Whelehans Health Blog

Cholesterol Part 2 Statins How effective are statins? A study published in the BMJ in 2003 showed statins reduce LDL cholesterol by 1.8 mmol/litre. This resulted in a 60% reduction in the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks, clots, and sudden cardiac death and a 17% reduction in stroke risk. Which statin is best? No indication that any one statin is better than the rest   Who should be prescribed statins? Over 20% of adults are at risk of coronary heart disease due to high cholesterol. The general guideline for people who have no previous heart problems is...

Cholesterol Part 1   Cholesterol is a lipid (fat).  It is manufactured by the liver from the fatty foods, and help maintain many body functions.   Cholesterol is carried in the blood by molecules called lipoproteins. The three main types are: Low density lipoprotein (LDL) often known as bad cholesterol and is thought to promote arterial disease.  Recommended LDL level is below 3.37 mmol/l High density lipoprotein (HDL).  This is often referred to as 'good cholesterol', and is thought to prevent arterial disease.  Recommended LDL range is 1.45 - 4 mmol/l Triglycerides are another type of fatty substance present in...

Indian Head Massage   Indian head massage is a traditional therapeutic technique that originated in India thousands of years ago. It involves massage of the scalp, neck, and shoulders to release tension and promote relaxation. Indian head massage is often used as a complementary therapy to help relieve stress and improve overall wellbeing. Benefits of Indian Head Massage Indian head massage can help relieve tension in the scalp, neck, and shoulders, which are common areas where people hold stress. The massage techniques used in Indian head massage can help improve blood flow and circulation in the head and neck area....

Deep Tissue Massage Deep tissue massage is a type of massage therapy that focuses on deep layers of muscles and connective tissue.  It involves applying sustained pressure using slow, deep strokes to target areas of tension and discomfort in the body. The massage therapist may use their hands, fingers, knuckles, elbows, or forearms to apply the pressure to both broad and specific areas of muscle. Tackling knots The primary goal of deep tissue massage is to alleviate chronic patterns of tension and muscle adhesions, also known as knots. These knots can cause referred pain, limited mobility, and stiffness. By applying...

 Question Part of my large toenail on one foot has turned yellow over the last 6 months. My wife thinks it is a fungal nail infection. Sean, Mullingar   Response  Approximately half of nail problems are due to a fungal infection. Fungal nail infection is about four times more common in toenails than fingernails and can involve all or part of the nail, including the nail plate, nail-bed and root of the nail. The chances of fungal nail infection increases as we get older. Several types of fungus can cause nail infections. 93% of fungal nail infections are caused by...