Launch of Your Mental Health information line
A confidential information line, Your Mental Health is a 24/7 Freephone service that provides signposting to mental health supports and offers information on accessing services provided by the HSE and funded partners across the country.
“This new dedicated phone line will provide help to those suffering from mental ill health – and their families – to access information when they need it most,” An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar says.
“If you or someone close to you is feeling low, depressed or even suicidal, it can seem like you have nowhere to turn.
“This new service will connect callers with a trained team member who will provide information about the services available nationally and in their area.”
For more information visit YourMentalHealth.ie.
Cough and sneeze - elbow please!
Wash your hands frequently this winter to prevent the spread of cold, flu and gastroenteritis (vomiting bug) germs.
Your hands might look clean but they may not be; the good news is germs can be easily removed from your hands using only soap and water.
The average cough or sneeze can send over 100,000 germs into the air at speeds of up to 160km/h!
Don’t cough or sneeze into your hand if you don’t have a tissue: use the crook of your elbow. This will stop germs from entering the air or transferring to your hands only to be left on any surface you touch.
Remember flu germs can survive on hard surfaces for 24 hours!
Source: www.beaconhospital.ie
Gut health products new to Ireland
RoCa Healthcare is an Irish healthcare company focussed on gut health and immune systems.
Set up by Róisín Cahill, a Kilkenny pharmacist, RoCa has taken on the agency for two products new to the Irish market and sourced in Denmark.
Róisín and Pat Cahill.
The first is ColoDan Colostrum. There is a significant amount of ongoing research related to bovine colostrum worldwide and its uses to boost immune systems, reduce symptoms of Irritable Bowel Diseases such as diverticulitis, Crohn’s disease and colitis, as well as to support athlete recovery. Links to the research can be found on the RoCa website.
“Irish researcher Rita Hickey (Teagasc Moorepark) has recently published the positive effects of colostrum to the human microbiome also, termed milkybiotics,” Róisín says.
The second product is SylliFlor high fibre supplement, made of pysillium husk and grown in India.
“Irish people are not getting the recommended amount of fibre each day and this lack can lead to heart disease, obesity, bowel problems and a poor microbiome (flora in the gut). Sylliflor high-fibre supplement comes in a choice of flavours – vanilla, chocolate, apple & cinnamon, malt and plain.”
Róisín was inspired to set up this business after observing that, in many cases, nutrition and lifestyle changes, along with the correct advice, may help to alleviate symptoms, reducing the need for prescription medication. She says feedback for ColoDan Colostrum and Sylliflor has been very positive to date.
See their website for more information on both products.
Professor Anne Marie Tobin, a board member of Irish Skin Foundation and consultant dermatologist in Tallaght and Naas Hospitals, tells us the difference between dermatologic, cosmetic and cosmeceutical creams.
Dermatalogic (or pharmaceutical) creams are akin to steroid creams that are auto-immune modulated. They undergo clinical trials and are licensed by the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) and are prescribed by doctors (for a skin condition like psoriasis).
Cosmetic creams are like regular moisturisers but cosmeceuticals are cosmetic creams with active anti-ageing ingredients like antioxidants, retinol and hyaluronic acid. “The most common ingredient you’d get in these creams would be retinol, hyaluronic acid and collagen,” Professor Tobin says.
“The antioxidants are designed to reduce the signs of ageing, retinol reduces lines and wrinkles and hyaluronic acid is for skin brightening.”
These products are regulated (not licensed) by HPRA and can’t make false claims following new legislation in 2013.
“The products would have some degree of evidence, clinical trials or patient anecdotal data or consumer data and there would be a scientific basis for their active ingredients.”
Face creams are often a splurge; they may also become an issue in these days of climate awareness.
“One of the things that will become an environmental issue, I believe, will be the fancy packaging and air miles that goes with these creams,” she says.
“Also, some of the products that go into making the bases of the creams are by-products of the petrochemical industry so I think the environmental impact will become more topical.”
Heart attack survivors don't change their spots
A nationwide study of heart attack survivors shows that while some have tried to change their habits, many aren’t succeeding in minimising the risk factors which contributed to the heart attack in the first place.
• 43% of those who smoked at the time of the heart attack are still smoking up to 24 months later
• 39% are obese up to 24 months after
• 50% have central obesity which is where the fat is concentrated around the waist (Waist circumference >=102 cm for men or >=88 cm for women)
“Survival of a heart attack is a second chance at life, but only if risk factors are managed,” says Professor Bill McEvoy of NUI Galway.
Obstetrician Peter Boylan has been present at the births of 6000 babies over his 40-year career, during which he was also Master of the National Maternity Hospital for seven years.
He has now written a book – In the Shadow of the Eighth – that gives a revealing behind-the-scenes insight into a society in transition and what it’s like trying to make change happen.
