Practical guides, grounded in current evidence, covering the questions patients ask most, and the ones they haven't thought to ask yet. Written by Dr David Nguyen, GP in Adelaide.
Content on this page is general health information only. It does not constitute medical advice and is not a substitute for a consultation with a qualified health practitioner.
Over 1.2 million Australians have osteoporosis. Most don't know until a fracture happens. A GP explains what it is, who's at risk, and what you can do now.
Read articleNot all exercise is equal for bone density. A GP explains what the evidence says about resistance training, impact loading, and how much is actually enough.
Read articleBisphosphonates, denosumab, hormone therapy: a GP explains how each works, who they're for, and how to weigh up the risks honestly.
Read articleOne in three men over 60 will have an osteoporotic fracture. Men are less likely to be screened, less likely to be treated. Here's what to do about it.
Read articleIt only affects older women. It's just low calcium. You'd know if you had it. A GP addresses the most common misconceptions head-on.
Read articleOsteoporosis itself is painless. A GP explains where the pain really comes from, why most back pain isn't osteoporosis, and when to get checked.
Read articleHow much is enough? What about supplements? A GP cuts through the conflicting advice with what the evidence actually supports.
Read articleA fragility fracture is a warning sign that's often ignored. A GP explains why the follow-up matters, and what the evidence says about preventing the next one.
Read articleFalls cause most osteoporotic fractures. The good news: fall risk is modifiable. A GP explains what to assess and what actually works.
Read articleSecondary causes - from early menopause and long-term steroid use to thyroid conditions and some very common medications - affect more than half of premenopausal women with low bone density. A GP explains what your workup involves.
Read articleFeeling fine doesn't mean you're healthy. A GP explains what healthspan is, why the gap between lifespan and healthspan matters, and what to check.
Read articleNot all blood tests are equal. A GP explains which are actually worth getting, and what most people miss.
Read articleMuscle is about far more than strength. A GP explains why it is one of the strongest predictors of how well you age, and how to protect it.
Read articleBlood sugar, waist, blood pressure, lipids: a GP explains what metabolic health actually is and the everyday signs worth watching.
Read articleThe big levers that genuinely move the needle, then the fun stuff to optimise. A GP sorts the proven mainstays from the trendy extras, honestly.
Read articleYou don't have to be in crisis, or even sure what's wrong. A GP on the 'am I bad enough?' question, what a first visit really involves, and when it's worth not waiting.
Read articleRacing heart, tight chest, restlessness, insomnia, anxiety often shows up in the body before you've named it. A GP explains what's happening and why.
Read articleEveryone has tough weeks. But when does it become something worth bringing to a GP? A practical guide.
Coming soonHbA1c, fasting glucose, postprandial readings, decoded clearly so you can have a better conversation with your GP.
Coming soonPrediabetes means your blood sugar is higher than normal, but you haven't developed type 2 diabetes yet. A GP explains what it means and what to do.
Read articleWho's really at risk of type 2 diabetes, how to check your own risk, and the changes that genuinely shift the odds.
Read articleIf you have type 2 diabetes, there's a checklist of tests and assessments you should have every year. Are you getting them?
Coming soonMost serious conditions in men are preventable, if caught early. Here's the checklist that rarely gets discussed in a standard consult.
Coming soonFatigue is one of the most common complaints men bring to the GP, and one of the most misunderstood. Here's how we approach it.
Coming soonPSA testing is nuanced. Here's an honest look at who should consider it, what the numbers mean, and why the conversation matters.
Coming soonYour 40s are when many risk factors first become detectable. Here's what a proactive GP should be looking at, and why.
Coming soonIt's not just about cholesterol. Blood pressure, age, smoking, diabetes, family history, here's how they combine into a single risk score.
Coming soonVaccines aren't just for children. Here's what the Australian immunisation schedule recommends for adults, by age and risk factor.
Coming soonWeight management is more complex than calories in versus calories out. Here's what the science actually says about why it's hard.
Coming soonMedication gets the headlines, but a good plan starts with assessment, goals, and lifestyle foundations. Here's how a GP approaches it.
Coming soonStrength training does more than build muscle, it changes how your body handles energy. Here's why resistance exercise belongs in every weight management plan.
Coming soonAustralia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Here's how to work out the right interval for you, based on your risk factors.
Coming soonAsymmetry, border, colour, diameter, evolution, the classic criteria explained, with the caveats your GP would add.
Coming soonA thorough skin check is more than a visual scan. Here's what a GP with dermoscopy training is actually looking for.
Coming soonWhite-coat hypertension is real. Here's how home monitoring gives your GP a much clearer picture, and why it changes management decisions.
Coming soonIf you have two or more chronic conditions, you may be eligible for a Medicare-supported care plan. Here's what it involves and who it's designed for.
Coming soonTotal cholesterol is just one piece of the puzzle. LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and cardiovascular risk, how your GP reads the full picture.
Coming soonSymptoms can start years before periods stop. Here's what perimenopause looks like, and why it's worth raising with your GP early.
Coming soonThe Cervical Screening Test replaced the Pap smear in 2017. Here's the current schedule, who it applies to, and how to keep your screening up to date.
Coming soonIron deficiency is one of the most commonly missed conditions in women of reproductive age. Here's what to ask your GP, and what the blood tests mean.
Coming soon
Dr David Nguyen, GP
A short, honest note from a GP whenever I publish something worth your time. The science of staying well, minus the noise.
These guides are a starting point, not a substitute for a proper conversation with your GP. Book an appointment and we can go deeper.
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