A Quick Heads-Up: Don’t Forget to Get CheCKD!

by Katerina Ang
July 12, 2024

It never hurts to get CheCKD! This is what families need to know about Chronic Kidney Disease!

For most, if not all of us—health has become one of our first priorities, for both ourselves and our families, due to the difficult circumstances of the previous years. Not wanting to get sick or spend unnecessarily on all things medical, the pandemic has caused us to become more in tune with our bodies, addressing any abnormalities at the first sign of sickness. However, some illnesses may be a bit more tricky to detect earlier on—including Chronic Kidney Disease, or CKD, since symptoms only become noticeable later during the advanced stages.

Staying Informed: The Best Preventive Measure

With recent projections showing that 1 in 10 Filipinos are likely to develop this disease, it’s important to understand how to distinguish and prevent CKD from affecting one before it’s too late. Fortunately, with the help of Boehringer Ingelheim (Philippines), Inc. together with Dialysis Philippines Support Group (Dialysis PH), Kidney Transplant Association of the Philippines (KITAP), and Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations (PAPO)—Filipinos were able to celebrate National Kidney Month through the means of educational awareness and fun interactive activities in It Starts With U: Get CheCKD!

Health leaders and representatives from patient organizations join together to raise awareness for kidney health. From left to right: Dr. Maaliddin Biruar, Nephrologist; Dr. Rose Marie Rosete-Liquete, NKTI Executive Director; Dr. Greta Cortez, Head of Medicine of Human Pharma, Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines; Karen Alparce-Villanueva, President, Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations; Reynaldo Abacan Jr., President & Founder of Dialysis PH; and Marimel Lamsin, Internal Vice President, Kidney Transplant Association of the Philippines, Inc. Joining them was journalist Doris Birognia, who was the event’s host.

New Roads to Better Health

With CKD being one of the most common chronic diseases in the Philippines, learning how to adapt when needed is key. Therefore, becoming aware of its prevalence and dangers is the first step needed to efficiently change one’s lifestyle—ensuring that we are strong enough to enjoy the beauties of life with our loved ones for as long as we can!

“Early detection and regular medical consultations will help prevent the progression of CKD in our patients, ensuring better quality of life and productivity. By addressing the risk factors of CKD, such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus, we can also reduce the socioeconomic burden of treating end-stage CKD,” said Dr. Liquete, the Executive Director of the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI).

It was also during this event wherein Boehringer was able to launch their new disease awareness website, It Starts With You, wherein all users can easily access data and information regarding CKD.

“Accessible tools and education are essential in combating CKD. With tools like this website, we can empower Filipinos with the knowledge and understanding for detecting CKD early and managing it effectively. Early detection through accessible testing can significantly improve outcomes and enhance the quality of life for those affected by this silent but serious condition,” mentioned Dr. Greta Cortez, Head of Medicine for Human Pharma, Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines.

Time to Get Personal

However, Boehringer understands that the best way of learning is not just through reading, but by getting involved! Event-goers were able to participate in Check Your Choices, a kidney-shaped game room that gave them the chance to challenge their health and lifestyle choices.

Visitors were able to put their health decision-making to the test at the It Starts With U: Get CheCKD game room where they were quizzed on what healthy lifestyle choices are best for kidneys.

From learning how an active lifestyle can keep kidneys healthy through the help of a quick Zumba session to understanding the role of a healthy diet by being treated to delicious kidney-friendly food—participants were able to grasp the importance of change in lifestyle habits to take care of one’s physical welfare; if opted for, one-on-one consultations were made available for individuals to undergo check-ups to identify whether or not they were at risk of CKD as well.

All this being said, the day was no doubt a day of new learnings and new beginnings for those present! Having a stronger grasp of what CKD entails and knowing what preventive steps to follow afterward allows us to protect our health and those we care for more smartly.

A better life starts with you and what you do! Thus, if you want to learn more about your kidney health, please visit ItStartsWithYou.com.ph.