Whelehans Health Blog

Vitamin D Part 2   Vitamin D and Respiratory infections (including Covid 19)   Groundbreaking Irish Study on Vitamin D benefits against Covid 19 A study by the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) at Trinity College Dublin (TCD) as well as research from Technological University Dublin (published in Irish Medical Journal in April 2020) indicated that Vitamin D reduces risk of getting Covid 19 and helps fight it for those infected with Covid-19. TILDA is an ongoing study of people over the age of 50 in Ireland. According to its report, Vitamin D Deficiency in Ireland - Implications for COVID 19,...

Vitamin D Part 1   Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin. It helps absorb calcium and phosphorus in the intestines so it can be absorbed by the bones, keeping the skeleton strong. Therefore, preventing bone diseases including, osteoporosis and rickets in children. Vitamin D deficiency also causes a mild muscle weakness, thus increasing the risk of falls and hence fractures in older people. Therefore, vitamin D supplementation is often important in this age group. It is also known as the “good mood vitamin” and research shows it helps fight depression. How is Vitamin D Produced?   Vitamin D can be...

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...