Thursday, November 21, 2013
Your Most Important Career Question - And How To Answer It
Are you in the right job? Is your career going the right way? Occasionally, we should pause, and ask ourselves some fundamental questions. I believe there is no career question that is more fundamental than this one:
Are you happy to go to work?
It might seem obvious, or even trivial, but I would argue that we don’t ask this question often enough. I can honestly say that I have always enjoyed work - of course, there are days and sometimes weeks when I didn’t, but for most parts I was (and still am) very happy to go to work. Whenever I started to feel less happy at work, I simply looked for a new job that would make me happier. A few years ago, my wife did the same. She felt less happy in her marketing career and within a week started her training to become a teacher – a job she absolutely loves.
We spend too much time and effort at work not to be happy. If we don’t enjoy work, it reduces our overall quality of life and makes us less effective at our job.
Of course, what we consider work and what makes us happy is different for everyone. However, when it comes to happiness at work - like with most things in life - the secret lies in achieving a balance between different things.
Here are my top 6 job attributes that will make us happy to go to work:
Sense of Purpose.
Do you feel that your job has a purpose you believe in? We all want to be part of something bigger and, if we believe the job we are doing helps to achieve a higher goal, then we will be happier and more engaged.
Recognition and Reward.
Do you feel appreciated at work? The obvious way to reward people is to pay them. However, money is not enough, we need to feel appreciated and recognized and here, a simple ‘thank you’ goes such a long way.
Learning. As human beings, we love learning and developing new skills. Do you have the opportunity to learn something new in your job? Do you get a chance to develop?
Sense of Achievement. We all love the sense that we have achieved something. Do you see the fruits of your labor at work? Do you feel that you are productive and good at your job? Feeling a sense of achievement helps to boost our confidence and self-esteem.
Autonomy and Control. Do you feel that you are working autonomously and that you are in control of what you are doing? Or, do you constantly feel at the mercy of someone else’s decisions? Autonomy and control allow you to bring your creativity and problem solving skills to the table.
Friendship and Companionship. Do you feel a sense of belonging at work, where you work with people you like and get on with? Is there a good atmosphere where people trust each other and friendships flourish?
Try to score each of these (where 0=not there; 1=to some extent there; 2=very much there). This way you can find gaps you could possibly do something about. If not, look for a new job in which you get a higher score. And remember, a high score for money won’t make up for a low score in most other things!
When you are too happy at work
Here is a little warning: Some people love their work so much that they become workaholics. Often because work gives them a sense of purpose; they feel rewarded and recognized; they learn so much; they get constant sense of achievement, feel in control and have a strong sense of belonging. Always remember that you can be happy at work but miserable in life – especially if you are missing or neglecting essential things, like love, health, family, friendship, etc.
Courtesy: Bernard Marr
Best-Selling Author and Enterprise Performance Expert
The 2 Words That Will Change Your Life Forever...
Every now and then, and usually not very often, are some words spoken that deeply resonate with you. They make you stop and reflect. The words and their meaning will stay with you for a long time. They might even inspire or motivate you to do something different or to change direction. These words can come from quotes of famous people or can be words spoken by a friend, your parents, your child or any stranger.
For me, this person was my school teacher who we nicknamed LuLu. It was not a very happy time in my life, I just lost my dad in a car accident and my school performance was suffering. I was sad, probably angry at the world around me and as a consequence a little rebellious. One of the few teachers who got me at that point in my life was LuLu. I remember a chat with her on a day when I felt particularly down and rebellious. She said to me "I have two words that will change your life forever". This made me curious and I listened very attentively to what she had to say. She said "The two words are very powerful, they are: Carpe Diem". I said "What do they mean?" Then she explained "They are in Latin and are translated as Seize the Day".
She explained to me that the two words originate from a poem by Horace (65 BC-8 BC) and that they were used in a Babylonian Epic in which Siduri spoke them to urge Gilgamesh to forge his mourning and embrace life. Carpe Diem are two simple words with so much meaning to me. They mean embrace life, grab the opportunities and make the most of the present moment. These two words helped me immensely at that point in my life and I have never forgotten them. Even today I find myself remembering them and they always have a positive effect on me.
