Dr Nora

It’s Kidney Health Week!

Did you know that 1 in 3 Australians are at an increased risk of kidney disease?

90% of kidney function can be lost without experiencing symptoms, so most people are unaware that they are affected.

But why are the kidneys so important?

We are born with 2 kidneys that are vital in maintaining your general health and wellbeing. Your kidneys filter the blood that passes through your body and remove any excess fluid and unwanted chemicals through your urine. Your kidneys are also responsible for regulating blood pressure and activating vitamin D.

What symptoms should I look out for?

Symptoms may include; high blood pressure, a change in the amount and frequency of urine passed, blood in your urine, tiredness, puffiness in your legs and shortness of breath just to name a few.

What is my risk of developing kidney disease?

Patients who suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease or have a family history of kidney problems are at an increased risk.

Kidney.org.uk have created a fantastic quick & easy test to check your risk of developing kidney disease.

Don’t forget that if you do have any concerns about your kidneys a simple blood test will give you a good idea of how well they are working.

How can I keep my kidneys healthy?

Kidneys love water, so make sure you’re drinking enough to keep yourself hydrated especially in hotter, more humid climates.

Make sure you reduce salty and sugary foods as these can lead to fluid retention.

If you are concerned or have any questions drop by and see me in clinic.

Take care & stay healthy 😊

Dr Nora x

Information gathered from Kidney.org.au

#KHW18 #kidneys #kidneybeans #healthykidneys #kidney #health #diabetes #hypertension #kidneyhealth #water #salt #sugar #healthpromotion #diseaseprevention #healthyliving #lifestyle #screening #healthy

Source: https://instagram.com/p/Bf8JWoaji3d/

Free Breast Cancer Screening for Ages 50-74: breastscreen.qld.gov.au

Source: https://instagram.com/p/Bft9klTjlr0/

Know your poop 💩

Changes to your bowels, such as colour, presence of blood, consistency and appearance can all be indicators of bowel cancer.

Australia has one of the highest rates of bowel cancer in the world, where 1 in 13 will develop the disease in their lifetime. So it’s important to get to know the signs to help early treatment.

Other signs and symptoms include tummy pain, weight loss and feeling tired with no apparent reason.

If you are concerned about these symptoms it is important that you seek medical help. Diagnosis usually includes blood tests and a colonoscopy which is a camera that is inserted through the back passage by a specialist.

Treatment is on an individual basis but could include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Bowel cancer screening is available for those over 50 and includes sending a stool sample to the laboratory for analysis. By 2020 Australia will have a Bowel Cancer Screening programme for every 2 years for those aged between 50-74.

If you have any further questions or are concerned by any symptoms, come by and see me in clinic.

Take care & stay healthy 😊

Dr Nora x

Facts from bowelcanceraustralia.org

Source: https://instagram.com/p/Bfip-K9jc6Q/

Just picked up my Gold Coast Commonwealth Games Uniform!

The best thing about it, is that it features high UV protection. Which will be essential for those days on the field looking after athletes!

In case you didn’t know the Gold Coast Commonwealth games will be the largest sporting event Australia will see this decade! It’s taking place from 4th -15th April and will feature over 6,600 athletes from all over the world.

If you’re out and about always wear sun protection and for more advice and health tips come and see me in clinic.

Take care & stay healthy 😊

Dr Nora x

For more information head over to gc2018.com.

Source: https://instagram.com/p/BfHv2BXDA9c/