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Minor injury unit fees drop to €75 in effort to relieve A&E overcrowding
The cost of attending one of the 11 minor injury units has been reduced from €100 to €75 from today, after Minister for Health Simon Harris signed a statutory instrument implementing the change. The move is designed to encourage people seeking medical treatment to go to minor in... Read more →
Your pharmacist should be your first port of call if you are in pain
The importance of pharmacists working with patients, doctors and hospital pain teams to ensure the most suitable pain care treatment pathway. Pharmacists have a central role in counselling and educating patients in pain management. When pain killers are taken correctly, they can provide a useful op... Read more →
MRSA for the Holidays? How to Avoid Spreading Bacteria This Season
The holiday season is in full swing — and for many people, that means travel, visitors, and a break from regular routines. Spending time with your loved ones can have many potential benefits for your well-being. But it can also expose you to viruses and bacteria that they might be carrying. ... Read more →
Your pharmacist should be your first port of call if you are in pain
Pharmacists have a central role in counselling and educating patients in pain management. When pain killers are taken correctly, they can provide a useful option for responsibly managing pain. Pharmacists are experts in medicines and one of the first ports of call should be your local pharmacy if yo... Read more →
Taoiseach to make formal State apology over smear test controversy
Taoiseach to make formal State apology over smear test controversy Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is due to make a formal State apology on Tuesday to women and their families who have been affected by the controversy over cervical smear test results. Hundreds of women with cervical cancer were not told fo... Read more →
Taking Fish Oil Supplements Can Cut Your Risk of Heart Disease
Cancer and heart disease are the two leading causes of death in middle-aged adults, according to a 2017 reportTrusted Source by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, a study called the Vitamin D and Omega-3 Trial (VITAL) finds that both vitamin D and fish oil may play an im... Read more →
Low-Carb Diets Recommended for People with Diabetes — But How Low Is Low Enough?
Low-Carb Diets Recommended for People with Diabetes — But How Low Is Low Enough? Research continues to support the idea that reducing the amount of carbohydrates in your diet is a worthwhile goal for anyone with diabetes. Through the combined effort of Bispebjerg Hospital, Aarhus University,... Read more →
Vitamin D Won’t Lower Risk of a Heart Attack, But There Are Still Reasons to Take It
Vitamin D Won’t Lower Risk of a Heart Attack, But There Are Still Reasons to Take It Experts say vitamin D won’t improve cardiovascular health, but it can strengthen bones and improve overall health. The benefits of regular vitamin D consumption has received a lot of attention in recen... Read more →
Why Spending Just Two Hours a Week in Nature Is Good for You
Why Spending Just Two Hours a Week in Nature Is Good for You Recent research has found clear evidence that going for a hike can help your health. Anyone who’s watched a child run free in a forest or play in a stream doesn’t need a research study to tell them that spending time in natur... Read more →
9 Health and Nutrition Benefits of Apricots
9 Health and Nutrition Benefits of ApricotsApricots (Prunus armeniaca) are stone fruits also known as Armenian plums. Round and yellow, they look like a smaller version of a peach but share the tartness of purple plums. They’re extremely nutritious and have many health benefits, such as impr... Read more →
Why You’ll Eat More If Your Diet Consists of Ultra-Processed Foods
Why you'll eat more if your diet consists of Ultra-Processed Foods If you eat a diet high in ultra-processed foods, odds are you’re eating more than you would with an unprocessed diet. Researchers have long suspected a link between ultra-processed foods and the obesity epidemic. Now, in a r... Read more →
Children consume 'three times more sugar' than recommended
Children consume 'three times more sugar' than recommended Half the sugar consumed by children comes from unhealthy snacks and sugary drinks, according to a health watchdog. On average, children are consuming at least three unhealthy snacks and sugary drinks a day, with around a third consum... Read more →
Here's why you shouldn't clean your ears with cotton buds
Here's why you shouldn't clean your ears with cotton buds It's a baffling thing, really, the urge many people have to dig around in their ears with cotton buds despite the countless years of warning about doing so. According to a YouGov survey of 1,730 in February, almost two-thirds of us ro... Read more →
'Ask yourself this when you’re scrolling' - Performance psychologist Gerry Hussey on how distraction is curse of our age
'Ask yourself this when you're scrolling' - Performance psychologist Gerry Hussey on how distraction is curse of our age “We often do things that we think are important in other people’s eyes; we abandon our own passion because of other people’s impressions.” “[... Read more →
CAO points race 'putting children's health at risk' amid fall in fitness levels
CAO points race 'putting children's health at risk' amid fall in fitness levels The long-term health of teenagers is being put at risk by the race for CAO points, according to health and fitness expert Professor Niall Moyna. His warning comes as a new study shows a sharp fall in fitness leve... Read more →
The working parent dilemma: Trying to juggle work when your child is sick
The working parent dilemma: Trying to juggle work when your child is sick Trying to juggle work when your child is sick can be a major headache. Arlene Harris talks to parents about how to manage this balancing act. While being a parent is one of life's greatest joys, it can also be exhaus... Read more →
The working parent dilemma: Trying to juggle work when your child is sick
The working parent dilemma: Trying to juggle work when your child is sick Trying to juggle work when your child is sick can be a major headache. Arlene Harris talks to parents about how to manage this balancing act. While being a parent is one of life's greatest joys, it can also be exhaus... Read more →
How to avoid jet lag when you're flying long-haul
How to avoid jet lag when you're flying long-haul Jetting off on the summer holiday of a lifetime is one of the best feelings in the world, but spending the first few days battling jet lag? Not so much. Also known as ‘desynchronosis’ and ‘flight fatigue’, jet lag is a tempo... Read more →
How to keep calm and make it a habit
How to keep calm and make it a habit Which one of these six super positive emotions would you like to wake up feeling every morning? Love? Calmness? Confidence? Gratitude? Hope? or Happiness? All of them are of course appealing, but which one resonates most with you? If it is calmness, then ... Read more →
What's the secret to glowing, gorgeous skin? Here are an expert's 10 tips
What's the secret to glowing, gorgeous skin? Here are an expert's 10 tips Summer is almost upon us, so it’s time to prep your complexion and get your beauty game in order. Swapping out some daily habits will help to achieve the skin you want. From hydration to exfoliation - our expert derma... Read more →
Gardening for just 10 minutes a week can cut risk of death - study
Gardening for just 10 minutes a week can cut risk of death - study Walking or gardening for just 10 minutes per week could cut the risk of death, new research suggests. Even low levels of physical activity are linked to a reduced chance of dying from cancer, cardiovascular disease and ... Read more →
Gardening for just 10 minutes a week can cut risk of death - study
Gardening for just 10 minutes a week can cut risk of death - study Walking or gardening for just 10 minutes per week could cut the risk of death, new research suggests. Even low levels of physical activity are linked to a reduced chance of dying from cancer, cardiovascular disease and other illn... Read more →
Superfood or stroke risk - what's the truth about eggs?
Superfood or stroke risk - what's the truth about eggs? Along with avocado and green juice, eggs have been hailed as a superfood in recent years. However, a new study of significant scale has now tarnished their halo somewhat. The findings claim cholesterol-rich eggs are detrimental ... Read more →
Irish children consuming 250pc of recommended daily maximum of sugar
Sweet-toothed children in Ireland are consuming two-and-a-half times more sugar every day than they should, a new report has warned. Ireland is among several European countries where youngsters are eating or drinking more than the recommended maximum intake of "free" sugars. They are added to food... Read more →
Judge appointed to give payments to women caught in CervicalCheck controversy
Mr Justice Aindrias Ó'Caoimh has been appointed to chair an independent assessment panel which will give ex-gratia payments to women and families caught up in the CervicalCheck controversy. The payment will be for the non-disclosure of the results of an audit carried out on the smear t... Read more →
Fears Brexit could delay delivery of vital cancer products
Top-level plans are being drawn up to try to avoid a risk to cancer patients in Irish hospitals in the event of a no-deal Brexit, which could cause a shortage of life-saving products vital to the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. There is particular concern around the prompt supply of t... Read more →
Here's how to tell if your teenager needs rest
Most people can tell when they’re tired. We yawn a lot, we suffer from low energy, and somehow the seven snoozes on the morning alarm just don’t feel like enough. But unless they tell you (and you believe them), it can be much harder to tell when those around you are struggling with... Read more →
Treating healthcare as a human right
Counting down the minutes to medical attention while waiting on a hospital trolley in the wee small hours, one may have many thoughts: but not necessarily about the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Yet, under Article 12 of this treaty, Ireland has committed itself to ... Read more →
Skin patch can help children develop more tolerance to peanut, study involving Irish children finds
A skin patch can help children develop more tolerance to peanut, according to new research. In a study involving over 350 children aged between four and 11, the children were asked to apply a specially designed patch, which contained either peanut or a placebo, to their skin every day for a year. ... Read more →
'My life was saved' - Actor Stephen Fry confirms he is 'fit and well' after prostate cancer
Actor and writer Stephen Fry has announced that he has recovered from prostate cancer after undergoing surgery early last month. The 61-year-old posted a video on his website to tell fans that he is now "fit and well and happy". His cancer was discovered when he went to his doctor to get the flu j... Read more →
Is it serious if a child has a high temperature?
Everybody’s got the feverThat is somethin’ you all knowFever isn’t such a new thingFever started long time ago– Fever by Peggy Lee, 1958 Although not the original recording, Fever became Peggy Lee’s signature song. The jazz/r’n’b number is instantly recogni... Read more →
Everything you know about back pain is wrong
Back pain treatment costs more than cancer and diabetes treatment combined - across the world it places a huge burden on people and societies. However, most of these costs are usually related to a small minority of people with back pain. Almost everyone will experience back pain during their life.... Read more →
Top foods to boost your mental health, according to this performance nutritionist
Ireland has one of the highest rates of mental health problems in Europe, ranking joint third (along with France) out of the 36 countries surveyed in the annual Health at a Glance report. The last few years have seen a big increase in both awareness and support for people experiencing mental illness... Read more →
Foods to boost mental health
Ireland has one of the highest rates of mental health problems in Europe, ranking joint third (along with France) out of the 36 countries surveyed in the annual Health at a Glance report. The last few years have seen a big increase in both awareness and support for people experiencing mental illness... Read more →
The Power of Small: Five tiny steps you can make to create lasting change
It's that time of year again where you or your loved ones profess that this is the year where you will make big, radical life changes. You'll become healthy, have a wonderful relationship, travel, buy a home, and on and on the list goes. Many of us get caught up in the 'big promises, big disappointm... Read more →
I love my cochlear implant, but I won’t shout about it
I’ve had a cochlear implant in my left ear since 2011 and, barring one major technical hiccup last year that was resolved quickly, it has been a great success. As an almost lifelong hearing aid user (I still wear one in my right ear), I find that I hear better in many ways through my implant ... Read more →
5 powerful small steps to lasting change
It's that time of year again where you or your loved ones profess that this is the year where you will make big, radical life changes. You'll become healthy, have a wonderful relationship, travel, buy a home, and on and on the list goes. Many of us get caught up in the 'big promises, big disappointm... Read more →
6,000 women to be recalled for cervical screening
The acting Clinical Director of the Health Service Executive's cervical screening programme has said 6,000 women will be contacted by the end of next week and advised to return to their GPs for repeat smear tests. Peter McKenna was speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, after the HSE c... Read more →
Seven small tweaks for a healthier you: these micro-changes can deliver big results
Do your radical New Year lifestyle goals already seem a bridge too far? Joel Snape has the perfect micro-changes that will deliver big results January! Month of four-week fixes and eight-minute abs, six-hour social media windows and 30-day booze-fasts. The season where it's impossible to look at ... Read more →
When the dinner table turns into a warzone between parents and kids
Healthy eating is not an issue that I often get asked about. Most parents do feel that they offer their children a healthy mix of different foods that have protein, carbohydrate, fats, vitamins and so on. What parents seem to worry more about is fussy or picky eating. Parents feel they do their bi... Read more →
New injection to deal with severe asthma to be rolled out in the UK
A new treatment has been recommended for people with a severe form of asthma. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) has published a final appraisal document stating the drug benralizumab - also known as Fasenra - is cost-effective for use on the NHS in England and Wales... Read more →
Hard to swallow: Office teabags have more germs than toilet seats
Prepare for a year's worth of office gag material. For many of us, nipping to the office kitchen for a quick cuppa is a sacred and healing part of our day. It offers a break away from screens, a moment for chitchat and - crucially - an opportunity to enjoy a cup of reviving tea, tannin-laden nectar... Read more →
New year, new you: thinking big and starting small
Opinion: when it comes to improving our health and wellbeing, we need to maintain behavioural changes and establish new habits Get fit, lose weight Spend more time in nature and less time on screens Drink less, move more Worry less, meditate more Spend less, save more It's that time of yea... Read more →
'The fact we don't spend enough time together drives us to spend more on toys'
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. I know this because everyone around me is sick, I can't remember the last time I sat down to eat, my bank account is overdrawn by €400, and I almost got knocked down in a shopping centre car park. You know - Christmas. In previous years, we di... Read more →
Christmas should be a time of celebration, not obligation. Practice saying no, even if it’s only in front of the mirror
'I have to' is one of those phrases that we hear a lot of during the festive season. 'I have to get a present for my sister-in-law.' 'I have to take the kids ice-skating.' 'I have to do a Christmas lunch with my colleagues.' We get ourselves into a tizzy trying to be all things to all people ... Read more →
Enjoy the holidays without packing on the pounds
The holiday season is all about family, friends, celebrating and sometimes overindulging. But you can maintain your weight during the festive winter month while enjoying yourself, says our resident dietitian Orla Walsh The weight gain that many experience around Christmas cannot be blamed solely on... Read more →
Peak risk time for a heart attack is 10pm on Christmas Eve
The risk of having a heart attack peaks at 10pm on Christmas Eve, scientists have found, suggesting that stress, sadness and over-indulgence during the festive season can be deadly. Swedish researchers trawled through the details of 283,000 heart attacks reported in the country between 1998 a... Read more →
Restaurant meals 'are busting calorie limit'
The calorie content of popular meals in restaurant chains is excessive and only a minority are meeting public health recommendations, a new report warns. The study found an average of 751 calories in main meal dishes served by fast food chains. But there were 1,033 calories in dishes served ... Read more →
10 reasons to exercise during chemotherapy
Earlier this year, the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA), issued formal guidelines recommending exercise as part of cancer treatment, for all cancer patients. Among the recommendations they said that: "Best practice cancer care should include referral to an accredited exercise physiolo... Read more →
The coolest new fitness trend is exercising in the cold, but does it actually work?
