Taking care of your blood pressure
Around the world, it is reported that about one in four persons have high blood pressure or hypertension. It is important to know if you have high blood pressure because it increases the risk of…
Can my kidneys be saved?
Next week we celebrate World Kidney Day on 14 March, highlighting awareness of kidney health for all with health screenings and educational campaigns. Nephrologists are most commonly consulted when a blood test called serum creatinine…
Understanding your urinalysis
As a nephrologist, one of the basic tests that I order is a urinalysis, as urine is made by the kidneys. But a urinalysis can also provide valuable insights into various diseases and health conditions.…
Understanding your CBC
One of the most common blood tests is called a CBC – short for complete blood count. It is used to look at overall health and can be used to diagnose a wide range of…
Hydration for health
I frequently advise my patients to drink enough water to stay adequately hydrated. But how much water is enough? Hydration is crucial for overall health. Water helps regulate body temperature, supports digestion, cushions joints and aids…
Gain without pain
You may have heard the expressions “No pain, no gain,” and “Know your limits then ignore them,” which mean it takes hard work to attain success. When it comes to exercise, however, this advice should…
Keeping your New Year’s resolutions
In a couple of days, the New Year will be upon us. And after the revelry of the holiday season, resolutions come to mind --- to get healthier, to lose weight, to save money, to…
Unexplained weight loss
Most patients are usually concerned about being overweight or obese, and it is usually difficult to get the weighing scale to budge. But if you start losing weight without even trying, this could be a…
Health screening tests
With a month to go before the year ends, some patients may be thinking about squeezing in their check-ups and labs this month, or maybe scheduling tests as soon as the new year begins. Deciding…
Is it a heart attack?
In the movies and on TV, signs that a character is having a heart attack shows an actor clutching his chest, saying his chest hurts. But is all chest pain a heart attack? Chest pain…