WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao Medical Center (CMC) recently hosted an internal awareness session focused on kidney health, underscoring the growing importance of prevention and early intervention as the number of patients requiring specialized kidney care continues to rise.
The session was led by dialysis nurse Ruthmila Vrutaal, who shared both professional expertise and firsthand experience gained from working directly with patients living with kidney disease.
What began as an educational presentation evolved into a broader discussion about the realities faced by individuals whose kidneys no longer function properly. Through practical examples and patient experiences, participants gained insight into the physical and emotional challenges associated with chronic kidney disease.
Vrutaal emphasized that prevention remains one of the most effective tools in reducing the risk of kidney-related illnesses. She highlighted the importance of drinking sufficient water, maintaining a balanced diet, limiting salt and sugar consumption, and adopting healthy lifestyle habits that support long-term kidney function.
The session also explored the impact of everyday choices on overall health, stressing that seemingly minor habits can have significant consequences over time.
Participants learned about dialysis, the life-sustaining treatment required when kidneys can no longer adequately remove waste and excess fluids from the body. The presentation highlighted the strict discipline required of dialysis patients, who must carefully monitor their fluid intake and make ongoing adjustments to their daily routines.
The possibility of kidney transplantation was also discussed, providing insight into both the opportunities and challenges associated with advanced treatment options.
According to CMC, one of the key messages of the session was that kidney disease often develops gradually and can remain unnoticed until significant damage has already occurred. As a result, awareness and preventive measures are becoming increasingly important.
Healthcare professionals attending the session were encouraged not only to promote healthy habits among patients but also to apply those lessons in their own lives.
A recurring theme throughout the presentation was that the body, including the kidneys, requires adequate time to recover and function properly. Even habits such as eating late at night can place additional stress on the body's systems.
CMC said initiatives such as the kidney health session reinforce the hospital's commitment to education, prevention and patient-centered care. As demand for specialized healthcare services continues to grow, the hospital believes that increasing public awareness can play a crucial role in reducing future health complications and improving quality of life across the community.
The hospital noted that protecting kidney health begins with everyday choices, making prevention an important responsibility for both healthcare providers and the public.