Whelehans Health News

Swollen Ankles & Fluid Retention  Part 3   I continue the subject of swelling due to more serious medical conditions.   Lymphoedema Lymphoedema can cause fluid build-up. It occurs when the lymphatic system is damaged. The lymphatic system is a series of glands (lymph nodes) around the body connected by a network of vessels similar to blood vessels. Fluid surrounding body tissues usually drains into nearby lymph vessels so it can be transported away and back into the blood. However, if the lymphatic vessels are blocked, excess fluid cannot be re-absorbed and will build up in tissue. Lymphoedema usually affects the arms or legs, although...

Smoking Cessation Part 2 Signs health is improving after quitting There are certain initial not so pleasant health effects which occur within the first few weeks of giving up. These will make people feel miserable for a while, but they will pass within a few weeks and are a sign health is improving. Many quitters get a cough or sore throat that gets worse before it gets better. It is caused by the body clearing thick tar and mucus from the lungs and should be cleared in a few weeks. Breathe in steam or sip water. Some develop mouth ulcers...

Smoking Cessation Part 1       10 reasons to stop smoking Makes hair clothes and breath smell Teeth and fingers get stained brown with nicotine Smoking ages the skin prematurely 20 cigarettes a day cost approximately €5096 a year (since budget 2021; now €14 per pack). Ireland is the most expensive place in Europe and third most expensive in the world (after Australia and New Zealand) for cigarettes. Smokers are 10 times more likely to die from a major heart attack or stroke 9 out of 10 lung cancer deaths are because of smoking Male smokers have a lower...

Threadworm in Children Threadworms are tiny parasites that infect the large intestine. They are mostly common in children under the age of ten. A common symptom in includes intense itching around the anus, especially at night. If you suspect your child to have threadworms the entire family should be treated, as sometimes they can be asymptomatic. Prevention   Threadworm are usually passed on through poor hygiene. The female worms lay eggs around the anus. When a child scratches, the threadworms can be transferred from their fingers to their mouth and different surfaces. If another person touches these contaminated surfaces and...

Children’s Nutrition Part 2 Carbohydrates Carbohydrates are made up of sugars. They are for energy. Refined sugars include sweets, cakes etc. They have no nutritional benefits and should only be consumed sparingly, as they can cause serious health problems for adults and children including tooth decay, diabetes, and heart disease. Wholegrain carbohydrates are the more the more nutritious option as opposed to wheat i.e. white bread. Wholegrains contain soluble fibre, vitamin, iron, copper, zinc, magnesium, and antioxidants. Protein Proteins are made up of essential and non- essential amino acids. Non- essential amino acids are already made in the body, so...