The National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) has issued a warning against kidney diseases especially chronic renal failure or End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), now the seventh leading cause of death in the country.

According to the NKTI, chronic renal failure affects about 120 per one million population every year or about one individual per hour. More than 5,000 individuals with ESRD are currently on dialysis treatment.

Experts said diabetes mellitus and hypertension are the most common causes of chronic renal failure.

Treatment for kidney disorders as well as renal transplantation can be expensive in addition to the problem of a shortage of donors. Because of this, the NKTI has focused its efforts in the prevention of renal diseases through its Renal Health Plus program which provides educational information related to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of kidney disorders.

Aside from strict blood pressure monitoring, glycemic control and the adoption of a healthy lifestyle, the NKTI’s Renal Health Plus program advices the public to: exercise regularly, maintain a healthy diet, maintain an ideal body weight, avoid smoking, avoid taking medicines or herbal supplements without a doctor’s advice, consult a doctor immediately if experiencing symptoms of a kidney problem, increase fluid intake and consume less salt and to have an annual physical check up especially those with hypertension or diabetes or with a family history of renal failure.

Individuals with diabetes or hypertension are advised to take their medicines regularly, have regular check ups and to have their kidneys, blood sugar and blood pressure monitored on a regular basis.

Experts said the main symptom of a kidney disorder is fluid retention or edema as well as puffiness around the eyes, swelling in the feet and legs and water in the lungs which manifests through difficulty in breathing. (Christina I. Hermoso)

The grandmother of a 12-year bone cancer patient appeals to readers and to top officials of San Diego-based U.S. Navy hospital ship USNS Mercy to assist in her granddaughter’s medical treatment.

In a letter send to Manila Bulletin, Mildred Junio, 68, of Barangay San Isidro, Antipolo City, had asked medical assistance from Admiral Gary Roughead, commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, who leads the US Mercy’s three-week medical mission in the country.

Junio said her 12-yearold granddaughter, Clarence Jean Junio, immediately needs to undergo six to nine cycles of chemotherapy.

The young Junio’s leg had been cut off due to bone cancer. She is currently confined at the Philippine Orthopedic Center in Quezon City.

"We can’t afford to buy her medicines so we appeal to Admiral Gary Roughead to assist us in Jean’s medical treatment," Junio said in a letter sent to Bulletin.

Junio said they had asked assistance from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), and Philippine Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), but have not received any to date.

"I’m so worried because my granddaughter has not received proper medical attention," the 68-year-old Junio said.

The USNS Mercy arrived last May 20 in Manila to launch its three-week medical mission providing medical assistance to Filipinos, particularly in southern Mindanao. It is now heading for Jolo and Tawi-Tawi islands in the Sulu on similar humanitarian mission.

More than a hundred medical practitioners and volunteers, composed of both American and Filipino military doctors and non-government organizations (NGOs), are on board to give medical assistance to various poor communities in the country.

Armed with special medical equipment, and multi-specialized medical team of uniformed and civilian health care providers, the 894-footlong hospital ship offers medical services, including casualty reception, optometry screenings, eyewear distribution, physical therapy, burn care, radiological and laboratory services, dermatology, urology, obstetrics and gynecology, general surgery, ophthalmologic surgery, and plastic surgery.

Basic medical evaluation and treatment, preventative medicine treatment, dental screenings and treatment, immunizations, public health training and assessment, vector control and veterinary services are also offered.

More than 107,000 patients were treated in various countries, including Indonesia, East Timor and Papua New Guinea through the deployment of the Mercy ship. In 2004, the naval ship extended humanitarian assistance to the victims of tsunami in Southeast Asia.