Whelehans Health Blog

This is the first of three articles in the Westmeath Topic about kidney transplants and the medication used. While I specifically deal with kidney transplants, a lot of the advice given in the next few weeks in the Westmeath Topic is true for any type of transplant (eg) Heart, lung, liver. Our kidneys are situated at the lower back behind the stomach, one is situated each side of the spinal cord. The lower ribs act as a cage for the kidneys preventing injury. Each kidney is approximately the size of your fist. The kidneys' main roles are to: filter waste...

With school around the corner most of us are already planning school uniforms, books and most importantly school shoes.  Many clients at The Foot Clinic Mullingar ask what to look for when buying school shoes for their little ones; it can be daunting at times but we’re here to help.  Here are my top tips for buying the perfect fit shoes that will have your little ones hopping, skipping and jumping into the school yard come September. Are you buying the right size shoe? It's not unusual that children get passed down school shoes and a lot of the time...

  Pharmacist Eamonn Brady of Whelehans Pharmacies urges parents to screen children routinely for head lice every week when they return to school. Eamonn advises early detection reduces the spread of the infection within schools and helps reduce the scale of the outbreaks, which can be distressing for children, parents and teachers. Eamonn explains while prevention products like tea tree may reduce risk of headlice, there is no way of 100% guaranteeing a child will not get head lice; the earlier their presence on the head is detected, the easier it is to get rid of the lice.   Orla...

This is my third and final series of articles on Crohn’s Disease. If you missed any, you can get the full article at www.whelehans.ie or ask one of our staff for a copy. Treatment Treatment for Crohn’s may be medical, surgical or a combination of both. For mild Crohn’s, no drug treatment may be needed. Dietary therapy may be another option for some. Treatment will depend on the type of Crohn’s. Medication used treat Crohn’s disease Drug treatment for Crohn’s aims to reduce symptoms and control flare-ups, and then to prevent a relapse once the disease is under control. This...

Last week I discussed causes and symptoms of Crohns; this week I discuss complications. Complications may occur in the intestinal tract or other areas of the body. Complications in the intestinal tract may include strictures, perforations and fistulas. Complications of Crohn’s disease affecting the intestinal tract Strictures Ongoing inflammation and then healing in the bowel may cause scar tissue to form. This can create a narrow section of the bowel, known as a stricture. A stricture can make it difficult for food to pass leading to a blockage. Symptoms include severe cramping abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and constipation. The abdomen...