Our kidneys are critical organs in the human body. 
 
It is possible to live with only one kidney, but without the function of the kidney the body requires extensive medical intervention to maintain health and wellbeing.
 
This June, we are celebrating National Kidney Awareness Month.
 
It is the ideal opportunity for all of us to raise awareness of the importance of our kidneys to our overall health and to reduce the frequency and impact of kidney disease and its associated health problems.
 
By keeping our kidneys healthy, our body will filter and expel waste properly and produce hormones to help our body function properly.
 
Education, awareness, lifestyle choices, and knowing what can cause our kidneys to fail can make a significant difference in preventing kidney disease.
 
With this, Dr. Mary Grace Anne Roque, adult nephrologist at the Region 1 Medical Center (R1MC) in Dagupan City, shared during the Tongtongan ed PIA (Pag-uusap sa PIA) media forum on Thursday the eight “golden rules” to help keep our kidneys healthy.
 
These are:
 
1. Keep active and fit
2. Control your blood sugar
3. Monitor blood pressure
4. Monitor weight and eat a healthy diet
5. Drink plenty of fluids
6. Don’t smoke
7. Be aware of the amount of over-the-counter pills you take
8. Have your kidney function tested if you’re at high risk
 
Our kidneys are vital to our overall health.
 
That’s why taking care of our kidneys should be a top health priority.
 
According to Dr. Roque, the R1MC offers free clinic every afternoon on weekdays, except Thursday, wherein a patient can visit to work closely with a doctor to watch for signs of kidney damage or kidney disease.
 
During National Kidney Awareness Month and year-round, we are reminded to  “Take care of our hard-working kidneys and they’ll help take care of us.”
 
Let us take charge of our health and empower ourselves with information  so we can expect to live long, healthy lives that are free of complications from any disease. (JCR/AMB/PIA Pangasinan)