Instead of pondering the past or worrying about the future, you should live in the here and now. We can waste so much time reflecting on the past, the things that happened, why they happened to us, what we did wrong. We can also waste so much time dreaming about a brighter future, about the things we would like to do or become one day. For me, Carpe Diem reminds me that yesterday is gone, tomorrow is not yet here, and today is your only chance to make a difference. If you make the most of today then you will live your life to the fullest.
We should see each day as a present and an opportunity. Every minute is valuable because you can use it to enjoy life, to get something started or to get something completed. The present moment is the only time in history that you can use to do good and to change the world for the better – no matter how big or small.
Each new day is a privilege. When my dad left that morning before the accident he though he would see me again, he thought he would have many decades left to say the things he needed to say and do the things he still wanted to do. The thing is, we just don’t know what tomorrow brings. Therefore we have to seize each day to do the things we want to do and say the things we believe are important.
The time we take up being unhappy, the time we use up worrying about the future or pondering the past is wasted. It is a wasted opportunity and a wasted privilege. Time wasted with unhappy and negative thoughts is time you will never ever get back.
For me, Carpe Diem tells us to free ourselves from the worries, the anger and the negativity that is holding us back sometimes. It reminds us that it doesn’t matter where you came from, what you went through in the past; the only thing that matters is where you are going and that your future destination starts with the steps you take today. Today is your only chance to make a difference and live. Always remember that is in this moment, and only this moment, when you can be happy, you can say and do something, you can love, you can feel, you can enjoy and you can learn. Therefore Carpe Diem!
After my memorable conversation with my teacher that day I decided to take the long way home. In walked along the beach and tried to take in the World with all my senses so that I could smell the fresh sea air, see all the colors of the sea and the sky, taste the salt on my tongue, hear the cries of the sea gulls, and feel the wind in my face. From that moment onwards I felt awake and inspired to grab all the opportunities that would come my way every day.
Carpe Diem were the two words that changed my life forever. I wouldn't expect that they have the same effect on you but I do hope they have been a little bit inspiring?
Bernard Marr
Best-Selling Author and Enterprise Performance Expert
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
INNOSON - THE FIRST MADE IN NIGERIA CARS,BUSES ,TRUCKS
Courtesy: Federal Ministry of Information
The youngest among six children, Chief (Dr) Innocent Ifediaso Chukwuma (OFR), was born into the family of Mr & Mrs Chukwuma Mojekwu of Uru-Umudim, Nnewi, in Anambra State, without the proverbial silver spoon in his mouth. But, what he lacked in affluent parental background, he made up for with intelligence, hard-work, discipline and business acumen - qualities that have continued to interplay remarkably in his many ventures.
In February 2007, Chukwuma embarked on what some analysts perceived then as a mission impossible, when it incorporated INNOSON Vehicle Manufacturing Company Limited (IVM), to produce sundry commercial automobiles, utility vehicles and passenger cars, in collaboration with a consortium of Chinese auto manufacturers.
With the public display of some of the vehicles at the 2nd Nnewi International Auto Trade Fair held at the Beverly Hills Hotels (Gabros Sports Complex) in the last quarter of 2009, IVM did not only silence the critics, but made a bold statement about its readiness to achieve the avowed mission of being the first (indigenous) auto maker to produce truly Nigerian vehicles that are affordable and reliable.
IVM is today a success story which has attracted effusive commendations and awards from various quarters, including the nation's seat of power. While opening the plant on October 15, 2010, President Goodluck Jonathan not only hailed Chukwuma for the courage of venturing into an industry many ran away from, but also assured him of government's patronage from the government.
The youngest among six children, Chief (Dr) Innocent Ifediaso Chukwuma (OFR), was born into the family of Mr & Mrs Chukwuma Mojekwu of Uru-Umudim, Nnewi, in Anambra State, without the proverbial silver spoon in his mouth. But, what he lacked in affluent parental background, he made up for with intelligence, hard-work, discipline and business acumen - qualities that have continued to interplay remarkably in his many ventures.
In February 2007, Chukwuma embarked on what some analysts perceived then as a mission impossible, when it incorporated INNOSON Vehicle Manufacturing Company Limited (IVM), to produce sundry commercial automobiles, utility vehicles and passenger cars, in collaboration with a consortium of Chinese auto manufacturers.
With the public display of some of the vehicles at the 2nd Nnewi International Auto Trade Fair held at the Beverly Hills Hotels (Gabros Sports Complex) in the last quarter of 2009, IVM did not only silence the critics, but made a bold statement about its readiness to achieve the avowed mission of being the first (indigenous) auto maker to produce truly Nigerian vehicles that are affordable and reliable.