As any regular gym-goer knows, getting hot and sweaty is part and parcel of a good workout. In fact, most of us are of the opinion that the hotter, the better, as it shows that you’re really pushing your body to the limit. Well, a new boutique fitness studio in New York is turning this conven... Read more →
Pea milk and mushroom porridge - the new superfoods hitting Ireland
For fashionable foodies, 2017 was the year of coconut oil, smashed avocado and chia seeds - but what will the on-trend kitchen whizzes be eating this year? From veggie teas to meaty fruits, there's a shopping basket full of new flavours to try out. We spoke to some of Ireland's leading foodies t... Read more →
Achoo! How to survive hay fever season
For anyone celebrating the arrival of spring by stockpiling over-the-counter hay fever treatments, news of a new vaccine may come as blessed relief. The treatment, developed in Vienna, involves synthetic grass pollen being injected into the sufferer's system, reducing the classic wheezi... Read more →
Exam season advice for parents: 'Their mental health is far more important than chasing points'
As the exam season looms, revisions are in full swing, tensions are running high and the heat is on for the estimated 120,000 students preparing to sit this year's Junior and Leaving Cert from June 6. For parents it can be an equally anxious time, set to be even more challenging this ye... Read more →
Treats are no way to reward our children
Last week, the results of a survey conducted by Safefood, the HSE and Healthy Ireland found that families with children spent 19pc of the average weekly food shop on what are classified as "treat" foods. In a survey of 500 households, they found that on average over a year, a family wou... Read more →
Cervical cancer: Get to know the symptoms
When I was 24 I noticed that I was bleeding in between periods and after sex. I was on the contraceptive pill at the time so my GP assumed it was a hormonal imbalance of some sort. When the bleeding didn't stop, I went back to my GP and I was then referred to a gynaecologist in my local... Read more →
New hope for migraine sufferers who could self-inject with smart drug, researchers say
A self-injected smart drug holds out new hope for migraine sufferers who until now have had to grit their teeth and bear the pain of thunderclap headaches. Trial results show that the antibody drug erenumab can cut episodic migraine attacks by more than half in a large proportion of cas... Read more →
Fat belly can double your heart attack risk - even if your weight is normal
Having a fat belly doubles your heart attack risk even if you aren't obese, a study has found. Those of normal weight but a bigger belly have more chance of heart problems than those who are obese but not carrying their excess weight round the waist. Researchers tested the hypothes... Read more →
How many coffees should you have in a day? New research gives surprising results
Drinking three cups of coffee will not harm your heart, leading cardiologists who carried out a new study on caffeine consumption have found. A new study from the American College of Cardiology found that consuming three cups a day can lower heart palpitation risks by 13pc, and therefor... Read more →
What effect is our protein obsession having on our health?
A courier arrived at my front door recently, requesting my signature for the delivery of some large boxes. The cartons, which were addressed to my 20-year-old son, held, I discovered on investigation, two giant containers of protein powder. I expressed my disapproval and concern to... Read more →
8 ailments your dentist can diagnose... just by looking in your mouth
Avoiding the dentist's drill is usually at the forefront of our minds when sitting in the waiting room. But did you know your dental health specialist can diagnose a number of different ailments - just by looking in your mouth? The colour of your gums, the texture of your tongue and the gaps bet... Read more →
15 Ways to boost your immune system
Áilín Quinlan asked the experts for their top tips to restore your sparkle. Leftover foods like re-cooked potato and re-heated rice are good for you. 1 There is no magic pill There's no easy solution to revitalising a flu-battered immune system, says dietitian Paula M... Read more →
Forever young: the secret to ageing well
Researchers spent years studying a group of people over 80 to find out what sets them apart. As their findings are published this week, Guy Kelly unlocks the mystery to a long, happy life. It's a question that's vexed humans since the Early Dynastic Period, but now it turns out Eric Idle gave u... Read more →
Getting more movement into your workday
To be honest, it is something I have been saying and thinking for years - if you spend your days trying to clock up 10,000 steps, you might want to pause and have a rethink. People have been following the catchy fitness goal of 10,000 steps to gauge their activity levels for a while now, but it'... Read more →
The rise of alternative water
The idea has been batted around for a while now, but the so-called 'sugar tax' on fizzy drinks will officially come into effect on April 6. The date was announced last week and will see a tax of 30c per litre added on to sweetened drinks with over 8g of sugar per 100ml in a bid to fight rising obe... Read more →
How much are we really drinking?
As we settle in to the second month of a new year and resolve to be the best and healthiest version of ourselves that we can be, now is probably a good time to ask ourselves how much we drink and to look at our alcohol consumption in terms of our overall health and wellbeing. Be honest ... Read more →
Allergy or intolerance: What's the difference?
There's an increasing trend towards using the terms 'intolerant' and 'allergic' as interchangeable - but the reality is that the two are very different things. A food allergy is an immune reaction to food proteins. Essentially a food protein, the allergen, causes the body's immune syste... Read more →
Dining with danger... The worrying rise in food allergies
Food sensitivities have never been more common, and the effects are obvious everywhere from our kids' lunchboxes to restaurant menus. But what's behind this increase? In a special report, Chrissie Russell asks the experts for the most up-to-date advice, meets the families coping with serious allergi... Read more →
16 ways to hit 10,000 steps
Getting in your 10,000 steps, the distance we should all be walking every day for improved health, can seem daunting. It sounds like a lot. And between the commute, the nine hours most of us spend sitting at a desk, and that precious hour or two of spent in front of the television at the end of ... Read more →
How to protect your bones as you age
Winter can be a treacherous time of year, with cold and ice and this year, snow, writes Dr Miriam F. Delaney. A fall on slippy ground resulting in a fractured (broken) wrist or hip is termed a fragility fracture. This occurs as a result of weakened bone, usually from osteoporosis but sometimes f... Read more →
Veg out in January
December's excess makes January a perfect breeding ground for fad diets, the majority of which are abandoned before the month is out. But this year, one New Year, New Me trend is going mainstream and with the capacity to effect more long-term change than most. This month, the Veganuary ... Read more →
What really happens to your body when you give up booze?
Thousands of Irish people are having a 'Dry January' and abstaining from alcohol after the excesses of Christmas. But does four weeks without a drink really have any health benefits, or are we kidding ourselves? Liver specialist Professor Suzanne Norris has the answers. We are often told that t... Read more →
My hands are swollen. Could it be arthritis?
My knuckles and hands are becoming increasingly swollen the older I get and they are becoming very unsightly. I'm very conscious of them and have taken to wearing gloves as much as possible. The knuckles on my left hand are particularly swollen and I can't take my wedding ring off any more - I h... Read more →
'If I hadn't gone to the GP I'd be dead' - lung cancer survivor Tony Walsh
Lung cancer kills more people than any other cancer. Late detection reduces survival rates, so we need to start listening to our lungs in order to spot the early signs. When Tony Walsh had a persistent cough for a few weeks, he put it down to a flu. It turned out he had lung cancer and he's now bac... Read more →
Siobhan Byrne: Take the first steps to a leaner, fitter, stronger you
Welcome to week one of our eight-week fitness challenge. For the next eight weeks we are going to be looking at how to create a sustainable fitness routine that you can adapt to your lifestyle to help get you fitter and leaner but, most importantly, to give you focus to challenge yourself and to... Read more →
New form of therapy is gold dust for acne sufferers
Acne patients are being sought to try a pioneering treatment that aims to banish unsightly skin blemishes with gold dust. Scientist are looking for 50 participants of all ages for the evaluation trial which will test the new therapy, called Sebacia. Already approved in the US, the treatm... Read more →
Children consume 'three times more sugar' than recommended - Nutritionist has simple tip to stop this
Half the sugar consumed by children comes from unhealthy snacks and sugary drinks, according to a health watchdog. On average, children are consuming at least three unhealthy snacks and sugary drinks a day, with around a third consuming four or more. This means that children can easily ... Read more →
Missing the sunshine: Are Vitamin D supplements the cure-all to avoiding deficiency?
It goes by a variety of flattering names: the 'sunshine' vitamin, the superstar supplement, the cure-all. And if recent research is to be believed, vitamin D really does live up to its billing - good news for anyone feeling devoid of verve and vim as we approach the shortest day of the year. ... Read more →
Revealed: rapid weight loss diet could combat the diabetes epidemic
The results of a big new study which could revolutionise the way that not only type 2 diabetes but obesity are treated were released last week. The study, called DiRECT (Diabetes Remission Clinical Trial), which involved treating people with type 2 diabetes through a rapid weight loss diet, was ... Read more →
12 facts about breast cancer
Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumour found in Irish women, with 2,883 cases diagnosed each year. One in 10 women will get it at some stage in their lives. While it's most commonly detected after the age of 50, it can occur in younger women too, writes Dr Reem Salman. Some breast ca... Read more →
Stay on track for Christmas: Stop the excuses — make the most of the daylight hours by fitting in your exercise
Light, glorious light! Every year I am fascinated by just how dark it gets in autumn and winter. It seems to get darker earlier every year, though I am fairly sure this is only in my mind. Over the coming weeks, I'll be bringing you my health survival plan to help you stay on track for ... Read more →
15 ways to maintain your skin's vitality
The term 'anti-ageing' is slowly falling out of favour in the beauty industry. US-based magazine Allure recently banned the term from its pages. Meanwhile, there is an emerging trend towards products that promote vitality rather than youth, and a change of shift from 'defying' ageing, to accepti... Read more →
'Drinking is part of Irish culture - from a lack of knowing what else to do' - Irish woman (22) on mental health
It's a truth universally acknowledged that the relationship between young people and technology is complicated. Amid the headlines about selfie culture, cyberbullying and social media, a simple truism gets lost: when it comes to managing one's mental health, technology can be friend as well as f... Read more →
Meringues in a chocolate sauce for diabetics? - TV chef launches new book
One of the first questions anyone newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes will ask is "what can I eat?", says the charity Diabetes Ireland. Confusion over what can and can't be consumed is a key worry and given that there are an estimated 225,000 people living with diabetes in Ireland (with up to o... Read more →
Dear Dr Nina: Do I really need all these vaccines while pregnant?
I am pregnant and about to have my vaccination for pertussis.My GP recommended that I have the flu vaccine also while I am there. I am not afraid of vaccines but before I do, I have a couple of questions. Firstly, is it true that the flu vaccine is not very accurate as there are so many differen... Read more →
Protein diet to help in obesity fight by making us less hungry
High-protein diets have led scientists to a new hunger suppressant that could help fight obesity. Phenylalanine, a component of dietary protein, reduces food intake by affecting the release of appetite-regulating hormones in the gut, research has shown. It may be the reason why die... Read more →
Strict 'five-a-day' rule sidelined in new bid to fight child obesity
Strict healthy living rules like aiming for 'five a day' have been sidelined in a new campaign to tackle child obesity. Families instead are being encouraged to take small steps to improve their dietary and exercise habits. Previous campaigns have spotlighted goals which may be unreachable, includin... Read more →
10 ways to banish the winter blues
It's that time of year again -the mornings suddenly seem chilly, the trees are changing colour and leaves are falling to the ground. I'm lucky, I enjoy autumn, but I know that there are many who do not. I usually look forward to the winter months too, but this year I notice myself being more inf... Read more →
Understanding arthritis just how vital is diet?
According to Arthritis Ireland nearly one million people in Ireland live with arthritis. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form, followed by rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although the statistics can vary, there are, on average, about 12 hip replacements and five knee replacements daily in Ir... Read more →
10 facts about dust
It may seem harmless, but dust, or 'airborne particles', are common air pollutants which, depending on their source and composition, can have a major impact on health, explains NUIG Exposure Science Lecturer, Dr Marie Coggins 1 Dust is generated in many ways From the natural eros... Read more →
Understanding arthritis just how vital is diet?
When you have arthritis, it's important to have a good knowledge of what foods to include and avoid. Our resident dietitian has the answers, and explains the two most common types of the condition. According to Arthritis Ireland nearly one million people in Ireland live with arthritis. Osteoarthrit... Read more →
Fit after 50: One of the biggest challenges of ageing is getting weaker, but exercising can change this
Welcome to my new six-part series, Fit after 50. My goal over the next six weeks is to show you just how important health and exercise are as you get older. This might be a time when you are facing increasing age-related challenges in your own life, but I'm here to help you do what you ... Read more →
These 'healthy' food brands are actually saltier than seawater, dietitian warns
The average Irish diet is very high in salt, which may be contributing to the worrying levels of obesity in both children and adults, independent of calorie intake, writes dietitian Orla Walsh. A new survey has revealed certain brands of pesto are saltier than seawater. Although a popular choic... Read more →
Health budget almost €15.3B in 2018
The Department of Health will have a budget of almost €15.3 billion next year, however doctors have described Budget 2018 as ‘deeply disappointing and regressive' from a health perspective. According to the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO), the health budget for next year will not be abl... Read more →
Working out at home
Hopefully everyone is starting to settle back into a routine after the summer holidays. For some this will be easier than others but, remember, structure and a little discipline can go a long way to making life easier. This week will see our final home workout before we move on to gym w... Read more →
Are the alternatives just milking it?
