When's the last time you went to check your kidney? That's what the Kidney Association of Belize hoped that members of the public would do today at their annual fair.
The association says that it's a vital organ which is one of the first parts of the body to be affected by hypertension or diabetes. And if you watch the news - you'll know that there are enough people out there suffering from end stage renal failure.
Today, we stopped in to find out how the fair was going:
Ruby Nicholas, President, Kidney Association of Belize
"The purpose of the fair is to invite participants to come out and find out about their health status. We have several of the providers here. We have the Diabetes Association; we have the nurses, the doctors; we the AIDS center; HECOPAB and we have invited those who could have come out with their materials to provide information for the public."
Daniel Ortiz
"Why is it important that one knows the health of their kidneys ma'am?"
Ruby Nicholas, President, Kidney Association of Belize
"We are hoping that the participants that come here become aware of their kidney functions because having knowledge of their kidney functions will allow them to know exactly how to prevent the disease."
Daniel Ortiz
"Tell us about some of the diseases that commonly afflict Belizeans?"
Ruby Nicholas, President, Kidney Association of Belize
"Some of the diseases are diabetes, hypertension and we have seen a rise in the kidney failure and so that's the reason for the health fair. This is our 4th year and we see the need for it so that we can inform the public of their kidney functions."
At the time of our interview, only 150 persons had stopped in to get their check-up, which the Association says is of concern since they made preparations to cater to almost 3 times that amount.
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