Rio de Janeiro health secretariat urges increased water intake in winter to prevent kidney disease

The Rio de Janeiro State Health Secretariat warns that colder winter temperatures lower the sensation of thirst, especially among older adults, leading to reduced water consumption. This can increase the risk of urinary infections, cystitis and kidney stones. The agency recommends drinking two to three litres of water daily, maintaining regular physical activity and limiting foods high in sodium and ultra‑processed ingredients.

Patients with symptoms such as intense lower‑back pain, difficulty urinating, blood in the urine or recurrent infections should seek care at primary health units. Diagnosis and treatment are provided at the Rio Imagem Centro and Rio Imagem Nova Iguaçu facilities in the Baixada Fluminense, accessed through referral within the Unified Health System (SUS). Available examinations include urodynamic studies, and kidney stones can be treated with extracorporeal shock‑wave lithotripsy, a minimally invasive procedure.