Whelehans Health Blog
In todays Topic, Eamonn discusses Care of the older person and in particular, Polypharmacy
Posted by Eamonn Brady on
Care of the older person Polypharmacy from a pharmacist’s perspective Polypharmacy is the prescribing of too many unnecessary or inappropriate medicines. Polypharmacy is not exclusive to older people, however because of aging and “wear and tear” on organs, the risk of polypharmacy increases as with age. There is no specific definition of polypharmacy but in general terms, polypharmacy is defined as the use of multiple drugs that is more than is medically necessary. There is no “standard cut of point” with regard numbers of medication prescribed to indicate polypharmacy. Medication has greatly improved our life expectancy and quality of...
In this weeks Topic, Eamonn completes his article on Compression Hosiery and offers tips on how to get the best out of your custom fitted stockings
Posted by Eamonn Brady on
How Compression Hosiery can help you? Part 2 Last week I discussed rationale for compression stockings with includes varicose veins, swollen ankles and legs, leg ulcers and prevention of blood clots such as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). How to apply your compression stockings It is best to apply compression stockings first thing in the morning, before getting out of bed (before legs begin to swell). Turn the stocking inside out up to the heel. If you are putting on open-toe stockings, place the slipper aid over the foot (slipper aids are provided in stocking box). Pull the foot...
In this weeks Topic, Eamonn discusses the positive benefits properly fitted compression hosiery can have on improving your circulation
Posted by Eamonn Brady on
How Compression Hosiery can help you? Part 1 Compression hosiery are elasticated stockings that give support to your legs. In graduated compression hosiery, the pressure given by the stockings is greater at the ankle and reduces towards your knee. The stockings can be knee-length or thigh-length depending on your condition. Why do I need compression hosiery? The veins in your legs carry blood back to the heart. The calf muscles are responsible for pumping the blood through the veins back to the heart. The veins have one-way valves to ensure the blood flows in the correct direction. Damage to...
In todays Topic, Eamonn discusses the important role fish oil may have in combating depression and anxiety...........Omega 3's give a natural mode boost
Posted by Eamonn Brady on
Fish oils and mood An Irish survey indicated that only 10% of the Irish population eat enough oily fish to receive their necessary intake of Omega 3. Omega 3’s and mood There is evidence that omega 3 fatty acids supplementation might be helpful in cases of depression and anxiety. Studies report highly significant improvement from omega 3 fatty acids supplementation alone and in conjunction with medication. Research has shown a link between the amount of a fish people in different countries eat and the level of depression. In Japan, where people eat on average 70kg of fish a year,...
In this weeks Topic, continuing the Cardio theme, more information that may help prevent heart disease
Posted by Eamonn Brady on
Preventing heart disease Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is also known as heart disease and is the biggest killer in Ireland. It includes conditions such as coronary heart disease (angina and heart attack) and stroke. In Ireland in 2000, heart disease was the number one cause of death and was responsible for 41% of all deaths. If you are concerned about your risk of heart disease, Whelehans Pearse St have a heart screening service. The screening takes less than half an hour. Our pharmacist will check your blood pressure, your cholesterol, blood glucose (for diabetes) and your body mass index. You...