News
Inflammatory Arthritis – The Importance of Early Diagnosis
Inflammatory arthritis (such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Anklyosing Spondylitis and more) encapsulates a group of joint disorders where inflammation and damage occurs to our joints as a result of a problem in our immune system where our immunity attacks and targets our joints. The inflammation causes the symptoms of pain, swelling, stiffness and loss […]
Two important chickenpox facts (that you probably didn’t know)
Many know about chickenpox being a common infectious disease of childhood but few know these really interesting and useful facts. Today’s blog post will briefly touch on what is important to know about chickenpox but more than that we’ll discuss: How you can find out if you are immune to chickenpox (if you’re uncertain whether […]
The rise of Meningitis W and the MenACWY vaccine
Meningitis is caused by the bacteria Neisseria Meningitidis. Between 5 and 11% of adults (and 25% of adolescents) carry this bacteria in their nasopharynx (back of nose and throat) without any symptoms at all. Why is it that some people go on to develop meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning) from Neisseria Meningitidis and others don’t? […]
Trying to conceive? Consider checking your vitamin D level
A recently published article by Mumford et al 1 showed that sufficient preconception vitamin D levels (25-hydroxyvitamin D ≥75 nmol/L) are associated with an increased likelihood of pregnancy and livebirth. The team also found that Increased vitamin D concentrations before conception were associated with reduced pregnancy loss. Quick study summary The study was a secondary […]
Five summer skin care myths
The sun is beginning to make its appearance and the British summer is certainly under way. Before you whip those arms and legs out and inflate the paddling pool, it is worth quickly familiarising yourself with the following myths around staying sun safe. 1. Sun exposure increases the risk of skin cancer – TRUE Over […]
Fatty Liver Disease – Not Just A Condition Of Obesity
Fatty liver disease (also known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, NAFLD) affects up to 1 in 3 of us and is now the leading cause of chronic liver disease in Europe and the USA. NAFLD is predicted to become the most frequent indication for liver transplantation by 2030 (1). Although NAFLD is more common in […]
Are you apple shaped? Metabolic Syndrome is a possibility
Apple shaped bodies, carry more weight around their waist and unlike the pear-shaped ones, have a higher risk for metabolic syndrome and all its consequences. An apple-shaped body is a classic signal for metabolic syndrome. If you are concerned about your weight, its distribution and you would like to be assessed, staff at ROC Clinic […]
Pain in the gut? It could be fat.
I scan men and women everyday for abdominal ultrasounds. Their doctors refer them because they either have abnormal liver function tests (shown in blood test results) or they are experiencing abdominal pain that may radiate to their back, may keep them up at night or may give them heartburn. What can ultrasound imaging show? Patients […]
Menopause: The Natural Approach
Going through menopause can be a very distressing time for a woman. Symptoms may last for months or linger for years. Although hormone replacement therapy is readily available, scientifically based natural alternative programmes should not be underestimated as alone or adjunct approach. These programmes help combat the symptoms of menopause and aid in keeping the […]
Not so killer heels – Bunions and their treatment through keyhole surgery/minimally invasive surgery
My experience as a doctor over the last 15 years or so has taught me many things about cause and effect in medicine – smoking kills, sugar rots teeth, too much sun can burn! Today I’m writing about one that isn’t true. The myth of high heels causing bunions! For all of you, high heel […]
