As the world observes World Kidney Day on March 13, 2025, Dr Ntombifikile Mtshali, the founder of Yeoville Health Centre is at the forefront of raising critical awareness about kidney health.
With a commitment to making healthcare accessible and affordable, Dr Mtshali's initiative emphasises the critical importance of prevention, early screening, and lifestyle modifications to protect kidney health.
She tells Saturday Star that this year’s campaign shines a spotlight on the "silent epidemic" of kidney disease, often asymptomatic until it reaches advanced stages, leading to dire health consequences such as the need for dialysis or kidney transplants.
“At Yeoville Health Centre, we are dedicated to providing affordable healthcare services, including kidney health assessments. Our mission is to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to lead healthier lives. Early detection saves lives.
“Your kidneys are small but powerful organs. They filter waste, balance fluids, regulate blood pressure, and keep your body running smoothly. Yet, many people are unaware of the risks they face until it is too late.”
She underscored alarming statistics indicating that millions suffer from chronic kidney disease globally, a preventable ailment that frequently escalates to severe conditions due to late detection.
Mtshali laid out key messages that she hopes resonate with the public:
Get screened early: Kidney disease often shows no symptoms until severe damage has occurred. Routine blood and urine tests are essential.
Prevention is possible: Managing diabetes and hypertension while maintaining a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of developing kidney issues.
Your daily choices matter: Adopting habits such as eating fresh foods, reducing salt intake, staying active, and using painkillers judiciously can greatly protect kidney health.
She further elaborated on the warning signs of potential kidney failure, which include:
Swelling in the legs, ankles, or around the eyes
Fatigue, weakness, and difficulty concentrating
Changes in urination patterns, such as foamy or dark urine
Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss
Persistent high blood pressure
“The kidneys can endure damage without presenting overt symptoms,” Mtshali cautioned.
“They compensate for early injuries by working harder. By the time typical symptoms manifest, patients may have lost up to 90% of their kidney function, making routine check-ups and early detection paramount to avoiding serious health complications.”
Mtshali shared recommendations for safeguarding kidney health:
Get checked regularly, especially if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease.
Stay hydrated, as sufficient water intake supports kidney function and waste elimination.
Consume a balanced diet that limits salt, processed foods, and excessive sugars.
Effectively manage diabetes and high blood pressure, the leading contributors to kidney failure.
Use medications responsibly - prolonged use of certain painkillers like ibuprofen can be harmful to your kidneys, so it's vital to follow medical advice.
Saturday Star