Kidneys are vital organs that filter waste and excess water from our blood, keeping our bodies balanced and healthy. When kidneys don’t work well (a condition called chronic kidney disease, or CKD), harmful toxins build up in the body and can lead to serious illness.

Unfortunately, CKD often develops silently – many people have no idea their kidneys are in trouble until they’ve already lost about half their kidney function.

In fact, kidney disease affects about 1 in 8 adults in South Africa, yet most people with it aren’t aware they have it. This is why early screening and awareness are so important. We’re here to help our community understand kidney health, prevent kidney disease, and get the care you need close to home.

What is Kidney Disease? Why Do Kidneys Matter?

Your kidneys are two bean-shaped organs that act as your body’s natural filters. Healthy kidneys remove waste products and extra fluid, which leave your body as urine. They also balance your body’s fluids and minerals, help control blood pressure, support healthy bones, and even assist in making red blood cells. Kidney disease means the kidneys are damaged and can’t do these jobs well.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) usually happens slowly over time – often due to long-term health issues – and it’s progressive (it can get worse gradually). Early on, you won’t notice any problems. As CKD advances, dangerous levels of fluid and wastes can build up in your body, which may eventually lead to kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant. The good news is that early detection and treatment can slow down or even stop kidney disease from getting worse. That’s why we want everyone to know about kidney health and get checked early.

Common Causes of Kidney Disease

Understanding what causes kidney disease can help you prevent it. In South Africa (and worldwide), the leading causes of chronic kidney disease are high blood pressure and diabetes. When blood pressure is too high or blood sugar is poorly controlled over time, it damages the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys. In fact, about 65% of kidney failure cases in SA are due to hypertension (high blood pressure) and about 25% are due to type 2 diabetes. Other causes include chronic kidney infections or inflammation (such as glomerulonephritis), certain medications or toxins (long-term use of some painkillers can be harmful to kidneys), and genetic conditions like polycystic kidney disease. Heart disease and HIV can also contribute to kidney problems. Bottom line: keeping your blood pressure and blood sugar in check is key to protecting your kidneys, as these are the biggest culprits in our community.

“Silent” Symptoms – or Lack Thereof

One of the tricky things about kidney disease is that it often has no symptoms in its early stages. You can feel perfectly fine while kidney damage is quietly progressing. That’s why CKD is sometimes called a “silent disease.” Most people don’t feel anything unusual until their kidneys have lost a lot of function – sometimes as much as 50% or more. By the time noticeable symptoms do appear, the disease is usually quite advanced.

When CKD becomes advanced, you may start to notice signs like weight loss and poor appetite, feeling very tired or having trouble concentrating, swelling in your ankles or feet (your shoes might feel tighter) due to fluid retention, needing to urinate more often (especially at night), or even foamy or bloody urine. Some people get puffiness around the eyes (from protein leaking out in urine) and muscle cramps or itchy skin as their kidney function worsens. However, these symptoms can be subtle or mistaken for other issues, and they usually show up late. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear to get concerned about your kidneys – by then, damage may already be severe. The safest approach is to get your kidney health checked regularly, especially if you have any risk factors.

5 Tips to Keep Your Kidneys Healthy (Prevention)

The best way to fight kidney disease is to stop it before it starts. Here are some kidney-friendly lifestyle tips for you and your family in Soshanguve:

• Stay Active: Get regular exercise (like a 30-minute brisk walk, five days a week). Keeping fit helps control your blood pressure and weight, which protects your kidneys.
• Eat Healthy & Go Easy on Salt: Enjoy a balanced diet of fresh, unprocessed foods. Use herbs or spices for flavour instead of too much salt – aim for no more than about one teaspoon of added salt per day. Healthy eating helps prevent diabetes and high blood pressure that can damage kidneys.
• Control Blood Pressure & Blood Sugar: High blood pressure and diabetes are major kidney enemies. Get your BP and blood sugar checked regularly. Take your medications as directed and follow your doctor’s advice to manage these conditions – it really helps save your kidney function.
• Stay Hydrated (Drink Wisely): Drink an appropriate amount of fluids each day. For most people, about 6–8 glasses of water is a good goal (unless your doctor advises a fluid limit). Staying well-hydrated helps your kidneys flush out toxins. (Tip: Water is better than sugary drinks or soda.)
• Avoid Smoking & Harmful Substances: Smoking reduces blood flow to your kidneys and can worsen kidney disease. If you smoke, consider quitting – your kidneys (and lungs and heart) will thank you. Also, be careful with painkillers: using certain over-the-counter pills like ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatories too often can damage your kidneys over time. Use them only as needed and follow the recommended doses. If you have chronic pain, talk to a doctor about kidney-safe options.

Community Tip: Even traditional herbal medicines or remedies should be used cautiously – some can harm the kidneys if taken in large amounts or for too long. Always let your healthcare provider know what herbs or supplements you’re taking.

