prevalence, and ease its financial impact on our healthcare system.
On this World Kidney Day, I encourage everyone to take proactive steps to protect their kidney health. By staying hydrated, maintaining a balanced diet, exercising, controlling blood sugar and blood pressure, and avoiding excessive use of medications like Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), we can support kidney function and prevent potential complications.
Let’s prioritize regular check-ups and healthy lifestyle choices to keep our kidneys strong and functioning optimally. Small steps today can make a big difference in the long run.
Any content which is considered unsuitable, unlawful, or offensive, includes personal details, advertises or promotes products, services or websites, or repeats previous comments will be removed.
User comments posted on this website are solely the views and opinions of the comment writer and are not a representation of or reflection of the opinions of TNN or its staff.
TNN reserves the right to remove, edit or censor any comments.
TNN accepts no liability and will not be held accountable for the comments made by users.