Today, the Kidney Association held its 3rd Annual Health fair in the parking lot of the KHMH, as part of the campaign to raise awareness about kidney health. Because kidney health is closely linked to the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, the association hosted different tests to help members of the public to "know their numbers" in relation to their blood pressure and blood-sugar levels.
Our Daniel Ortiz stopped in at the fair to find out more about the importance of the campaign, as well as to find out about his own numbers. Here's what the Association's PR Officer discussed with him on this topic.
Therese Diego-Blease - PR Officer, Kidney Association of Belize
"This year we've had partners such as Ministry of Health and PAHO who are working with us. They have joined forces with us and brought in their medical expertise as well to encompass health on a wider basis."
Daniel Ortiz
"So what has been the response?"
Therese Diego-Blease
"We've had a very good turn out, so far we've had about 200 individuals since morning that have been tested and we're expecting another crowd for this afternoon."
Daniel Ortiz
"For the viewers - how important is your Kidney and knowing it's status and health?"
Therese Diego-Blease
"Well it's very important because your kidney is a major organ in the body. When your kidney fails we know what the result of that is. If you don't have dialysis on a regular basis or if you're not able to get a Kidney transplant, then it more than likely means, death. So it is very important for Belizeans to know what their status is. If you come out and find out, 'okay you're good' then we want to educate you into continuing in doing what you're doing and maintaining that good health status. If it is that it's not then it's something and somewhere you can go to seek assistance and get some help. The main causes of Kidney failure are Diabetes, Hypertension and Heart Disease, there are other causes but those are the most common ones. So we are saying, if you know you're Diabetic and Hypertensive or you already have heart disease then take care of yourself; take your medication, do your regular visits, eat healthy and especially for those who are not Diabetic or Hypertensive, eating healthy is very important. Maintaining or trying to maintain a low stress level is also very important."
Daniel Ortiz
"For me especially, I have a high stress level. How do you combat something like that?"
Therese Diego-Blease
"Well, by eating healthy. We have stress on a daily basis, we all do but we can also try to eat healthy so that even if your stress level is high, then you know you are trying to do something else to keep a balance."
The fair was an all-day event, in celebration of World Health Day 2013.
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