Working as a young doctor he became convinced that women should be trusted to make the right decisions for their lives and in 2018 he played a crucial role in advocating for the repeal of Ireland’s constitutional ban on abortion.
• Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have found an important “switch” in human cells for regulating inflammatory diseases that may work in patients with diseases like psoriasis and multiple sclerosis, where treatment options are currently limited.
• Boots Ireland has launched its Prescription Ordering Service which is now available through the Boots app. The Boots Ireland app is available to download for free via the App Store or Google Play.
• Those between the ages of 70-78 in Northern Ireland can get the shingles vaccine free of charge.
• A ground-breaking new therapy to treat the vast majority of people with cystic fibrosis could be available in Ireland as early as next summer, according to CF Ireland.
• A 14-bed inpatient and day care hospice will open in spring 2020 in Castlebar, Co Mayo after many years of fundraising by the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation.
Specsavers has rolled out Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scanners across Ireland.
This cutting-edge piece of equipment allows opticians to view the eye in more detail than ever before so that eye conditions, such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma, are detected sooner.
Liz Bonnin being shown the new Specsavers OCT scanner.
The OCT scan, which only takes a few seconds, uses light to take more than 1,000 images of the back of the eye, and beyond, all the way to the optic nerve.
OCT is available in Specsavers stores across Ireland. For more information on the services available at Specsavers or to make an appointment, visit www.specsavers.ie/eye-health/oct-scan
Simple lifestyle changes can help reduce heartburn
Overdone it over Christmas and heartburn annoying you? Dr Sinead Beirne shared advice to reduce the symptoms of heartburn during National Heartburn Awareness Week.
The event was supported by Pfizer Ireland, manufacturers of Nexium Control.
Triona McCarthy.
Stress, lifestyle and the food we eat are key contributors to developing heartburn, according to a recent survey carried out by the company. As well as consulting with your pharmacist about a solution Dr Beirne also provided helpful, easy to implement tips:
• Don’t eat too late at night.
• Avoid rich and spicy foods that naturally affect your stomach balance and add acid neutralising foods to your diet including yoghurt, bananas and ginger.
• Eat slowly and decrease portion sizes.
• Reduce your alcohol consumption.
• If you smoke, try to stop.
• Keep your caffeine intake to a minimum.
• Reduce stress.
• If symptoms persist despite this, you should see your doctor.
Launch of Your Mental Health information line
A confidential information line, Your Mental Health is a 24/7 Freephone service that provides signposting to mental health supports and offers information on accessing services provided by the HSE and funded partners across the country.
“This new dedicated phone line will provide help to those suffering from mental ill health – and their families – to access information when they need it most,” An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar says.
“If you or someone close to you is feeling low, depressed or even suicidal, it can seem like you have nowhere to turn.
“This new service will connect callers with a trained team member who will provide information about the services available nationally and in their area.”
For more information visit YourMentalHealth.ie.
Cough and sneeze - elbow please!
Wash your hands frequently this winter to prevent the spread of cold, flu and gastroenteritis (vomiting bug) germs.
Your hands might look clean but they may not be; the good news is germs can be easily removed from your hands using only soap and water.
The average cough or sneeze can send over 100,000 germs into the air at speeds of up to 160km/h!
Don’t cough or sneeze into your hand if you don’t have a tissue: use the crook of your elbow. This will stop germs from entering the air or transferring to your hands only to be left on any surface you touch.
Remember flu germs can survive on hard surfaces for 24 hours!
Source: www.beaconhospital.ie
Gut health products new to Ireland
RoCa Healthcare is an Irish healthcare company focussed on gut health and immune systems.
Set up by Róisín Cahill, a Kilkenny pharmacist, RoCa has taken on the agency for two products new to the Irish market and sourced in Denmark.
Róisín and Pat Cahill.
The first is ColoDan Colostrum. There is a significant amount of ongoing research related to bovine colostrum worldwide and its uses to boost immune systems, reduce symptoms of Irritable Bowel Diseases such as diverticulitis, Crohn’s disease and colitis, as well as to support athlete recovery. Links to the research can be found on the RoCa website.
“Irish researcher Rita Hickey (Teagasc Moorepark) has recently published the positive effects of colostrum to the human microbiome also, termed milkybiotics,” Róisín says.
The second product is SylliFlor high fibre supplement, made of pysillium husk and grown in India.
“Irish people are not getting the recommended amount of fibre each day and this lack can lead to heart disease, obesity, bowel problems and a poor microbiome (flora in the gut). Sylliflor high-fibre supplement comes in a choice of flavours – vanilla, chocolate, apple & cinnamon, malt and plain.”
