(And i think i’ll soon be one of them because i don’t drink enough water daily…choi choi choi…)

About 2,500 people in Malaysia are diagnosed with kidney failure every year and the number can be expected to continue growing if nothing is done to check the prevalence of the disease.

Sabah Health Department Director, Dr. Marzukhi Md Isa said the National Renal Registry 2007 statistics showed that the number of kidney failure patients had increased from 100 persons per one million in 2003 to 130 per one million in 2007 due to unhealthy lifestyles.

He said according to a worldwide research one out of 10 adults faced a kidney problem and it is estimated that about 36 premature deaths will occur on earth by 2015 due to kidney disease, which also promotes cardiovascular disease and strokes.

Marzhuki was launching the World Kidney Day 2009 at 1Borneo here Saturday, which was jointly organised by the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Sabah Health Department and Sabah Medical Association.

According to him, high blood pressure is the main cause of kidney disease accounting for 80 per cent of kidney patients. Uncontrolled high blood pressure could lead to heart attacks, stroke and kidney failure.

This year’s World Kidney Day aims to create awareness among society on the prevention of kidney disease as well as the importance of early detection and (more…)

WHAT IS GLAUCOMA?

Many people thought screening their eyes are unimportant. But do you know what is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is the name given to a series of devastating diseases that irreversibly damage the eye’s optic nerve. If left unchecked, this can result in serious vision loss over time.

Glaucoma is commonly detected by measuring the pressure in the eye, also known as intraocular pressure (IOP). When eye pressure increases over time, the optic nerve becomes damaged.

Worldwide, an estimated 6.7 million people are blind from glaucoma, with approximately 70 million people living with the condition.

The only modifiable glaucoma risk factor is high eye pressure, though it is possible to develop the condition without it. Due to the build-up of natural fluid produced by the eye, high eye pressure causes permanent damage to the optic nerve, the “cable” used by the eye to communicate to the brain. High eye pressure may exist without noticeable symptoms so many people do not know they have it if their vision is not checked regularly.

In fact, people may not notice vision loss until 40% or more of their optic nerve has been damaged. IOP is an easily identifiable risk factor; however people who fall within the normal IOP range may still be at risk for glaucoma.

RISK FACTORS FOR GLAUCOMA

Since glaucoma may not demonstrate any early symptoms, it’s important to learn the risk factors and to discuss them with an eye health professional. The primary risk factors for glaucoma include: (more…)