Whelehans Health Blog

Bulimia Nervosa (Part 1) Bulimia nervosa is better known as bulimia is where people try control their weight by severely restricting the amount of food they eat, then binge eating and purging the food from their body by making themselves vomit or using laxatives.  Warning signs Signs include an obsessive and unhealthy attitude towards food and eating, being overcritical about weight and shape (even though not overweight) and frequent visits to the bathroom after eating, after which the person might appear flushed and have scarred knuckles (from forcing fingers down the throat to bring on vomiting).   Who is affected by bulimia...

Ozempic®: Part 6 How to use?   This is my final of 6 articles on Ozempic. If you missed any, you can find them on www.whelehans.ie. Ozempic pen is used for type 2 diabetes and weight loss. It is given by subcutaneous injections once a week starting with a lower dose and eventually increasing to the maintenance dose of 1mg weekly. It is easy to use and once shown, the patient can inject themselves weekly.   Step 1: What you need? The Ozempic pen, a new disposable needle (included in pack), an alcohol swab, and a sharps disposal container.  ...

Ozempic®: Part 4 Potential Side effects   Last week I discussed the more common side effects of Ozempic®, this week I discuss some of the rarer side effects.   There have been rare reports of pancreatitis associated with GLP-1 receptor agonists, the class of drugs to which Ozempic® belongs. Pancreatitis is a serious condition characterised by severe abdominal pain and requires immediate medical attention. Individuals with a history of pancreatitis or those at an increased risk should not be prescribed Ozempic®.   Concerns have been raised about the potential for thyroid C-cell tumours, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), in rodent...

Ozempic®: Potential Side effects Part 3   Ozempic®, or semaglutide, is a medication commonly used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and can also help with weight loss. While it is generally well-tolerated and effective in managing blood sugar levels and weight control, like any medication, it can have side effects.   Common side effects of Ozempic® includes gastrointestinal symptoms. nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and constipation are among the reported issues. These side effects often occur early in the treatment and may diminish over time as the body adjusts. Starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing it can sometimes...

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Prevention The main symptom of Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an inability to breathe in and out properly, otherwise known as airflow obstruction. COPD is the name for a group of lung diseases including chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and chronic obstructive airways disease. Types Chronic bronchitis: bronchitis means 'inflammation of the bronchi'. Inflammation caused by the likes of smoking damage increases mucus produced in the airways which causes the classic COPD cough. Emphysema: this is where the alveoli (air sacs) in the lungs lose their elasticity causing them to get narrower. It also means the...