n celebration of World Kidney Day (WKD), the Cayman Islands Health Services Authority (HSA) will be providing free health screenings on Thursday 12th March from 8:00am – 1:00pm in the Cayman Islands Hospital Atrium. Screenings include blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol, height and weight measurements and urine test for those ones that have hypertension and high glucose levels. All members of the public are invited.

Celebrated every year on the second Thursday of March, World Kidney Day’s global theme is “Kidney Health for Everyone Everywhere – from Prevention to Detection and Equitable Access to Care” with the aim to increase awareness of the importance of our kidney health and reduce the impact of kidney disease and its associated problems worldwide.

“Persons with diabetes, hypertension and a family history of kidney disease have a higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD), said Dr. Iheonunekwu Nelson, HSA Internist/Nephrologist. “However, it is important for everyone to take a vested interest in their kidney health as CKD affects 1 in 10 persons globally”.

“The severity of chronic kidney disease varies from patient to patient, however this is an incurable disease and can lead to lifelong dialysis. Locally, we have the resources to provide early detection, treatment and management. We currently provide hemodialysis to 67 patients in our Dialysis Unit and in 2018 we had a crude mortality of 9 percent. Our dialysis unit caters to all local dialysis patients and visitors with 11 beds operating six day per week.”

The screening acts as a primary prevention measure and offers those who believe they are at risk of kidney-related illnesses the opportunity to learn more about preventive behaviours. Attendees will be able to speak to a variety of clinicians including nurses, a physician and dietitian.

On Thursday evening a special presentation on chronic kidney disease prevention by HSA internist Dr. Raymonde Rohan-Moving will take place from 5:00-6:00pm in the Hibiscus Conference at the Cayman Islands Hospital. The presentation is open to the public and will offer Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits to medical professionals who attend.

Visit www.hsa.ky for more information and services offered at the Cayman Islands Health Services Authority.