Whelehans Health News

Vitamin D Part 1   Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin. It helps absorb calcium and phosphorus in the intestines so it can be absorbed by the bones, keeping the skeleton strong. Therefore, preventing bone diseases including, osteoporosis and rickets in children. Vitamin D deficiency also causes a mild muscle weakness, thus increasing the risk of falls and hence fractures in older people. Therefore, vitamin D supplementation is often important in this age group. It is also known as the “good mood vitamin” and research shows it helps fight depression. How is Vitamin D Produced?   Vitamin D can be...

  Ireland’s Winter Vaccination Campaign for 2025 / 26 aims to protect vulnerable populations from flu and COVID-19, as both viruses are expected to circulate widely this season. The HSE offers free flu and COVID-19 vaccines to specific groups, including those aged 60 and over, healthcare workers, pregnant individuals, and people with long-term health conditions. Additionally, children aged 2 to 17 are eligible for a nasal spray flu vaccine. Vaccines are available through participating GPs, pharmacies, and workplace vaccination clinics. Whelehans offer both the COVID -19 booster and the flu vaccine. Influenza Influenza, or the flu, is a contagious respiratory...

Actions taken by pharmacists at Whelehans to reduce Polypharmacy (over prescribing of medicines) for patients. Part 1   Reducing polypharmacy for patients requires a comprehensive approach by pharmacists. Here are key actions that our pharmacists at Whelehans during med reviews to review overuse of medicines for both nursing home and non-nursing home patients. What Whelehans Pharmacists to tackle polypharmacy. I have split this up into ten areas I feel are important to reduce polypharmacy.   1. Conduct Regular Medication Reviews Regularly review residents' medication regimens for appropriateness, efficacy, safety, and necessity. Assess for potential drug-drug or drug-disease interactions and duplicate...

Why Choose an Independent Pharmacy in Ireland Over a Company or Franchise Pharmacy?   Independent pharmacies like Whelehan’s (like many independent stores in all areas of our high streets) are becoming fewer and fewer in Ireland as bigger companies and franchises (there are three or four large pharmacy franchise chains) now dominating the Irish pharmacy market. While company and franchise pharmacies offer advantages and many offer the same advantages I describe below for independents; likewise, there are independent pharmacies that will not offer all of the benefits below either; so, this is in no way trying to criticise bigger chains...