Dr.Francis & Associates

03/09/2026

We just launched our WhatsApp Channel!

Get health tips, clinic updates, and announcements sent straight to your phone, the moment they happen.

👉 Tap the link below or scan the QR code and you're in.

📲 Prefer to talk it out? WhatsApp us: 1-868-342-5577
👉 Join the Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbDFPSmGOj9kZb01yo17

02/09/2026

High cholesterol doesn't come with a warning sign.

September is Cholesterol Education Month, and it's a good reminder that this is one of those conditions you usually can't feel. There is no pain, no obvious symptoms of high cholesterol, just numbers quietly building up until they start affecting your heart. That's part of why it's easy to put off checking.

The good news is that a lot of it comes down to habits you already control: eating healthy, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking all support your heart. But the piece that actually tells you where you stand is getting screened. That's the only way to know your cholesterol numbers is to check them.

In Trinidad and Tobago, heart disease and its risk factors — high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes — are among the most common reasons families end up managing a health scare that could've been caught earlier. A simple blood cholesterol check changes what your doctor can actually do for you, before anything becomes urgent.

Save this post, you'll want to refer back to it.

📲 WhatsApp us if you have questions: 1-868-342-5577

01/09/2026

Dr. Marie-Joanna Francis links the science to the various body quirks we experience daily in this fun and interesting article.

What are some of the body quirks you experience? Tell us in the comments section below.

31/08/2026

Happy 64th Independence Day from the Management and Staff of Dr. Francis and Associates Ltd.

30/08/2026

Your gut talks to your brain more than you'd think.

The digestive system isn't just about digestion. It's in constant communication with your brain, your nervous system, your immune system, and trillions of microorganisms living in your gastrointestinal tract. That conversation affects far more than what happens after a meal; it plays a role in metabolism, immune function, and overall health.

The habits that support it are simpler than most people expect: a high-fiber, varied diet, staying properly hydrated, regular exercise, managing chronic stress, and cutting back on processed foods.

If you've been dealing with ongoing bloating, discomfort, or irregular digestion and wondering when it's worth mentioning to a doctor, the honest answer is usually sooner rather than later. Persistent symptoms are worth a conversation, not something to just manage quietly.

Save this post as you'll want to refer back to it.

📲 WhatsApp us if you have questions: 1-868-342-5577

27/08/2026

Go Outside. Spend at least 20 minutes outside in natural light to reduce stress, lift your mood and get a healthy dose of vitamin D.

25/08/2026

A flu shot takes minutes. The flu itself can take weeks.

Flu season moves fast through households, offices, and schools in Trinidad and Tobago. One person catches it, and it's rarely just one person for long. A few habits go a long way toward slowing that down: covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze, washing your hands regularly (or using an alcohol-based sanitizer when soap isn't around), avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, and keeping your distance from others if you start feeling flu-like symptoms yourself.

If you're wondering when to see a doctor about flu symptoms, persistent fever, real difficulty breathing, or symptoms that aren't easing up after a few days are all good reasons to come in rather than wait it out. Our team keeps appointments straightforward, so getting checked or getting your flu shot doesn't have to eat your whole day.

Have you gotten your flu shot this year? Drop a comment below.

📲 WhatsApp us to book: 1-868-342-5577

24/08/2026

Most oral diseases are preventable and most go ignored anyway.

Tooth decay, gum disease, tooth loss, and even oral cancers usually start small: a spot of sensitivity, a bit of bleeding when you brush, something you tell yourself you'll mention "next time."

The good news is that most of it comes down to daily habits. Brushing twice a day, cutting back on sugar, stepping away from to***co, and drinking less alcohol go a long way toward protecting your gums and teeth. If you're wondering when you should see a doctor about gum pain or bleeding, the answer is usually sooner than you think and waiting rarely makes it easier to treat.

Our team takes the time to check for the small things that get missed, not just the big ones.

Save this post. You'll want to refer back to it. Drop a ✋ in the comments if any of these signs sound familiar.

📲 WhatsApp us if you have questions: 1-868-342-5577

22/08/2026

WHO estimates that fewer than half of affected children tell anyone they experienced violence, and under 10% receive any help.

If you are concerned that a child may be experiencing violence or abuse, don’t keep it hidden. Listen to them, help them find support.

22/08/2026