IVM is today a success story which has attracted effusive commendations and awards from various quarters, including the nation's seat of power. While opening the plant on October 15, 2010, President Goodluck Jonathan not only hailed Chukwuma for the courage of venturing into an industry many ran away from, but also assured him of government's patronage from the government.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Business Strategy
Agwuna Samuel Sopuluchukwu:
My advice is that if you want to learn about business strategy, read about the military. Read about wars, for that's relative to life and business.
My dear, life is a non violent warfare, with challenges we should win. Out of 6 billion people alive all sharing history in the same time and space, we are all in a constant battle, we are all competiting for relevance. To win this war, profitably, understand strategy!
Master the Arts of War by Sun Tzu, The Mafia Manager by V, The Prince by Makavelli, the 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene. Read about Von Clausewitz, The Zulu warriors, Cleopatra, the fall of the Benin Kingdom, Cortez, Julius Caesar, Moses, Napoleon Bonaparte.
I remember back then, in one of our advanced classes on strategy and strategic management, I was lucky to have been taught by a Nigerian military general. And he'd say, "business is like war. And in war, when the enemy advances, retreat. When the enemy camps, harass. When the enemy tires, attack. When the enemy retreats pursue".
Business is like war, the enemy is the competitor and the battlefield is the market. And to win over the war of your relationship, life and even business, you need to be proactive and take the risk.
My advice is that if you want to learn about business strategy, read about the military. Read about wars, for that's relative to life and business.
My dear, life is a non violent warfare, with challenges we should win. Out of 6 billion people alive all sharing history in the same time and space, we are all in a constant battle, we are all competiting for relevance. To win this war, profitably, understand strategy!
Master the Arts of War by Sun Tzu, The Mafia Manager by V, The Prince by Makavelli, the 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene. Read about Von Clausewitz, The Zulu warriors, Cleopatra, the fall of the Benin Kingdom, Cortez, Julius Caesar, Moses, Napoleon Bonaparte.
I remember back then, in one of our advanced classes on strategy and strategic management, I was lucky to have been taught by a Nigerian military general. And he'd say, "business is like war. And in war, when the enemy advances, retreat. When the enemy camps, harass. When the enemy tires, attack. When the enemy retreats pursue".
Business is like war, the enemy is the competitor and the battlefield is the market. And to win over the war of your relationship, life and even business, you need to be proactive and take the risk.
Business Strategy
Agwuna Samuel Sopuluchukwu:
My advice is that if you want to learn about business strategy, read about the military. Read about wars, for that's relative to life and business.
My dear, life is a non violent warfare, with challenges we should win. Out of 6 billion people alive all sharing history in the same time and space, we are all in a constant battle, we are all competiting for relevance. To win this war, profitably, understand strategy!
Master the Arts of War by Sun Tzu, The Mafia Manager by V, The Prince by Makavelli, the 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene. Read about Von Clausewitz, The Zulu warriors, Cleopatra, the fall of the Benin Kingdom, Cortez, Julius Caesar, Moses, Napoleon Bonaparte.
I remember back then, in one of our advanced classes on strategy and strategic management, I was lucky to have been taught by a Nigerian military general. And he'd say, "business is like war. And in war, when the enemy advances, retreat. When the enemy camps, harass. When the enemy tires, attack. When the enemy retreats pursue".
Business is like war, the enemy is the competitor and the battlefield is the market. And to win over the war of your relationship, life and even business, you need to be proactive and take the risk.
My advice is that if you want to learn about business strategy, read about the military. Read about wars, for that's relative to life and business.
My dear, life is a non violent warfare, with challenges we should win. Out of 6 billion people alive all sharing history in the same time and space, we are all in a constant battle, we are all competiting for relevance. To win this war, profitably, understand strategy!
Master the Arts of War by Sun Tzu, The Mafia Manager by V, The Prince by Makavelli, the 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene. Read about Von Clausewitz, The Zulu warriors, Cleopatra, the fall of the Benin Kingdom, Cortez, Julius Caesar, Moses, Napoleon Bonaparte.
I remember back then, in one of our advanced classes on strategy and strategic management, I was lucky to have been taught by a Nigerian military general. And he'd say, "business is like war. And in war, when the enemy advances, retreat. When the enemy camps, harass. When the enemy tires, attack. When the enemy retreats pursue".
