Whelehans Health News

Gum Disease   Bleeding gums, bad breath, sensitive teeth, gum recession, loose teeth are all common signs of gum disease or periodontitis. The main cause of these symptoms is poor oral hygiene, infrequent or incorrected tooth brushing and lack of cleaning in between your teeth to remove the bacteria (Plaque) and stagnant food build up. When you suffer from gum disease, an inflammatory response is triggered in your mouth. Your gums change from pink to red or purple, swell up and may bleed. Gum disease is normally painless and therefore many people are unaware they suffer from gum disease. As...

Top 5 Cardiovascular Goals from a Chartered Physiotherapist   Chartered Physiotherapists play a crucial role in managing cardiovascular health, particularly in individuals recovering from heart conditions, surgeries, or seeking to improve overall fitness.   1. Improving Cardiovascular Endurance Physiotherapists aim to enhance the heart and lungs' ability to supply oxygen during sustained physical activity. This is achieved through exercises like walking, cycling, or swimming, tailored to the patient’s fitness level. Improved endurance reduces fatigue and boosts daily functioning.   2. Lowering Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Regular physical activity prescribed by physiotherapists helps regulate blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels. Aerobic...

Top 5 Physiotherapist New Year Fitness Tips   Focus on Proper Posture Good posture is essential for maintaining musculoskeletal health. Poor alignment can lead to chronic pain and injuries. While sitting or standing, ensure your shoulders are back, your chest is open, and your spine maintains its natural curves. Incorporate posture-improving exercises like planks and rows into your routine.   Warm-Up Before Exercise A proper warm-up prepares your muscles and joints for activity, reducing the risk of injury. Dynamic stretches, such as leg swings or arm circles, boost circulation and improve flexibility. Spend at least 5–10 minutes warming up before...

Covid, Flu and RSV Vaccines Its not too late to get vaccinated   Ireland’s Winter Vaccination Campaign for 2024 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...

Dry Skin Treatment Options There are many causes of dry skin including dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, and seborrhoeic dermatitis. Today I will give a brief outline of basic treatment options. For specific conditions like psoriasis there are more specialised medication which I will return to in the future in this column.   Diet In adults, food allergies or food intolerance do not appear to be a factor in dry skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis so avoiding foods is not any benefit. In infants, avoidance of certain foods can be helpful, but healthcare professional advice is important. Common food triggers...