Insurance-covered services
A health check-up, also known as a preventive examination, is a regular, systematic examination aimed at the early detection of diseases before symptoms appear.
Advantages:
Early Detection of Diseases: Increases the chances of identifying diseases at an early stage, which improves the chances of successful treatment.
Prevention: Identifies risk factors and enables early interventions to prevent the development of diseases.
Individual Health Counseling: Provides an opportunity to discuss individual health risks and receive personalized advice.
Improved Quality of Life: Timely treatment and lifestyle adjustments can enhance the quality of life.
A 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) is a diagnostic procedure that measures the heart’s electrical activity across 12 different leads. It is used to detect cardiac arrhythmias, heart attacks, and other heart diseases.
Blood Pressure Monitoring refers to the regular tracking of a person’s blood pressure. This can be done both in medical settings and at home. The goal of blood pressure monitoring is to maintain blood pressure within an optimal range and to detect deviations early to prevent health complications. Here are some key points about blood pressure monitoring and medications used to manage blood pressure:
There are various classes of medications used to control blood pressure. The most common include:
- ACE Inhibitors (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors): These medications (e.g., Enalapril, Ramipril) prevent the formation of Angiotensin II, a hormone that constricts blood vessels. This causes the blood vessels to widen and the blood pressure to decrease.
- Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs): Medications like Losartan or Valsartan block the action of Angiotensin II directly at its receptors, also leading to the widening of blood vessels and a decrease in blood pressure.
- Calcium Channel Blockers: These medications (e.g., Amlodipine, Nifedipine) prevent calcium from entering the muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels, resulting in relaxation and dilation of the blood vessels.
- Diuretics: Often referred to as “water pills” (e.g., Hydrochlorothiazide, Furosemide), these medications help remove excess salt and water from the body, reducing blood volume and blood pressure.
- Beta Blockers: These medications (e.g., Metoprolol, Atenolol) reduce the heart rate and the force of the heart’s contractions, thereby lowering blood pressure.
Why Regular Medication Intake is Important
- Continuous Effect: Hypertension is a chronic condition that requires ongoing treatment. Regular intake of medications ensures that blood pressure remains stable and does not rise again.
- Prevention of Complications: Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to serious health issues such as heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, and other cardiovascular diseases. Regular medication intake significantly reduces the risk of such complications.
- Avoidance of Side Effects: Taking medications as directed helps minimize side effects and achieve the best therapeutic outcomes.
- Long-Term Health: Well-managed blood pressure contributes to overall health and quality of life and can increase life expectancy.
In summary, blood pressure monitoring is a crucial tool for tracking and managing blood pressure. The regular intake of prescribed medications is essential to keep blood pressure
Blood Tests: Available by appointment only
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Blood glucose measurement is a procedure used to determine the glucose level in the blood. This measurement is particularly important for people with diabetes, as they need to regularly monitor their blood glucose levels to ensure optimal control of their condition.
Advantages:
- Monitoring Blood Glucose Levels: Regular measurements help individuals with diabetes keep their blood glucose levels within the desired range.
- Prevention of Complications: Monitoring allows for the detection of dangerously high or low blood glucose levels and enables immediate corrective actions.
- Adjustment of Treatment: Blood glucose measurements allow for adjustments in medication dosage or insulin administration and help manage diet accordingly.
- Pattern Recognition: Regular measurements help identify patterns and trends that may indicate problems or progress.
Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus, commonly known as diabetes, is a chronic condition characterized by high blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia). There are mainly two types of diabetes:
- Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune condition in which the immune system destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Type 1 diabetes is often diagnosed in childhood or adolescence and requires insulin therapy.
- Type 2 Diabetes: A metabolic disorder where the body either does not produce enough insulin or the cells do not respond to insulin (insulin resistance). Type 2 diabetes usually occurs in adulthood and is often influenced by lifestyle factors such as diet and lack of exercise.
Advantages of Diabetes Management and Monitoring:
- Blood Glucose Control: Regular monitoring and treatment help maintain blood glucose levels within a healthy range.
- Prevention of Complications: Good blood glucose control can reduce the risk of serious complications such as heart disease, kidney damage, nerve damage, and eye problems.
