Browsing: Kidney Health

Olympic gymnastics all-around champion Suni Lee, a prominent figure in the world of sports, is currently competing at the Paris Olympics. As the first Hmong-American Olympian, Lee’s journey to this point has been marked by incredible perseverance and determination, particularly in the face of severe health challenges.

June marks National Kidney Month in the Philippines. This is a period dedicated to raising awareness about kidney health and the impact kidney damage can have on other parts of the body. As part of National Kidney Month, Eladio Miguel M. Peñaranda Jr. MD, Chief of the section of Nephrology of Makati Medical Center, emphasises two important bodily connections. These connections are between kidney function, bone health, and cardiovascular health. Understanding these links is essential for managing and preventing complications associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has announced an increase in the package rate for hemodialysis sessions. Effective immediately, the rate will rise from PHP 2,600 to PHP 4,000 per session. The PhilHealth board, chaired by Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Ted Herbosa, approved this decision.

The weight-loss drug Ozempic is well-known for its effectiveness in managing type 2 diabetes and aiding significant weight loss. Additionally, it has recently been linked to unexpected pregnancies and new health benefits. Several women reported surprise pregnancies after using the drug. Concurrently, recent studies also suggest Ozempic could reduce the risk of kidney disease progression in diabetic patients.

Chronic Kidney Disease, often abbreviated as CKD, is a condition characterised by a gradual loss of kidney function over time. The kidneys, a pair of bean-shaped organs below the ribcage, are essential in filtering waste and excess fluids from the blood. When CKD progresses, it can lead to kidney failure. When that happens, it necessitates dialysis or a kidney transplant. For this article, we consulted with Dato’ Dr. Ong  Yoke Meng. Dato’ Dr Ong is a nephrologist & physician at Island Hospital, Penang. He retired from the Ministry of Health (MOH) in 2022, where he served as the Head of Nephrology Services and the Head of the Department of Medicine at Penang Hospital.