According to Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), one in ten Qatar residents are believed to have some form of kidney disorder.
This fact was brought in focus as HMC prepares for World Kidney Day, observed annually every second Thursday of March. HMC, as part of its celebration, will be hosting awareness campaigns on the importance of good kidney health.
How Important are Kidneys? Kidneys are bean-shaped organs measuring approximately five inches long and located just below the ribs at either side of the spine. They remove waste products and excess fluid from the body. All blood in our body passes through our kidneys several times a day.
Chronic kidney disease, also called chronic kidney failure, is the gradual loss of kidney function over a period of months or years. It can be caused by a number of factors, ranging from diseases such as diabetes, or can be inherited.
According to Dr Hassan Al Malki, Head of the HMC Nephrology Department, there may be no signs or symptoms during the early stages of chronic kidney disease.
It may not be apparent that a person has kidney disease until their kidney function is significantly impaired. Our kidneys are highly adaptable and able to compensate for lost function, so signs and symptoms may not appear until irreversible damage has occurred.’
Kidney disease can affect people of all ages and races, according to Dr Al Malki. He urges the public to use the occasion of World Kidney Day to educate members of the community on the importance of this vital organ and what we can do to protect it.
Signs and Symptoms. The signs and symptoms of kidney disease are often nonspecific and can also be caused by other illnesses or can be mistaken for other health conditions. These can include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fatigue, weakness, sleep problems, changes in how much you urinate, muscle twitches and cramps, swelling of feet and ankles, and hypertension.
Women and Kidneys. This year’s theme for World Kidney Day is ‘Kidneys and Women’s Health – Include, Value, Empower’. HMC has organised a number of public awareness events to mark the day, with activities focused on creating awareness of preventive behaviours, risk factors, disease signs and symptoms, as well as how to live with kidney disease.
Chronic kidney disease is believed to affect 195 million women worldwide and it is currently the eighth leading cause of death in women. According to Dr Essa Abuhelaiqa, a Nephrologist and Consultant at Hamad General Hospital, diagnoses of kidney disorders are on the rise, especially among women, underscoring the significance of this year’s theme. She said that the theme provides an opportunity to reflect on the importance of women’s health, specifically their kidney health.
We have planned a series of events aimed at getting families involved in fun and educational activities that highlight the importance of an active lifestyle in maintaining kidney health.’
From 5 to 8 March, health awareness booths will be set up at the main entrances of various hospitals – Hamad General, Women’s, Al Wakra and Al Khor. The booths will be manned by clinical teams from HMC and will provide patients, visitors, and other members of the public with information leaflets and health education materials. Dietitians and nephrology educators will also be available to provide advice and answer questions.
The public are also invited to participate in a walkathon on 9 March from 3 pm to 6 pm at the Doha Corniche.
HMC will also host various awareness activities from 11 to 13 March, at select primary health centres and secondary schools, as well as at Qatar University, the University of Calgary in Qatar, and Weill Cornell Medicine.
For more information, visit the HMC website at hamad.qa.