Dr Tenielle Raman

Dr Tenielle Raman General practitioner
Special interest in Paediatrics, Internal medicine and Emergency medicine
Health promotion and disease prevention

🌍 World Prematurity Day 💜Today we honour the tiniest fighters — our premature babies — and the incredible teams who help...
17/11/2025

🌍 World Prematurity Day 💜

Today we honour the tiniest fighters — our premature babies — and the incredible teams who help them thrive.

A heartfelt thank you to the dedicated gynecologists, pediatricians, nurses, and NICU nurses who show extraordinary skill, compassion and strength every single day. Your hands hold more than tiny lives — they hold hope, healing and a future.

💜 Here’s to the heroes who care for our little miracles.
💜 Here’s to the families who stay strong.
💜 And here’s to raising awareness for premature birth worldwide.

12/11/2025

Some days are meant to be chill 👌🫠

🌿 Understanding Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)Peripheral Vascular Disease is a condition where the blood vessels, esp...
11/11/2025

🌿 Understanding Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)
Peripheral Vascular Disease is a condition where the blood vessels, especially those supplying the legs, become narrowed or blocked. This reduced blood flow can lead to pain, mobility issues and, if untreated, serious complications.

🔍 Common Symptoms
Leg/calf pain or cramping when walking (claudication)
Numbness, tingling or weakness in the legs
Coldness in the lower legs or feet
Slow-healing wounds on the legs or feet
Shiny skin, hair loss or colour changes in the legs
Weak or absent pulses in the feet

⚠️ Risk Factors
Diabetes
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Smoking history
Obesity
Kidney disease
Increasing age (especially over 60)
Family history of vascular disease

🩺 Management & Prevention

Effective management focuses on improving blood flow and preventing complications:

Lifestyle changes: Stop smoking, exercise regularly (especially walking), and maintain a healthy diet.

Medical treatment: Control diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol; medications to improve circulation may be prescribed.

Foot care: Essential for those with diabetes or poor circulation to prevent ulcers.

Advanced therapies: In severe cases, angioplasty or surgical procedures may be needed to restore blood flow.

💡 Early detection is key. If you notice symptoms or have multiple risk factors, seek medical evaluation to protect your long-term vascular health.

Typhoid fever is a serious bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi. Typhoid fever typically develops 1–3 weeks af...
05/11/2025

Typhoid fever is a serious bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi.
Typhoid fever typically develops 1–3 weeks after exposure. Symptoms may vary from mild to severe and often progress gradually.

Common signs and symptoms include:
Persistent high fever (often up to 39–40°C)
Headache and body aches
Weakness and fatigue
Loss of appetite
Abdominal pain and discomfort
Diarrhoea or constipation (may alternate)
Nausea and vomiting
Rash on the chest or abdomen (in some cases)
Enlarged spleen or liver in advanced disease

If untreated, complications such as intestinal perforation, bleeding, and severe infection (sepsis) can develop — which may be life-threatening.

Risk Factors
Consumption of contaminated food or water
Poor sanitation or inadequate sewage disposal
Travel to or residence in areas with high typhoid prevalence
Close contact with an infected person or carrier
Lack of vaccination against typhoid fever
Eating raw or undercooked foods, especially street foods or salads washed with unsafe water
Children and young adults are more vulnerable, although anyone can be affected.

Treatment
Prompt treatment is essential to prevent complications.

Antibiotic therapy is the mainstay of treatment (commonly azithromycin, ceftriaxone, or ciprofloxacin — depending on resistance patterns).
Hydration with oral or intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration.
Fever management with antipyretics and supportive care.
Nutritional support to restore energy and aid recovery.
In severe or resistant cases, hospitalization may be required for close monitoring and intravenous antibiotics.

Preventing typhoid fever relies on:
Vaccination (recommended for those living in or travelling to high-risk areas)
Safe food and water practices:
Drink only bottled or boiled water
Avoid raw fruits and vegetables that cannot be peeled
Eat foods that are thoroughly cooked and served hot
Good hand hygiene: wash hands with soap and clean water, especially before eating and after using the toilet

Typhoid fever remains a preventable and treatable infection. Early recognition of symptoms, timely medical care, vaccination, and improved sanitation is key.

Stroke Awareness: Recognising the Signs and Acting Promptly 🧠⚡A stroke is a medical emergency resulting from an interrup...
29/10/2025

Stroke Awareness: Recognising the Signs and Acting Promptly 🧠⚡

A stroke is a medical emergency resulting from an interruption of cerebral blood flow, leading to brain tissue hypoxia and potential permanent neurological damage. Prompt recognition and intervention are crucial to reduce morbidity and mortality.

