Whelehans Health News

A potential cause of dry mouth, dry skin and dry eyes

This is a continuation of last week’s article on Sjögren syndrome in which I discussed its causes and symptoms. Sjögren syndrome is an autoimmune condition linked to other rheumatic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Main symptoms are dry eyes and dry mouth and enlargement of the parotid glands (salivary gland located in the cheeks just in front of the ears). Fatigue and joint and muscle pains are other debilitating features in many who have the condition.

Upcoming talk on depression and mental health

Whelehans Pharmacy in conjunction with Aware have organised an expert panel to discuss depression and mental health on Thursday August 6th in the Greville Arms Hotel Mullingar; some leading local experts will be talking. This talk is free of charge and is open to all. Keep an eye on this column in the coming weeks for more details. To avoid disappointment, book your place in advance by calling Whelehans at 04493 34591.

A potential cause of dry mouth, dry skin and dry eyes

With our upcoming dental event in Whelehans on Friday July 10^th where you can get free dental consultations, I thought this week I would discuss a common cause of dry mouth which ultimately can lead to dental problems. It is called Sjögren syndrome. For a free consultation with a dental expert on July 10^th, call Whelehans at 04493 34591.

Sjögren syndrome remains undiagnosed in many people. Sjögren syndrome is an autoimmune condition in

Constipation in children

 Constipation in infants and children and is rarely caused by an actual medical condition. In many children, constipation is triggered by experience of painful bowel movements or caused by factors such as toilet training, change in routine or diet, stressful events, illness like viruses or delaying defaecation (delaying going to the toilet).

 Constipation can present at three common stages of childhood: in infancy at weaning; in toddlers learning toilet skills and at school age. Signs of straining in infants less than one year do not usually suggest constipation because children only develop muscles to assist bowel movements gradually.

ASK YOUR PHARMACIST

Autism (Part 1)

Eamonn Brady is a pharmacist and the owner of Whelehans Pharmacy, Pearse St, Mullingar. Tel 044 93 34591

This is the first of two articles in the Examiner on autism.

What is Autism?

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by impaired social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication, and restricted and repetitive behaviour.

Whilst on its own, autism is not a learning disability or a mental health problem, some people with autism will have an accompanying learning disability, learning difficulty or mental health problem. Globally, autism occurs in 1-2 per 1000 people, with males five times more likely to be affected than females. It is suspected that the number of adults living with the condition is vastly underestimated.

Top neurologist among speakers for upcoming Migraine Talk

 Migraine is a real condition, just like asthma, diabetes or epilepsy. Although not life threatening, it has been found to have a greater impact of quality of life than conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. Migraine is more than just a headache. It is a complex, attacking neurological condition.Learning more about the condition and how to better manage it is one of the best steps anyone with migraine can take. With this in mind, Whelehans Pharmacy invited Ireland’s top expert on migraine, Neurologist Dr Martin Ruttledge to speak on migraine in Mullingar.