Davao City – In line with the observance of Kidney Month, the Davao City Health Office (CHO) launched a series of health awareness initiatives to promote early detection and prevention of chronic diseases, particularly targeting kidney and prostate health.
On June 20, the CHO conducted a carnival-themed kidney awareness event at SM Ecoland Annex. The event featured free consultations with specialists and nephrologists, as well as medical screenings to detect early signs of kidney disease. According to CHO Non-Communicable Diseases Medical Coordinator Dr. Shri Reyes, the program aimed to raise awareness about kidney problems while offering Dabawenyos the chance to consult experts on their health concerns.
Dr. Reyes noted a concerning trend of younger individuals being diagnosed with kidney disease, which he attributed to poor dietary habits, frequent consumption of processed foods, and insufficient water intake. He stressed that other conditions such as hypertension and elevated uric acid levels also pose risks to kidney health.
“Kidney disease is incurable and irreversible. Once it progresses to the end stage, the only options are dialysis or a kidney transplant,” Reyes warned, urging the public to take preventive measures such as drinking at least two liters of water daily and avoiding delaying urination.
To support patients with kidney issues, the CHO provides referrals to financial aid programs like Lingap and coordinates free transport to dialysis centers. It also keeps patients informed of organ transplant schedules at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC).
In addition to the kidney awareness efforts, the CHO also emphasized the importance of prostate health for men aged 50 and above. During the same I-Speak Media Forum, Dr. Rudney James E. Velasquez, CHO’s City Men’s Health Medical Coordinator, urged male residents to undergo free prostate screenings available at district health centers.
“For men ages 50 and above, it’s time to get checked for possible developments in the prostate,” Velasquez said. He encouraged the use of digital rectal exams, which are available at no cost, to detect early signs of prostate cancer.
He also highlighted that prostate cancer can be hereditary, making early detection especially important for those with a family history of the disease. “Early detection is key, especially for men with relatives who had prostate cancer. This disease can be passed on within families,” he added.
Velasquez called for intensified awareness campaigns to improve men’s health-seeking behavior, reminding the public that men’s reproductive health deserves the same attention as women’s.
The CHO continues to offer free medical services, including screenings for kidney and prostate health, at all district health centers. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of these services to safeguard their well-being.
For more information, Dabawenyos may visit the nearest health center or follow official CHO announcements.