Kolkata, 14th March, 2019: Fortis Hospital and Kidney Institute (FHKI), Kolkata organised a 1.5 Kms long walkathon to raise awareness on maintaining a healthy Kidney to mark World Kidney Day here today. As many 200 people, including __ specially-abled children from Manovikas Kendra, participated in the walkathon which was kick started at FHKI. Leading personalities of Kolkata like Actor Abir Chatterjee, Dr Shivaji Basu, and Consultant Urologist at FHKI, Dr. R.K. Gopalakrishna, Consultant Urology at FHKI and Dr Upal Sengupta, Consultant Nephrologist, FHKI flagged off the walkathon. The event was also attended by Mr. Kalyan Mukhopahyay, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr. Siddhartha Dutta, Assistant Commissioner of Police and Mr. Jayanta Mukhopadhyay, Officer-in-Charge of Rabindra Sarobar Police Station.
The walk started from FHKI and moved towards Deshapriya Park, Rashbehari Avenue, Rashbehari Gurudwara and finally back to FHKI. A health checkup camp was also organized outside of FHKI for people. Here they got their basic health screening done like weight and blood pressure check, Urea, Creatinine, Uric Acid and Random Blood Sugar check followed by Diet Consultation. The idea behind this walk is to raise awareness about growing incidence of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) with severe consequences if goes untreated. On completion of the walkathon, FHKI presented 10 cycles to Kolkata Police as a goodwill gesture.
Speaking on the need to remain vigil and alert for healthy kidneys, Dr. Partha Karmakar, Consultant Nephrologist at Fortis Hospital and Kidney Institute said, “It is important to be aware about the health of your kidneys. Timely diagnosis and a proper care under professional supervision can cure most challenging diseases. The concern with renal disease is that it does not show any symptoms at the onset. However, at the later stage it can result in major concerns like swelling of body, weakness, vomiting, breathing problems etc.”
Dr. Upal Sengupta laid down the following guidelines for kidney care:
- The main cause behind Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is high blood pressure and high blood sugar levels. Thus, early detection and control of blood pressure and blood sugar levels is important to avoid incidence of CKD.
- Avoid drugs that are harmful to kidney mainly painkillers.
- Avoid non-proprietary medicines.
- Avoid dehydration during summer. Consume adequate water.
- Regular kidney checkup after the age of 40years is advised especially if one suffers from diabetes, high blood pressure and has family history of CKD.
