Let’s talk about something every rheumatology patient—and let’s be real, every rheumatology *provider*—dreads as soon as the temperatures start to dip: how to prevent flare-ups during winter. I can’t count the number of patients who tell me their joints feel like they’ve aged a decade overnight once cold weather hits. As a rheumatology nurse practitioner,…
Can rheumatoid arthritis cause chronic dizziness? It’s a question I’ve heard more often than you’d think, especially from patients who’ve been dealing with RA for years. I remember one woman, late 40s, newly diagnosed, sitting in my exam room and asking, “Why do I feel like the room is spinning some days? Is it the…
If you’re like me, a Medical Assistant who has seen firsthand how uncomfortable GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) can be, you know that picking the right snacks for a big event like the Super Bowl can feel like a minefield. GERD friendly Super Bowl snacks aren’t just about bland, boring food—they can be delicious, satisfying, and…
When it comes to managing rheumatoid arthritis (RA), one question I hear time and again from patients is: “What’s the best way to track rheumatoid arthritis symptoms?” From my years working as a rheumatology nurse practitioner, I can tell you it’s not just about jotting down joint pain or swelling on a piece of paper….
If you’ve ever wondered, can rheumatoid arthritis cause balance problems?—you’re definitely not alone. As a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how this autoimmune condition affects much more than just the joints. People often focus on the classic symptoms like joint pain and swelling, but balance issues are a sneaky, lesser-known challenge that many with…
If you’ve ever asked yourself, can dehydration cause blood pressure spikes?, you’re definitely not alone. I’ve had countless patients come in with unexpected hypertension, and after a bit of digging, it turns out they just weren’t drinking enough water. Yep—something as simple as not staying hydrated can send your blood pressure on a rollercoaster. As…
If you’ve ever had a patient’s blood pressure spike just after they rattled off their to-do list, you know we’re not just treating hypertension—we’re treating life. As an Internal Medicine physician who’s spent years diving deep into hypertension management, I get how overwhelming lifestyle adjustments can feel, especially when time is tight. That’s why I…
If you’ve ever felt a bit woozy, lightheaded, or just “off” after a big bowl of pasta or a couple slices of pizza, you’re not alone. I’ve seen it time and time again in my clinic—folks experiencing sudden blood pressure swings after eating carbs. And it’s not just the sugar crash people talk about. These…
Hey there! If you’ve ever found yourself gasping for breath after a good laugh, you’re not alone — and you might be wondering, can asthma be triggered by laughing? As a pulmonary nurse practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how unexpected triggers like laughter can sometimes send people into an asthma flare-up. It’s a little surprising at…
