Apply the "Kidney FRIEND" Principle to Maintain Children's Kidney Health

ILLUSTRATION/Pexels/Tima Miroshnichenko

JAKARTA - Children's body health must always be monitored by parents. Especially related to vital organs such as the kidneys, so that children's growth and development run well.

In maintaining children's kidney health, the Children's Specialist, Subspecialist of Nephrology at Pondok Indah Hospital, Dr. Henny Adriani Puspitasari, Sp.A., Subsp.Nefro introduced the "Kidney FRIEND" principle.

"One easy way to remember is the principle of Kidney FRIEND," said Dr. Henny, when meeting the media at RSPI, in Menteng, Central Jakarta, Friday, June 19.

By applying this principle, Dr. Henny said that children's kidney health can be maintained from an early age. He explained that the letter "S" in the principle means providing enough fluids to ensure that children drink water according to their age needs.

Then the letter "A" is a rule for a healthy and low-salt diet in children, so as not to interfere with kidney health. It is recommended to teach children to consume fruits and vegetables, and limit foods high in sodium.

The letter "H" represents living an active life every day through the habit of exercising and increasing physical activity with the family. An active lifestyle is beneficial for maintaining ideal body weight and reducing the risk of diseases that can affect kidney health.

Meanwhile, the next letter "A" reminds us of the importance of monitoring blood pressure and blood sugar through early detection of risk factors for kidney disease in children.

"If a child has certain risk factors, early detection is important to prevent kidney disorders from developing further," he explained.

Then the letter "B" means wisely giving medicine to children so as not to burden the work of the kidneys. In the other letter "A" reminds us to keep cigarette smoke away from children which can increase the risk of various health problems, including blood vessel and kidney disorders.

Finally, the letter "T", which means periodic kidney function tests. Especially in children who have risk factors such as a history of kidney disorders, hypertension, obesity, to premature birth.

By implementing various recommendations on the "Kidney FRIEND" principle, parents can establish healthy living habits in children that support their kidney function until adulthood.

"Maintaining kidney health does not have to wait for symptoms to appear. Prevention can start with simple habits that are done every day," concluded Dr. Henny.