Photo courtesy Dfrg.msc
GEOFF VIVIAN
Health professionals at Adelaide and Sydney Universities are urging Aboriginal people to avoid kidney diseases by taking better care of their health.
Adnya Mathama woman Rhanee Lester said kidney diseases had been in her family for three generations, and now wanted to spread the word about kidney health.
“If you’ve got an inkling within your body or within yourself that something’s not right within your body, definitely go and get a health check,” she said. “Early detection is the best way to prevent kidney disease. Kidney failure is incurable, there is no cure for kidney disease at the moment.”
She offered some simple advice.
“Have regular health checks, drink lots of water,” she said. “Try and eat the best foods you can as they are available to you and keep up with your physical activity and exercise as well.”
Statistics show kidney disease is one of Australia’s biggest killers.
On average, 63 people die with it every day – more than breast cancer, prostate cancer and road accidents.