Whelehans Health Blog
Can hearing loss lead to mental decline in older people?
Posted by Eamonn Brady on
Hearing loss, even when mild, can lead to mental decline in older people (Part 1) Why would hearing loss lead to mental decline? Some scientists suspect that hearing issues might lead to thinking problems because the brain must redirect so much attention to hearing so it does not get to exercise other mental functions as much. “People with hearing problems use more brainpower to decode the words that are said, they don’t get to process the meaning of what was said, which is the intellectually stimulating part,” according to the study’s lead author, Dr Justin Golub. Dr...
Problems caused by excess ear wax and how removal using microsuction can remedy them
Posted by Eamonn Brady on
Excess wax in the ears can sometimes lead to various problems and discomfort. Potential problems caused by excess ear wax Impacted earwax: When wax accumulates in the ear canal, it may become hard and impacted, causing a blockage. This can lead to symptoms like earache, hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear. Temporary hearing loss: Excessive earwax can obstruct the ear canal, which can result in temporary hearing loss. This can make it difficult to hear sounds and communicate clearly. Ear infections: Wax can create...
Concluding our series on getting the most from your medication - ideas to improve medication adherence
Posted by Eamonn Brady on
How to maximise the benefits of your medicines – Medication Adherence Part 3 Monitored dosage systems (MDS) – “Blister Packs” Monitored dosage systems (MDS) – “Blister Packs” can be created in your local pharmacy. There are multiple types and different options for patients, depending on individual concerns. A blister pack device is designed to simplify patients’ medication usage and commonly comes in the form of a box or blister pack divided into the days of the week and times of day. Tray-style blister packs are suitable for home use. There are other pouch/bubble-type systems (Bio-Dose) available which are for people...
Pt 2 on How to get the best from your medications looks at Questions to ask your doctor or pharmacist
Posted by Eamonn Brady on
How to maximise the benefits of your medicines – Medication Adherence Part 2 Questions to ask your doctor or pharmacist Here are some key questions that you as the patient can discuss with your pharmacist or doctor to help initiate, frame and guide a conversation about your medicine taking: Opener: E.g. I have a lot of medications to manage. E.g. I am taking my medications by doing the following ...? Elicit more information/guidance from your pharmacist /doctor-: Are there any medications that you, the patient would be less likely to take? Why is that? Are you worried? Do you think they are doing...
1st of 3 pts - How to maximise the benefits from your medication
Posted by Eamonn Brady on
How to maximise the benefits of your medicines – Medication Adherence Part 1 “Drugs don't work in patients who don't take them” C. Everett Koop, M.D. If you do not take your medication, it is not going to work – it is that simple! The reasons behind people failing to take their medication are complex, and can sometimes go beyond a lack of information, forgetfulness, or even access to medication itself. “Non-adherence” simply means not taking your medicines as your doctor intended you to take them. Non-adherence categorized as two types: intentional and unintentional. Unintentional non-adherence relates to barriers beyond...