11 March is World Kidney Day. The Unisa Campus Health Clinic will offer a number of health screenings on 11 and 18 March 2021.

The theme for World Kidney Day is "Kidney Health For Everyone in Everywhere".

6 things healthy kidneys do

• Regulate the body’s fluid levels
• Filter wastes and toxins from the blood
• Release a hormone that regulates blood pressure
• Activate Vitamin D to maintain healthy bones
• Release the hormone that directs production of red blood cells
• Keep blood minerals in balance (sodium, phosphorus, potassium)

8 possible signs of trouble

Most people with early kidney disease have no symptoms, which is why early detection is critical. By the time symptoms appear, kidney disease may be advanced and symptoms can be misleading. Pay attention to these symptoms:

• Fatigue, weakness
• Difficult, painful urination
• Foamy urine
• Pink, dark urine (blood in urine)
• Increased thirst
• Increased need to urinate (especially at night)
• Puffy eyes
• Swollen face, hands, abdomen, ankles and feet

9 things everyone should do:

• Exercise regularly
• Control your weight
• Follow a balanced diet
• Quit smoking
• Drink only in moderation
• Stay hydrated
• Monitor your cholesterol levels
• Get an annual physical check up
• Know your family medical history

Reference: https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/sixstepshealthprimer

The Unisa Campus Health Clinic will be offering a free cholesterol check, blood pressure test and urine analysis test on 11 and 18 March 2021. Please contact the Clinic to make a booking for your tests on 012 429 6629 or 012 429 6077.

Please read through the self-assessment questionnaire. You do not need to complete or print the self-assessment - an assessment and screening test will be done at the Campus Clinic once you have made a booking.