Last week we found out that yet more Irish women will have to again undergo a completely avoidable repeat cervical smear. This was the latest in a long line of errors in the management of the cervical smear controversy. To understand what is going on you have understand why and how we screen for cervical…
Recent spike in cases of bacterial meningitis- what does this mean for my family?
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Recently, the HSE announced that there had been a spike in bacterial meningitis cases in Ireland over the Christmas period. There was widespread and continued media coverage of the announcements. This has led many concerned parents wondering if they need to get their kids vaccinated over and above what is contained within the universal primary…
CPE: Latest deadly Superbug Arrives In Cavan
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Last November, Northern Sound reported that the CPE (carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales) superbug had arrived in Cavan General Hospital. This is a hugely concerning development for our locality! Some background first. Many of us suffer from bladder, kidney, chest, or skin infections. These are caused by bugs which have been around for billions of years but only…
Why exercise should be more than just a New Year’s Resolution!
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(Image copyright username – https://skatesphere.com) One of the most common New Year’s Resolutions is the intention to exercise more. However, we know that 66% will abandon a new exercise programme before the end of January! This is not surprising. We also know that approximately 24% of Irish people do not engage in any leisure time…
Should i get my prostate checked?
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What is prostate cancer? Prostate cancer happens when normal cells in your prostate gland become abnormal cells and grow in an uncontrolled manner. The prostate gland functions to make fluid that is a constituent of semen. Prostate cancer is usually a disease of older men and generally occurs in men aged >50. Although very common,…
Statin tablets for high cholesterol- friend or foe?
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Statin tablets for high cholesterol- friend or foe? It is estimated that over one half of Irish people over 50 are supposed to be taking cholesterol lowering medications, namely statin tablets, having been prescribed them by their Doctor. However, we know that, on average, less than half of these patients take these tablets regularly! Why…
All you need to know about Mumps
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Mumps occurs worldwide. Since the introduction of routine vaccination ie with the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine given to children, there has been a 99% reduction in cases of mumps in western countries. Unfortunately some people do not elect to have their children vaccinated and this is one of the reasons why we have…
6 Signs of ovarian cancer
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Ovarian cancer is known as a “silent killer”. This is because it usually only gives some mild symptoms which people perceive as inconsequential. Tragically countless unfortunate women ignore these “mild” symptoms until it is too late. Most people perceive new mild symptoms as possibly a normal part of aging. But no new symptom should be…
What is a healthy diet in 2018?
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What is a healthy diet in 2018? There is so much misleading information online and elsewhere regarding what constitutes a healthy diet ie a diet that is proven by medical research to increase your longterm health and wellbeing. Is red meat associated with causing cancer? Are antioxidants proven in reducing your risk of cancer? This…
Exercise for long term health
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(Image copyright username – https://skatesphere.com) Introduction Exercise levels in Ireland have fallen off a cliff. Most Irish people have little or no physical activity in their daily lives. Approximately 24% of Irish people do not engage in any leisure-time physical activity and only about 50% perform the recommended amount of physical activity which is to perform…