Milk used to mean cow's milk. Although low-fat milk and skimmed milk have been popular for some time now, there is now a flurry of milk alternatives on offer that are growing in popularity. As many people are now incorporating these milk alternatives in their diet, their sales have more than dou... Read more →
Everything you need to know about soy products and how they impact your health
Soy bean products are growing more and more popular - from milk to tofu, there is an entire spectrum of foods available. However, there are still some controversies over soy. So just how safe is it? And how much should you be eating? Dietitian Orla Walsh separates truth and fiction. Soy comes from ... Read more →
Low fat, high fat? ...make your mind up
A study published in the Lancet journal made the front cover of many newspapers worldwide. The data is from the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study and was led by researchers at McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences. It followed more than 135,000 people from 18 low-incom... Read more →
Time to hit the gym
Over the next four weeks, I'll be going through some of my favourite exercises to do at the gym. Bodyweight exercises always have a place in my fitness routine, and are especially good if you are tight on time or stuck for someone to mind the kids so you can get to the gym. Strengt... Read more →
Seven days, seven changes: A week’s worth of easy tweaks to kickstart a healthier life
Health can be so scary, daunting, and unattainable that sometimes you can't see how to start, what to do first or where to go next. That feeling of helplessness is a common thing. I see it all the time with clients when they come in for their initial meeting. That fear is stopping ... Read more →
10 things to know about dementia
Every day in Ireland, an average of 11 people are diagnosed with dementia. In fact, right now there are 55,000 people living with dementia in this country - more than would fill the Aviva Stadium. Yet while many of us know someone with dementia, very few really understand it. A survey l... Read more →
Drinking tea or coffee can reduce the risk of premature death - but which is best for you?
Reading this with a mug of coffee in your hand? Then you have permission to feel smug. The latest pan-European research, led by epidemiologist Dr Marc Gunter of Imperial College, London - following a study of more than half a million people over 16 years - has shown that those who drank the most... Read more →
Mindful moment… Coping with criticism
There's a saying that goes: to avoid criticism, do nothing, say nothing and be nothing. The idea being that no matter what you do, somebody is going to find fault with it, and if you want to do anything in life you're going to have to find a way to deal with criticism. But it's hard, is... Read more →
Exercising as a family
Exercise in one form or another is beneficial for everyone, and if you have been keeping up with our training programme you should be feeling more energised and fitter as the weeks have gone on. Whether you're a mom, a dad or one of the kids there are great long-term benefits to trainin... Read more →
Feeling out of shape after the holidays? Here's how you can get back on track
After what has been the quietest July since the height of the boom, our clients and gym members are beginning to return from their holidays. We are heading towards one of our busiest times of the year, with new clients coming in to get in shape after a summer of excess and a holiday experience... Read more →
11 activity goals for during and after cancer treatment
When someone is diagnosed with cancer, exercise may be the last thing on their mind. However, Ailish Daly, clinical specialist physiotherapist in oncology care at the Beacon Hospital, believes staying active can prove to be helpful, both during and after treatment There are more than 150,000 pe... Read more →
'You’re following filters and false photographs' - Karl Henry on why you should be wary of Snapchat and Instagram stars
Karl Henry has urged people to be cautious when following the health advice of their favourite social media stars on Snapchat and Instagram and said many do not have the qualifications or experience to offer responsible guidance. The Operation Transformation trainer said it is important... Read more →
Studying languages can help in fight against Alzheimer’s
New research has shown that learning another language could have incredible benefits to our cognitive functions and could even help in the battle against Alzheimer's and dementia. Studies carried out by the Director of Everest Language School, Anne-Marie Connolly, recently awarded a PhD... Read more →
What medicines should you take on holidays
You’ve been waiting all year for it – and the date is fast approaching. So long grey skies and cold Irish weather. You’re off on holidays to an exotic destination with blue skies, pristine beaches and most importantly – sun – and you simply can’t wait. But before... Read more →
15 ways to help you understand diabetes
Diabetes is a condition caused by a lack of insulin, which is a hormone made by your pancreas. Insulin acts like a key to open the doors into your cells, letting in sugar (glucose). In diabetes, the pancreas makes too little insulin to enable all the sugar in your blood to get into your muscles and ... Read more →
Irish dietitian Orla Walsh: Top food tips for type 1 & 2 diabetics
If you were to line up 15 Irish people aged between 20 and 79 years, one of these people is likely to have diabetes. For a condition which is regarded as relatively preventable, this number is staggering. What's worse, this number is increasing. In fact, it's estimated that one-in-five people over t... Read more →
The secret about meals that is 'key to losing weight'
Those in search of a new weight loss plan are in luck. A major new study has revealed that eating a big breakfast, medium lunch and small dinner is the key to lowering your BMI. In one of the largest analyses of its kind, data from more than 50,000 adults was collected by researches at ... Read more →
Lifestyle changes could ‘prevent a third’ of dementia cases
More than a third of the world’s dementia cases could be prevented by tackling lifestyle factors that increase an individual’s risk of suffering cognitive collapse in later life. These factors range from poor education to hearing loss and smoking, according to an expert commission set u... Read more →
New treatment hope for breast cancer
Irish scientists have discovered a potential new approach to treating triple negative breast cancer, which is currently one of the most difficult forms of breast cancer to treat. The research was led by scientists from BREAST-PREDICT - a country-wide collaboration between breast cancer experts that... Read more →
Sugar intake in pregnancy linked to allergies
Women who consume a high amount of sugar while pregnant may increase the risk of their child having allergies and allergic asthma, a new study has found. Until now, there has been very little research carried out on this topic, so UK researchers decided to investigate further. They looked at almos... Read more →
New 10-year cancer strategy launched
A new 10-year National Cancer Strategy has been launched by the Government. The strategy, which will run from 2017 to 2026, will focus on the prevention of cancer, early diagnosis of the disease, the provision of optimal care to patients and maximising their quality of life. According to the Minis... Read more →
Should HPV vaccine be given to boys?
New research aims to determine whether the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine should be extended to boys. A national HPV vaccination programme has been in place in Ireland since 2010 and as part of this, all girls attending first year in secondary school are offered the vaccine free of charge. The... Read more →
Heavy smartphone use may damage nerves
Smartphone users tap their touch screens thousands of times per day and this could adversely affect the nerves in their hands and arms, a new study has found. According to Turkish researchers, in 2012, 1.06 billion people were using smartphones. Just four years later, in 2016, this had doubled to 2... Read more →
Heavy smartphone use may damage nerves
Smartphone users tap their touch screens thousands of times per day and this could adversely affect the nerves in their hands and arms, a new study has found. According to Turkish researchers, in 2012, 1.06 billion people were using smartphones. Just four years later, in 2016, this had doubled to 2... Read more →
Morning-after pill now easier to obtain
Medical card holders will soon be able to obtain the morning-after pill free of charge from pharmacies without a prescription from their GP. Emergency hormonal contraception (EHC) has been available to women over the counter in pharmacies since 2011. Prior to this, all women had to attend a doctor ... Read more →
Chronic pain has major impact on wellbeing
Almost half of people who suffer with chronic pain find travelling and going on holiday difficult, new research has found. According to the findings, 49% of people struggle with their holidays, yet many of those affected rarely or never seek help from their doctor. Chronic or persistent pain is an... Read more →
Better mental health services for homeless needed
Homeless people with mental health problems face a major struggle to get the help that they need, a new report has highlighted. The research report, Homelessness and Mental Health: Voices of Experience, looks at the personal stories of people with mental health issues who are also homeless. "... Read more →
Dementia - carers need more support
A new study has provided some insight into the massive toll caring for a spouse with dementia can take. According to the findings, almost half of carers spend all of their waking time looking after their spouse and 15% have given up their jobs to care for their loved one. This marks the largest st... Read more →
Men being reminded to look after health
Men are being reminded that even small changes to their lifestyle could result in major health improvements. Men's Health Week runs from June 12 - 18 and the theme of this year's event is ‘It's all about HIM'. This marks the 18th year this event has run. It aims to increase awareness of the ... Read more →
Hay fever peak season fast approaching
Pharmacists are urging people with hay fever to take preventative steps now in order to minimise their symptoms ahead of peak hay fever season - June and July. Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen. While most people are affected by grass pollen, pollen from trees and flowers can also be a pr... Read more →
20% with allergies miss work as a result
Around 20% of people with allergies have missed work as a result, while 35% feel that their allergies affect their mood, a new survey has found. According to the findings, 40% of Irish adults suffer from some sort of allergy, with hay fever the most common one, followed by allergies to dust and foo... Read more →
Ireland's first brain tumour biobank launched
Ireland's first brain tumour biobank has been launched, marking a ‘really important development in brain tumour research' in this country. A biobank is a large collection of biological, medical data and tissue samples. These are collected for research and diagnostic purposes. If a patient is... Read more →
Ireland's first brain tumour biobank launched
Ireland's first brain tumour biobank has been launched, marking a ‘really important development in brain tumour research' in this country. A biobank is a large collection of biological, medical data and tissue samples. These are collected for research and diagnostic purposes. If a patient is... Read more →
Heart failure risk for premature babies
Babies born prematurely may have an increased risk of developing heart failure during childhood and adolescence, a new study has found. Babies who are born early are much more likely to survive nowadays, even those born very prematurely. As a result, scientists have become particularly interested i... Read more →
Newborn girls have genetic advantage over boys
Newborn baby girls have better outcomes than boys due to a genetic advantage, new Irish research has revealed. According to the findings, newborn girls have an innate advantage in responding to acute infections. It is already known that females have a survival advantage throughout the entire human... Read more →
Cancer patients urged to ask about drug trials
The number of cancer patients taking part in cancer drug trials should be doubled from its current 3% to 6%, Cancer Trials Ireland has said. It is calling on the Government to support this call and is also urging patients to ask their doctor about drug trials that may benefit them. Cancer Trials I... Read more →
44 calls per day to domestic abuse helpline
A 24-hour helpline for women affected by domestic abuse received almost 16,000 calls last year - that is around 44 calls every single day. The figures are highlighted in the Women's Aid Impact Report 2016. Women's Aid is a national organisation that has been working since the 1970s to help women af... Read more →
Lots of confusion about coeliac disease
Any person who suspects they may have coeliac disease should consult their GP before starting a gluten-free diet, the Coeliac Society of Ireland has said. This week is Coeliac Awareness Week and according to the society, there continues to be a lot of confusion about this condition here. Coeliac d... Read more →
Food businesses failing to provide allergen info
Many food businesses are failing to provide accurate allergen information to consumers, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has warned. It has just released the findings of an audit which found an unacceptable level of non-compliance by food businesses when it came to providing consumers wi... Read more →
Vaccine could prevent most HPV-related cancers
HPV infection causes up to 130 cancer deaths in Ireland every year, however most of these are potentially preventable as a result of the HPV vaccine, a new report has found. There are many types of HPV (human papillomavirus), most of which are harmless. However some strains can be serious, such as ... Read more →
Thousands use asthma inhalers incorrectly
As many as 300,000 people with asthma in Ireland are not using their inhalers properly, increasing their risk of suffering a serious asthma attack, the Asthma Society of Ireland has warned. According to the society's CEO, Averil Power, up to 60% of all people with asthma do not have the condition u... Read more →
500+ cancers detected by BowelScreen
Over 500 cancers were detected by the National Bowel Screening Programme, BowelScreen, between October 2012 and December 2015, a new report has shown. However, uptake of the programme remains low, with just 40% of those invited during this period taking up the offer of screening. Around 2,500 peop... Read more →
Importance of vaccines highlighted
The HSE is reminding people of the importance of vaccinations, following a number of measles outbreaks and related deaths in Europe. It has insisted that complacency about vaccines could lead to deaths in Ireland. A number of European countries have reported measles outbreaks recently. In the last... Read more →
Fake news impacting vaccination rates
Major concern has been expressed about the impact of social media campaigns and fake news when it comes to vaccination-associated risks. According to the Irish Medical Organisation's (IMO) new president, Dr Ann Hogan, who oversees vaccination campaigns as part of her work, these campaigns are promo... Read more →
Warning about drinking during pregnancy
An estimated 600 babies are born with foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) in Ireland every year, a public health specialist has warned. Speaking at the annual general meeting of the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO), Dr Mary O'Mahony, a specialist in public health medicine at the HSE, pointed out that alc... Read more →
Concern over oral health of older people
Over half of older people in Ireland have not visited a dentist in at least three years, despite the fact that good oral health is essential for overall wellbeing, a new study has found. According to researchers in Tallaght Hospital and Trinity College Dublin (TCD), there is growing concern among h... Read more →
Almost 9,500 on hospital trolleys in March
Almost 9,500 hospital patients were on trolleys last month - the highest figure recorded during any month of March between 2006 and 2017, the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) has said. According to its latest ‘Trolley Watch' figures, a total of 9,459 patients admitted for inpatie... Read more →
New service offers addiction support to doctors
A new service aimed at supporting doctors, dentists and pharmacists with addiction or mental health issues, helped 47 practitioners in its first year of operation. The Practitioner Health Matters Programme (PHMP) is an independent charitable organisation, which is supported by the representative an... Read more →
Patients to be surveyed on hospital experiences
Up to 27,000 patients are to be asked about their experiences in the country's hospitals as part of a major new survey. The aim of the National Patient Experience Survey is to give patients the chance to describe their hospital experiences, with this information then being used to improve the healt... Read more →
Bowel cancer very treatable if caught early