By following these healthy habits, you can significantly lower your risk of kidney disease. And of course, regular check-ups are part of prevention too – which brings us to our next point…

Why Early Screening Matters

Don’t wait for a wake-up call. Because kidney disease is often silent, the only way to know if your kidneys are healthy is to get tested. Early screening is quick and easy. At Botshilu Private Hospital (or even with your local GP), you can do two simple tests: a blood test to estimate your kidney function (measuring something called creatinine for an eGFR calculation) and a urine test to check for protein leaking into your urine. These tests are inexpensive and can be lifesaving. If we catch a problem early, doctors can prescribe treatments and lifestyle changes to slow down or even halt the progression of CKD. Early stages of kidney disease can often be managed with medications (for example, blood pressure drugs that protect the kidneys) and diet changes to keep you healthier for longer.

In contrast, if kidney disease isn’t found until it’s very advanced, the options are more limited – you might urgently need dialysis or a transplant. Screening gives you the power to take action early. It’s especially important if you’re in a high-risk group (you have diabetes, high blood pressure, are overweight, or have a family history of kidney problems). But even if you feel fine and have no risk factors, it doesn’t hurt to get a kidney check-up occasionally. Remember: knowledge is power, and a simple test now could save you from big problems later on.

How to get screened? It’s easy – you can get a kidney health screening at Botshilu Private Hospital during Kidney Awareness Week (and anytime beyond). We encourage you to visit us for a quick kidney check – no fancy procedures, just a friendly chat and a couple of routine tests. (CTA: Book Your Kidney Screening). If you can’t make it to the hospital, do visit your local doctor or clinic for a kidney test. What matters is that you take that step to know your kidney health.

Dialysis and Renal Care at Botshilu

Do you or a loved one already have serious kidney issues? Are you on dialysis or been told you need it? Good news for Soshanguve: you don’t have to travel far for dialysis treatment. Botshilu Private Hospital has a state-of-the-art Dialysis & Renal Care Unit (the Phelang Bonolo Dialysis Unit) right here in our community. We provide specialised care for patients with chronic kidney disease and those requiring haemodialysis. Our Renal Department has been growing over the years – we’ve expanded services to improve accessibility and quality of care for renal patients in this area. That means you can get world-class dialysis treatment without the long commute to the city or an unfamiliar facility.

Why dialyse at Botshilu? We offer:

• Modern dialysis machines and a comfortable environment: Our unit is equipped with advanced dialysis technology and comfy recliner chairs. You can read, watch TV, or even chat with our friendly staff during your session.
• Expert renal team: Our nephrologist Dr Ajayah and our dialysis nurses are skilled and caring. We work with Phelang Bonolo – a trusted name in renal care – to ensure top-quality treatment. You’re in safe hands here.
• Convenience for Soshanguve residents: We’re located in Soshanguve Block IA, which saves you travel time and costs. Getting your treatment close to home means less hassle and more time to spend on you.
• Personalised, community-focused care: At Botshilu, you’re not just a number on a chart. Our team really gets to know our patients. We speak your language (literally – our staff can converse in English, Sepedi, Tswana, Zulu, and more) and understand your needs. We strive to create a welcoming, family-like atmosphere in our renal unit.

Already on dialysis elsewhere? You can transfer your dialysis to Botshilu. Many patients don’t realize they have the choice. If you’re traveling far for dialysis or unhappy with your current facility, talk to us. Our staff can guide you through the simple process of transferring your care. We coordinate with your doctor and medical aid to handle the paperwork. It’s usually seamless – you could be receiving treatment at Botshilu by your next scheduled dialysis day.

New to dialysis? If you or a family member has been told you need to start dialysis, come see us. We’ll answer all your questions and even arrange a tour of our unit so you know what to expect. Starting dialysis can feel scary, but we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Remember, dialysis is not a death sentence – it’s a second chance at life, and many people on dialysis continue to live active, happy lives. Our mission is to make that journey easier by providing dialysis close to home with caring professionals.

Community Care, Close to Home

Botshilu Private Hospital is proud to be part of the Soshanguve community. We were founded as the first private hospital in this area to help bridge healthcare gaps and bring quality services to you, our neighbours. We believe that healthcare should meet you where you are – that means convenient access, familiar faces, and respect for our local culture and languages. When you walk into Botshilu, you’re family.

This National Kidney Awareness Week, let’s come together as a community to fight the “silent” disease and keep Soshanguve healthy. Whether you’re a young adult or a gogo or mkhulu it’s never too early or too late to pay attention to your kidney health. Spread the word: talk to your friends, relatives, and coworkers about getting screened. Small steps like drinking water instead of soda, or taking a walk in the evening, can make a big difference – share these tips with your loved ones. If you have questions or fears about kidney disease, visit us or give us a call. Our nurses and doctors are happy to chat and provide guidance, even if you’re not a current patient. Knowledge is power.

Finally, we want to reassure you: even if you are diagnosed with kidney disease, you are not alone. Botshilu Private Hospital is here with the full spectrum of care – from education and prevention to treatment and support. We have renal dietitians, counsellors, and support groups available to help patients and families navigate the challenges of CKD. Early detection can literally save your life, but even in later stages, there is hope and help.

Take Action Now – For You and Your Family: Book a free screening this week, or simply stop by to pick up information brochures. Follow our daily posts on social media for kidney health tips and inspiration (see below.). And keep looking after those kidneys.

Together, as the Soshanguve community, we can reduce kidney disease and ensure a healthier future. Botshilu Private Hospital – “Where healthcare meets you” – is with you every step of the way.  Your kidneys matter, and so do you.