- Quality of Life: Proper management and monitoring allow individuals with diabetes to lead normal and active lives.
- Individualized Treatment Plans: Personalized treatment plans, including medication, insulin therapy, diet, and exercise, support effective disease management.
Summary
Blood Glucose Monitoring and Diabetes Management
Blood glucose measurement and diabetes management are crucial for preventing complications and maintaining a good quality of life for individuals with diabetes. Regular blood glucose measurements support monitoring and treatment adjustments, while comprehensive diabetes care effectively controls the disease and promotes health.
Cardiovascular diseases affect the heart and blood vessels, including coronary artery disease, heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.
Key Cardiovascular Diseases
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD):
- Description: Narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries due to atherosclerosis (arterial hardening), reducing blood supply to the heart muscle.
- Symptoms: Chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, heart attack.
- Risk Factors: Smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, physical inactivity.
Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction):
- Description: Sudden blockage of one or more coronary arteries, leading to damage to the heart muscle.
- Symptoms: Severe chest pain radiating to arms, neck, jaw, or back, sweating, nausea, shortness of breath.
- Emergency: Immediate medical treatment required.
Heart Failure:
- Description: The heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs.
- Symptoms: Shortness of breath, fatigue, swollen legs and feet, rapid weight gain due to fluid retention.
- Causes: CAD, high blood pressure, heart attacks, heart valve problems, cardiomyopathies.
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension):
- Description: Persistently elevated blood pressure in the arteries.
- Symptoms: Often asymptomatic but can cause headaches, dizziness, and nosebleeds.
- Consequences: Increased risk of CAD, stroke, heart attack, kidney failure.
Stroke:
- Description: Sudden interruption of blood supply to the brain, either due to a blood clot (ischemic stroke) or a bleed (hemorrhagic stroke).
- Symptoms: Sudden weakness or numbness, especially on one side of the body, confusion, speech and vision problems, severe headache.
- Emergency: Immediate medical treatment required.
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD):
- Description: Narrowing of peripheral arteries, usually in the legs, due to atherosclerosis.
- Symptoms: Leg pain when walking (claudication), which subsides at rest, cold or pale skin.
- Risk Factors: Smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol.
Causes and Risk Factors
Cardiovascular diseases have numerous risk factors often interrelated:
- Lifestyle: Smoking, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, excessive alcohol consumption.
- Medical Conditions: High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity.
- Genetics: Family history of cardiovascular diseases.
- Age: Risk increases with age.
- Gender: Men have a higher risk, but women’s risk increases after menopause.
Prevention
Prevention of cardiovascular diseases involves lifestyle changes and medical interventions:
- Quit Smoking: Stopping smoking significantly reduces risk.
- Healthy Diet: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats.
- Regular Exercise: At least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week.
- Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy body weight.
- Blood Pressure Control: Regular monitoring and management of blood pressure.
- Cholesterol Management: Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.
- Diabetes Management: Controlling blood sugar levels.
- Medications: If necessary, medical treatment for high blood pressure, cholesterol, and other risk factors.
- Stress Management: Techniques for reducing stress, such as meditation, yoga, and adequate sleep.
Summary
Cardiovascular diseases are a group of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, often caused by lifestyle factors and genetic predispositions. Preventive measures, such as a healthy
Gastrointestinal Diseases: These are conditions affecting the stomach and intestines. They include gastritis, peptic ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease.
- Endoscopy: Allows direct visualization of the gastrointestinal tract; includes procedures like gastroscopy and colonoscopy.
- Imaging Studies: CT scans, MRI, and ultrasound to visualize internal organs.
- Laboratory Tests: Blood tests, stool tests, and breath tests to detect infections, inflammation, and other abnormalities.
- Biopsy: Taking a tissue sample during endoscopy for further pathological Gastrointestinal diseases encompass a wide range of conditions affecting the stomach and intestines, each with unique symptoms and treatment strategies. Proper diagnosis through medical history, physical exams, and diagnostic tests is crucial for effective management. Lifestyle modifications and targeted medical treatments can significantly improve quality of life for individuals with these conditions.
Gastrointestinal Diseases: Conditions that affect the stomach and intestines. These include gastritis, peptic ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease.
Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Diseases: Conditions that affect the throat, nose, and ears. Examples include tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils), sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses), otitis media (middle ear infection), and allergic rhinitis.
Lung Diseases: Conditions that affect the lungs. These include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, and lung cancer.
Skin diseases are conditions that affect the skin. Examples include eczema, psoriasis, acne, dermatitis, and skin cancer.
Individual pain therapy involves personalized treatment plans tailored to alleviate acute or chronic pain, customized to meet the needs and conditions of the patient.
Advantages:
- Personalized Treatment: Addresses the specific pain and individual situation of the patient.
- Improved Quality of Life: Alleviates pain and enables patients to lead a more active and fulfilling life.
- Multimodal Approaches: Combines medication and non-medication therapies (e.g., physiotherapy, psychotherapy) for comprehensive pain management.
- Prevention of Dependencies: Tailored treatments help avoid unnecessary medication use and dependencies.
- Continuous Adjustment: Regular review and adjustment of therapy based on patient progress and feedback.
An infection of the bladder, usually caused by bacteria. Symptoms often include frequent and painful urination, urgency, and sometimes blood in the urine.
Frequent Urination (Pollakisuria): The frequent need to urinate small amounts. It can be caused by urinary tract infections, diabetes, pregnancy, or excessive fluid intake.
Back and joint pain are widespread complaints that can be caused by a variety of factors. Here are some common causes and their mechanisms:
Causes of Back Pain:
- Muscular tension and strains: Often caused by overexertion, improper lifting techniques, or prolonged sitting in poor posture.
- Disc herniation: When a disc between the vertebrae protrudes or tears, it can press on nerves and cause pain.
- Degenerative changes: With aging, discs and facet joints can wear down, leading to pain (e.g., spinal osteoarthritis).
- Spinal stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal can exert pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, causing pain.
- Vertebral fractures: Particularly in osteoporosis, vertebrae can fracture and cause severe pain.
- Scoliosis: Lateral curvature of the spine can lead to muscular imbalances and pain.
Causes of Joint Pain:
- Osteoarthritis: Degenerative joint disease where joint cartilage wears down, causing pain and stiffness.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the joint lining, causing inflammation.
- Gout: A metabolic disorder where uric acid crystals deposit in joints, causing acute pain attacks.
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae (fluid-filled sacs) in joints, often due to overuse or injury.
- Tendonitis: Inflammation of tendons around joints, often due to overuse or repetitive movements.
- Injuries: Acute injuries such as sprains, strains, or fractures can cause joint pain.
Treatment Options: Back and joint pain can be treated using various approaches depending on the cause and severity of the symptoms:
Non-pharmacological treatments:
- Physical therapy: Exercises to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and correct posture.
- Occupational therapy: Training to manage daily activities and adapt work or home environments.
- Chiropractic care: Manual therapies to adjust the spine and other joints.
- Acupuncture: Alternative treatment involving the insertion of fine needles into specific body points to alleviate pain.
- Massage: To relieve muscular tension and improve circulation.
Pharmacological treatments:
- Pain relievers: Paracetamol or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen for pain relief.
- Muscle relaxants: For muscular tension.
- Corticosteroids: To reduce inflammation, often administered as injections directly into the joint.
- Disease-modifying medications: For inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
Imaging Diagnostics: To identify the exact cause of back and joint pain, various imaging techniques can be used:
- X-ray: Shows bone structures and can reveal fractures, osteoarthritis, or misalignments.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Detailed images of soft tissues, including discs, muscles, and nerves. Particularly useful for diagnosing disc herniations or soft tissue injuries.
- Computed Tomography (CT): Provides detailed cross-sectional images of bones and soft tissues. Helpful for complex fractures or degenerative changes.
- Ultrasound: Well-suited for examining soft tissues and joints, especially when suspecting bursitis or tendonitis.
- Bone Scintigraphy: A nuclear medicine scan that can reveal inflammatory or tumor-related changes in bone tissue.
Summary: Back and joint pain can stem from many causes and often require comprehensive diagnostics and individually tailored treatment. A combination of physical therapies, medications, and when necessary, imaging techniques can help identify the cause and plan an effective therapy. Regular exercise, good posture, and avoiding overexertion are important preventive measures.