Bowel cancer is ‘extremely treatable' if caught early, so it is essential that people can recognise the signs and symptoms of the disease, the Irish Cancer Society (ICS) has said. April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month and during this time, the ICS will be working to raise awareness of the dis... Read more →
Importance of organ donation highlighted
The importance of organ donation is being highlighted ahead of Organ Donor Awareness Week, which runs from April 1-8. A total of 280 organ transplants were carried out in Ireland last year, including 172 kidney transplants, 58 liver transplants and 15 heart transplants. Some 230 of these organs cam... Read more →
Exercise slows decline in Parkinson's
Exercising for less than three hours per week is linked with a slower decline in Parkinson's disease, according to a new study. Parkinson's is a progressive neurological disease, the symptoms of which include tremors, stiffness and slow movement. An estimated six to seven thousand people in Ireland... Read more →
Concealed pregnancies still persist today
Concealed pregnancies still occur in Ireland today and are often negatively covered by the media, which can have a detrimental impact on affected women and their babies, new research has found. A concealed or hidden pregnancy refers to a situation where a woman hides her pregnancy, keeping it a sec... Read more →
Waist-to-hip ratio linked to womb cancer
Women who have a higher hip-to-waist ratio may have an increased risk of developing cancer of the womb, a new study has found. The findings strongly suggest that central obesity may have a key role to play in this type of cancer. Central obesity refers to when the majority of body fat is stored aro... Read more →
'Harmless' painkillers linked to heart risk
Commonly-used painkillers, which are considered harmless by many, may increase the risk of cardiac arrest, a new study has found. The findings centre on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, which are available over the counter. "Allowing these drugs to be purchased wi... Read more →
Eye checks essential to detect glaucoma
People are being reminded that the only way to detect the eye disease, glaucoma, is through regular eye tests. According to the Irish College of Ophthalmologists (ICO), glaucoma is often referred to as the ‘silent thief of sight' because it is usually symptomless in its early stages and peopl... Read more →
Ophthalmology waiting lists 'out of control'
Some Irish patients face the risk of irreversible damage to their vision due to ophthalmology waiting lists that are ‘out of control', it has been claimed. According to the National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI), the specialty of ophthalmology currently has the longest waiting list ... Read more →
Planning lodged for new maternity hospital
A planning application for the new National Maternity Hospital (NMH), which is to be built on the grounds of St Vincent's University Hospital in Dublin, has been submitted to An Bord Pleanála. This project, which will see the current NMH on Holles Street move to St Vincent's, marks the singl... Read more →
Over-50s face range of health issues
People over the age of 50 often face a range of health issues, such as depression, pain and obesity, however despite this, they continue to make significant contributions to their families and communities, a new report has shown. According to the latest findings from the Irish Longitudinal Study on... Read more →
15 Ways to control asthma
The cold and flu season is well and truly under way and for some asthma sufferers, symptoms are worse during winter. This is a worry for many considering over 470,000 Irish people suffer from asthma. One in every five children and one in 10 adults have asthma. The condition is the most common... Read more →
1,400+ waiting to see a genetic consultant
Over 1,400 children were waiting to see a genetic consultant at the end of January, a major conference has been told. Delegates were warned that there is currently a serious lack of funding for genetic services, which is only adding to waiting lists. The issues was highlighted at an all-island con... Read more →
Call for cigarette plain packaging start date
The Irish Cancer Society (ICS) is calling on the Government to replace branded cigarette packs with plain ones as soon as possible. According to the charity, a survey it carried out found that 78% of people support the introduction of standardised packaging of tobacco products. "There is a clear a... Read more →
Alcohol consumption increased last year
Irish people drank more alcohol last year compared to the year before, with spirits and cider seeing the biggest jumps in consumption, new figures have shown. According to provisional figures released by the Revenue Commissioners, the average Irish person aged over 15 consumed 11.46 litres of alcoh... Read more →
People should eat 10 fruit and veg per day
Almost eight million premature deaths could be avoided worldwide if people consumed more fruit and vegetables, new research has found. According to the findings, eating 800g of fruit and vegetables every day - that is around 10 portions - could prevent 7.8 million premature deaths globally. UK res... Read more →
4 million cancer deaths avoided in EU since 1988
Over four millions deaths from cancer have been avoided in the European Union (EU) since the late 1980s, thanks to improvements in prevention, detection and treatments, a major new study has found. The research also makes predictions for 2017 and notes than while fewer women will die from cancer in... Read more →
Walking benefits advanced cancer patients
People with advanced cancer could enjoy an improved quality of life if they walked for just 30 minutes, three times a week, a new study has found. According to UK researchers, ‘rather than shying away from exercise, people with advanced disease should be encouraged to be more active and incor... Read more →
Major study confirms brain differences in ADHD
A major new study on ADHD has found that the condition is linked with the delayed development of five regions of the brain and as a result, it should be considered a disorder of the brain. According to Dutch researchers, these findings are important to dispel the myth that ADHD is simply a label fo... Read more →
Vitamin D protects against colds and flu
Vitamin D supplements offer protection against acute respiratory infections, including colds and flu, a major new study has found. According to UK researchers, their findings provide the strongest evidence yet that the benefits of vitamin D are not just restricted to bone and muscle health. Vitami... Read more →
Vitamin D protects against colds and flu
Vitamin D supplements offer protection against acute respiratory infections, including colds and flu, a major new study has found. According to UK researchers, their findings provide the strongest evidence yet that the benefits of vitamin D are not just restricted to bone and muscle health. Vitami... Read more →
Warning about cancer misinformation
A lot of information about cancer is inaccurate and misleading and can cause more harm than good, a leading doctor has warned. According to Dr Robert O'Connor, head of research at the Irish Cancer Society, a diagnosis of cancer can be devastating for all those involved, with many feeling overwhelme... Read more →
When antibiotics don’t work any more what can we do?
The introduction of penicillin in the 1940s heralded the antibiotic era. We are now in the era of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Can we fight back? Penicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus – a common cause of bacterial infection – was reported as early as 1942 after only months of li... Read more →
Oral health of nursing home patients at risk
The oral health of thousands of nursing home patients nationwide is at major risk, a senior dentist has warned. According to Dr Anne Twomey, who is vice president of the Irish Dental Association (IDA), patients who have kept their teeth into old age can lose them within three months in a nursing ho... Read more →
Report recommends medicinal cannabis use
Medicinal cannabis should be considered to treat patients with certain conditions, a major new report has found. However, it warns that scientific evidence supporting the safe and effective use of cannabis products for medical treatment is ‘insufficient and at times conflicting'. The report ... Read more →
10 myths about back pain and how to cope when it strikes
Disc bulges, weak cores, joints out of place; if you suffer from back pain, you may have heard these words as the reason for your discomfort. Moving when your back is locked is sore, and you will do anything to avoid it. However, not moving feels worse. Back pain can be managed sensibly enough witho... Read more →
Awareness of psoriatic arthritis low
Almost half of people affected by the skin disease, psoriasis, have never heard of the painful condition psoriatic arthritis, despite the fact that many of them will go on to develop it, new research has shown. Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition, which appears as pink or red raised patches... Read more →
Skipping breakfast 'raises risk of ill health'
Skipping breakfast or eating late in the day could raise the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity according to a new study. The study from a group of American researchers suggests that the time we eat our meal is equally as important as what we eat. Writing in the American Heart Associati... Read more →
15 ways to control diabetes
One in four people worldwide now have diabetes, and numbers are on the rise, but by making some small changes to lifestyle, you can achieve big differences in diabetes control. Diabetes is a condition where there's too much sugar (glucose) in the blood because the hormone insulin is absent (Type ... Read more →
But do they work? Trying out herbal medicine
There are lots of arguments both for and against the use of herbal medicine. Last year on these pages, I explored them in extensive detail, pointing out that while many conventional medicines are based on plant remedies, we can’t always assume that plants are safe. Now, it’s my turn to ... Read more →
Early periods linked to early menopuase
Early menstruation may increase the risk of premature menopause, a new study has found. According to the findings, girls who get their first period at the age of 11 or under are more likely to undergo early or premature menopause as adults. This risk is increased even more if they do not have any c... Read more →
Importance of cervical screening highlighted
Women are being reminded of the importance of undergoing cervical screening, which is free for those aged between 25 and 60. This week is European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week and to highlight this event, the national cervical screening programme, CervicalCheck, has launched its annual Pearl of ... Read more →
Public talk on lung cancer to take place
Over 2,300 people in Ireland will be diagnosed with lung cancer this year and many of these will not survive more than five years because the disease will have been detected at an advanced stage, the Irish Cancer Society (ICS) has said. It is holding a public talk later this month to highlight the ... Read more →
Bowel cancer 'missed' in 13 patients
Thirteen patients who were tested for bowel cancer at Wexford General Hospital were incorrectly given the all-clear for the disease, it has emerged. According to a report by the HSE, all of the patients had undergone colonoscopies - an examination of the interior lining of the bowel - at the hospit... Read more →
Lifetime ban on gay men donating blood lifted
However one-year deferral in place The lifetime ban on blood donations from men who have sex with men (MSM) has been lifted. Until now, MSM were prohibited from donating blood at any time. However from today (January 16), a man who last had sex with another man more than one year ago will now be a... Read more →
Importance of regular eye tests highlighted
Blindness and other vision problems affect over 220,000 Irish people and cost the country in excess of €2 billion every year, yet 50% of visual impairment can be corrected if diagnosed and treated properly, eye experts have said. This week is Healthy Eyes Awareness Week and according to the As... Read more →
Road users urged to be extra cautious
Road users are being urged to be extra cautious over the coming days due to poor weather conditions. Met Eireann has issued a yellow weather warning nationwide for ice, sleet and snow and this is expected to last until Saturday. As a result, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is calling on people to b... Read more →
Sunbeds users get cancer at younger age
People who use sunbeds are not only at an increased risk of developing the most deadly type of skin cancer, they also tend to develop the disease at a younger age compared to non-users, a new study has found. Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer and around 900 new cases are diagnosed in... Read more →
Brain activity differences in autism identified
Irish scientists have identified differences in the brain activity of people with autism, which may explain some of their behaviour. They have found that an area of the brain called the gyrus of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACCg) signals when something surprising takes place in people without an ... Read more →
Major roads linked to dementia risk
People who live close to major roads may have a small increased risk of developing dementia, a new study suggests. Precious research has suggested that air pollution and traffic noise may adversely affect the brain, so Canadian scientists set out to determine if there was any link between living cl... Read more →
Road users urged to be seen
Road users are being reminded of the importance of being seen at this time of the year. Fewer hours of daylight and poor weather conditions can reduce visibility on our roads, so it is essential that motorists use dipped headlights during daytime hours and walkers, cyclists and motorcyclists wear h... Read more →
Cancer has big impact on mental health
Cancer has a major impact on the mental health of patients, with as many as four in five survivors suffering with anxiety and/or depression a year after their diagnosis, a new study has found. Researchers in Malaysia looked at 1,362 patients, almost a third of whom had breast cancer. The participan... Read more →
Processed meat may worsen asthma symptoms
Eating large amounts of processed meats, such as ham, sausage and salami, may worsen the symptoms of asthma, a new study has found. According to the findings, four or more servings of cured and processed meats per week appear to have the greatest impact on the lung condition. French researchers se... Read more →
Breast cancer trial needs Irish patients
The Irish arm of a major international breast cancer trial is seeking 50 patients in Dublin, Cork and Waterford to take part. The trial will involve 4,600 patients in 500 hospitals around the world, including six in Ireland - the Mater Hospital, Beaumont Hospital, St James's Hospital, St Vincent's ... Read more →
New maternity service standards launched
New standards for maternity services have been published by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA). According to HIQA, the National Standards for Safer Better Maternity Services ‘describe what safe, high-quality maternity services should look like'. They have been desi... Read more →
Public warned against mixing alcohol and meds
With the Christmas season in full swing, many people will be socialising more than usual at this time of year. However, pharmacists are reminding members of the public to be aware of the dangers of mixing alcohol and medicines. According to the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU), drinking even a small amou... Read more →
New treatment can slow breast cancer growth
An international cancer trial involving Irish doctors and patients has confirmed that a new treatment can significantly reduce the risk of cancer progressing in women with advanced breast cancer. The PALOMA-2 trial has found that the new drug palbociclib, when taken with the standard hormone therap... Read more →
Public urged to donate blood over Christmas
Members of the public who are eligible to donate blood are being urged to do so during the holiday period, as blood supplies are often difficult to maintain at this time of the year. Over 1,000 people require blood transfusions every week in Ireland, however, just 3% of the population currently giv... Read more →
Advice for families coping with addiction
The important role that families play when it comes to coping with addiction is being highlighted as part of a new Christmas campaign. 'Family Matters' has been launched by the Rutland Centre, the country's largest private addiction rehabilitation centre. It aims to provide advice to those battling... Read more →
First centre for successful ageing opened
Ireland's first dedicated centre of excellence for successful ageing has been officially opened by the President, Michael D. Higgins. The Mercer's Institute for Successful Ageing (MISA), which is located at St James's Hospital In Dublin, is the largest facility of its kind in Europe. The purpose-b... Read more →
New food pyramid launched
A new food pyramid has been launched, which highlights the importance of eating more fruit and vegetables. According to the Department of Health, research over the last decade has shown that eating habits in Ireland ‘are not consistent with optimal health'. In an effort to tackle this, it has... Read more →
Handful of nuts daily reduces disease risk
