Whelehans Health Blog

Food allergies V Food intolerance

Posted by Brady Bunch on Sep 07, 2015

Food allergies and food intolerances are different but they are often confused. About 2 of a 100 people have a food allergy but many more have food intolerances.

Food allergy or intolerance?

Food intolerance is an adverse reaction to a particular food or ingredient, which occurs every time the food is eaten. It's often confused with a food allergy, but it's very different because the immune system...

The myths about alcohol and hangovers (uncovered)

Posted by Brady Bunch on Aug 31, 2015

Alcohol can be described as both a tonic and a poison. The difference between “tonic and poison” lies in the dose. Alcohol is safe if drank in moderation. Infact, when taken in moderation alcohol may have some health benefits, for example, one or two drinks a day may reduce cholesterol slightly. Alcohol is a drug so like any other drug; it can cause problems if taken excessively. Alcohol releases...

Dry Eyes - Part 1

Posted by Eamonn Brady on Aug 27, 2015

ASK YOUR PHARMACIST

Eamonn Brady is a pharmacist and the owner of Whelehans Pharmacy, Pearse St, Mullingar. If you have any health questions e-mail them to info@whelehans.ie

Symptoms of dry eyes can include irritation and redness, itchy eyes, burning eyes, blurred vision (that improves with blinking), excessive tears (eye tries to over compensate) and the sensation of grit in the eyes.

People can find that dry eye symptoms are fine in the morning (as the eyelids have been closed overnight and tears do not evaporate) but gets worse as the day goes on as the eyes are exposed to the elements and evaporation of tears increases. The most common treatment for dry eyes is artificial tears that are available over the counter in pharmacies.

The importance of lunch

Posted by Aisling Murray on Aug 12, 2015

Having a nutritious lunch is important to refuel as it can be a busy morning since breakfast and lunch is needed to increase your blood sugars when concentration is decreasing. It’s recommended you have a small healthy snack in-between breakfast and lunch and in between lunch and dinner. The most ideal time to have lunch is usually 4-5 hours after breakfast and this can renew your energy keeping...

Healthy Lunchbox workshop for kids and parents

Our “Healthy Lunchbox Workshop” is this Thursday August 20^th at 10am in Miller and Cook and aims to help mums and/or dads and their kids to learn to prepare a healthy lunchbox in a fun and relaxed environment. This event is FREE OF CHARGE, however with numbers limited; book early to avoid disappointment

Addiction Part 3

Posted by Eamonn Brady on Aug 11, 2015

This is the final of three articles in the Examiner on addiction. Ask in Whelehans for a longer version of this article including extra information on the likes of diagnosis.

Complications of Addiction

Complications can include Coma, unconsciousness or death (from the likes of overdose); some diseases (eg. injecting drugs especially if sharing needles increases risk of hepatitis and HIV/AIDS), Accidental injuries/death (due to risk of accidents and injuries etc); Suicide; Relationship problems; Child neglect/abuse and Unemployment, poverty and homelessness.

Treatment options for Addiction

The first step to treatment is for the person to acknowledge and realise they have an addiction. There is little (or no) chance of a person giving up unless they want to give up. Treatment can include community and hospital based options including counseling (psychotherapy), self-help groups, and medication. The HSE Community Alcohol and Drug Service (CADS) offers help and have centres in all parts of the country