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Blood Test for Gastric CancerWhat is Gastric Cancer?
In our community, particularly in Singapore, gastric cancer is very common. Gastric cancer is a disease in which the malignant (cancer) cells form in the lining of the stomach. As it grows, it begins in the mucosa (the innermost layer of the stomach wall) and spreads to the outer layer. Gastric cancer is also known as a “silent killer” which barely show any symptoms if diagnosed. It is so common in the population that it is the 3rd leading cause of cancer worldwide, responsible for nearly 800,000 deaths each year. Detecting for Gastric cancer has always been difficult or either too late; however, thanks for the new technology, we can now detect gastric cancer early by taking a blood test! When compared to previous methods, such as endoscopy, this method is faster and simpler. Factors Associated with the Development of Gastric Cancer
Signs and symptoms of Gastric Cancer:
If you have been experiencing any of these symptoms, please come down for a consultation with one of our doctors! For more information, do call or drop by our clinics! 
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Health Screening for Men above 50yrsMen are less likely to undergo frequent health checkups and screenings than women. Many men may argue “I feel perfectly fine, why I need to go to the doctor? “or “I live a healthy lifestyle and I'm in good health”. What they don’t realize is that regular screenings will tell them more about their health such as diseases and conditions that haven't yet reveal but are causing symptoms.
Men over the age of 50, in particular, are encouraged to have frequent screening tests to ensure that their health is at its peak. They will be able to predict what is about to happen in a case-by-case scenario and make decisions based on that information. If a disease is discovered early through the screenings, you are able to receive treatment early to avoid health complications, or even death. Screenings for men above 50 years:
For more information, call or drop by our clinics! 
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Hypertension-- High Blood PressureWhen 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! 
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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! 
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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! 
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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! 
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HepatitisHepatitis is caused by 5 different strains of virus (A, B, C, D and E) that inflames the liver. While all viruses caused liver inflammation, they differ in diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Symptoms may be similar such as loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, pain in the stomach, jaundice and joint pain. Today, we will be discussing the more common types of hepatitis – A, B and C.
Hepatitis A - HAV Usually is transferred by direct oral contact, sexual contact and ingestion of food/water. Its incubation period is around15 to 50 days. Fortunately, people infected with this disease are likely to heal with no liver damage. HAV is commonly found in the feces of people infected. The treatment for HAV is supportive care and people infected should avoid alcoholic beverages. Direct guidance of the doctor should be given. Bed rest or quarantine or any admissions are not necessary. Hepatitis B – HBV Usually is transferred by through body fluids. When one person who is infected transfers his/her body fluids to a non-infected person, the latter becomes ill. It can also be contacted through unprotected sex, use of contaminated needles or at birth. Its incubation period is approximately 45 to 160 days. Fortunately, just like HAV, this virus is rarely fatal and people recover with no liver damage. The treatment for HBV is evaluation and check-up every 6 to 12 months. Some medications are also given to prevent further liver problems but there is no real cure for HBV infection. Also, people infected should also avoid drinking alcohol. Hepatitis C – HCV Usually is contacted through blood by sharing needles, sexual contract and birth of an infected mother. Its incubation period is around 14 to 180 days. 60-70& of people infected develop lover diseases, the rest will recover with no lasting liver damage. People with this infection should consult their doctor every 6-12 months. The most suggested treatment would be combination therapy and it is best for patients to avoid drinking alcoholic beverages. While there are measures to treat such diseases, it is better to always prevent them from coming. Vaccinations, vitamins, practicing safe sex, making sure all needles are sterile and keeping our immune system high are some of few things we can do to avoid hepatitis. Please consult your doctor for any questions. Let us not put the fate of our kids or loved ones on our own hands. Where can you find more information? Contact Faith Medical Group at +65 6444 8019 or drop by at our clinics! 
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