Consuming a handful of nuts every day could reduce a person's risk of developing a number of diseases, including cancer and heart disease, a new study has found. UK and Norwegian researchers analysed 29 studies on nuts from around the world, involving some 819,000 people. They found that eating 20g... Read more →
'Forgotten' illness must be tackled
Some 10,000 people are newly diagnosed with heart failure every year in Ireland and it is the leading cause of hospitalisation here, yet just 7% of people can identify the condition's symptoms, a new report has highlighted. Heart failure is a potentially life-threatening condition which leads to th... Read more →
New guide for parents of premature babies
Over 4,500 babies are born prematurely in Ireland every year and many parents struggle to know what to do if their child ends up in a neonatal unit, the Irish Neonatal Health Alliance (INHA) has said. It has recently launched a guide for parents which aims to help them take a more active role in th... Read more →
Minimum unit pricing will reduce alcohol harm
The first study to investigate the potential impact of minimum unit pricing for alcohol at a population level has found that it will affect just 14% of drinkers. Minimum unit pricing is one of the measures contained in the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill 2015. If passed, the price will be set at 10c p... Read more →
Big weight gain over years ups cancer risk
Significant weight gain over a number of years can increase a person's risk of obesity-related cancers by over 50%, a new study has found. UK researchers looked at more than 300,000 people in America over a 15-year period. All were aged between 18 and 65 and while some had gained a little weight du... Read more →
New vaccines will be introduced next month
Will target illnesses common in young children. Children will be able to avail of two new vaccines from December 1, following an agreement between the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO), the Department of Health and the HSE. From that date, any babies born after October 1 of this year can avail of t... Read more →
Not enough women taking folic acid
Vitamin cuts risk of serious defects in babies While the vast majority of women are aware of the benefits of taking folic acid, only around one-third actually take this important vitamin, a new survey has revealed. Folic acid is a B-group vitamin, which is known to reduce the risk of neural tube d... Read more →
Major diabetes exhibition this weekend
People with diabetes and their families are being encouraged to attend a major health and wellbeing event this weekend. The Diabetes Health & Wellbeing Exhibition takes place on Sunday, November 13, in Dublin. This free event will include education workshops, health checks and an opportunity to... Read more →
New resources for people with type 2 diabetes
A diagnosis of type 2 diabetes can be overwhelming, with many people having to overhaul their entire lifestyle. In response to this, Diabetes Ireland has launched a new comprehensive booklet and online educational programme aimed at helping people to live well with this condition. According to the ... Read more →
Being a Scout benefits mental health
Being a Scout or Guide may benefit a child's mental health later in life, a new study has found. The results are based on a lifelong study of almost 10,000 people who were born in the UK in 1959. Scottish researchers found that those who had been active members of the Scouts or Guides tended to hav... Read more →
1 in 6 have no lump before breast cancer diagnosis
Around one in six women diagnosed with breast cancer initally attends their doctor with a symptom other than a lump, a new study has found. Lumps are the most commonly reported symtpom of breast cancer, but UK researchers decided to look at the frequency of non-lump symptoms, such as breast pain, n... Read more →
Being a Scout benefits mental health
Being a Scout or Guide may benefit a child's mental health later in life, a new study has found. The results are based on a lifelong study of almost 10,000 people who were born in the UK in 1959. Scottish researchers found that those who had been active members of the Scouts or Guides tended to hav... Read more →
Major diabetes exhibition this weekend
People with diabetes and their families are being encouraged to attend a major health and wellbeing event this weekend. The Diabetes Health & Wellbeing Exhibition takes place on Sunday, November 13, in Dublin. This free event will include education workshops, health checks and an opportunity to... Read more →
Women at risk of PTSD after miscarriage
Women who suffer a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy may be at risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a new study has found. PTSD is an anxiety disorder that can occur after experiencing an intensely stressful event. It has been well documented in relation to military conflict,... Read more →
Less salt being used in processed foods
There has been a significant reduction in the salt content of a number of food products available in Ireland, particularly processed meats, such as rashers and sausages, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has said. It has published an update of its annual salt monitoring programme, which h... Read more →
1 in 7 teens feel pressured to have sex
One-third of 17 and 18-year-olds in Ireland have had sex, however one in 10 of these has never used a condom and at least one in seven felt pressured into having sex, new research has found. According to the findings, 33% of Ireland's 17 and 18-year-olds have had sexual intercourse, while 40% have ... Read more →
Homeless families in Dublin exceed 1,000
The number of families who are homeless in Dublin has exceeded 1,000 for the first time, a new report has shown. According to the report from the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, during the week September 19-25, there were 1,014 homeless families in Dublin. A furthe... Read more →
Map highlights vitamin D deficiency in Dublin
People living in some parts of Dublin are much more likely to be deficient in vitamin D, which can have a major impact on their overall health, unique new research has shown. According to the findings, some areas have deficiency rates that are five times higher than other areas. Researchers at Tri... Read more →
Smartphones disrupting children's sleep
Children who use screen-based media devices at bedtime, such as smartphones and tablets, are much more likely to get poor sleep, which can have major consequences for their overall health, a new study has found. Welsh researchers carried out a review of 20 studies involving more than 125,000 childr... Read more →
Irish team in breast cancer breakthrough
Irish scientists may have discovered a way of treating one of the most aggressive types of breast cancer. Triple-negative breast cancer is one of the most difficult forms of breast cancer to treat. It is more prevalent in younger women and around 250 people are newly diagnosed with the disease ever... Read more →
Waterford hospital to close ten beds over nurse shortage
University Hospital Waterford is to close ten inpatient beds on a temporary basis from Monday due to a shortage of nurses. In a statement, hospital management said the decision was taken due to “difficulties being experienced in filling current nurse staffing vacancies”. It said the ho... Read more →
Health workers face higher risk of violence
People working in the health sector are three times more likely to experience work-related violence than other employees, a major international conference held in Dublin has been told. According to research highlighted at the conference, violence and aggression in the workplace can pose significant... Read more →
Special effects contact lenses should be avoided
The use of special effects contact lenses at Halloween should be avoided as these products can cause serious eye damage, eye experts have warned. According to the Association of Optometrists Ireland (AOI), there has been a ‘worrying growth' in the use of decorative or special effects contact ... Read more →
Heartburn can have serious impact
Over half of Irish adults suffer with symptoms of heartburn and the majority of these say the condition has a negative impact on their lives, a new survey has found. According to the findings, 51% of adults in Ireland suffer with heartburn symptoms and 78% of these feel that the condition has a neg... Read more →
Number of caesareans continues to rise
The number of caesarean sections taking place in Irish maternity services has jumped significantly over the last 30 years, new research has found. According to the findings, just 7% of deliveries were by caesarean section in 1984. By 1993, this had almost doubled to 13%. However by 2014, it had jum... Read more →
Medication inspections to begin in hospitals
From next month, public acute hospitals are to be inspected to ensure that they are providing medication to their patients in a safe way. Currently, it is estimated that on average, at least one medication error occurs per hospital patient every day. In other words, there could be as many as three ... Read more →
Low awareness of alcohol link to breast cancer
The link between alcohol and breast cancer is well established but public awareness of this remains low, the Irish Cancer Society (ICS) has warned. According to the charity, every year in Ireland, around 900 new cancers and 500 cancer deaths can be attributed to alcohol use and the risk is particul... Read more →
Shift work can have big impact on health
Almost 70% of people who work shifts regularly skip meals, while almost 80% do not get enough sleep, a new report into the habits of Irish shift workers has revealed. The report by Safefood found that shift workers face many barriers when it comes to leading a healthy lifestyle, including poor avai... Read more →
Many unaware of epilepsy-related deaths
Many families who have lost loved ones to epilepsy were not aware prior to the death that this neurological condition can be fatal, new research has found. According to new data from the International Epilepsy Deaths Register (EDR), which includes the recently established Epilepsy Deaths Register f... Read more →
More surviving breast cancer than ever before
More women are surviving breast cancer today than ever before, the Irish Cancer Society (ICS) has said. As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which runs throughout October, the ICS is looking back on 40 years of research into this disease in order to highlight the many advances that have been m... Read more →
New report on risk factors for work illnesses
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), such as back problems, account for 50% of all work-related illnesses in Ireland, while stress, anxiety and depression (SAD) account for 18%, new research has found. According to a new report by the Economic and Social Research Institute, in 2013, an estimated 55,000... Read more →
Food businesses urged to use MenuCal
Ireland's 22,000 food service businesses are being urged to use MenuCal, an online tool which helps to identify allergens and calculate calories for menus. The tool, which is free to use, was developed by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI). Its research suggests that as many as 95% of cons... Read more →
New cancer institute for Ireland
A new cancer institute, the first of its kind in Ireland, is to be developed by Trinity College Dublin (TCD) and St James's Hospital. The incidence of cancer in Ireland is projected to double by 2040 and this new institute, which will be located at St James's, will serve a population of 1.4 million... Read more →
Over 5,600 Irish women sought abortion pills online
More than 5,600 women in Ireland tried to buy abortion pills online over a five-year period using a leading web supplier based in the Netherlands, according to a new study. Pills were shipped by the Women on Web (WoW) site to 1,642 women in Ireland between 2010 and 2012, the research indi... Read more →
Passive smoking in youth can increase lung cancer risk
Non-smokers who were exposed to passive smoking in early life are at an increased risk of getting lung cancer, but only if they have genetic factors, a conference on cancer has been told. This risk was also associated with an earlier onset of the disease, in a person’s 50s rather than 60s, ac... Read more →
ED doctors critical of continued overcrowding
Doctors working in Emergency Departments (ED) around the country have criticised the Government's failure to tackle the issue of overcrowding in hospitals. According to the Irish Association for Emergency Medicine (IAEM), Budget 2017, which was announced on October 11, failed to address the serious... Read more →
Irish team in potential depression breakthrough
Recurrent severe depression can be extremely difficult to treat, however a team from Trinity College Dublin (TCD) is hoping its research - the first of its kind in Ireland - could help those affected. Researchers from TCD's Department of Psychiatry are trialling a potential new treatment option for... Read more →
Conference on cancer survivorship
A major conference on cancer survivorship is being held in Dublin later this month. Living Well With Cancer aims to address the many needs of cancer survivors nationwide. It will look at topics such as advances in treatment, the psychological impact of the disease and fertility issues. The co... Read more →
Night shifts do not increase breast cancer risk
Working night shifts has little or no effect on a woman's risk of developing breast cancer, new research has found. A review carried out in 2007 by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) stated that shift work disrupts the ‘body clock' and is a probable cause of cancer. Howev... Read more →
Concern over health budget
The highest health budget ever was announced as part of Budget 2017 on Tuesday, however concern has been expressed that this is still not enough to tackle waiting lists and deal with increased patient demand. A total of €14.6 billion has been secured for the health budget next year, an increas... Read more →
Dental service for kids under severe pressure
The public dental service, which provides services to children of school-going age, is being ‘pushed to the brink', it has been claimed. Speaking at the HSE dentists' annual seminar in Athlone, the chief executive of the Irish Dental Association (IDA), Fintan Hourihan, pointed out that the po... Read more →
Pharmacist praised for saving teenager
A pharmacist in Dublin has been praised for administering two life-saving adrenaline injections to a teenager who was going into anaphylactic shock. The incident happened on Grafton Street in Dublin on Tuesday evening. A 17-year-old female with a known severe nut allergy became ill after consuming ... Read more →
Pop-up radio station to focus on mental health
A mental health awareness campaign is aiming to set a Guinness World Record by holding the world's largest mindfulness lesson next week. Walk In My Shoes (WIMS) is a mental health awareness and education campaign run by St Patrick's Mental Health Services. As part of this campaign, WIMS Radio will ... Read more →
Timely access to services key for patients
Timely access to services, clear communication and being treated with respect are some of the main things that patients want from the Irish health service, a new study has revealed. The study, My Healthcare, My Future, is based on interviews with 1,000 current and future Irish patients, focus ... Read more →
Greater understanding of palliative care needed
Many people are unaware that palliative care can last for years and that this approach also offers support to families, friends and carers, a new survey has shown. Palliative care is aimed at people whose conditions cannot be cured. The goal is to provide the best quality of life in the time they h... Read more →
Message banking may help MND patients
A major project, which aims to help people with motor neurone disease (MND) to maintain a sense of identity after they lose their ability to speak, is being highlighted as part of a research event in Trinity College Dublin (TCD) this week. The way we speak and our unique turn of phrase helps us to ... Read more →
More focus on disability issues needed
The Government is being urged to focus on the needs of people with physical disabilities in Budget 2017, which is due to be announced next month. The call comes from the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA), which represents and supports people with physical and sensory disabilities nationwide. It ha... Read more →
Schizophrenia risk much higher in siblings
People are 10 times more likely to develop schizophrenia if they have a sibling with the condition, a new study has found. While it is widely acknowledged that people have an increased risk of developing mental health conditions if their siblings are affected, until now, the risks have not been qua... Read more →
Carbon monoxide can kill in three minutes
Carbon monoxide is a highly poisonous gas that can kill people in as little as three minutes, however hundreds of thousands of homes do not have carbon monoxide alarms, the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) has warned. This week is Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week and as part of this eve... Read more →
Baby boxes to be introduced
Baby boxes, which have been credited with significantly reducing the incidence of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) among babies in Finland, are to be introduced in Ireland. Baby boxes are made of durable cardboard and they come with a firm, foam mattress, a waterproof mattress cover and a cotton... Read more →