Business is like war, the enemy is the competitor and the battlefield is the market. And to win over the war of your relationship, life and even business, you need to be proactive and take the risk.
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Top 10 Richest Women in Africa
10. Elisabeth Bradley, Net Worth $32 Million
Elisabeth 1961, Albert Wessels, Eslisabeth’s father, made history by being the first person to bring the Toyota brand to South Africa. Her massive wealth comes from assets and investments. She was the chairperson of Wesco Investments and is currently the vice-chairperson of Toyota South Africa.
9. Sharon Wapnick, Net Worth $43.1 Million
Following her father’s footsteps, the founder of Premium Properties and Octodec Investments, Sharon Wapnick has managed to accumulate immense wealth. She’s the largest shareholder in the two companies that her father founded and TWB Attorneys’ partner as well. The South African Millionaire has numerous investments in real estate.
8. Bridget Radebe, Net Worth $100 Million
Bridget Radebe founded the company Mmakau Mining which has been very successful with its operations that include coal, chrome, gold, uranium and platinum. Her husband, Jeff Radebe, is the Justice Minister in South Africa. She started as a mine worker.
7. Irene Charnley, Net Worth $150 Million
This South African woman has worked for numerous companies as an Executive Director including MTN and FirstRand Bank. She played a vital role in MTN’s success and expansion in the African region. She is currently the CEO of Smile Telcoms, Mauritius.
6. Wendy Ackerman, Net Worth $190.2 Million
Wendy Ackerman is a director at Pick N Pay, which is one of the largest grocery chain stores in Africa. The South African company has other outlets in Australia, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria and Zambia. The Ackerman Family is quite powerful in South Africa.
5. Wendy Appelbaum, Net Worth $259.3 Million
After the death of her billionaire father, Wendy Appelbaum inherited a fortune by becoming a director at Liberty Investors. She was able to increase her net worth by selling her shares and then diversifying investments. One of her investments is the renowned South African wine brand DeMorgenzon.
4. Ngina Kenyatta, Net Worth $500 Million
Jommo Kenyatta’s family is among the richest in Africa. Ngina Kenyatta has managed to safeguard and multiply her late husband’s investments. The Kenyatta Empire includes: Real estate, hospitality, education, manufacturing, farming and banking. She also holds majority shares in several companies like Commercial Bank of Africa, Heritage and Brookside Dairies.
3. Hajia Bola Shagaya, Net Worth $600 Million
This Nigerian businesswoman has diversified her investments across industries like real estate, banking, photography, communications and the oil sector. Her portfolio consists of several other countries apart from her birth place. She’s very powerful and has close ties with Nigeria’s political figures and military.
2. Folorunso Alakija, Net Worth $600 Million
Folorunso owns FAMFA Oil Company located in Nigeria. She is also a fashion designer and her company, Supreme Stitches, which was launched in 1985, made her a fashion icon in Nigeria. She studied in the UK. In the late 70s, she became a secretary of the International Merchant Bank of Nigeria.
1. Isabel Dos Santos, Net Worth $1 Billion
This remarkable Angolan woman has invested heavily in diamonds and oil. She is actually president Jose Eduardo dos Santos’ daughter and is among the directors of a number of high profile companies. Her investments are diversified and spread-out in Portugal and Angola. The source of her immense wealth is still unclear. She made history by becoming the first woman billionaire in Africa.
Culled from:
http://www.therichest.com
Elisabeth 1961, Albert Wessels, Eslisabeth’s father, made history by being the first person to bring the Toyota brand to South Africa. Her massive wealth comes from assets and investments. She was the chairperson of Wesco Investments and is currently the vice-chairperson of Toyota South Africa.
9. Sharon Wapnick, Net Worth $43.1 Million
Following her father’s footsteps, the founder of Premium Properties and Octodec Investments, Sharon Wapnick has managed to accumulate immense wealth. She’s the largest shareholder in the two companies that her father founded and TWB Attorneys’ partner as well. The South African Millionaire has numerous investments in real estate.
8. Bridget Radebe, Net Worth $100 Million
Bridget Radebe founded the company Mmakau Mining which has been very successful with its operations that include coal, chrome, gold, uranium and platinum. Her husband, Jeff Radebe, is the Justice Minister in South Africa. She started as a mine worker.
