Whelehans Health News

How is buccal midazolam given?

The midazolam solution should be placed against the sides of the gums and cheek so that the medicine is absorbed directly into the bloodstream. This is known as the buccal or oromucosal route. Administer slowly. If the medicine is swallowed accidentally, it might not work as quickly. Nowadays, Buccal Midazolam is prescribed mainly in an easy to use pre-filled syringe eg. Epistatus Pre-filled syringe or Buccolam pre-filled syringe.

Many experts recognise body mass index (BMI) as the most accurate way to determine if you are a healthy weight for your height by providing a numerical rating. Recent medical research uses BMI as an indicator of an individual’s health status and disease risk. Below are the ranges for BMI values for adults: Category BMI Health risk Underweight Less than 18.5 Osteoporosis, infertility and lung disease. Recommended to speak to a GP. Healthy Weight 18.6 – 24.9 Low risk of a weight related disease. Overweight 25.0 – 29.9 type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, gallbladder disease and...

This is a continuation of last week’s article on atherosclerosis.

Causes

As we get older our arteries naturally begin to harden and narrow leading to atherosclerosis. A number of things that accelerate this process including high-fat diets and cholesterol, smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, excessive Alcohol intake, family history (it tends to run in families), ethnicity (It is more common among people of African and African-Caribbean descent) and air pollution.

Treatment

Treatment for atherosclerosis aims to prevent the condition from worsening to the point that it can trigger a serious complication such as a heart attack. This can be achieved by making lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthier diet or increasing exercise. There are several medications available to treat many of the underlying causes of atherosclerosis, such as a high cholesterol level and high blood pressure. Antiplatelet medication such as aspirin thins blood so helps prevent clots. In some cases surgery may be required to widen or bypass a section of a blocked or narrowed artery. More detailed information about lifestyle factors to reduce atherosclerosis such as healthy eating, losing weight, increasing exercise, giving up smoking and more can be viewed at www.whelehans.ie.

What is our BPro Cardio Screen Service?

Whelehans now has a cardiovascular health check called BPro Cardio Screen. This test measures the stiffness of your arteries to help identify risk of blockages and your risk of cardiovascular disease and circulation problems. BPRo is placed like a watch on your wrist and is completely pain free. A pulse wave reads and calculates a wave signal that indicates the elasticity of large, small, and peripheral artery walls as well as tests for stress, central blood pressure, heart rate, and more. It is now only €35 (was €50); it only takes about 15 minutes to get checked. Our next clinic is next week (Thursday February 11^th) from 9am to 5pm. Book by calling Whelehans at 04493 34591.

Arginine or BPro Cardio Screen is not meant as a substitute for proper medical assessment with your doctor and should not replace prescription medication

For comprehensive and free health advice and information call in to Whelehans, log on to www.whelehans.ie or dial 04493 34591.