Gout 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!

Cholesterol 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!

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!

We are always encouraged to do sports to keep our bodies healthy and to maintain a balanced lifestyle. Men usually are exposed to rowdy sports that may often cause injuries. Many people of different ages get injuries from the sports they play. From basketball, volleyball, football, hockey to cycling and the likes. Some of the common ones are:

• Sprains and strains – a sprain is a torn ligament whereas a strain is a torn muscle or tendon. Both have symptoms of extreme pain, swelling, bruising and trouble moving that specific area. These are caused by falling or sudden pull or twisting.
  
• Shin injuries/splints – different areas can affect the shin. It can be on the side, in front or at the back side. This can be due to running improperly or falling. Symptoms that may persist may be tightness, tenderness, swelling and/or extreme pain.
  
• Fractures – this occurs whenever the force exerted on the knee is stronger than the bone itself. Open fracture is when there is an open wound seen on the skin whereas in a closed fracture, there is none. The fracture may only be seen inside. 
  
• Dislocation – is the common injury on the joint. This occur when two bones hot each other. This is extremely painful and usually temporarily immobilizes your joint.
  
• AC separation/fracture – the ligaments connecting in the shoulders have been separated. These fractures can range from mild to severe cases. 
  
• Knee injury/ACL injury – playing football can cause ACL injury, this is often caused by a direct hit to the knee. Some of ACL injury can also be due to hyperextending the knee
  
• Concussion – this is a direct blow to the brain. This means that the brain is injured. It should be noted that even people that are conscious can experience concussions. If symptoms like difficulty talking, drowsiness, headache, irritability, nausea, depression and difficulty to remember, one should immediately consult his/her doctor.

First aid kits are helpful for temporary relief from pain. However, no matter how small or grave your injury is, it is always a must to visit a doctor. Your doctor will accurately assess whether or not treatment should be administered. 

Find out more by visiting our doctors.
Contact Faith Medical Group  at +65 6444 8019 or drop by at our clinics!