Exercise more, eat moderately, Cebuanos told

THE local medical community called on Cebuanos to observe a balanced diet and exercise in order to maintain healthy kidneys.

Dr. John Li of the Philippine Society for Nephrology Central and Eastern Visayas said a person’s healthy lifestyle would mean his or her kidneys would be at optimum condition to regulate water fluid levels and remove waste products.

Cebu joins the rest of the country in celebrating National Kidney Awareness Month. Dr. Li said chronic kidney disease has five stages.

“Chronic kidney disease is considered a “traitor disease” or a silent killer because it doesn’t show  any signs or symptoms until you reach Stage 4 or Stage 5,” Dr. Li said.

Li said lifestyle modification focusing on prevention is a must.

He said this means cutting down or eliminating smoking, moderate drinking and avoid eating salty and junk food.

Doctors also recommend undergoing a medical checkup and urinalysis at least once a year.

“Have a medical checkup on your birthday as a treat to yourself. It’s better than  spending millions of pesos for a cure,” said kidney transplant surgeon Dr. Alvin Roxas.

Roxas said  that once a person is diagnosed with kidney disease,  he or she should  seek out experts so they can be educated and informed of their health condition and options.

“An informed person is empowered,” Roxas said. Correspondent Katreena Bisnar