Chronic Illness |
|
Faith Medical provides you with professional articles and videos regarding healthcare and wellbeing.
|
|
Hypertension -- High Blood Pressure
When our parents or grandparents usually talk about high blood pressure, it does not necessarily mean that they are angry or frustrated with something. So the connotation of high blood = angry/mad is just an association of kids, which I can personally say that I had too when I was younger. But to discuss high blood pressure (HBP) formally is a different set-up. Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing through blood vessels. When one has HBP, this means that the pressure/force in the arteries are greater than it normally should be.
What can HBP do to me? If high blood pressure isn’t treated, it may lead to stroke, cardiac arrest, kidney, arterial diseases and other serious condition. What are the causes of HBP? There are causes that can be controlled and the one that cant be controlled. Family history, age, gender and race are variables that cant be controlled. Lifestyle (lack of exercise and unhealthy diet), obesity, smoking and drinking too much alcohol are factors that can be controlled and that may cause HBP. What can we do about HBP? High blood pressure can’t be treated, however, there are ways to mitigate the risks and negative effects. Eating healthy, is a must for those who have high blood pressure. Limiting sodium, and oily foods would greatly help uplift the condition. Having the time to exercise, monitoring correct BMI and weight, quit smoking tobacco and avoid drinking too much alcohol. In addition, it should be noted that we should always monitor our HBP. A home blood monitor is a must to keep track of your health. Medications as prescribed by doctors are also important. We should take them religiously to reap the maximum benefits of the medications. Lastly, keeping your appointments with your doctor and making sure that you get your check up regularly, are two very important and crucial things. Doctor check-up The doctor would measure by wrapping an inflatable cuff on your arm and the pressure would squeeze the blood vessels. This is when the doctor analyses the pressure. Where can you find more information? Contact Faith Medical Group drop by at our clinics! |
|
9 Common Conditions that affects elderlyAs we age, our bodies start to deteriorate, with this, our immune system go down, our organs start to fail. This is a natural process and we can do nothing to stop us from getting older. This article presents the 6 most common conditions that affect old people.
Where can you find more information? Contact Faith Medical Group or drop by at our clinics! |
|
|
DiabetesSugar, spice and everything nice. And we all know that too much of everything is bad for your health. This is very true in the case of sugar and sweets. Diabetes is a defect in the system wherein the body has a hard time converting glucose sugar to energy. Glucose is the primary source of energy. This includes carbohydrates (bread, rice, pasta) that are turned to glucose. After this, glucose is transferred to the blood and used for energies by the cell. Insulin is needed for this transfer and people who have diabetes have a defect in this process.
Type 1 diabetes occur mostly in children and younger adults whereas type 2 is more common and affects mostly adults. Diabetes’ symptoms ranges from blurred vision, frequent urination, fast weight loss, always tired, to slow healing wounds. In type 1, symptoms occur on the onset while with type 2, symptoms do not occur rapidly. Diabetes usually is diagnosed by a simple blood test, measuring blood glucose level of a person. Usually, tests are done with fasting hours before the test and patients are usually asked to drink juice or consume something sweet to hype up their blood level. As always, to avoid such illness, we should always maintain a healthy diet. Which means eating more vegetables and fruits rather than processed foods and pastries. Being active physically is also helpful. If one has genes of diabetes, one should always check his/her blood test to make sure his/her blood level is stable. Avoidance of tobacco and alcoholic drinks would also be a smart thing to do. The risks of not taking care and regulating the insulin in the body are very fatal. Amputations of body parts are likely to happen when the wound does not heal fast enough. The infected part also spreads through other parts and gets rotten and infected as well. Blindness can also be a risk for diabetic patients. Furthermore, heart diseases are also prone to diabetic patients. It is better to check regularly with your doctor for early detection or prevention. Where can you find more information? Contact Faith Medical Group or drop by at our clinics! |
|
GoutGout also referred to as “disease of kings” since it has been long believed that it was caused by overly eating and drinking wine which only the rich can afford. But n reality, gout can affect anyone. This disease is one of the most painful arthritis. This is mainly due to uric acid building up in the body.