7. Irene Charnley, Net Worth $150 Million
This South African woman has worked for numerous companies as an Executive Director including MTN and FirstRand Bank. She played a vital role in MTN’s success and expansion in the African region. She is currently the CEO of Smile Telcoms, Mauritius.
6. Wendy Ackerman, Net Worth $190.2 Million
Wendy Ackerman is a director at Pick N Pay, which is one of the largest grocery chain stores in Africa. The South African company has other outlets in Australia, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria and Zambia. The Ackerman Family is quite powerful in South Africa.
5. Wendy Appelbaum, Net Worth $259.3 Million
After the death of her billionaire father, Wendy Appelbaum inherited a fortune by becoming a director at Liberty Investors. She was able to increase her net worth by selling her shares and then diversifying investments. One of her investments is the renowned South African wine brand DeMorgenzon.
4. Ngina Kenyatta, Net Worth $500 Million
Jommo Kenyatta’s family is among the richest in Africa. Ngina Kenyatta has managed to safeguard and multiply her late husband’s investments. The Kenyatta Empire includes: Real estate, hospitality, education, manufacturing, farming and banking. She also holds majority shares in several companies like Commercial Bank of Africa, Heritage and Brookside Dairies.
3. Hajia Bola Shagaya, Net Worth $600 Million
This Nigerian businesswoman has diversified her investments across industries like real estate, banking, photography, communications and the oil sector. Her portfolio consists of several other countries apart from her birth place. She’s very powerful and has close ties with Nigeria’s political figures and military.
2. Folorunso Alakija, Net Worth $600 Million
Folorunso owns FAMFA Oil Company located in Nigeria. She is also a fashion designer and her company, Supreme Stitches, which was launched in 1985, made her a fashion icon in Nigeria. She studied in the UK. In the late 70s, she became a secretary of the International Merchant Bank of Nigeria.
1. Isabel Dos Santos, Net Worth $1 Billion
This remarkable Angolan woman has invested heavily in diamonds and oil. She is actually president Jose Eduardo dos Santos’ daughter and is among the directors of a number of high profile companies. Her investments are diversified and spread-out in Portugal and Angola. The source of her immense wealth is still unclear. She made history by becoming the first woman billionaire in Africa.
Culled from:
http://www.therichest.com
Saturday, July 6, 2013
See How To Save Yourself From the Killer KIDNEY Disease by: jaychoc
Diseased kidneys Healthy kidneys
These days, it has virtually become the tradition while watching prime time TV shows to have programmes interrupted for a few minutes, not for product advertisement but for funds solicitation.
Nigerians are now familiar with gaunt figures lying critically sick on the bed and plugged to dialysis machine begging for donations from government and kind-hearted members of public.
The solicited funds usually run into millions of naira to:
Nigerians are now familiar with gaunt figures lying critically sick on the bed and plugged to dialysis machine begging for donations from government and kind-hearted members of public.
The solicited funds usually run into millions of naira to:
Cover the cost of temporary dialysis in Nigeria and subsequent organ transplantation overseas. The latest of such is the music producer, OJB Jezreel, who says he needs about N16m to treat his kidney disease.
Physicians say when it comes to size, the kidneys are small. However, as Kidney Specialist, Dr. Mumeen Amisu opines, “The kidneys may be small, but they perform many vital functions that help maintain your overall health, including filtering waste and excess fluids from your blood.”
These organs maintain the balance of salt and minerals in the blood, and also help regulate blood pressure.
The online portal, webmd.com, warns that when the kidneys are damaged, waste products and fluid can build up in the body, causing swelling of the ankles, nausea, vomiting, weakness, poor sleep, shortness of breath, fatigue, confusion, difficulty concentrating, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, abnormally low urine levels, low blood flow to the kidneys and kidney cell death.
“If left untreated, diseased kidneys may eventually stop functioning completely. Loss of kidney function is a serious — and potentially fatal — condition,” doctors say.
Experts warn that serious kidney disease may lead to complete kidney failure and the need for dialysis treatments or a kidney transplant when about 90 per cent of the kidney function has been lost. “Once you get a transplant, though, you will have to be on medications for life,” experts aver.
Though effective treatments are available for many kidney diseases, physicians contend that kidney disease can often be prevented.
