Kidney cases up in Baguio; information on sickness pushed

By Julie G. Fianza

BAGUIO CITY – Prevention is better than cure, may be the adage behind the proposed resolution of Councilor Joel Alangsab for information dissemination as to the common causes and prevention of kidney diseases.

The councilor could have been alarmed by the number of city constituents seeking financial assistance as to kidney-related diseases.  

Councilor Alangsab noted that kidney diseases are costly as they require bi-or tri-weekly or scheduled monthly hemodialysis which are conducted only at specially-equipped hospitals.

He also showed interest in studies showing that diet and lifestyle have impact on kidney health.

Although excesses in food, and sedentary lifestyle may be possible causes for kidney diseases, the correction of such may somehow help in the prevention of kidney diseases, the councilor said. 

“Coming up with a list of medically and scientifically proven diet and healthy food consumption, properly disseminated to the constituency, will not only help in the prevention of kidney disease but will likewise promote healthy lifestyles” he added. 

There is a need for the city, in coordination with private institutions who has the same advocacy, to come up with possible and realistic preventive measures to assist in addressing the concern, the resolution states.

Aside from the ban on the selling of junkfood in primary and secondary schools, there is a need to elaborate the said campaign in certain health subjects of students, to instill in them the importance of proper diet in their health, Councilor Alangsab further said.   

The proposed resolution enjoins the assistance and cooperation of Barangay Health Workers, Nutrition Action Officers and Nutrition Scholars for the program. Other media outlets, including the Public Information Office and Philippine Information Agency were also enjoined for the information campaign.

Approved by the city council for first reading during the last session, the proposal was referred to the Committee on Health and Environment headed by Councilor ErdolfoBalajadia.