EXPERT
Dr. Kurt Tamaru, M.D.
Family Practitioner
Dr. Kurt Tamaru is a board-certified family practice physician and founder of an innovative virtual care medical group that specializes in the care of chronically ill older adults and other high-need populations. His company Guardiant Health provides 365 day wrap around medical care and support with a specialized team of adult medicine trained clinicians, pharmacists, and specialty advisors all available to the care needs of each and every patient and their caregivers. Founded out of a need for his own mother, Guardiant has quickly grown with services available through all of California under traditional Medicare coverage, managed care plans, or by a monthly membership fee.
32 years
Experience
Dr. Kurt Tamaru, M.D.
- Moorpark, CA
- Loyola Univ of Chicago Stritch Sch of Med, Maywood Il
- Accepting new patients
A Perfect Storm Brewing in Healthcare for Older Adults
Original Article by Kurt M. Tamaru, MD, FAAFPAs the U. S population continues to age, we are seeing over 10,000 Medicare enrollees entering into the system each and every day....
Virtual Care in the Home Setting - A Better Solution to Caring for Older Adults
Original Article by Kurt M. Tamaru, MD, FAAFPAs a primary care physician with an older surviving mother, I found myself in territory similar to millions of families across America....
What should I eat before general anesthesia?
Anytime you undergo general anesthesia, the typical protocol is nothing to eat or drink 6 hours prior. No alcohol prior within 48 hours. Also, any medication you are taking should READ MORE
Anytime you undergo general anesthesia, the typical protocol is nothing to eat or drink 6 hours prior. No alcohol prior within 48 hours. Also, any medication you are taking should be reviewed by your anesthesiologist, and instructions on which ones to hold. The reason for not eating or drinking is to have the stomach empty of food content to reduce any risk of aspiration during anesthesia. I hope this helps.
Lost taste and smell?
Loss of taste/ and or smell can be caused by COVID infection and can persist many months after the acute exposure. Other causes can be sinus or upper nasal/throat infections which READ MORE
Loss of taste/ and or smell can be caused by COVID infection and can persist many months after the acute exposure. Other causes can be sinus or upper nasal/throat infections which usually have symptoms of persistent congestion. Allergies are another potential cause. Some medication can also cause change or loss of taste. Dicyclomine often causes dry mouth and can impact taste sensation as well. Hope this was helpful. Dr T - Guardiant Health
Should I stop taking blood thinners?
Blood thinners often are prescribed for treatment of blood clots or risk for developing blood clots due to irregular heart rhythm. Typically, for more surgical type of procedures, READ MORE
Blood thinners often are prescribed for treatment of blood clots or risk for developing blood clots due to irregular heart rhythm. Typically, for more surgical type of procedures, blood thinners may be stopped prior and resumed soon after. For procedures like acupuncture, you may get some pinpoint bruising, but not at risk for any severe bleeding complications, but always safe to ask your treating acupuncturist what they would recommend.
Hope my comments are helpful.
Dr. T/Guardiant Health
Hope my comments are helpful.
Dr. T/Guardiant Health
Cholesterol levels?
Cholesterol is made of various types of fats in your blood. Regular alcohol ingestion can raise one form of your cholesterol called Triglycerides. These are a form of fat that, READ MORE
Cholesterol is made of various types of fats in your blood. Regular alcohol ingestion can raise one form of your cholesterol called Triglycerides. These are a form of fat that, if elevated, can affect your liver. As I tell most all my patients, moderation is the key to life and such applies with your diet and lifestyle as well.
Hope that is helpful.
Dr. T/Guardiant Health
Hope that is helpful.
Dr. T/Guardiant Health
What to do for treatment?
Some of your numbness sensations may be due to problems related to your diabetes condition. Often, nerves can be affected that cause numbness or tingling or what we call "neuropathy." READ MORE
Some of your numbness sensations may be due to problems related to your diabetes condition. Often, nerves can be affected that cause numbness or tingling or what we call "neuropathy." Having good control of your diabetes as well as blood pressure, cholesterol, and protecting your kidney function are important for you. Most importantly, your finding more permanent shelter and safe housing is the best medicine to find.
