SCREEN FOR KIDNEY DISEASE TO PREVENT CKD

Dr Nonkala's medical practice in Pietermaritzburg offers screening for kidney disease, lifestyle education and CKD prevention services. The goal is to catch kidney problems early on before it deteriorates into chronic kidney disease or get to the point where damage is irreversible. A community that is proactively screened for CKD prevention, can be saved from the pain, cost and ravages of CKD.

Most people have no idea how much control they have over the health of their kidneys!

SCREENING FOR KIDNEY DISEASE

Our screening services start with a non-invasive urine sample which we test with a urine dipstick. If it is abnormal, we send the sample to the laboratory for further assessment. Apart from urine testing, we also assess your:

blood pressure
blood glucose levels
height, weight and waist circumference
related health conditions

This determines your next steps, whether via lifestyle changes, blood pressure control and/or working with a dietician and physiotherapist. Acute conditions like Glomerular Nephritis (Kidney inflammation), chronic issues like Diabetes, Hypertension, HIV, Nephrotic Syndrome or Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, & inherited risk factors like Hemochromatosis or Polycystic Kidney Disease, are also managed appropriately.

CKD can be Prevented

Early Kidney Damage can be Reversed

Lifestyle Changes can save Kidneys

Patient Education is Key

Know your Risk Factors!

Preventing Kidney Disease by managing Risk Factors

CKD RISK FACTORS

The primary risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD), ranked in order of impact, are:

Diabetes or Insulin Resistance (Pre-Diabetes) introduces a damaging inflammatory state in the body
Hypertension (uncontrolled high blood pressure) damages the small blood vessels in the kidneys
Obesity increases risk directly and indirectly
Smoking - need we say more!
Heart disease or Heart failure restricting blood flow to kidneys, causing damage
Family history of CKD or kidney failure
Being over 60 years of age
Acute kidney injury (AKI) increases the risk of CKD
Unnecessary medication, overuse of NSAIDS or other nephrotoxic drugs can damage kidneys
Environmental toxins (chemicals, pesticides, mold, etc) increase the pressure on detoxification systems

Diabetes & Hypertension are the leading causes of kidney damage. Other significant factors are family history of CKD, heart problems, age over 60 & smoking.

We want you beyond a level of just functioning; we want you to thrive!

LIFESTYLE TO PREVENT CKD

Patients have more control over their health than they realise. Prevent medication, dialysis or transplants by adopting scientifically proven lifestyle changes:

Manage blood pressure & glucose levels - critical for CKD prevention
Reach and maintain a healthy weight
Quit Smoking
Eat a balanced diet very low in processed food & sugar
Hydrate with plenty clean water daily & limit alcohol consumption
Engage in regular physical activity
Avoid nephrotoxic medications where possible & follow over-the-counter medications' instructions closely
Consider supplementing with Vit D3 & K2 in consultation with your physician
Reduce stress levels with good sleep hygiene, time outside in nature, proactive planning & mindful practices like prayer, meditation, breath-work or EFT
Reduce your exposure to toxins where possible
Have regular check-ups especially if you have risk factors

With the right guidance and support these lifestyle changes are totally possible as has been shown in global prevention clinics. Take charge of your kidney health today and save yourself endless costs and pain down the line.