It’s wild how something as simple as water—something we take for granted every day—can play such a critical role in managing a complex disease like rheumatoid arthritis (RA). As a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve sat across from patients who were surprised to hear me emphasize hydration right alongside…
If you’ve ever stared at your pantry wondering what’s actually “safe” for blood pressure—and what’s going to sneak in extra sodium—you’re definitely not alone. As an internal medicine physician working in hypertension management, I’ve heard that same frustration from countless patients over the years. So let’s make it easier. If you’re wondering how to build…
Ever wondered why your blood pressure acts weird when you’re hiking up in the mountains or spending a week at a ski resort? I’ve had patients tell me they feel completely off—lightheaded, pulsing headaches, or like their heart’s racing out of the blue. BP symptoms at high altitudes are more common than most folks realize,…
If you’ve been navigating the rollercoaster ride of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you’ve probably wondered more than once, “Is my food making this worse?” As a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve had more patients ask me about foods that trigger RA flares than almost anything else. And let me tell you—diet can absolutely make a difference. The…
It’s something I’ve seen again and again in my clinic—women, often in their 30s to 50s, coming in with symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), only to reveal they’ve recently gone through a major hormonal shift. Whether it’s postpartum changes, perimenopause, or even thyroid imbalances, there’s a *clear pattern* I can’t ignore. The RA and hormone…
If you’re anything like me, juggling work at a gastroenterology clinic and trying to feed a family with sensitive stomachs, you probably know the struggle of finding meals that *won’t* cause discomfort later. That’s why I’ve become a little obsessed with discovering easy, tasty, and GERD friendly casseroles for family dinners. They’re cozy, filling, and…
Hey there, I’m Bianca — a pulmonary nurse practitioner who’s spent countless hours with patients managing everything from chronic coughs to full-blown respiratory crises. And one thing I’ve seen over and over? Our lungs are seriously underrated when it comes to self-care. We focus on detoxing our gut, liver, skin… but what about our lungs?…
Living with GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) isn’t always a picnic, especially when you’re staring down the snack table at a party, trying to decode which dips will love you back and which ones will come with a side of heartburn. GERD safe dips and spreads might not sound thrilling at first, but trust me—there are…
If you’ve ever hobbled out of bed in the morning, cringing with every step because of stiff, aching feet, then you know the struggle is real. As a rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve seen countless patients battle the daily challenge of finding the best footwear for RA feet. Heck, I’ve even tried out a few pairs…