Students of the Graduate Entry Medical School (GEMS) University of Limerick recently partnered up with the Nephrology Team, University Hospital Limerick and the Irish Kidney Association (IKA) to launch a health awareness drive for Kidney Disease on World Kidney Day.

The interdisciplinary team set up a free kidney health checks and passed out information to the public at the Crescent Shopping Centre and the University Hospital offering blood sugar and pressure checks together with advice on lifestyle and diet. The event was organised by Professor of Medicine and Consultant Nephrologist, Austin Stack and colleagues from the Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Limerick.

Professor Stack explained the importance of early detection; “Between 8 and 10% of the adult population have some form of kidney damage, and every year millions die prematurely of complications related to Chronic Kidney Diseases (CKD)”. Kidney disease is a silent disease for many people and can remain undiagnosed unless people get tested.

“It is important to know if you have risk factors for kidney disease as these can be treated and managed quite effectively” he said.  There are easily identifiable high risk groups: people with diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and a family history are potentially at risk for kidney disease and should be screened.

“All it takes is a simple visit to the doctor for a blood and urine test” said Brid Collins a renal nurse specialist at the hospital. “This will tell us if your kidneys are normal”.

“Early detection and treatment is key” said Professor Stack. There are several easy ways to reduce the risk of developing kidney disease these include: keeping fit and active, monitoring your blood pressure and blood sugar levels and maintaining a healthy diet and weight.”

The event was a tremendous success with several hundred individuals from counties; Limerick, Clare and Tipperary screened for hypertension and diabetes over the day. This event shows that strong partnerships between the Graduate Entry Medical School, University of Limerick and other professional organisations can increase public awareness of common diseases like kidney disease and promote public health of our community.
 
World Kidney Day aims to raise awareness of the importance of our kidneys to our overall health and to reduce the frequency and impact of kidney disease and its associated health problems worldwide. Further information about World Kidney Day is available at www.worldkidneyday.org