Crestor 101
Medically known as Rosuvastatin, it is used to correct the levels of lipids, fatty substances in the blood, the most common of which is cholesterol. How does it work? It works by reducing the amount of cholesterol made by the liver.As we mentioned earlier in our blog there are different types of cholesterol found in […]
Xarelto 101
What is Xarelto used for? Rivaroxaban, or otherwise known as Xarelto is a prescription medicine used to: Reduce stroke and blood clots risk in people who are having a medical condition known as ‘atrial fibrillation*’ that is caused by a heart valve problem. Treat and prevent blood clots. Treat deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary emboli […]
Janumet 101
Is Janumet the same as metformin? And what is used for? Janumet and Metformin aren’t the exact same drug despite the fact that both are used in treatment of type 2 diabetes. Janumet is a powerful type 2 diabetes medicine that combines Sitagliptin and Metformin and is used to lower blood sugar more than metformin […]
What is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is chronic central nervous system (neurological) disorder in which the brain activity becomes abnormal, causing seizures or periods of unusual behavior, sensations, and sometimes loss of awareness. What are the main causes of Epilepsy? Severe head injury Stroke Brain tumor Brain infection Drug abuse / alcohol misuse Lack of oxygen during birth What are […]
Personalized medicine
What is personalized medicine? Medically known as Pharmacogenomics, it deals with the heritable traits responsible for the individual differences in the way people respond to drugs. In our bodies, we have different enzyme families; each one of them is responsible for carrying out specific reactions in the body. An example of such is Cytochrome P450, […]
Cancer-fighting nutrients & exercising tips
Usually, the cancer-fighting food are often plant foods that are rich in phytochemicals (also known as phytonutrients). Phytochemicals are compounds found in plants that can help prevent chronic diseases like cancer. Usually, this list is topped with berries, broccoli, tomatoes, walnuts, grapes and other vegetables, fruits and nuts. Before you start your grocery shopping, keep […]
Food and exercise tips for cholesterol
We’ve written about cholesterol on our blog in the past and provided some definitions as to what it is as well as explanations to LDL and HDL. However, in today’s post we’ll dig deeper and provide tips on how to better manage cholesterol in your life through diet and exercise. Diet & Cholesterol Eating heart-healthy […]
What you need to know about Lisinopril?
Lisinopril belongs to a group of drugs known as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults and children who are at least 6 years old. It is also used to treat congestive heart failure in adults, or to improve survival after a heart attack. How does it […]
What you need to know about Atenolol?
Atenolol is a drug belongs to a group called ‘Beta-Blockers’, generally it: Treats high blood pressure (hypertension) and irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia). Is used to prevent chest pain caused by Angina. If you are taking Atenolol because of hypertension; it’ll help you prevent future heart disease, heart attacks and stroke. Atenolol acts by: Slowing your heart […]
What you need to know about Insulin?
Consuming carbohydrates will result in producing Glucose which is a type of Sugar. Glucose is used in the body as a major source of energy for the body’s cells. And this is where insulin comes into play, it will help and allow your body to use glucose for that energy and balance it’s levels. So […]
What you need to know about Metformin?
Metformin is a drug that belongs to a class known as ‘Biguanides’, mainly we use it to treat type 2 diabetes. It has a unique mechanism of action because it: works by increasing cells sensitivity to insulin which will lead to increased ability of glucose uptake. decreases the: amount of glucose made by the liver. […]
What you need to know about Warfarin?
Warfarin is a drug belonging to the drug class known as ‘Coumarins’, it’s also an anticoagulant. It works by: Blocking the formation of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. Inhibiting a vitamin K dependent enzyme complex, as well as two anticoagulant proteins. It may be used to increase the time needed by the blood to clot, medically […]
What you need to know about Aspirin?
Aspirin is a member of a class of drugs known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), we can also group it with nonopioid analgesics and antiplatelet agents. It works by: Blocking the effects of cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and COX-2 enzymes which prevents the synthesis of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are hormone-like substances that modulate inflammation and are also involved […]
What do I need to know about stroke?
Stroke happens when a part of your brain’s blood supply is interrupted or reduced, this will prevent brain tissue from getting enough nutrients and oxygen leading to death or brain cells. Urgent medical attention and treatment is required as early action can reduce brain damage and other complications. What are the signs of stroke? Trouble […]
Low blood pressure vs. high blood pressure?
Have you ever wondered about the difference between hypertension and hypotension? Blood pressure is the pressure of blood against the walls of your arteries. Arteries carry blood from your heart to other parts of your body. Normally, your blood pressure rises and falls throughout the day. Usually we measure the blood pressure using two numbers: […]
Hypertension Diet
Are you wondering if there is a healthy diet that will help you with your high blood pressure? then you are at the right place! Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) is a lifelong diet approach in which it’s designed for this particular purpose. Initially this diet was developed when some researchers noticed that high […]
How to Prevent Kidney Disease with Diabetes
If you have diabetes, high blood sugars can damage the blood vessels in your kidneys. As a result, this damage can break down the filtering system, which gets rid of waste and extra fluid and lead to kidney disease or diabetic nephropathy. Download the alma health app now! Fully licensed by the Department of Health […]
How to Prevent Eye Disease with Diabetes
If you have diabetes, high blood sugars can cause damage in the blood vessels of your eyes. As a result, this may lead to diabetic retinopathy (problems in the retina), cataracts (cloudy eye lens), and glaucoma (pressure in the eye). How you can prevent or delay eye disease: Follow these steps to prevent eye complications: […]
How to Avoid Foot Complications with Diabetes
For people with diabetes, high blood sugars can cause nerve damage (also called diabetic neuropathy) and poor circulation in your feet. With time, you may lose feeling in your feet and may not notice any new cuts or blisters. This can lead to serious infections or ulcers that may lead to gangrene and amputations. How […]
Cholesterol Screening
In today’s blog, we will discuss when you should get tested for high cholesterol and how often, how the test is done, and why it’s important. Who Should Get Tested and How Often According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): Children should have the first test between the ages of 9 and 11 The […]
Cholesterol 101
Have you ever wondered about cholesterol? This blog gives you a brief introduction! What is Cholesterol? Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in your blood and all your cells. Sources of Cholesterol Your Body Your liver makes 80% of all the cholesterol your body needs The Foods You Eat Provide 20% of cholesterol you need […]
Medication FAQs
You Asked! We Answered! Question 1: I have difficulty swallowing large pills. Can I crush them instead? If your pill is made to be released immediately in the body, you can safely crush it. However, if your pill is designed to be released slowly throughout the day, you shouldn’t crush it. Some pills are also […]
What is a Keto Diet?
