Whelehans Health Blog

Anti-depressants   Part 1   I focus on pharmacological treatment options for depression. I will not outline the causes, symptoms etc of depression. Talking therapies such as CBT should be the first line as a treatment option for depression; medication should always be used in tandem with talking therapies.   Antidepressants   The first antidepressants were developed in the 1950s. There are now about thirty different kinds of antidepressants available and there are six main types: Tricyclics MAOIs (Monoamine oxidase inhibitors) SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) SNRIs (Serotonin and Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors) NASSAs (Noradrenaline and Specific Serotonergic Antidepressants) Melatonergic agonists Serotonin Modulator...

Footcare: Flat Feet (Part 2)   Treatment   No treatment is required if flat feet do not cause problems. Well-fitted shoes, especially extra-broad fitting types of shoes can help. For people suffering from over-pronated feet, a special insole, which prevents feet rolling over too much, can ease the problems. These specialised insoles can be advised on by a chiropodist or a physiotherapist who are specialists in assessing for and measuring the specialist insoles. These insoles are also called orthotics. If pain occurs, rest, ice, and over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, or NSAIDS (e.g., Ibuprofen) can give relief; however, painkillers should only be...

Footcare: Flat Feet (Part 1)   During childhood, usually between the ages of 3 and 10, a space develops on the inner side of our feet where the bottom of the foot is off the ground. These are referred to as the "arches" of our foot. The height of this arch varies. People with a low arch or who have no arch are classified as having flat feet. Sometimes this is referred to as having "fallen arches" though this term is misleading as most with “fallen arches” have a low arch. Causes Flat feet can run in families, and both...

How to maximise the benefits of your medicines – Medication Adherence (Part 3) Monitored dosage systems (MDS) – “Blister Packs” Monitored dosage systems (MDS) – “Blister Packs” can be created in your local pharmacy. There are multiple types and different options for patients, depending on individual concerns. A blister pack device is designed to simplify patients’ medication usage and commonly comes in the form of a box or blister pack divided into the days of the week and times of day. Tray-style blister packs are suitable for home use. There are other pouch/bubble-type systems (Bio-Dose) available which are for people...

How to maximise the benefits of your medicines – Medication Adherence (Part 2) Questions to ask your doctor or pharmacist Here are some key questions that you as the patient can discuss with your pharmacist or doctor to help initiate, frame and guide a conversation about your medicine taking: Opener: E.g. I have a lot of medications to manage. E.g. I am taking my medications by doing the following ...? Elicit more information/guidance from your pharmacist /doctor-: Are there any medications that you, the patient would be less likely to take? Why is that? Are you worried? Do you think they are doing...