Hi I’m Dr Ben Dodds, a Rural Generalist who recently started working at Deloraine and Westbury Medical Centre. I have a strong interest in helping patients manage chronic disease, that means people who suffer from problems with their heart, lungs, kidneys and Cancer.
Several doctors at the general practice recently attended an education evening on chronic kidney disease (CKD). That prompted us to recently look closely at kidney health in our community. CKD is far more common than most people realise yet often goes undetected.
Letter to the Editor
An audit of our patient population found nearly 600 patients had established chronic kidney disease based on blood tests, but only about one in four had an official diagnosis recorded.
CKD usually has no symptoms in its early stages. You can feel perfectly well while your kidneys are under strain. The only way to pick it up early is through simple blood and urine tests at your regular GP visit. These checks are quick, and they can make a huge difference.
Why does early detection matter? Because if CKD is managed early, we can slow its progression and prevent serious complications—like heart attacks, stroke and dialysis. Good control of blood pressure and diabetes helps, but there’s more good news: new medications are now available on the PBS that can protect your kidneys and your heart. One of these is empagliflozin (Jardiance), which has been shown to reduce the risk of kidney failure and cardiovascular death.
If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney problems, talk to your doctor about getting tested. And if you already have CKD, ask whether these new treatments might be right for you.
The North Coast Post: BSB 633 000 · Account number: 2366 8 9535
Your kidneys work hard every day—don’t wait until it’s too late. Book a check-up at Deloraine and Westbury Medical Centre and take the first step toward protecting your health.
