Date Published:
26 May 2009 |
Kidney Disease – Australia’s ‘Silent Killer’ Print page
The number of Australians becoming sick and dying from kidney failure is rising
rapidly, largely due to avoidable lifestyle factors such as high blood pressure.
In 2007, diseases of the kidney and urinary tract jumped into the top 10 leading
causes of death among Australians, with 3,230 deaths.
Many of these deaths could have been prevented. Risk factors for chronic kidney
disease include diabetes and high blood pressure. Other contributing factors
may include tobacco smoking and physical inactivity.
Kidney Health Week, which is now underway, is an opportunity for Australians
to learn more about the dangers of kidney disease and how to avoid it.
This year, the week focuses on the link between high blood pressure and chronic
kidney disease.
High blood pressure is not only a possible sign of kidney disease - it can
cause kidney disease.
Changing lifestyle with healthy eating, exercise and stopping smoking are simple
steps everyone can take to improve health and protect their kidneys.
The Government has funded a number of initiatives to reduce the incidence
and spread of kidney disease. Measures include:
* More than $16 million for 107 grants into kidney disease research via the
National Health and Medical Research Council;
* $7 million for the construction of a renal dialysis unit at the North Lakes
Health Precinct in Queensland;
* More than $8 million to improve access to dialysis services in the Kimberley
region of WA;
* More than $5 million to improve access to dialysis services for remote communities
in the Northern Territory; and
* More than $1 million for the Chronic Kidney Disease Monitoring Centre.
Funding has also been invested through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and
the Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme to help people with chronic
kidney disease. In 2007-08 expenditure on drugs for chronic kidney disease was
more than $30 million.
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about current health issues, but not to endorse any particular view or activity.
Any views expressed iin the article above are not necessarily those of IvyRose
Ltd.. Material in this news item was released by the Australian based source
listed below on 26 May 2009
and may have been edited (e.g. in style, length, and/or for ease of understanding
by our international readers) for inclusion here. For further information, please
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