News release

Kidneys for Life, Are You at Risk?, op-ed

Health and Wellness

NOTE: The following is an op-ed from Susan MacNeil, manager, Nova Scotia Renal Program.


In most cases, kidney disease is preventable. The key is early detection.

As we get ready to mark World Kidney Day on March 14, we also recognize the month of March as Kidney Health Month, a time when Nova Scotians are reminded that kidneys should be for life, so people should know their risks and support early detection of kidney disease.

About 4,000 Nova Scotians are being treated for some degree of kidney disease. While these figures can be scary, the good news is people can lower their risk of developing kidney disease.

Knowing the risk factors, which include diabetes, high blood pressure, being overweight, being over the age of 50, having a family history of kidney disease, and being of Aboriginal or African Nova Scotian descent, is the first step. The second step for those at high risk for kidney disease, is to get screened every year.

There are several easy ways to reduce the risk of developing kidney disease:

  • Increase daily exercise: Keeping fit helps to reduce blood pressure.
  • Check blood pressure: High blood pressure is the second most common cause of kidney damage.
  • Control blood sugar level: People with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing kidney damage.
  • Eat healthy: A healthy diet and body weight can help prevent diabetes, heart disease and other conditions linked with chronic kidney disease.
  • Do not smoke: Smoking slows the flow of blood to the kidneys, which decreases their ability to work properly.
  • Avoid anti-inflammatory drugs: Common drugs like Ibuprofen, if taken regularly over long periods for chronic pain, can cause kidney damage. Discuss other options with health-care providers.

The Nova Scotia Renal Program, a provincial program of the Department of Health and Wellness, is committed to raising awareness of kidney disease. People at increased risk for kidney disease should talk to their family doctor and have their kidney function checked regularly. It is as simple as 1-2-3; having a blood pressure check, a urine sample for protein and a blood sample to calculate kidney function.