East Rand Institute of Metabolic Medicine

09/09/2026

Chronic Kidney Disease affects 1 in 10 people worldwide yet early kidney damage often develops silently, without symptoms. In her latest article, Dr Angela Murphy explains why regular screening is so important, especially for people living with diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, or a family history of kidney disease.Simple tests such as a urine microalbumin test and kidney function blood tests can detect damage years before symptoms develop allowing for earlier treatment and better long-term outcomes. The article also explores the latest advances in kidney-protective treatments, lifestyle interventions and how good chronic disease management can help protect kidney function and reduce future complications. Knowledge, prevention and early action remain some of the most powerful tools in protecting long-term health.

Dr Angela Murphy shares important insight into chronic kidney disease, emphasising how early intervention and good chronic disease management can help protect kidney function.

06/09/2026

MAKE KIDNEY HEALTH PART OF YOUR FUTURE

Awareness matters most when it leads to action.
Start with three steps:
-Know whether you have kidney-disease risk factors.
-Ask whether kidney-function testing is appropriate for you.
-Choose one sustainable habit that supports your kidney health.
If you live with high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease or a family history of kidney problems, speak to your healthcare provider about how often your kidneys should be checked.

“Prevention starts with awareness, but lasting change begins when we take action.” — Dr Angela Murphy
Know your risk. Check your health. Protect your future.

Dr Angela Murphy is a Specialist Physician with a special interest in endocrinology, diabetes, obesity and thyroid disorders, consulting at the East Rand Institute of Metabolic Medicine (ERIMM), Sunward Park Medical Centre, Boksburg.

05/09/2026

SMALL HABITS, LASTING PROTECTION
Protecting your kidneys begins with caring for your whole body.
• Stay active and work towards a healthy weight
• Choose balanced meals and reduce excess salt
• Keep blood pressure and blood sugar well managed
• Avoid smoking
• Drink an appropriate amount of fluid for your individual needs
• Use anti-inflammatory pain medicines carefully and seek professional advice if you use them regularly
“Kidney health is built through consistent choices, not quick fixes.” — Dr Angela Murphy

Tomorrow: Turn awareness into a personal kidney-health plan.

Dr Angela Murphy is a Specialist Physician with a special interest in endocrinology, diabetes, obesity and thyroid disorders, consulting at the East Rand Institute of Metabolic Medicine (ERIMM), Sunward Park Medical Centre, Boksburg.

04/09/2026

KNOW YOUR KIDNEY NUMBERS
You cannot always rely on symptoms to tell you how well your kidneys are working. Blood and urine tests can help identify potential problems earlier.
Ask your healthcare provider about:
• eGFR: a blood-test estimate of how effectively your kidneys filter
• Urine albumin: a test that checks whether protein is leaking into your urine

• Blood pressure and blood sugar, particularly if you are at increased risk
“A simple conversation and the appropriate tests can be an important first step towards protecting your kidneys.” — Dr Angela Murphy
Tomorrow: Discover how small daily habits can offer lasting protection.

Dr Angela Murphy is a Specialist Physician with a special interest in endocrinology, diabetes, obesity and thyroid disorders, consulting at the East Rand Institute of Metabolic Medicine (ERIMM), Sunward Park Medical Centre, Boksburg.

03/09/2026

COULD YOU BE AT RISK?

Kidney disease often has few or no noticeable symptoms in its early stages. That means you could feel well while changes are already taking place. Your risk may be higher if you have:
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• A family history of kidney disease
• Excess weight
• A history of kidney injury or recurring kidney stones
“Knowing your risk gives you the opportunity to act before kidney damage becomes advanced.” — Dr Angela Murphy
T
omorrow: Two straightforward tests can provide valuable information about your kidneys.

Dr Angela Murphy is a Specialist Physician with a special interest in endocrinology, diabetes, obesity and thyroid disorders, consulting at the East Rand Institute of Metabolic Medicine (ERIMM), Sunward Park Medical Centre, Boksburg.

02/09/2026

YOUR KIDNEYS DO MORE THAN YOU THINK!
Your kidneys may be small, but their role is enormous. They filter waste and excess fluid from your blood, help regulate blood pressure, support red blood cell production and keep important minerals balanced. “Your kidneys work quietly around the clock. Protecting them is an important part of protecting your overall health.” - Dr Angela Murphy
This National Kidney Awareness Week, we’re sharing five things everyone should know about kidney health.
Tomorrow: Kidney disease can develop silently. Could you be at risk?
Dr Angela Murphy is a Specialist Physician with a special interest in endocrinology, diabetes, obesity and thyroid disorders, consulting at the East Rand Institute of Metabolic Medicine (ERIMM), Sunward Park Medical Centre, Boksburg.

01/09/2026

This Heart Awareness Month, let’s put our health first. Small choices, moving more, eating nourishing foods, managing stress, avoiding to***co and scheduling regular check-ups can
help protect your heart. Know your numbers. Listen to your body. Encourage someone you love to care for their heart, too.

Dr Angela Murphy is a Specialist Physician with a special interest in
endocrinology, diabetes, obesity and thyroid disorders, consulting at the East Rand Institute of Metabolic Medicine (ERIMM), Sunward Park Medical Centre, Boksburg.

27/08/2026

New research adds to our understanding of the important relationship between obesity and cancer risk. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 22 clinical trials found that behavioural obesity-management interventions including dietary, physical-activity and psychological support were associated with a 15% lower risk of obesity-related cancers in people living with overweight or obesity. The analysis included almost 13,000 participants. Although no statistically significant reduction was found for overall cancer incidence, the findings relating specifically to obesity-related cancers are encouraging. The researchers caution that differences between the studies and potential bias mean further long-term research is still needed. However, the results reinforce the value of behavioural support as part of holistic, evidence-based obesity care not as a quick fix, but as one component of a personalised and sustainable treatment plan.
Read the full World Obesity Federation article: Behavioural interventions and obesity-related cancer risk
Dr Angela Murphy is a Specialist Physician with a special interest in endocrinology, diabetes, obesity and thyroid disorders, consulting at the East Rand Institute of Metabolic Medicine (ERIMM), Sunward Park Medical Centre, Boksburg.

Behavioural weight loss interventions reduce the risk of obesity-related cancers in people living with obesity.

26/08/2026

Coffee, tea and caffeine – should you be worried?
Caffeine is one of the most widely consumed stimulants in the world, but the answer isn't as simple as "good" or "bad." Like many aspects of nutrition, the dose, the source and the individual all matter. For most healthy adults, moderate caffeine intake can form part of a healthy lifestyle and may even be associated with certain health benefits, including improved alertness, exercise performance and a lower risk of some chronic diseases. However, caffeine affects everyone differently and some people are more sensitive than others. There's no one-size-fits-all approach. The goal is to find the level that works for your body, while choosing beverages that support your overall health. Swipe through the infographic for a practical guide to the benefits, potential downsides and how much caffeine is considered moderate for most adults.
Information is prepared by Dietitian Sunette Swart as part of our commitment to evidence-based nutrition education.

Dr Angela Murphy is a Specialist Physician with a special interest in endocrinology, diabetes, obesity and thyroid disorders, consulting at East Rand Institute of Metabolic Medicine (ERIMM), Sunward Park Medical Centre, Boksburg.

21/08/2026

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