The Cayman Islands Health Services Authority (HSA) celebrated World Kidney Day by providing free blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol tests at the Cayman Islands hospital to help people understand the health of their kidneys. The day was a success with over 75 people participating in the free health screenings. Of those tested, 20% were referred to their general practitioner for a follow up.
Dr Nelson Iheonunekwu, Internist & Nephrologist overseeing the dialysis unit said he was pleased with the turnout. “Any time we can prevent even one person from getting chronic kidney disease, the day was worth the effort”, Dr Nelson said.
The dialysis unit was also open to the public, helping people understand ways to prevent the disease, often known as the ‘silent killer’. The new dialysis unit reopened in September 2013 and has provided the much needed flexibility and capacity to treat about 50 local kidney dialysis patients throughout the year. The expansion of the dialysis unit was founded upon the premise that prevention is better than cure, as often people have kidney issues without evening knowing, until the condition becomes chronic.
Cayman remains an island with high levels of kidney disease, due to the incidence of high blood pressure and diabetes, both of which are causes of kidney failure.
Ms Lizzette Yearwood, HSA Chief Executive Officer said that over 5,000 people were registered as diabetic the Cayman Islands in 2014 according to the International Diabetes Foundation. “The Cayman Islands has a well-documented issue with increasing obesity, which can cause both diabetes and high blood pressure. The combination of preventative screening, having a healthy diet, exercising regularly and avoiding excessive amounts of alcohol are lifestyle choices the can help to reduce the likelihood of kidney disease”.
“We will continue to focus on fighting the battle with the silent killer and educating the public and our patients, by creating general awareness of the issues linked to kidney disease while providing accessible, preventative health solutions,” Ms Yearwood said.
