STHS Edinburg Hosting Special World Kidney Day Observation, March 12th

Mega Doctor News

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The kidneys play a crucial role in your overall well-being, with the two small, bean-shaped organs acting as the body’s filtration system.

“Your kidneys work around the clock to filter your blood, remove toxins, balance essential minerals and regulate blood pressure,” says Jonathan Longoria, MD, an internal medicine hospitalist at South Texas Health System (STHS) Edinburg, who serves as the system’s hospitalist program medical director. “When the kidneys aren’t healthy, the entire body feels the impact, which is why protecting them is one of the most important steps you can take for lifelong wellness.”

When the kidneys don’t function properly for more than three months, the condition is known as chronic kidney disease (CKD). People living with CKD are at increased risk for complications.

“Untreated kidney problems can lead to anemia, nerve damage, weakened bones, heart disease and, in advanced stages, kidney failure,” says Dr. Longoria. “These long-term complications can dramatically affect a person’s quality of life, but many of them are preventable with early detection and good management of conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.”

Approximately 37 million people in the United States are living with CKD,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. An estimated 807,000 Americans currently have kidney failure, with about 562,000 relying on dialysis. 

Even more concerning, kidney disease continues to rise at an alarming rate, now affecting more than one in seven adults nationwide.

“Once the kidneys stop working, dialysis or a kidney transplant becomes necessary for survival,” explains Dr. Longoria. “Dialysis can help do the job the kidneys can no longer perform, but it requires a significant lifestyle adjustment, often involving multiple treatments every week. A transplant can offer more freedom and better long-term outcomes for many patients, but it also comes with the need for lifelong medication and close medical monitoring. That’s why early detection and proactive kidney care are so important, they can delay or even prevent the progression to end-stage kidney failure.”

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To help raise awareness about chronic kidney disease, a health issue prevalent in the Rio Grande Valley, STHS Edinburg will host a special event in partnership with the Texas Organ Sharing Alliance on Thursday, March 12, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. in the lobby area near the hospital’s gift shop.

Held in recognition of World Kidney Day, observed annually around the globe to reduce the frequency and impact of kidney disease and related health complications, the event will emphasize the importance of protecting kidney health and understanding the risks associated with chronic kidney disease.

“It’s an unfortunate reality: chronic kidney disease is widespread in the Rio Grande Valley, affecting people of all ages, even children,” says Tom Castañeda, System Director of Marketing & Public Relations, STHS. “Experts point to the region’s high rates of obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure as major contributing factors. The good news is that there are many proactive steps you can take to safeguard your kidney health, from eating a balanced diet and staying active to managing your blood sugar and blood pressure. This World Kidney Day, we’re raising awareness and urging everyone to make their kidney health a priority.”

During the event, STHS Edinburg will raise awareness about the impact of kidney disease on overall health and highlight ways to protect your kidney health. Along with explaining the risk factors and symptoms of kidney disease, the event will offer invaluable guidance on preventing this lifethreatening condition.

For more information or to RSVP, please contact the STHS Marketing Department at (956) 3882020 or sthsmarketing@uhsinc.com.