BY LIZA BELLE PATAGOC & MICHELLE G. RAFAEL/DNSC Interns
THE DEPARTMENT of Health (DOH) XI, Davao City Health Office, and the Philippine Society of Nephrology (PSN) Davao Chapter highlighted kidney care and prevention on March 26, 2026, at the Annex Event Center of SM City Davao.
Medical experts emphasized the importance of proper care to prevent kidney disease during the observance of World Kidney Day.
Dr. Conrad Earl Cabahug, a urologist, explained that kidney stones may be caused by both genetic and lifestyle factors.
“Is a kidney stone inherited, or is it because of lifestyle? Sadly, both are true. Kidney stones are highly genetic or hereditary. If your parents have a history of kidney stones, there is a higher possibility that you may develop them as well. However, the increasing number of cases today is largely influenced by lifestyle,” he said.
The public is urged to closely monitor diet and food intake as a key measure to prevent kidney stones.
Cabahug also stressed that kidneys should never be neglected, noting that proactive care through proper hydration, a low-sodium diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and routine health screenings can significantly lower the risk of kidney stones and other related diseases while maintaining optimal renal function.
