| Emeritus Professor George Nicholson– To receive immense support from renowned Professor George NicholsonWith a number of reputable persons at its helm, including the likes of Emeritus Professor of the University of the West Indies,Larry Csonka Dolphins Throwback Jersey, Dr George Nicholson, the country’s first Kidney Foundation was launched yesterday as part of the observances of the Sixth World Kidney Day.Designed to be driven by charitable support, the Foundation is geared at not only helping to channel disadvantaged persons towards gaining financial assistance but to ensure that they are aware of important behavioural practices to promote healthy lifestyles.According to Chairman of the Foundation, Major General (Retired) Joseph Singh, World Kidney Day is the most widely celebrated event associated with kidney disease and the most successful effort to raise awareness among the general public and Government health officials about the dangers of chronic kidney disease.The kidneys are located deep in the abdomen and are the size of an individual’s fist. They are responsible for filtering and removing toxins and excess water from the blood to help to control blood pressure,http://www.airmaxfantasy.us.com/Nike-Air-Force-One/, produce red blood cells and keep bones healthy, secrete metabolites and minerals and excrete them along with water as urine. They also control salt and water in the body.Singh explained yesterday that normally kidney diseases develop slowly and the symptoms often only appear at a late stage when the patient already has failure of the organ(s) and may even need dialysis. But according to him, routine testing of the urine, blood and blood pressure can detect early signs.“When kidneys are damaged, protein leaks into the urine, high blood pressure puts stress on blood vessels, including the kidneys,http://www.airmaxfantasy.us.com/Vans/, impairs their functioning, leading to the build-up of toxins and water retention,” Singh added.The presence of chronic kidney diseases significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular events in both diabetes and hypertension cases. Quoting from the United States Renal Data System 2007 Annual Report, Singh highlighted that 70 percent of the primary causes of kidney failure is diabetes (43.8 percent) and high blood pressure (26.8 percent). However, he disclosed that chronic kidney disease alone is a strong risk factor for cardiovascular disease independent of diabetes,Miami Marlins Dustin McGowan Jersey, hypertension or any other cardiovascular risk.World Kidney Day was observed under the theme ‘Protect your kidneys, save your heart’, a notion which, according to Singh, calls attention to the role played by kidney dysfunction in increasing premature cardiovascular diseases.“Increasing attention to the kidneys can indeed improve long-term health outcomes and reducing kidney and cardiovascular disease, therefore, should be an essential plan of any health strategy intended to reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases,” Singh asserted.It was against this background, Singh revealed that over the last six months a group of citizens drawn from the medical profession, the private sector and services organisations have been involved in discussions on the situation in Guyana as it relates to chronic kidney disease. These discussions, he said, were initiated by Professor Nicholson, who, according to Singh, has been the inspiration behind the initiative.“He has played a vital role in mentoring the process to get it where we are today…His vast professional experience, mentorship and guidance to Caribbean medical personnel, his consultancies and his direct involvement in the operational work of the Five G Dialysis Centre make him a formidable resource person.”Detailing the mission of the Kidney Foundation, Singh said that it is premised on the need to promote public awareness about prevention, treatment and the consequences of urinary tract diseases. It is also geared at supporting national health care efforts aimed at reducing illnesses caused by obesity,http://www.soccerpro.us.com/Chile/, diabetes, hypertension and kidney failure, and to encourage partnerships that mobilise financial and other resources to assist individuals who suffer from or are susceptible to these diseases.In addition to Professor Nicholson, the formation of the Foundation also saw input from the Ministry of Health, the Five G Dialysis Centre, Dr Deen Sharma,Paul Pogba Jersey UK, Hugh Cholmondeley, the Foundation’s Secretary; Claudette Harry,Pascal Dupuis Penguins Jersey, Treasurer, as well as a number of other organisations and individuals.“We feel confident as members of the Board that it is on the right track and through creative partnerships we will succeed in executing our mission and our annual work plans.” The design and implementation of the annual work plans will fall under the responsibility of three committees – the Committee for Informed Citizens, chaired by Dr Deen Sharma; the Committee responsible for Informed Policy Makers,Enrique Hernandez Jersey, chaired by Dr Surendra Persaud, and the Committee responsible for Assisting Patients, chaired by Professor Nicholson.According to Singh,Jaromir Jagr Rangers Jersey, the Foundation is a registered charity, with an account at Scotiabank “into which I hope corporate citizens of means will contribute generously so that the Foundation would have the financial resources to execute its mission…”Yesterday’s launch saw the attendance of a number of outstanding personalities, including both of the country’s Ministers of Health, Drs. Leslie Ramsammy and Bheri Ramsaran. |