Hope this is helpful.
Dr. T/Guardiant Health
Hope this is helpful.
Dr. T/Guardiant Health
Can enlarged prostate be fixed?
Enlarged prostate is a common condition for men as we get older. Often first signs may be decreased urine stream, frequent urination need, difficulty initiating urination, or dribbling. READ MORE
Enlarged prostate is a common condition for men as we get older. Often first signs may be decreased urine stream, frequent urination need, difficulty initiating urination, or dribbling. Symptoms are related to the enlarged prostate blocking the urine channel that empties from your bladder. If untreated, can cause bladder issue over time or result in acute blockage of ability to empty your bladder. Can be treated with medications early and surgical treatments for more severe conditions.
Hope this is helpful.
Dr. T/Guardiant Health
Hope this is helpful.
Dr. T/Guardiant Health
What is the best breakfast for high blood pressure?
Best diet for high blood pressure or "hypertension" is typically low sodium "salt" less than 1000-2000mg per day. Also, foods rich in Vit C/minerals like citrus fruits, Omega-3 READ MORE
Best diet for high blood pressure or "hypertension" is typically low sodium "salt" less than 1000-2000mg per day. Also, foods rich in Vit C/minerals like citrus fruits, Omega-3 fatty acids, Potassium/Magnesium rich foods, and antioxidant agents seen in berries. I typically like oatmeal with nuts, cranberries, and a side of fresh fruit.
Hope thats helpful.
Dr. T/Guardiant Health
Hope thats helpful.
Dr. T/Guardiant Health
Bruising very easily?
Bruising on the skin can be caused by aging and thinning of the skin and increased fragility of superficial blood vessels. As such, light trauma to the skin can easily cause a READ MORE
Bruising on the skin can be caused by aging and thinning of the skin and increased fragility of superficial blood vessels. As such, light trauma to the skin can easily cause a bruise. Over-the-counter use of fish oils, aspirin containing products can also contribute. If bruising is being seen in multiple areas without any known injury or trauma to the areas, then evaluation is warranted.
Hope this was helpful.
Dr. T/Guardiant Health
Hope this was helpful.
Dr. T/Guardiant Health
What does this mean?
Musculoskeletal is just a simple medical term used to describe something related to the muscle or bone and or ligaments. Good example is when a patient strains their back and READ MORE
Musculoskeletal is just a simple medical term used to describe something related to the muscle or bone and or ligaments. Good example is when a patient strains their back and has some low back ache with moving . Notes might say something like "musculoskeletal back injury" Hope this is helpful. Dr T/Guardiant Health
BP problems?
Looks like your medication seems to have brought your BP back down, but often individuals on BP meds should be taking them regularly to achieve better long-term control. New guidelines READ MORE
Looks like your medication seems to have brought your BP back down, but often individuals on BP meds should be taking them regularly to achieve better long-term control. New guidelines recommend that high blood pressure be treated with medication and lifestyle changes if you have had or are at risk for heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, or stroke. Also, proper measurement of blood pressure by sitting in chair at rest with feet on the ground and blood pressure cuff at heart level.
Hope this is helpful.
Dr. T / Guardiant Health
Hope this is helpful.
Dr. T / Guardiant Health
Post covid symptoms?
While we are still studying the long-term impacts of a COVID infection, joint stiffness and pain is often due to an inflammatory reaction which can be caused by many types of conditions READ MORE
While we are still studying the long-term impacts of a COVID infection, joint stiffness and pain is often due to an inflammatory reaction which can be caused by many types of conditions common as we get older. Degenerative or osteoarthritis, but also other inflammatory conditions can cause such. Evaluation to understand the cause and best options for treatment would be recommended.
Hope this is helpful.
Dr T/Guardiant Health
Hope this is helpful.
Dr T/Guardiant Health
