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Also in March:

• Kidney checks for World Kidney Day
• Aberdeenshire Community Health Partnership Committee meeting
• NHS Grampian launches major campaign to reduce medicine wastage
• Give Kids A Chance and Macmillan Cancer Support
• Issued on behalf of 'Give Kids a Chance'
• Turf cutting marks start of £2m healthcare development in Aberdeen
• Aberdeen Hospital Radio Station shortlisted for 3 national awards

March 5, 2010

 

NHSG/25/10

 

 

NHS Grampian will be raising awareness of chronic kidney disease on March 11 − World Kidney Day − by offering free healthy kidney checks. These will be available at the Aberdeen Indoor Market healthpoint and the Peterhead healthpoint from 11am to 3pm on Thursday, March 11.

 

A free mini lifestyle check, including a blood pressure check and discussion about activity and diet, will be offered to all visitors, and specialist kidney nurses will offer information and advice on looking after your kidneys and preventing chronic kidney disease. 

 

Helen Rose, one of three chronic kidney disease nurses in NHS Grampian, said: "Kidneys are vital and hard working parts of your body. We are offering this free check because many people have chronic kidney disease without realising it. However, with lifestyle changes and correct treatment, damage can often be prevented."

 

Kidneys normally come in pairs and each one is about the size of a computer mouse.  Kidneys are responsible for filtering out waste products and excess fluids from the body. People with chronic kidney disease often have no symptoms, however it can lead to health problems if it is allowed to progress.

 

"For most of us it's simple to look after our kidneys by having a healthy lifestyle," said Helen. "This includes not smoking, keeping active, maintaining a healthy weight and blood pressure, drinking fluids and reducing salt intake. 

 

"If you have high blood pressure or diabetes, it is particularly important that you follow your GP's advice and keep your blood pressure and blood sugar under control.  By following this advice, you will be keeping not only your kidneys healthy, but also the rest of your body."

 

NHS Grampian healthpoints offer free, confidential information and advice from trained staff on a wide range of topics, including:

The Hot Spot healthpoint is at 1-3 Kirk Street, Peterhead, and is open Tuesdays to Fridays, 11am to 3pm.The Aberdeen Indoor Market healthpoint is open Monday to Saturday ,10am to 4pm.

 

More information about kidney health is available at healthpoints, or through the free healthline on 0500 20 20 30, or by email: healthpoint@nhs.net.