Whelehans Health Blog

Smoking Cessation Part 4 To help give up, there are many treatment options available both on and off prescription. Last week I discussed non-prescription options like Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and E-cigarettes. This week I discuss prescription options if other options fail.   Prescription Medication There are two options available on prescription, Varenicline (Champix®) and Bupropion (Zyban®)                                                                                                                                                                 Varenicline (Champix®) Varenicline, whose brand name is Champix®. It is available in tablet form. The dose is titrated meaning the person smokes for 8–14 days before quitting. The recommended course of Champix® is generally 12 weeks. It is a partial agonist that...

Smoking Cessation Part 3: Treatment To help give up, there are many treatment options available both over the counter in pharmacy or on prescription. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) works by releasing nicotine steadily into the bloodstream at much lower levels than in a cigarette, without the tar, carbon monoxide and other poisonous chemicals found in tobacco smoke. This helps to control the cravings for a cigarette that occur when the body starts to miss the nicotine that smoking provides. The dose depends on the number of cigarettes smoked, intensity and pattern of habit. NRT is the...

Nasal Flu Vaccines now free for teenagers   Last week, the HSE announced that they will offer the Nasal flu vaccine free to teenagers. So now Children 2 to 17 can get the flu vaccine free. There are no availability issues with the kid’s flu vaccine. For convenience you can book the free children’s vaccine online on the Whelehans website and it is free of charge. The nasal flu vaccine will only be available until December 31st.   Flu vaccine for children Children are more likely than adults to get severe complications of flu. Children with chronic health conditions are...

Children’s Nutrition Part 1 Different nutrients are needed for a balanced diet. Nutrients are made up of Macronutrients (big) which are essentially carbohydrates, fats and proteins and Micronutrients (small) which are vitamins and minerals. Different foods have different micronutrients and macronutrients. Water Staying hydrated is important to ensure all our nutrients are absorbed properly. Dehydration causes fatigue and lack of concentration. In general, children should aim to drink about 6 to 8 glasses of water per day to in addition to what is obtained through diet i.e. soups Lunch School lunches should be nutritionally balanced, they should include at least...

Head lice Headlice are small insects that feed on blood obtained by biting the scalp.  These bites tend to be itchy and this itchiness is caused by an allergy to the lice. Head lice are transferred by close hair-to-hair contact. They cannot jump, fly or swim, but walk from one hair to another.  It is a misconception that head lice infestation is as a result of dirty hair and poor hygiene.  Head lice can be found in all hair types, long or short, and in hair of any condition.  Prevention There is no way of guaranteeing your child won’t get...