Call for fund to open more cancer trials
The body tasked with coordinating cancer trials in this country has called for the establishment of a €1 million fund to enable cancer specialists to open more trials here. Cancer Trials Ireland was established in 1996 and since then, more than 15,000 people have participated in over 350 cance... Read more →
Many do not read medicine directions
At least one-quarter of people do not read the directions for use when taking medicines, a new survey has found. According to the findings, 23% of people do not read any of the information that comes with their medicine, while 26% do not read the directions for use. A further 35% do not read the in... Read more →
Parents wants kids to do more PE
The vast majority of parents think that schools should dedicate more time to physical education (PE), a new survey has found. According to the findings, 91% of parents think schools should devote more time to PE, while 82% would like to see a minimum of 30 minutes per day assigned to PE within the ... Read more →
Many unaware of metastatic breast cancer
While familiarity with breast cancer is relatively high, many women have never heard of metastatic breast cancer or are unaware what the term means, a new survey has revealed. Metastatic breast cancer is the most advanced stage of breast cancer. It refers to when the disease has spread to other par... Read more →
E-cigarettes do help smokers quit
Electronic cigarettes do appear to help people quit smoking, a major assessment of available evidence has revealed. According to the findings, no serious side-effects are linked with their use for up to two years, however more studies are needed to assess potential long-term effects Electronic cig... Read more →
Poor understanding of palliative care
Over half of Irish adults have a poor understanding of what palliative care involves, a new survey has found. According to the findings, 55% of adults have only a basic or minimal understanding of palliative care, with 16% of these admitting that they do not understand what is involved at all. Pal... Read more →
Irish team in sepsis breakthrough
Irish scientists have made a breakthrough, which has the potential to prevent sepsis from becoming a life-threatening condition. Sepsis, also known as septicaemia or blood poisoning, is a potentially life-threatening complication of an infection or injury, in which large amounts of bacteria are pre... Read more →
Doctors think ED plan will make no difference
Doctors have insisted that the Winter Initiative plan announced by the HSE to deal with overcrowding in the country's Emergency Departments (EDs) in the coming months, will not make any difference in the long term. According to the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO), the plan is ‘just a drop in... Read more →
New dementia mobile service launched
A new mobile information service will be travelling to towns and villages nationwide in the coming weeks to provide support and information to people affected by dementia. There are currently around 55,000 people living with this condition in Ireland and this number is expected to increase to over ... Read more →
Late-onset asthma linked to heart risks
People who develop asthma during adulthood may have an increased risk of developing heart disease and suffering a stroke, a recent study has found. According to US researchers, asthma that begins in adulthood - known as late-onset asthma - tends to be more severe and difficult to control than asthm... Read more →
Failure to fund Duchenne drug 'agonising'
The Government is being called on to intervene in discussions about the funding of an innovative treatment for children with a type of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. There are around 30 types of the neuromuscular condition, muscular dystrophy. Duchenne is the most common and most severe type, mainly ... Read more →
Mealtimes a major source of drama
Most parents find it difficult to get their children to eat at family mealtimes, with almost one in four resorting to bribery to get their little ones to eat dinner, new research by the Irish Heart Foundation (IHF) has found. The charity carried out an online poll as part of its annual September He... Read more →
Fewer patients on trolleys in Dublin
Last month saw a big reduction in the number of patients left waiting on trolleys in Dublin hospitals compared to the same time last year, however hospitals outside of Dublin recorded an increase in their trolley waiting figures. According to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO), which... Read more →
Protect your health at Electric Picnic
People attending this weekend's Electric Picnic music and arts festival are being urged to look after their health. According to pharmacists, some of the main risks to the health and safety of festival goers include unprotected sex, dehydration and diarrhoea. "We are advising people to plan ahead ... Read more →
2015 worst year for family homelessness
People attending this weekend's Electric Picnic music and arts festival are being urged to look after their health. According to pharmacists, some of the main risks to the health and safety of festival goers include unprotected sex, dehydration and diarrhoea. "We are advising people to plan ahead ... Read more →
Breastfeeding lowers breast cancer death risk
Women who develop breast cancer may have a better chance of survival if they previously breastfed for at least six months, a new study suggests. Researchers in Norway and Sweden looked at almost 350 women who had undergone surgery for primary breast cancer 20 years before and found that mortality (... Read more →
Bray nursing home failed to investigate abuse claims, says Hiqa
A nursing home in Bray failed to investigate multiple allegations of abuse despite stating the claims had been resolved, according to an inspection report. During an unannounced visit in May, Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) officials found two complaints that were “s... Read more →
Hiqa reports critical of HSE disability services
Major patient safety concerns have been raised in a series of critical reports into HSE-run disability services around the country. Inspectors from the Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) noted incidents of peer-to-peer abuse, misadministration of medications and failures to adequately ... Read more →
There’s an app for that: exercise prescription cuts heart attack risk
Confused about how much exercise to take for a healthy heart? Norwegian researchers have come up with a useful app that allows you to personalise the amount of exercise needed to reduce your risk of death from heart attack and stroke. Speaking at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress i... Read more →
Áras Attracta’s services criticised in a draft HSE report
A draft Health Service Executive (HSE) report on the Áras Attracta care home in Co Mayo is believed to have identified numerous issues including low morale and fraught relations between management and staff. The home was the controversial subject of an ... Read more →
Speedy diagnosis of diabetes in kids crucial
Up to one-third of children in Ireland who are in the early stages of type 1 diabetes are not being referred to hospital promptly enough, Diabetes Ireland has warned. The national diabetes charity is urging parents and healthcare professionals to make themselves familiar with the signs and symptoms... Read more →
Irish women seeking abortions turned away at major UK clinic
Many women from Ireland who travel to England for a pregnancy termination at one of its main abortion providers are being referred to other clinics. It follows the suspension of some services at the Marie Stopes International chain of abortion clinics in the wake of a watchdog inspection. A ... Read more →
Breast cancer risk from HRT 'underestimated'
The risks of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may have been underestimated, experts have said. Women taking combined HRT to combat the effects of the menopause are more likely to develop breast cancer, with risk increasing the longer it is used, the study found. The new study, published in ... Read more →
Anaemia ups stroke death risk
The risk of death after stroke may be higher in people with anaemia, a new study has found. Anaemia is a condition caused by a lack of red blood cells. This means that the body's tissues and organs cannot get enough oxygen. General symptoms can include tiredness, dizziness, palpitations and a pale ... Read more →
Experts to address cancer vaccine concerns
Around 280 women in Ireland will be diagnosed with cervical cancer and some 90 will die from the disease in 2016, the Irish Cancer Society (ICS) has said. A further 6,500 women will need hospital treatment to remove pre-cancerous growths in their cervix, the society noted. It is holding two public... Read more →
Concussion changes brain structure of athletes
Female athletes who suffer at least one concussion appear to experience long-term structural changes to the brain, researchers have found. According to the findings, brain images captured six months after the concussion showed structural differences in the corpus callosum - this is the structure th... Read more →
Teacher-student relationship key to behaviour
With thousands of children getting ready to go back to school shortly, a new study has found that those who have a positive relationship with their teachers when they are around 10 or 11 years old, appear to behave better for up to four years. According to the findings, a good teacher-student relat... Read more →
Alcohol warning ahead of Leaving Cert results
Parents of students due to receive their Leaving Cert results this week are being encouraged to talk to their children about the risks associated with alcohol use. According to Conor Cullen of the charity, Alcohol Action Ireland (AAI), while getting your results is a milestone that should be celebr... Read more →
Public urged to ensure measles vaccination
Members of the public are being reminded of the importance of vaccinating themselves against measles. According to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), as of August 15, 38 confirmed cases of the disease have been notified since May of this year, with eight of these cases currently unde... Read more →
Breastfeeding more likely after home birth
Women are much more likely to breastfeed if they give birth at home, a new Irish study has found. Researchers in Trinity College Dublin (TCD) looked at more than 10,500 women from the ‘Growing Up In Ireland' study and 17,500 women from the UK Millennium Cohort study and found a strong link be... Read more →
New care standards for bereaved parents
New standards aimed at helping parents who have suffered pregnancy loss or perinatal death have been launched by the HSE. According to figures from the HSE, around 14,000 miscarriages take place every year and in 2013, there were 500 perinatal deaths, which included 301 stillbirths, 162 early neona... Read more →
Exercise benefits those with schizophrenia
Aerobic exercise could significantly improve the lives of those affected by the mental health condition, schizophrenia, a new study has found. According to the findings, just 12 weeks of aerobic exercise appear to improve how the brain functions. Schizophrenia is a serious mental health condition ... Read more →
World's biggest sperm bank making regular deliveries here
Home insemination with donor sperm is occurring in significant numbers in Ireland, with some 75 shipments to home addresses from the world's biggest sperm bank in two years. The Cryos clinic in Denmark despatched the shipments to Irish homes during 2014 and 2015, according to the 'Medical Ind... Read more →
Recruitment for cancer trials needs new boost
Recruitment for cancer trials in Ireland needs to be boosted, a new study has concluded. Research conducted by the Medical Oncology Unit of the Mater Hospital revealed that 5pc of cpatients enrolled in a cancer clinical trial. But it stressed that the majority of such patients (71pc) did... Read more →
Drug could extend lives of cancer patients
Up to 80 people a year could be given a new lease of life as a radical new drug for treating some forms of blood cancer is helping patients live up to four years longer. Following successful clinical trials in Ireland, the drug Imbruvica is now available for a range of elderly patients with l... Read more →
Campaign to raise awareness of self harm
A new campaign aimed at raising awareness of self harming has been launched. Self harm is when someone cuts, hurts or injures themselves deliberately. For many, this behaviour is a way of coping with difficult or overwhelming feelings or situations. For example, some people self harm to deal with s... Read more →
New cancer drug now available in Ireland 'offers hope' for patients with rare blood cancers
A new cancer drug has been made available to Irish patients with three rare forms of blood cancer following a successful trial last year. Imbruvica, the brand name for ibrutinib, is a once-daily oral treatment that has been proven to prolong survival for adult patients with relapsed or refractory... Read more →
Legislation needed as CRC staff get access to public pension
New legislation will be required following a Government decision to grant staff at the Central Remedial Clinic (CRC) access to a public service pension scheme following the collapse of the charity’s private plan. Staff threatened industrial action after the board of the CRC unilaterally decid... Read more →
Research suggests being lazy is a sign of high intelligence
Results of the study revealed the thinking group were far less active than the non-thinkers New research seems to prove the theory that brainy people spend more time lazing around than their active counterparts. Findings from a US-based study seem to support the idea that people wit... Read more →
Nurses at St James's Hospital looking for jobs elsewhere after losing parking spaces
Nurses at St James's Hospital are considering jobs elsewhere after losing access to up to 300 spaces on site. The move by management is in order to facilitate the construction of the new National Children’s Hospital (NCH) which is being built on the site. The nurses are now being told ... Read more →
Early bedtime for toddlers cuts risk of obesity
Earlier bedtimes for toddlers leads to lower numbers of obese teenagers, a leading sleep expert claims. Putting children to bed early, not only staves off crankiness, but it also prevents preschoolers becoming teens with unhealthy weights. Now, the first study on the issue backs up what Iris... Read more →
HSE still spending millions on agency nurses
The HSE has spent over €22 million on agency nurses in the first six months of this year, according to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO). It is calling on the Department of Health to do something about the ‘alarming drop' in nursing and midwifery numbers, while agency cos... Read more →
Inspectors find kids' ward 'poorly maintained'
A children's ward in one of the country's busiest hospitals has been found to be ‘poorly maintained', with limited space and accessibility, all of which increase the risk of cross infection, according to the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) It carried out an unannounced inspect... Read more →
Omega-3 beneficial after heart attack
Heart attack patients may benefit from being given a high dose of omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil in the aftermath of their attack, a new study has found. According to the findings, these fatty acids could improve the function of the heart and reduce scarring in the undamaged muscle if taken ever... Read more →
Appendix removal linked to higher pregnancy rates
Women who had their tonsils or appendix removed when they were younger may to be more likely to get pregnant compared to their peers who never underwent these procedures, a new study suggests. The findings also indicate that these women get pregnant sooner. Researchers in the UK assessed the medic... Read more →
Pregnant women advised to avoid Florida
Irish women who are pregnant or are trying to become pregnant are being advised to avoid travelling to Florida in the US. This follows a number of confirmed cases of locally transmitted Zika virus in some parts of Florida. Zika is a viral infection that is spread through the bite of an infected mo... Read more →
Cancer Trials Ireland launches info videos
A series of videos aimed at people who may be considering taking part in a cancer trial has been launched. The six videos come from Cancer Trials Ireland, which is responsible for coordinating cancer trials in this country. Since its establishment in 1996, over 15,000 people have participated in mo... Read more →
Mums encouraged to breastfeed
The evidence in relation to the health benefits of breastfeeding ‘is now stronger than ever', the HSE has said. It is highlighting the importance of breastfeeding as part of World Breastfeeding Week, which runs until August 7. Research indicates that children who are not breastfed have an in... Read more →
Vitamin D supplements advised for all in winter
Experts recommend move from October to March for healthy bones, teeth, muscles People are being urged to consider taking a vitamin supplement in the winter months to ensure they get enough vitamin D. In a raft of new guidance an English health watchdog, Public Health England, (PHE) said vita... Read more →
Raw eggs safe for pregnant women to eat, says UK safety committee