Amisu says apart from genetic or congenital causes — which are beyond the control of anybody — two avoidable leading diseases that can lead to kidney disease are hypertension and diabetes.
On how diabetes affects kidney health, family doctor, Olu George, notes that when someone has diabetes, there can be excess glucose in the blood. “When glucose levels are elevated for a long time, it can cause damage in the tiny blood vessels of the kidneys. Once this happens, the organs won’t be able to filter out toxins effectively as they should,” George explains.
Both Amisu and George say blood pressure is influenced by the kidneys and that how healthy your kidneys are can affect your blood pressure, and vice versa.
George explains in-depth, “Hypertension causes artery damage, and the kidneys are packed with arteries. Over time, uncontrolled high blood pressure can cause arteries around the kidneys to narrow, weaken or harden. When this happens, the damaged arteries will not be able to deliver enough blood to the kidney tissue.”
Experts say damaged kidney arteries will neither filter blood well, nor regulate the fluid, hormones, acids and salts in the body.
Consequently, George says, “damaged kidneys will fail to regulate blood pressure. That is why we always advise people to manage their blood pressure, because it is an important way to prolong the health of the kidneys.”
Amisu says kidney damage and uncontrolled hypertension each contribute to a negative spiral because, as more arteries become blocked and stop functioning, the kidneys eventually fail.
Those who use drugs indiscriminately should also receive instruction about the possible repercussions on kidney health. Experts warn that those who abuse drugs or alcohol are essentially going out of their way to poison their own bodies.
This concerns the overuse of some over-the-counter pain killers and using abusive drugs such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, etc.
“In the process, they are placing an enormous burden on the kidneys. This is because the kidneys act as filters; and, like the oil filter in a vehicle, the filter provided by the kidneys, though powerful, has limits to how much it can take in terms of impurities,” Amisu says.
Kidneys can be injured when an individual has an accident that results in blood loss, physicians say.
George explains that, in various ways, “sudden reduction of blood flow to the kidneys, damage to the organs as a result of septic shock during a severe infection, or obstruction of urine flow can all injure kidney health.”
Experts also say that acute kidney injury can result from pregnancy complications, such as seizures (eclampsia) and pre-eclampsia (characterised by high blood pressure and significant amounts of protein in the urine).
Another pregnancy complications that can lead to kidney injury is the HELLP Syndrome — a life-threatening liver disorder characterised by destruction of red blood cells (Hemolysis), Elevated Liver enzymes (indicating liver damage), and Low Platelet count. Low platelet count reduces the ability of the blood to clot whenever there’s an injury.
And if you are a marathon runner or an athlete who don’t drink enough fluids while competing in long-distance endurance events, you risk acute renal (kidney) failure that may result from a sudden breakdown of muscle tissue. “This muscle breakdown releases a chemical called myoglobin that can damage the kidneys,” George says.
And women need to hear this: Multiple urinary tract infections can also damage the kidneys! Pregnant and menopausal women are very susceptible to UTI, physicians warn. They advise that to prevent it, women should drink lots of water every day, and urinate often instead of holding it. They are also advised to urinate right after having sex.
“How do we prevent kidney disease?” you may ask. Simple: by eating well.
A study by a group of scientists, led by Dr. Alex Chang of Johns Hopkins University, USA, reveals that people with normal kidneys who eat bad quality diet high in processed and red meats, sodium (salt), and sugar-sweetened beverages, and low in fruit, nuts, legumes, whole grains, and low-fat dairy are more likely to develop kidney disease.
In the study, published in the American Journal of Kidney Disease, Chang says: “Unlike family history of kidney disease, diet, smoking, and obesity are modifiable lifestyle factors that we can all control. By eating well, quitting smoking, and maintaining a normal weight, people can protect their kidneys and prevent future damage.”
A word, they say, is enough for the wise.
Physicians say when it comes to size, the kidneys are small. However, as Kidney Specialist, Dr. Mumeen Amisu opines, “The kidneys may be small, but they perform many vital functions that help maintain your overall health, including filtering waste and excess fluids from your blood.”
These organs maintain the balance of salt and minerals in the blood, and also help regulate blood pressure.
The online portal, webmd.com, warns that when the kidneys are damaged, waste products and fluid can build up in the body, causing swelling of the ankles, nausea, vomiting, weakness, poor sleep, shortness of breath, fatigue, confusion, difficulty concentrating, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, abnormally low urine levels, low blood flow to the kidneys and kidney cell death.