Róisín was inspired to set up this business after observing that, in many cases, nutrition and lifestyle changes, along with the correct advice, may help to alleviate symptoms, reducing the need for prescription medication. She says feedback for ColoDan Colostrum and Sylliflor has been very positive to date.
See their website for more information on both products.
Professor Anne Marie Tobin, a board member of Irish Skin Foundation and consultant dermatologist in Tallaght and Naas Hospitals, tells us the difference between dermatologic, cosmetic and cosmeceutical creams.
Dermatalogic (or pharmaceutical) creams are akin to steroid creams that are auto-immune modulated. They undergo clinical trials and are licensed by the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) and are prescribed by doctors (for a skin condition like psoriasis).
Cosmetic creams are like regular moisturisers but cosmeceuticals are cosmetic creams with active anti-ageing ingredients like antioxidants, retinol and hyaluronic acid. “The most common ingredient you’d get in these creams would be retinol, hyaluronic acid and collagen,” Professor Tobin says.
“The antioxidants are designed to reduce the signs of ageing, retinol reduces lines and wrinkles and hyaluronic acid is for skin brightening.”
These products are regulated (not licensed) by HPRA and can’t make false claims following new legislation in 2013.
“The products would have some degree of evidence, clinical trials or patient anecdotal data or consumer data and there would be a scientific basis for their active ingredients.”
Face creams are often a splurge; they may also become an issue in these days of climate awareness.
“One of the things that will become an environmental issue, I believe, will be the fancy packaging and air miles that goes with these creams,” she says.
“Also, some of the products that go into making the bases of the creams are by-products of the petrochemical industry so I think the environmental impact will become more topical.”
Heart attack survivors don't change their spots
A nationwide study of heart attack survivors shows that while some have tried to change their habits, many aren’t succeeding in minimising the risk factors which contributed to the heart attack in the first place.
• 43% of those who smoked at the time of the heart attack are still smoking up to 24 months later
• 39% are obese up to 24 months after
• 50% have central obesity which is where the fat is concentrated around the waist (Waist circumference >=102 cm for men or >=88 cm for women)
“Survival of a heart attack is a second chance at life, but only if risk factors are managed,” says Professor Bill McEvoy of NUI Galway.
Obstetrician Peter Boylan has been present at the births of 6000 babies over his 40-year career, during which he was also Master of the National Maternity Hospital for seven years.
He has now written a book – In the Shadow of the Eighth – that gives a revealing behind-the-scenes insight into a society in transition and what it’s like trying to make change happen.
Working as a young doctor he became convinced that women should be trusted to make the right decisions for their lives and in 2018 he played a crucial role in advocating for the repeal of Ireland’s constitutional ban on abortion.
• Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have found an important “switch” in human cells for regulating inflammatory diseases that may work in patients with diseases like psoriasis and multiple sclerosis, where treatment options are currently limited.
• Boots Ireland has launched its Prescription Ordering Service which is now available through the Boots app. The Boots Ireland app is available to download for free via the App Store or Google Play.
• Those between the ages of 70-78 in Northern Ireland can get the shingles vaccine free of charge.
• A ground-breaking new therapy to treat the vast majority of people with cystic fibrosis could be available in Ireland as early as next summer, according to CF Ireland.
• A 14-bed inpatient and day care hospice will open in spring 2020 in Castlebar, Co Mayo after many years of fundraising by the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation.
Specsavers has rolled out Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scanners across Ireland.
This cutting-edge piece of equipment allows opticians to view the eye in more detail than ever before so that eye conditions, such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma, are detected sooner.
Liz Bonnin being shown the new Specsavers OCT scanner.
The OCT scan, which only takes a few seconds, uses light to take more than 1,000 images of the back of the eye, and beyond, all the way to the optic nerve.
OCT is available in Specsavers stores across Ireland. For more information on the services available at Specsavers or to make an appointment, visit www.specsavers.ie/eye-health/oct-scan
Simple lifestyle changes can help reduce heartburn
Overdone it over Christmas and heartburn annoying you? Dr Sinead Beirne shared advice to reduce the symptoms of heartburn during National Heartburn Awareness Week.
The event was supported by Pfizer Ireland, manufacturers of Nexium Control.
Triona McCarthy.
Stress, lifestyle and the food we eat are key contributors to developing heartburn, according to a recent survey carried out by the company. As well as consulting with your pharmacist about a solution Dr Beirne also provided helpful, easy to implement tips:
• Don’t eat too late at night.
• Avoid rich and spicy foods that naturally affect your stomach balance and add acid neutralising foods to your diet including yoghurt, bananas and ginger.
• Eat slowly and decrease portion sizes.
• Reduce your alcohol consumption.
• If you smoke, try to stop.
• Keep your caffeine intake to a minimum.
• Reduce stress.
• If symptoms persist despite this, you should see your doctor.
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