🔹 Risk Factors

Stroke risk is increased by several modifiable and non-modifiable factors:

Modifiable risk factors:

Hypertension (most significant risk factor)

Diabetes mellitus

Dyslipidaemia

Atrial fibrillation and other cardiac arrhythmias

Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption

Obesity and physical inactivity

Carotid artery disease

Non-modifiable risk factors:

Increasing age (particularly >55 years)

Male s*x

Family history of cerebrovascular disease

Previous transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or stroke

🔹 Clinical Presentation

Symptoms depend on the vascular territory affected but typically have an abrupt onset.
Key features include:

Unilateral weakness or numbness of the face, arm, or leg

Facial asymmetry (facial droop)

Dysarthria or aphasia (slurred or impaired speech)

Sudden visual disturbance in one or both eyes

Sudden dizziness, loss of coordination, or gait disturbance

Sudden severe headache with no known cause (suggestive of haemorrhagic stroke)

The FAST mnemonic remains an effective screening tool in both clinical and community settings:

F – Face: Ask the patient to smile – look for facial droop.

A – Arm: Ask them to raise both arms – observe for weakness or drift.

S – Speech: Listen for slurred, incoherent, or absent speech.

T – Time: Urgent medical attention is essential – time is brain.

🔹 Immediate Steps When Stroke Is Suspected

Call emergency services immediately

Document the exact time of symptom onset — critical for determining eligibility for thrombolytic therapy.

Ensure airway patency, breathing, and circulation (ABCs).

Position the patient safely — ideally lying on their side if decreased level of consciousness or vomiting occurs.

Do not administer food, fluids, or medications until swallowing safety is assessed.

Monitor vital signs and prepare for urgent transfer to a facility capable of neuroimaging and stroke management.

Rapid recognition and referral are key to optimizing outcomes in acute stroke. Early intervention — including thrombolysis or thrombectomy where indicated — can significantly reduce disability and improve recovery potential.

Vitamin D Deficiency  ☀️Vitamin D plays a vital role in bone health, immunity, and mood regulation. Common Symptoms of d...
27/10/2025

Vitamin D Deficiency ☀️

Vitamin D plays a vital role in bone health, immunity, and mood regulation.

Common Symptoms of deficiency:
• Fatigue or low energy
• Muscle weakness or aches
• Low mood or depression
• Frequent infections
• Bone pain or joint discomfort

Clinical Signs:
• Bone tenderness (especially in the lower back or legs)
• Muscle weakness
• Difficulty climbing stairs or rising from a chair
• In children, delayed growth or bone deformities

Treatment:
✅ Sunlight exposure
✅ Dietary sources — eggs, fatty fish, fortified dairy
✅ Vitamin D supplementation (as prescribed by your doctor)
✅ Regular blood tests to monitor vitamin D levels

Early detection and management can prevent complications such as osteoporosis, muscle weakness, and chronic fatigue.

Visit Centurion Health and Wellness for assessment, blood testing, and personalized vitamin therapy options.

🧠 Meningitis: Know the Signs, Act Fast!Meningitis is  inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cor...
08/10/2025

🧠 Meningitis: Know the Signs, Act Fast!

Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meninges), which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

👉 Types of meningitis:

Bacterial meningitis: Most severe; needs urgent antibiotic treatment.

Viral meningitis: More common and usually milder, but still requires medical attention.

Fungal or parasitic meningitis: less common, often occurs in people with weakened immune systems.

⚠️ Symptoms in adults:

Severe headache
Stiff neck
Fever and chills
Nausea or vomiting
Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
Confusion or drowsiness

👶 Symptoms in babies and children:

High fever or cold hands and feet
Irritability, constant crying
Vomiting or poor feeding
Bulging soft spot on the head (fontanelle)
Stiff neck or body, seizures
Drowsiness or difficulty waking up

💉 Treatment:
Bacterial meningitis requires immediate hospitalization and IV antibiotics. Viral meningitis is treated with rest, fluids, and supportive care. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to prevent complications like brain damage or hearing loss.

✅ Prevention:
Vaccination against meningococcal, pneumococcal, and Haemophilus influenzae type B bacteria can greatly reduce risk. Always seek medical help immediately if meningitis is suspected — early action saves lives.

🌸 Understanding the Stages of Menopause 🌸Menopause is a natural transition in every woman’s life, marking the end of men...
07/10/2025

🌸 Understanding the Stages of Menopause 🌸
Menopause is a natural transition in every woman’s life, marking the end of menstrual cycles and fertility. It usually occurs between ages 45–55, but symptoms can start years earlier.

🩸 1️⃣ Perimenopause:
The transition phase leading up to menopause. Hormone levels (especially estrogen) start fluctuating.
Common symptoms: irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, vaginal dryness, sleep disturbances, and weight changes.

🌙 2️⃣ Menopause:
Defined as 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. Ovaries stop releasing eggs and estrogen production drops significantly.
Symptoms: hot flashes, fatigue, mood swings, decreased libido, joint aches, and vaginal dryness.