“If left untreated, diseased kidneys may eventually stop functioning completely. Loss of kidney function is a serious — and potentially fatal — condition,” doctors say.
Experts warn that serious kidney disease may lead to complete kidney failure and the need for dialysis treatments or a kidney transplant when about 90 per cent of the kidney function has been lost. “Once you get a transplant, though, you will have to be on medications for life,” experts aver.
Though effective treatments are available for many kidney diseases, physicians contend that kidney disease can often be prevented.
Amisu says apart from genetic or congenital causes — which are beyond the control of anybody — two avoidable leading diseases that can lead to kidney disease are hypertension and diabetes.
On how diabetes affects kidney health, family doctor, Olu George, notes that when someone has diabetes, there can be excess glucose in the blood. “When glucose levels are elevated for a long time, it can cause damage in the tiny blood vessels of the kidneys. Once this happens, the organs won’t be able to filter out toxins effectively as they should,” George explains.
Both Amisu and George say blood pressure is influenced by the kidneys and that how healthy your kidneys are can affect your blood pressure, and vice versa.
George explains in-depth, “Hypertension causes artery damage, and the kidneys are packed with arteries. Over time, uncontrolled high blood pressure can cause arteries around the kidneys to narrow, weaken or harden. When this happens, the damaged arteries will not be able to deliver enough blood to the kidney tissue.”
Experts say damaged kidney arteries will neither filter blood well, nor regulate the fluid, hormones, acids and salts in the body.
Consequently, George says, “damaged kidneys will fail to regulate blood pressure. That is why we always advise people to manage their blood pressure, because it is an important way to prolong the health of the kidneys.”
Amisu says kidney damage and uncontrolled hypertension each contribute to a negative spiral because, as more arteries become blocked and stop functioning, the kidneys eventually fail.
Those who use drugs indiscriminately should also receive instruction about the possible repercussions on kidney health. Experts warn that those who abuse drugs or alcohol are essentially going out of their way to poison their own bodies.
This concerns the overuse of some over-the-counter pain killers and using abusive drugs such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, etc.
“In the process, they are placing an enormous burden on the kidneys. This is because the kidneys act as filters; and, like the oil filter in a vehicle, the filter provided by the kidneys, though powerful, has limits to how much it can take in terms of impurities,” Amisu says.
Kidneys can be injured when an individual has an accident that results in blood loss, physicians say.
George explains that, in various ways, “sudden reduction of blood flow to the kidneys, damage to the organs as a result of septic shock during a severe infection, or obstruction of urine flow can all injure kidney health.”
Experts also say that acute kidney injury can result from pregnancy complications, such as seizures (eclampsia) and pre-eclampsia (characterised by high blood pressure and significant amounts of protein in the urine).
Another pregnancy complications that can lead to kidney injury is the HELLP Syndrome — a life-threatening liver disorder characterised by destruction of red blood cells (Hemolysis), Elevated Liver enzymes (indicating liver damage), and Low Platelet count. Low platelet count reduces the ability of the blood to clot whenever there’s an injury.
And if you are a marathon runner or an athlete who don’t drink enough fluids while competing in long-distance endurance events, you risk acute renal (kidney) failure that may result from a sudden breakdown of muscle tissue. “This muscle breakdown releases a chemical called myoglobin that can damage the kidneys,” George says.
And women need to hear this: Multiple urinary tract infections can also damage the kidneys! Pregnant and menopausal women are very susceptible to UTI, physicians warn. They advise that to prevent it, women should drink lots of water every day, and urinate often instead of holding it. They are also advised to urinate right after having sex.
“How do we prevent kidney disease?” you may ask. Simple: by eating well.
A study by a group of scientists, led by Dr. Alex Chang of Johns Hopkins University, USA, reveals that people with normal kidneys who eat bad quality diet high in processed and red meats, sodium (salt), and sugar-sweetened beverages, and low in fruit, nuts, legumes, whole grains, and low-fat dairy are more likely to develop kidney disease.
In the study, published in the American Journal of Kidney Disease, Chang says: “Unlike family history of kidney disease, diet, smoking, and obesity are modifiable lifestyle factors that we can all control. By eating well, quitting smoking, and maintaining a normal weight, people can protect their kidneys and prevent future damage.”
A word, they say, is enough for the wise.
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