It’s alarming indeed that Hawaii is seeing a boom in dialysis centers due to more chronic kidney disease — with no change in trend in sight. Unless, of course, folks start heeding the very simple yet very effective message to adopt a healthier, less sugary diet and a more active lifestyle.
“It really is a public health crisis,” said Dr. James Ireland, a kidney specialist. “Every year we’re seeing more and more patients. The line is still going up. We’re not even plateauing.”
In Hawaii, the number of kidney dialysis patients in 2014 jumped 42 percent to 3,305, from 2,328 in 2006 — and nationally, the rates of chronic kidney disease are expected to soar in the next 20 years, with more than half of those ages 30 to 64 at risk. Scary stats.
Little Leaguers do Hawaii proud
Congratulations to the players and coaches of the Waipio Little League baseball team, representing Hawaii, for making it as far as they did in this year’s Little League World Series matches.
Their quest to represent the Western Region in the nationally televised final rounds later this month ended Saturday in San Bernardino, Calif., where they were beat 12-10 by the Sweetwater Valley team from Bonita, Calif. It was quite a roller coaster ride, with the score at the top of the last inning favoring Sweetwater, 12-4. Amazingly, however, in the bottom of the sixth with just one out left to go, Waipio suddenly scored six more runs, proving the adage that the baseball game ain’t over till it’s over.
Meanwhile, Hawaii’s junior division Little League team from Pearl City (ages 13 and 14), advanced Monday in its title bid. Go team!
