As the festive season kicks off in the
Philippines, Boehringer Ingelheim (Philippines), Inc., in partnership with
Dialysis Philippines Support Group (Dialysis PH), Kidney Transplant Association
of the Philippines (KITAP), and Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations
(PAPO), welcomed the return of It Starts With U: Get CheCKD on November 30,
2024, at Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Parañaque City.
This awareness event came at a crucial time
when holiday festivities often lead to overconsumption of rich foods and
alcohol, late nights, and
heightened stress. It emphasized the importance of prioritizing health amidst
the celebrations. It Starts With U: Get CheCKD raised awareness about chronic
kidney disease (CKD) through engaging activity zones, focusing on the
significance of early detection and the increased risks posed by hypertension
and diabetes.
Chronic Kidney Disease is one of the
leading causes of death in the Philippines. This disease indicates that your kidneys are damaged and not functioning
properly. Kidneys filter out waste, toxins, and excess water from your blood.
They also play a vital role in maintaining bone health and producing red blood
cells. When kidney function begins to decline, they are unable to effectively
filter waste, leading to a buildup of these harmful substances in your
bloodstream.
CKD is intricately linked to other health
issues, such as hypertension and diabetes. During the holiday season, when
dietary indulgences are common, the risk of developing these interconnected
conditions increases. High blood pressure can strain the kidneys, while
uncontrolled blood sugar from diabetes can damage blood vessels, further
elevating the risk of CKD.
It Starts With U: Get CheCKD conducted two
educational talks by nephrologists, Dr. Rhodora Valenzona from the Perpetual
Help Medical Center Binan, and Dr. Clifton Pe from the University of Sto. Tomas
(USTH) and De Los Santos Medical Center. Attended by Dr. Greta Cortez, the head
of medicine at Boehringer Ingelheim; Rey Abacan Jr., president and founder of
Dialysis PH; Marimel Lamsin, the internal vice president of the Kidney
Transplant Association of the Philippines, Inc.; and Karen Alparce-Villanueva,
the president of the Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations. These talks
were designed to get mall goers into the holiday spirit by gifting themselves
the knowledge of good health. Directly learning from health experts about
chronic kidney disease and its connection to heart, kidney, and metabolic
wellness, attendees were empowered to make informed choices for a healthier
holiday season and beyond.
"Events like It Starts With U: Get
CheCKD are crucial because they bring essential health information directly
to the community. This season of giving, we hope to gift people the awareness
and resources they need, as early detection of chronic kidney disease (CKD) can
make all the difference—especially with its strong links to heart disease and
diabetes. By empowering people with knowledge and access to consultation and
screening, we’re helping them take that first step toward the gift of better
health," says Dr. Greta Cortez, Head of Medicine at Boehringer Ingelheim
Philippines.
This edition of It Starts With U: Get
CheCKD featured new booths focused on heart health and type 2 diabetes. A booth
was set up where Boehringer Ingelheim featured their educational website to
empower individuals with information about chronic kidney disease (CKD) and
related health conditions. It offers valuable insights on prevention, risk
factors, and complications, encouraging patients to take proactive steps toward
better health and seek professional care when needed. All the activities
highlighted the importance of adopting healthy habits to prevent CKD.
The Health CheCKD Zone remains steadfast
with offering guests the opportunity to have one-on-one consultations with
doctors. The doctors checked their vitals, such as blood pressure, heart rate,
and temperature. Those who were determined to be at risk for CKD had the chance
to avail the free two-step screening process for kidney health.
Check Your Choices, a life-sized board
game, continues to capture attention as a fun, interactive way to learn about
kidney health and care.
Check
your kidney health
There is a simple 2-step screening process
to check kidney health. First is the creatine test, a blood test that is able
to measure the waste product of the body and from that the estimated glomerular
filtration (eGFR) rate can be computed. The second is the urine
albumin-creatinine ratio (uACR) test that uses a urine sample to measure
albumin, or protein level present in your urine.
With the season of giving and togetherness
upon us, there’s no better gift than good health. This holiday season, give
yourself and your loved ones the gift of wellness by monitoring kidney health,
heart health, and blood sugar levels to keep your body in optimal shape. Make
regular visits to your doctor a part of your holiday checklist—it’s a meaningful
way to celebrate this Christmas and beyond.
For more information, please visit ItStartsWithYou.com.ph.
Post a Comment