I spent a month in the Renal Ward, and I understood one thing.

Kidney disease is one illness you never want to experience.

The emotional and financial burden is overwhelming, and sadly, many patients do not make it for long.

God gave us two kidneys, but once one begins to fail, the second has to overwork and carry the load of both.

Over time, that strain can lead to complete kidney failure.

People often think kidney disease becomes obvious only when the feet swell, but the body gives warning signs long before that.

Some early symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and loss of appetite.

When the kidneys fail, many patients rely on dialysis.

A dialyser, which works like an artificial kidney, filters the blood and returns it clean to the body.

But dialysis is expensive, costing between 60k and 200k per session, and many patients are advised to come two to three times a week.

Most can barely afford even one session.

Please do not wait until it becomes a crisis.

Here are simple ways to protect your kidneys:

• Drink enough water daily.
• Avoid drug abuse, especially painkillers and antibiotics.
• Reduce alcohol and avoid fake or unregulated drinks.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Seek medical advice early when you notice unusual symptoms.

Your kidneys work nonstop to keep you alive.

The least you can do is take care of the kidneys.