Whelehans Health Blog

Non – medical CBD Cannabidiol A cannabis derivative Part 1   I discussed Medicinal Cannabis in April in this column and how it is now being allowed by the HSE for certain medical conditions under strict criteria. If you missed this article, check www.whelehans.ie or ask instore for a copy. This time I discuss non-medical cannabis.   Cannabidiol (CBD) is the largest of 113 compounds derived from the cannabis plant. CBD has no psycho-active properties as it does not contain the high inducing THC. The absence of THC means that, whilst it is a cannabis derivative – it does not...

Our sugar intake   How much sugar am I “allowed” daily? The maximum recommended intake of added sugar is 6 teaspoons a day (24g).  If you are adding sugar to your tea and coffee, try an artificial sweetener as it does not affect your blood sugar levels in the same way as refined sugar and has zero calories.  Familiarise yourself with sugar content of foods Look at the food label relating to 100g of the product and anything under 5g of sugar per 100g is a low sugar product.   To see how much sugar the actual product contains i.e. cereal...

First new Osteoporosis Drug in over 10 years Waiting approval to come to the market in Ireland   Osteoporosis is also known as brittle bone disease. I previously discussed the most common medicines used to treat osteoporosis including bisphosphonates. Today I discuss a new medication for severe osteoporosis.   Romosozumab Romosozumab (Evenity® 105mg Subcutaneous Injection) is a new monoclonal antibody treatment for severe osteoporosis and is the first new osteoporosis drug in over 10 years.   Romosozumab (Evenity®) received EU authorization by the European Medicines Agency in 2019. Romosozumab is not yet available in Ireland and is currently undergoing a cost...

Holiday Tips Part 2 Jet Lag Our bodies adjust to a natural rhythm that promotes sleeping at night and being active and alert during daylight hours. When we travel across different ‘time zones’ our normal rhythm is altered. This can cause sleep disturbances, inability to concentrate and irritability which is more commonly known as ‘jet lag’.   To prevent jet lag, get a good night sleep before the journey. Some people find that changing their watch to the destination time helps. On arrival at your destination, you should get active as soon as possible and adjust your meals and activities...

Holiday Tips Part 1 Several diseases travelers should be aware of include hepatitis A, typhoid and malaria. Hepatitis A: a liver viral infection contracted from contaminated food or water or from close contact with an infected person.  Practicing good hygiene will protect against catching the hepatitis A.  A vaccine is also available. Typhoid is contracted in the same way as hepatitis A but is caused by a bacterium instead of a virus.  The bacterium, called Salmonella typhi, enters the intestines and can spread to the bloodstream. Antibiotics are used to treat typhoid. It is recommended to get vaccinated against the...