Report from advisory committee states there is ‘very low’ risk of salmonella from eggs Raw eggs are safe for pregnant women to eat, a UK safety committee has recommended. A report from the advisory committee on the microbiological safety of food states there is “very low&rd... Read more →
Human nose can help kill superbugs, research claims
Scientists have discovered a microbe in some noses that can kill dangerous bacteria Scientists have found a new weapon in the fight against antibiotic-resistant superbugs and it comes from an unlikely source: the human nose. Researchers have discovered a microbe living in some people’s... Read more →
Dogs reduce stress in families with autism
Owning a dog significantly reduces stress levels among families who have a child with autism, a new study has found. Autism, also known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a biological disorder of the brain that impairs communication and social skills. Signs can include an absence of eye contact,... Read more →
Jump in first-time callers to rape helpline
Almost 12,000 people contacted the national helpline of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) last year, a new report has shown. According to the DRCC's Annual Report 2015, over 5,900 of these were first-time contacts - a 16% increase when compared to 2014. Around three in four callers to the ... Read more →
First double hand transplant in UK
The first person in the UK to undergo a double hand transplant has said it is ‘better than a lottery win'. Chris King (57) from Doncaster in England is only the second person in the UK to have undergone a hand transplant and is the first to have undergone a double hand transplant. A team fro... Read more →
Health budgets 'completely unrealistic' - IHCA
Health budgets have ‘consistently been set at completely unrealistic levels' in recent years, hospital consultants have claimed. According to the Irish Hospital Consultants Association (IHCA), hospital and mental health services have not been provided with adequate funding, which has resulted... Read more →
Children struggling with parental separation
Parental separation is a source of major anxiety for children, however the legal processes involved in separation, such as family courts and custody arrangements, are not child-centred and this can increase the distress of young people, the ISPCC has warned. Launching its Annual Report 2015, t... Read more →
More education benefits heart health
People with a higher level of education have a reduced risk of developing heart failure after a heart attack, a new study has found. Heart failure is a potentially life-threatening condition which leads to the heart being unable to pump enough blood around the body. Symptoms include tiredness, shor... Read more →
Concern over spike in trolley wait figures
Nurses have expressed concern about a spike in trolley waiting figures in recent days. According to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO),the number of people left waiting on trolleys in hospitals between July 11 and 15 jumped by 38% when compared with the same Monday to Friday period l... Read more →
Many parents concerned about social media
Very few parents believe that social media sites are a positive influence on their children, with many concerned about the anger and hostility displayed by users, a new survey has found. Over 1,700 parents of children aged 11 to 17 took part in the UK survey, however just 15% said that they thought... Read more →
Common drugs may worsen heart failure
Drugs used to treat a range of conditions may cause or worsen heart failure, experts have said. According to a statement from the American Heart Association, even common over-the- counter drugs, such as painkillers and heartburn medication, could trigger or worsen the heart condition. Heart failur... Read more →
Medical cards for all seriously ill kids in 2017
A campaign group, which has been fighting to ensure that all seriously ill children have access to medical cards, has said that it has received a ‘strong personal commitment' from the Minister for Health that all children qualifying for the Domiciliary Care Allowance will automatically qualify... Read more →
Younger adults have poorer quality of life
Among adults in Ireland, those under the age of 30 are the most likely to experience a poorer quality of life, a new report suggests. Researchers at the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI)investigated how quality of life in Ireland differs by age group and social class. Their findings app... Read more →
New breast cancer trial begins
The Irish part of a European breast cancer trial, which aims to test the effectiveness of a new combination of drugs, has been opened by Cancer Trials Ireland. Cancer Trials Ireland coordinates cancer trials in this country. Since its establishment in 1996, over 15,000 people have participated in m... Read more →
Lots of TV in childhood affects bone health
Watching a lot of television during childhood and adolescence may affect bone health later in life, a new study has found. Until now, the effects of watching television on skeletal health have been unclear, but according to these findings, those who consistently watched television in early life had... Read more →
Bariatric surgery reverses premature ageing
Weight loss that comes about as a result of bariatric surgery may reverse the premature ageing that is linked with obesity, a new study suggests. Bariatric surgery is a procedure carried out on people who are obese to help them lose weight. An example of this is the insertion of a gastric band, whi... Read more →
Cancer risk before and after diabetes diagnosis
People with diabetes may have an increased risk of developing cancer before and immediately after their diagnosis, a new study has found. Previous research indicates that type 2 diabetes could increase the risk of developing a number of types of cancer, with the highest risk appearing to be soon af... Read more →
Zinc lozenges cut colds by days
Zinc lozenges could help reduce the duration of the common cold by almost three days, a new study has found. Previous research has suggested that zinc lozenges can reduce the length of a cold, but that this is more apparent in people with allergies. Researchers from Finland and the US decided to lo... Read more →
Make sure kids get 60 mins exercise per day
Physiotherapists are reminding parents of the importance of making sure their children get at least 60 minutes of exercise per day. According to Nicola Lyden, a senior physiotherapist at Our Lady's Children's Hospital Crumlin, summer is the perfect time of the year to introduce physical activity to... Read more →
Replace saturated fat with unsaturated
A large study appears to confirm the long-held view that eating high amounts of saturated fat increases the risk of premature death. This US study is the most detailed investigation into the impact of dietary fats on health ever undertaken. According to the researchers, in recent years, there has b... Read more →
Junk food ads influence kids' eating habits
Children as young as eight describe junk food advertising as ‘tempting' and ‘addictive', with some admitting they could ‘lick the screen' when watching certain ads. According to a new report from Cancer Research UK, ads that use celebrities, funny voices and bright colours are cap... Read more →
'Hidden harm' of parental drinking highlighted
Children living with parents who drink in a harmful way are ‘among the most vulnerable in society', members of the Oireachtas have been told. The members were briefed on this issue at an event organised by the Oireachtas Cross Party Group on Alcohol Harm. According to its chairperson, Senator... Read more →
High rate of respiratory problems among farmers
Irish farmers appear to have a high prevalence of respiratory problems, a new study has found. Researchers in Galway were prompted to undertake the study because of recent reports of increasing mortality rates within the Irish farming community and the high prevalence of respiratory problems in far... Read more →
Prenatal exposure to painkiller linked to autism
A new study has found a link between prenatal exposure to paracetamol and symptoms of autism and hyperactivity. According to Spanish researchers, this is the first study of its kind to find an independent association between the use of paracetamol during pregnancy and autism symptoms in children. ... Read more →
Always check standards of summer products
With the school summer holidays upon us, people, especially parents, are being urged to ensure that products they buy for the summer months, such as sunscreen, have adequate standards. According to the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI), standards ‘ensure that products are safe an... Read more →
Playing cards could benefit stroke patients
Simple, inexpensive activities, such as playing cards, could help stroke patients to regain their strength and coordination, a new study suggests. Around 15 million people worldwide suffer a stroke every year, including 10,000 in Ireland. Many are left with stroke-related disabilities and rehabilit... Read more →
Addiction drug may benefit cancer patients
A drug which is currently used to treat different types of addiction, may have a beneficial effect on some cancer patients, new research suggests. Naltrexone is currently licensed in many countries for the treatment of alcohol and heroin addiction. However UK scientists have found that it also appe... Read more →
Summer camp for Williams syndrome launched
Ireland's first ever European Youth Exchange summer camp for young people with Williams Syndrome has been launched. Williams syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that affects around one in every 20,000 births and currently affects about 100 families in Ireland. Those with the syndrome have some degr... Read more →
Psychiatric nurses beginning industrial action
Psychiatric nurses are beginning industrial action today in response to major understaffing throughout the mental health service. According to the Psychiatric Nurses Association (PNA), despite meetings with the HSE, the Department of Health and the Workplace Relations Commission, ‘no adequate... Read more →
Lifelong ban on gay men donating blood to end
The lifelong ban on gay men donating blood is to be lifted, the Minister for Health has announced. Men who have sex with men have been banned from donating blood in Ireland since the 1980s. However, Minister Simon Harris has said that having reviewed a report by the Irish Blood Transfusion Service ... Read more →
The pregnancy waddle does exist
Scientists have confirmed the existence of the ‘pregnancy waddle'. According to a team from Japan, a baby bump changes the way women walk, even as early as the first trimester. The scientists used 3D motion capture technology to create a biomechanical model of pregnant women. This allowed th... Read more →
New breast cancer trial opened
A cancer trial to test a new treatment for patients with advanced breast cancer, which is not responding to currently available treatments, has been opened. The trial will be run by Cancer Trials Ireland, which coordinates cancer trials in this country. Since its establishment in 1996, over 15,000 ... Read more →
Diabetes ups heart attack death risk
People with diabetes are significantly more likely to die from the effects of a heart attack compared to those without the condition, a new study suggests. UK researchers looked at 700,000 people who had been admitted to hospital as a result of a heart attack between 2003 and 2013. Of these, 121,00... Read more →
30 mins in a park each week benefits health
People living in urban areas who visit parks for at least 30 minutes each week are less likely to have high blood pressure or depression, a new study has found. According to Australian researchers, urbanisation ‘is emerging as one of the most important global health issues of the 21st century... Read more →
Neuro-rehabilitation services severely lacking
A new campaign is calling for urgent action to tackle the major shortage of rehabilitation services in Ireland for people with neurological conditions. Some 25,000 people required neuro-rehabilitation services every year in this country, however due to a lack of investment in such services, many of... Read more →
Low awareness of atrial fibrillation
Over half of Irish adults have never heard of atrial fibrillation (AF) despite the fact that it affects up to 40,000 people over the age of 50 and is a major risk factor for stroke, new research has found. According to the findings, 54% of people have never heard of the condition while 29% are unsu... Read more →
Alcohol has major impact on health and economy
Three people died every day in 2013 as a result of alcohol consumption, a new report has revealed. According to the findings, the number of people discharged from hospital that year whose condition was totally attributable to alcohol use, was 17,120. This marks an 82% increase when compared to 1995... Read more →
Male GPs consider heart disease 'a man's issue'
While many people incorrectly think of heart disease as a ‘man's disease', a new study has found that male GPs may also fall into this category. According to the findings, male GPs are more likely to think of heart disease as a ‘man's issue' and neglect to assess risk factors in female ... Read more →
Smoking affects breast cancer treatment
It is already known that smoking can increase the risk of a number of cancers, including breast cancer. Now a new study has found that a treatment commonly used to treat women with breast cancer works less well in smokers. Swedish researchers followed over 1,000 women who had been diagnosed with br... Read more →
Heart drug could cut diabetes-related blindness
Irish and UK scientists have discovered that a drug that was originally developed to treat cardiovascular disease, could reduce diabetes-related blindness. An estimated 422 million people worldwide have diabetes and a common complication of the disease is vision loss. Diabetic macular oedema is one... Read more →
Families fail to plan for those with disabilities
Many families that provide care to a loved one with intellectual disabilities (ID) have not discussed or agreed on future care plans for that person, a new study has found. According to researchers in Trinity College Dublin's School of Nursing and Midwifery, people with ID are now living longer tha... Read more →
Low awareness of testosterone deficiency
Half of men are not aware that testosterone deficiency (TD) is a medical condition, with many assuming it is a natural part of ageing, research has shown Testosterone is an essential hormone that is produced in the testes. It is necessary for many things, including sperm production and the developm... Read more →
Women urged to take folic acid supplement daily
All women who could become pregnant are being encouraged to take folic acid every day irrespective of whether they are planning to have a baby or not. Folic acid is a B-group vitamin, which is known to reduce the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs) in babies. NTDs are birth defects of the brain and ... Read more →
Cancer survival rates improving in men
Survival rates among men with cancer are continuing to improve in Ireland, the Irish Cancer Society (ICS) has said. Latest figures from the National Cancer Registry of Ireland (NCRI) show that the five-year survival rate for prostate cancer between 2008 and 2012 was 90%. Between 1994 and 1999, this... Read more →
Irish team finds new feature of brain condition
Irish scientists have discovered a new feature of a degenerative brain condition, which may have an impact on how it is diagnosed and treated. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a rare condition that has been linked with repetitive mild traumatic brain injuries, such as concussion sustained ... Read more →
Cancer survival rates improving in men
Survival rates among men with cancer are continuing to improve in Ireland, the Irish Cancer Society (ICS) has said. Latest figures from the National Cancer Registry of Ireland (NCRI) show that the five-year survival rate for prostate cancer between 2008 and 2012 was 90%. Between 1994 and 1999, this... Read more →
60,000 illegal meds seized
Over 60,000 units of illegal prescription medicines have been seized in Ireland as part of a major global operation. As part of Operation Pangea IX, 60,000 falsified/counterfeit and other illegal medicines worth €350,000 were seized, including anabolic steroids, sedatives, stimulants, painkill... Read more →
Much higher risk of cancer in deprived areas
Women living in the most deprived areas in Ireland have a 120% increased risk of developing cervical cancer, while men and women in these areas have a 60% increased risk of developing lung cancer, a major new report has revealed. The report by the National Cancer Registry Ireland (NCRI) found that ... Read more →
Additional funding for health announced
The Government has announced that an additional €500 million is to be spent on the health service this year. Welcoming the revised estimate for 2016, the Minister for Health, Simon Harris, said that the money would address financial pressures in the service, while also allowing commitments mad... Read more →
No increased stroke risk for football fans
With Euro 2016 just days away, football fans will be relieved to discover that the excitement of watching their country play does not appear to increase the risk of suffering a stroke. Previous research has suggested that the stress and heightened emotions associated with watching crucial matches m... Read more →
Fall in trolley waiting figures
