A Consultant Nephrologist, Dr. Yemi Raji, has urged Nigerians to take proactive steps in maintaining kidney health by adopting healthier lifestyles and monitoring key health indicators.

Speaking in Ibadan during an interview to mark World Kidney Day, Raji, who works at the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, emphasized the need for early detection and prevention of kidney diseases.

He stressed that lifestyle modifications such as reducing salt and fat intake, staying hydrated, exercising regularly, and consuming fruits and vegetables can help preserve kidney function.

Highlighting major risk factors, he pointed out that hypertension, excessive use of painkillers, diabetes, herbal concoctions, drug abuse, HIV, prostate issues, and cervical cancer could contribute to kidney disease.

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He advised individuals to monitor their blood pressure, blood sugar, and overall health while also reducing alcohol consumption and maintaining a healthy weight.

“This year’s World Kidney Day theme, ‘Are Your Kidneys Okay? Detect Early, Protect Kidney Health,’ serves as a reminder for people to check their kidney status and adopt habits that promote kidney function,” he said.

He called for collaboration between individuals, the government, and non-governmental organizations in raising awareness about kidney disease prevention. Commending President Bola Tinubu’s subsidy on kidney dialysis, he urged the Federal Government to establish sustainable policies and encouraged state governments to support the initiative.

Beyond dialysis, Raji emphasized the need to extend support to kidney transplants and post-transplant medications to ease the burden on patients battling kidney disease.

NAN