Have you ever wondered if the keto diet was right for you? In today’s blog, I will give you a brief introduction that will help you decide! Definition The Keto Diet (short for Ketogenic) is a short-term diet based on very low carbohydrates, high fats, and moderate proteins. When you eat a very low amount […]
5 Diabetes Superfoods
Having advised hundreds of patients with diabetes, we have compiled 5 of the best foods to eat! These superfoods have a low glycemic index; they gradually raise your blood sugar, without dangerous spikes. It is important to remember portion control whenever you eat anything! Even if something is healthy, eating too much can stop you […]
5 Healthy Foods and Drinks that Interact with Your Medications
What you eat or drink can interfere with the medications you take! Here are five of the most common food-drug interactions: Dairy Products Dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese interact with some antibiotics, thyroid medications, and iron supplements. Calcium in dairy products (and calcium supplements) interferes with the absorption of these medications, so […]
Introduction to Weight Loss
If you’ve been thinking about losing weight, but have no idea where to begin, you have come to the right place! Check the weight loss program by Alma Health https://weight-loss.almahealth.io/ In today’s blog, we will give a brief introduction to weight loss, and give you one scientifically proven way to start on the right track. No […]
Chronic Conditions FAQs
You Asked! We Answered In today’s blog, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about medications. Some of my medications have expired. Is it still safe to use them? While some medications may not be harmful if taken beyond the expiration date, Alma Health clinical experts do not recommend doing so! Over […]
6 Grocery Shopping Tips for Diabetes
Healthy eating and glycemic control start with smart choices at the grocery store! However, since most stores offer so many choices, we often find ourselves overwhelmed and end up buying foods that get in the way of our desire to improve our health. All you need to avoid the most common supermarket traps is to […]
Diabetes Plate Method: A Visual Guide to Eating Healthy Food
Eating healthy food doesn’t have to be boring! One of the first questions that patients ask when being diagnosed with diabetes is, what can I eat? We, at Alma Health, are here to tell you, that with the right method, you can eat a variety of delicious foods, while keeping your sugar levels in target […]
6 Tips to Avoid Pain when Injecting Insulin
In our previous post, we discussed why some medications need to be injected. In today’s blog, we will provide you with tips on how to reduce pain when injecting insulin. These tips apply to most subcutaneous (SQ) injections; deliver the medicine into the fat layer between skin and muscle. For specific injection techniques, please read […]
Learn how to Quit Smoking for Free
A chronic condition patient’s guide towards a healthier life Smokers with chronic conditions have a higher risk of serious health problems. For example, if you have diabetes and smoke, your risk for future heart complications is the same as someone who has already had one cardiac event. Therefore, it is especially important for a person […]
No more needles! Why can’t we eat our drugs?
YOU Asked. We Answered! No one likes getting shots! If you or a loved one are prescribed insulin or some other self-injectable medication, you might wonder why can’t you just take a pill instead! There are many different types of injections, but in today’s blog, we will focus on injections you administer on yourself or […]
6 Full Body Diabetes Exercises you can do while Sitting Down
For people of any age, size, or gender! Always consult with your doctor before starting a new exercise program. The following exercises can be done at home; all you need is a stable chair and a light pair of dumbbells (1 or 2 kg). No dumbbells? No problem! Just use two full small water bottles […]
5 Easy exercises for people with Diabetes
For people with diabetes, exercise is like medicine! The latest research shows that physical activity not only strengthens your heart and helps you lose weight, but regular exercise can actually slow the aging process on a cellular level and potentially add years to your life! Having advised hundreds of patients with diabetes, we created a […]
Diabetes Risk Factors
Chronic conditions are the major cause of death and disability worldwide. Knowing risk factors for a chronic conditions, including diabetes, can help you prevent or delay it. Even if you already have a chronic condition, knowing these risk factors can help you better manage it. In this blog, we will discuss the main risk factors for […]
What is Diabetes?
Overview Diabetes mellitus refers to a group of diseases that affect how your body turns food into energy. Most of the food you eat is broken down into sugar (glucose) and released into your bloodstream. When your blood sugar goes up, it signals your pancreas to release insulin. Insulin is a hormone that allows your […]
COVID-19 or something else?
With the flu season beginning in September and lasting until March of each year, there is a greater focus on early symptom detection this year due to concerns about COVID-19. In today’s blog, we will discuss some ways to distinguish between COVID-19, flu, and the common cold. COVID-19 COVID-19 (short for “coronavirus disease 2019”) is […]
Chronic Disease
Let’s talk about Chronic Disease The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines chronic disease as any condition that lasts 1 year or more and requires ongoing medical care, or limits daily activities, or a combination of both. This includes diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and more. YOU can prevent […]
