Gout is a type of arthritis, typically caused by a build-up of uric acid in the blood. When levels of uric acid build up, it can cause crystals of uric acid to be formed, which deposit in joints and cause irritation, inflammation and swelling. This is known as a gout attack, which can be very painful. There are… Read more »
This article appears courtesy of John Duffy MPSI of Claregalway Pharmacy. For more information, phone 091 799 754 or pop in and speak with any of the staff. Open Monday–Friday 9am–8pm and Saturday 9am–7pm. Coeliac Disease—gluten free diet Coeliac disease is a condition that causes inflammation in the lining of the small intestine (part of the… Read more »
Fibre should play an important part in any healthy, balanced diet, yet many of us don’t eat as much as we should. It helps to manage our appetite as it keeps us feeling full but while we should eat at least 18g a day, we in Ireland eat on average only 14g. Fibre or roughage as it’s… Read more »
What is tetanus? Tetanus is an infection caused by a germ (bacterium) called Clostridium tetani which can attack the muscles and nervous system. Tetanus is a serious infection which can even be fatal. Tetanus germs (bacteria) live in the soil and dirt. The bacteria may get into your body through a cut or a wound… Read more »
Hay fever, known medically as Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis, involves an allergic reaction to pollen from trees, grass and flowers. Normally your immune system fights off only those things that threaten your health, such as cold viruses, but an allergic person’s immune system releases the chemical histamine to fend off the presumed offender. Unfortunately, the side effects of histamine are… Read more »
Did you know? Every 6.5 seconds someone in the world dies from tobacco use = 1.5 million people dying needlessly each year. Every cigarette a person smokes reduces his/her life by five and a half minutes. In Ireland, smoking is the leading cause of avoidable death. Nearly 7,000 people die each year from the effects… Read more »
As we approach Christmas after a mild November many people will look to herbal remedies to combat the effects of winter. Three popular herbs are Echinacea, Garlic and Ginseng. Firstly Echinacea, which is available in capsules or as a tincture, is useful against general infections; it improves the immune system and also helps combat gingivitis… Read more »
The classification of obesity (in adults) is usually based on the measurement of body mass index (BMI). BMI = weight (KG) divided by height (M) squared. < 20 = underweight >20-25 = healthy weight >25-30 = overweight > 30 = obese
What are leg cramps? Leg cramps are common. The cause is not known in most cases. However, some drugs and diseases sometimes cause leg cramps. Regular calf stretching exercises may prevent leg cramps. Quinine tablets may be advised as a last resort if you have cramps regularly. A leg cramp is a pain that comes… Read more »
Head Lice: Infestation with head lice is common and affects schoolchildren usually at ages 5 to 11 years. Girls are more likely to be affected than boys. Transmission is by head to head contact, as the lice cannot fly or jump but can crawl quickly. Sharing of personal items such as brushes, combs or hats… Read more »
Eating healthily helps to prevent diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, obesity, certain gut disorders, and certain cancers. This article gives a brief summary on healthy eating. For more information on healthy eating, visit Claregalway Pharmacy in Hughes Shopping Centre. Eat plenty of starchy foods (complex carbohydrates) The main part of most meals should… Read more »
Chickenpox is a very common illness that causes a rash and can make you feel generally unwell. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, one of the herpes viruses. “Varicella” refers to the initial infection known as chickenpox and “zoster” refers to its reactivation in later life, presenting as shingles. Chickenpox mainly affects children; more… Read more »