Causes Gout is due to the presence of excess uric acid in the body. Uric acid is a normal waste product in the system. These form needle-like crystals in the joint, which makes it hard to move. 1. Genetics – family history 2. Medications – medicines such as aspirin hat ma block the excretion of uric acid in the kidney, diuretics and etc. 3. Obesity/overweight 4. Food – red meat, shellfish 5. Excess alcoholic beverages Diagnosis People who have kidney failures are prone to gout, women who are menopause but mostly men. Some of gout problems may indicate arthritis. This is why proper diagnosis and analysis is important. When doctors observe that the patient has been having swelling joint and very painful attacks especially at night. Doctors may use needles and x-rays to detect gout. Treatment? Gout attacks can be very painful. Doctors usually prescribe medicine for the treatment of acute attacks. Medicines like anti-inflammatory drugs are also given. There are also treatments to remove excess uric acid in the body. Consult your doctor for early detection and cure for gout problems. Prevention is better that cure Preventing gout may be possible (considering to genetically inclined to having one). Taking vitamins and medicines, following up with your doctor, eat a healthy and well-balanced diet, having regular exercise and drink plenty of water. Where can you find more information? Contact Faith Medical Group or drop by at our clinics! |
|
High CholesterolCholesterol is a fat-like substance that our body needs. But when we consume too much of it, it builds up on the walls of our arteries and clogs the pathway of blood. This can lead to a lot of serious illness that are fatal. There are no fixed symptoms for cholesterol, in that, we should regularly check with our doctors and most especially when we feel dizzy after eating fatty foods. Doctors usually do a drug test to check cholesterol. There are charts for the basis of standard and acceptable cholesterol levels. Your doctor should be able to analyze and tell you about them.
What are the major risks that affect our cholesterol? • Smoking tobacco • Diet – eating junk foods and fatty foods. • Lack of physical activity • Medical/family history/genes • Age • Weight What can I do about my cholesterol levels? How can I improve it? • Medications – as prescribed by your doctor • Maintaining healthy lifestyle with physical activity • TLC diet – low cholesterol and low saturated fat eating plan • Weight management Your doctor is there to help you get better, what better way to do this is to be pen and honest about your condition. Here are some tips that may help you. • Be open and speak up about what your concerns • Keep medical record • Review and constantly evaluate progress • Update your doctor and write down any changes • Set an appointment and regularly visit your doctor. What food should I limit? • Butter and cheese • Whole milk, ice cream • High processed fat meats • Fatty meats • Oily fried food • Oils and shortening Cooking tips for healthier you! • Use less oil or healthier oil instead like olive oil • Boil and grill instead of frying • Serve smaller portions of higher-fat • Make your own or search for healthier recipes Where can you find more information? Contact Faith Medical Group or drop by at our clinics! |
|
HypothyroidismThyroid is found below of the neck. The main function of this gland is to secrete thyroid hormones into the blood stream. This hormone helps the body use energy, keeps the heart brain and other organs working properly and helps the body stay warm. Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid glad is not working. Which means that thyroid hormones are not secreted enough.
Symptoms When the level is low, the body has a hard time functioning normally. Which is why, people with deficiency often feel cold, get tired more easily, become depressed and experience constipation. Since there are hundreds and thousands of symptoms and various illness that we can get, there is no specific way of finding out if we have hypothyroidism but to get a simple blood test. Causes What causes hypothyroidism? Well, it may range from poor immune system which leads to some diseases and infection that hinder the normal function of the gland, surgical removal of the gland due to tumors etc., radiation, to genetics. Hypothyroidism also occurs when there is too much or too little iodine in the system and other specific medications. Diagnosis Your doctor would normally give a series of questions and tests to see if you have hypothyroidism. Some of them are: Check on medical history
Physical examination Blood test TSH – thyroid stimulating hormone test If left untreated If you leave your hypothyroidism untreated, there are some serious risks to your health. These changes can have a direct impact on your life. Some may cause obesity, joint pains, extreme swelling of the skin, affect nearly all your organs in your body. Where can you find more information? Contact Faith Medical Group at +65 6444 8019 or drop by at our clinics! |