🌿 3️⃣ Postmenopause:
The years after menopause. While symptoms may ease, lower estrogen levels can increase risks of osteoporosis, heart disease, and urogenital changes.
Focus: bone health, heart health, and regular screening.

💬 Tip: Healthy eating, regular exercise, stress management, and speaking to your doctor about hormonal or non-hormonal therapies can make this transition smoother.

October 6 is world Cerebral Palsy Day 💚🟢Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of disorders that affect movement, muscle tone, a...
06/10/2025

October 6 is world Cerebral Palsy Day 💚🟢

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of disorders that affect movement, muscle tone, and posture — caused by abnormal brain development or damage to the developing brain.

⚠️ Risk Factors

Premature birth or low birth weight
Lack of oxygen during birth
Maternal infections during pregnancy
Head injuries or brain infections in early childhood

🚸 Signs and Symptoms

Early recognition is key. Some warning signs include:

Delayed milestones (sitting, crawling, walking)
Muscle stiffness or floppiness
Poor coordination or balance
Difficulty speaking or swallowing
Abnormal posture or involuntary movements

💪 Management

While there’s no cure, early intervention can greatly improve quality of life.

Physiotherapy & occupational therapy – to improve mobility and daily function
Speech therapy – to assist with communication and swallowing
Medications – to manage muscle stiffness or seizures

Supportive care – including assistive devices, counselling, and educational support

Raising awareness helps promote early diagnosis, better support, and inclusion for children and adults living with CP. 💚

🎀 October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month 🎀Early detection saves lives. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers...
06/10/2025

🎀 October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month 🎀

Early detection saves lives. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women, but with regular screening and awareness of risk factors, it can often be detected early when treatment is most effective.

✅ Screening recommendations:

Women aged 40+ should consider annual mammograms.

Women with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer may need earlier and more frequent screening – speak to your healthcare provider.

Don’t forget monthly self-breast checks to notice any new lumps, changes, or unusual symptoms.

⚠️ Risk factors include:

Family history of breast/ovarian cancer
BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations
Increasing age
Obesity and lack of exercise
Smoking and alcohol use
Early menstruation or late menopause
Hormone replacement therapy

💕 Take charge of your health – book your screening, encourage loved ones to do the same, and remember that awareness and action can make a difference.

’sHealth

☀️ Managing Eczema Flare-Ups in Summer ☀️Hot weather, sweat, and chlorine can all worsen eczema symptoms. Here are some ...
16/09/2025

☀️ Managing Eczema Flare-Ups in Summer ☀️

Hot weather, sweat, and chlorine can all worsen eczema symptoms. Here are some practical tips to help keep flare-ups under control this summer:

✅ Moisturise often – Apply fragrance-free creams or ointments immediately after bathing or swimming.
✅ Choose cotton clothing – Loose, breathable fabrics reduce irritation and overheating.
✅ Shower after swimming – Rinse off chlorine or salt water promptly, then moisturise.
✅ Stay cool – Use fans, light bedding, and avoid prolonged heat exposure to minimise sweating (a common trigger).
✅ Avoid harsh soaps – Opt for gentle, fragrance-free cleansers.
✅ Protect from scratching – Keep nails short and use cold compresses to soothe itchy areas.

✨ Consistency with skin care and avoiding known triggers are key to preventing flare-ups. If your eczema worsens or doesn’t improve, consult your healthcare provider.

📌 References:
South African Society of Dermatology. Managing Eczema in All Seasons.

💙 September is Su***de Awareness Month 💙Mental health matters just as much as physical health. Su***de is often the resu...
11/09/2025

💙 September is Su***de Awareness Month 💙

Mental health matters just as much as physical health. Su***de is often the result of untreated or severe depression, and recognising the warning signs early can save lives.

🚩 Red flags and symptoms to watch for include:
⭕Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or feelings of worthlessness
⭕Withdrawing from family, friends, or social activities
⭕Changes in sleep (sleeping too little or too much)
⭕Loss of interest in things once enjoyed
⭕Fatigue, low energy, or difficulty concentrating
⭕Talking about death or su***de, even jokingly
⭕Giving away possessions or saying goodbye in unusual ways

If you notice these signs in yourself or a loved one, please reach out for help.

📞 South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) Helpline: 0800 567 567
📱 Su***de Crisis Helpline: 0800 456 789
📱 SMS 31393 for free, confidential support

💡 Remember: Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Listening without judgment and checking in on those around you can make a world of difference.

***deawareness

Address

Centurion Health And Wellness, Lodge Ronda , 287 Blackwood Road, Hennopspark
Centurion
0157

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00
Thursday 08:00 - 17:00
Friday 08:00 - 17:00
Saturday 09:00 - 13:00

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