The number of people left waiting on hospital trolleys in May fell by 14% when compared with the same period last year, new figures have shown. However, over 6,600 patients were still left waiting on trolleys nationwide last month. The figures from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO)... Read more →
Concern over mental readmission rates
Major concern has been expressed about the high number of people with mental health problems who need to be readmitted to hospital. Figures from the HSE show that in 2015, over 13,000 people were admitted to hospital with mental health issues and within 12 months, two in three of these (66%) needed... Read more →
New campaign to raise awareness of MND
A 33-year-old man who has just a few years to live due to a diagnosis of motor neurone disease (MND), has volunteered to front a new campaign aimed at raising awareness of the incurable condition. Andrew Brennan (pictured) is one of more than 350 people living in Ireland with MND, a neurological co... Read more →
Irish team to look at diabetic kidney disease
Researchers in Ireland and the US are to examine DNA samples from 20,000 people with diabetes in an attempt to identify the genetic factors associated with diabetic kidney disease. While kidney disease can affect anyone, it is more common in people with diabetes, particularly those who have had the... Read more →
Many with palliative needs feel frustrated
Over half of people who require palliative care feel that their emotional and psychological needs are not being met, while almost half want better coordination of their care and treatment, a new survey has revealed. According to the findings, almost seven in 10 people with palliative care needs fee... Read more →
Alcohol a factor in 38% of road collisions
Alcohol was a factor in almost 40% of fatal road crashes that occurred between 2008 and 2012, a report from the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has revealed. According to the report, 286 people died and 69 were seriously injured in crashes where alcohol was a contributory factor during this period. Al... Read more →
Migraine increases risk of heart disease
Women who suffer with migraine may have an increased risk of developing, and dying from, cardiovascular disease, a new study has found. While the overall risk is small, the researchers believe that migraine should be considered an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Previous studies ... Read more →
Students urged to look after health
With the Leaving and Junior Cert examinations just days away, students are being urged to look after their physical and mental health. This year's State examinations run from June 8-24, and according to pharmacists, exam stress can have a negative impact on the health and wellbeing of young people.... Read more →
New diabetes care centre for Cork
A new care centre for people with diabetes has been opened in Cork. It will have a key role in the early detection and prevention of diabetes-related complications. The centre will initially provide a podiatry (foot care) service, which will see clients receiving a full diabetic foot screen and ass... Read more →
Almost 66,000 births last year
Almost 66,000 babies were born in Ireland last year, an increase of 8% when compared with 10 years before, new figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) have shown. According to the figures, 65,909 births were registered in 2015, compared to just over 61,000 in 2005. The average age of moth... Read more →
Trampoline-related injuries on the rise
The number of children presenting to Emergency Departments (EDs) with trampoline-related injuries is on the increase, emergency doctors have said. According to the Irish Association for Emergency Medicine (IAEM), due to a lack of a national ED information system , the exact number of trampoline-rel... Read more →
Economic crisis linked to cancer deaths
The global economic crisis that began in 2008 can be linked to thousands of additional cancer deaths worldwide, including more than 169,000 within the European Union (EU), a new study has found. According to the findings, these deaths were due to unemployment and reduced spending on public health s... Read more →
New freephone helpline for heart disease/stroke
Some 27 people die every day in Ireland as a result of heart disease and stroke, while almost 300 new cases are diagnosed daily, the Irish Heart Foundation (IHF) has said. In an effort to help those affected, the charity has launched a new freephone helpline number with longer daily opening hours. ... Read more →
Tallaght Hospital tackling malnutrition
One of the busiest hospitals in the country has launched a new campaign aimed at combating malnutrition. Malnutrition refers to under-nutrition that affects a person's health and wellbeing. It can come about if the body cannot use food properly, which can lead to a person losing weight and developi... Read more →
Agreement on committee to develop health plan
Agreement has been reached on the establishment of an all-party committee, which will be tasked with developing a 10-year vision for healthcare. The committee will have a number of jobs, including:-Examining existing demands on health services and forecasting future demand-Examining and recommendin... Read more →
'Breastfeeding Welcome Here' mark launched
A ‘Breastfeeding Welcome Here' mark has been launched in an attempt to change Irish people's attitudes towards breastfeeding. Breastfeeding children during their first six months of life is known to have a positive impact on their long-term health by, for example, reducing their risk of a num... Read more →
Over 45% have private health insurance
Almost 46% of the population now has private health insurance, the latest figures from the Health Insurance Authority (HIA) have shown. According to the HIA, at the end of March 2016, 2.126 million people had inpatient health insurance plans - that is 45.9% of the population. At its peak in 2008, j... Read more →
More people using web to research health
The number of Irish people using the internet to research health problems is on the increase and around 70,000 people have purchased medicines online, a new survey has revealed. According to the findings, 43% of adults use the internet to look up health matters, while 24% use it to source informati... Read more →
Gluten-free diet not a healthy option for all
There are no proven health benefits to switching to a gluten-free diet unless a person has coeliac disease or an allergy to wheat, researchers have said. People with coeliac disease are unable to digest gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. Symptoms can include weight loss, abdominal pa... Read more →
Teen fruit consumption cuts breast cancer risk
Women may have a reduced risk of developing breast cancer if they consumed a lot of fruit as a teenager. While fruit and vegetables are thought to help protect against breast cancer, studies have provided conflicting results. However most of these studies have looked at fruit consumption during mid... Read more →
Gestational diabetes affects baby's body fat
Babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes have more body fat when they reach two months of age compared to babies born to mothers without the condition, a new study has found. This marks the first study to show that gestational diabetes causes such early changes in the baby, despite there be... Read more →
Major conference for type 1 diabetes
A major conference aimed at people living with type 1 diabetes is to take place later this year. Last October, the first Thriveabetes (Thrive with Type 1 Diabetes) Conference took place, with 190 people in attendance. This year's event is expecting around 300 people and includes a programme specifi... Read more →
Spinal cord injury services lacking
Services for people with spinal cord injuries in Ireland are severely lacking, with some new patients facing major delays in accessing rehabilitation and some young people left to live in ICUs or nursing homes because home care packages to help them live independently are not available. According t... Read more →
Lack of commitment to mental health funding
The new Programme for Government does not contain a detailed commitment to mental health funding, it has been claimed. According to Mental Health Reform, while the programme does state that the mental health budget ‘will be increased annually during the lifetime of this new Government', there... Read more →
Doctors call on Harris to tackle capacity issues
Hospital consultants have called on the new Minister for Health, Simon Harris, to urgently tackle ‘critical capacity deficits' within the Irish health service. The Irish Hospital Consultants Association (IHCA) has written to the new Minister to outline the urgent need for investment in frontl... Read more →
Irish team to investigate gastric bypass
Irish researchers are set to investigate the success of weight loss that comes about after a gastric bypass. Researchers at University College Dublin (UCD) and Ulster University, along with a team from Florida State University in the US, aim to investigate whether long-term weight loss from gastric... Read more →
Postnatal depression in men a big issue
Postnatal depression among fathers is a ‘real and significant public health issue', however it is not widely acknowledged and there is little research in this area. According to University College Cork lecturer (UCC), Lloyd Philpott, while there has been a growing awareness about the burden o... Read more →
Irish children getting too many treats
Over 40% of parents in Ireland give their children treat foods, such as crisps and chocolate, at least once a day, new research has found. According to the findings from Safefood, children under the age of five are given the most treats, with 50% getting a treat food ‘at least once a day or m... Read more →
Coeliac disease - high rate of misdiagnosis
Some 46,000 people are estimated to have coeliac disease in Ireland, however there is a high rate of misdiagnosis among those affected, the Coeliac Society of Ireland has warned. People with coeliac disease are unable to digest gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. Symptoms can include ... Read more →
Irish women need to consume more folic acid
Women of childbearing age in Ireland need to consume higher levels of folic acid in order to reduce the incidence of severe birth defects here, a new report has found. The scientific report has been published by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) and it provides a detailed update on folic ... Read more →
Kids with asthma miss 10 days of school a year
Over 185,000 Irish children aged between one and 14 have asthma and each misses an estimated 10 days of school every year as a result of the disease, the Asthma Society of Ireland (ASI) has said. The ASI is hosting its first Bubble Day on May 3 in an effort to raise funds to create a network of sup... Read more →
450 kids with arthritis on waiting list
Almost 450 children with the painful joint disease, arthritis, are currently waiting to be seen by specialist doctors, Arthritis Ireland (AI) has said. Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints that causes pain and immobility, ranging from mild to severe. In Ireland around 915,000 people, includin... Read more →
Cyclathon aims to raise money for homelessness
Over 200 people will be getting on bicycles this weekend to raise money for a unique health service provided to homeless people in Dublin. The cyclathon will take place on Dublin's South William Street and will see participants attempting to cycle 3,400km on 20 stationary bikes over a 12-hour perio... Read more →
Planning permission granted for kids' hospital
Planning permission for the new national children's hospital has been granted. An Bord Pleanála has ruled that the new hospital, which will bring together the National Children's Hospital in Tallaght, Temple Street Children's Hospital and Our Lady's Children's Hospital in Crumlin, can be bui... Read more →
E-cigarettes safer than tobacco smoking - report
Smokers should be encouraged to use e-cigarettes because they are much safer than tobacco smoking, British doctors have insisted. According to a new report by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) in the UK, e-cigarettes are not a gateway to smoking and ‘are likely to be beneficial to public ... Read more →
Public patients left waiting for cancer tests
Public patients can be left waiting up to 20 times longer than private patients for vital cancer tests, a new report has shown. According to the findings, some public patients were left waiting for up to 480 days for important tests. The figures are contained in a report based on an in-depth surve... Read more →
Hay fever sufferers face tough summer ahead
Hay fever sufferers are being warned that pollen production is expected to be extremely high this summer. Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen. While most people are affected by grass pollen, pollen from trees and flowers can also be a problem for some sufferers. Symptoms can include a runny... Read more →
Even a few extra kilos increases heart risk
While it is already well established that obesity increases the risk of heart failure, a new study has found that even a few extra kilos can increase this risk. A body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more is considered obese, while a BMI of between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight. Researchers in Nor... Read more →
Many find it difficult to describe pain
Chronic pain can have a major impact on quality of life, but many sufferers find it difficult to describe what they are going through and so delay discussing their pain with their doctor, new research has shown. Chronic pain refers to pain or discomfort that affects a person all of the time, or on ... Read more →
Call for abolition of prescription levy
Pharmacists have called for the abolition of the prescription levy, insisting that many patients simply cannot afford the fee. In the past, people with medical cards obtained their prescription medicines from pharmacies with no fees attached. However, in 2010, a prescription levy of 50c per item wa... Read more →
New outpatient gynaecological service opened
One of the country's busiest maternity hospitals has opened a new outpatient gynaecology service, which will help to tackle waiting lists. The Rotunda Hospital in Dublin city centre delivers around 8,500 babies every year, however it also diagnoses and treats common gynaecological problems in women... Read more →
Diversion of mental health funds 'unacceptable'
It is unacceptable that mental health funds are being used to ‘prop up' other parts of the health service, Mental Health Reform (MHR) has said. This week, it emerged that €12 million of this year's mental health budget is being diverted to other parts of the health service. MHR promotes... Read more →
Sugar tax will not solve nation's dental crisis
Many Irish children have high levels of tooth decay, but introducing a sugar tax to tackle this ‘will not provide a miraculous quick fix solution', dentists have warned. According to the Irish Dental Association (IDA), studies show that around half of all Irish 12-year-olds and three-quarters... Read more →
Asthma can have big impact on quality of life
Almost three in four people with asthma in Ireland say that the condition impacts on their quality of life, while almost half say it leaves them feeling tired and drained, a new survey has found. Around 470,000 people in Ireland have asthma, but many people do not have good control of their conditi... Read more →
Women more affected by night shifts
Research already suggests that working night shifts may increase your risk of certain health problems, such as sleep disorders, heart disease and diabetes. However a new study indicates that women may be more affected by working unsocial hours than men. According to UK researchers, the findings cou... Read more →
Domestic violence 'not on homeless agenda'
Ireland's homeless figures are totally underestimated because they do not include thousands of women and children who are staying in emergency refuge accommodation, Safe Ireland has said. The national organisation, which works with frontline domestic violence services in Ireland, has just published... Read more →
Health service 'not working' - former HSE CEO
The former head of the HSE has said that the current health system ‘is just not working'. However, according to Prof Brendan Drumm, who is professor of paediatrics at UCD, major investment in primary care could solve many of the problems within the Irish health service. Prof Drumm was appoin... Read more →
Type 2 diabetes linked to liver disease risk
People with type 2 diabetes face an increased risk of developing serious liver disease, a study has found. Liver disease is often linked with people who consume too much alcohol over a long period, however UK researchers have found that most cases of the disease in people with type 2 diabetes are n... Read more →
Psoriasis may increase aneurysm risk
People with the skin condition, psoriasis, may have an increased risk of developing an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) - a potentially fatal enlargement of the main blood vessel that supplies blood to the abdomen, a new study has found. AAA usually causes no symptoms until it ruptures and this can ... Read more →
Colonoscopy wait times at all-time high
The number of public patients waiting over three months for a colonoscopy - a procedure that is often used to detect bowel cancer - reached an all-time high at the end of March, the Irish Cancer Society (ICS) has highlighted. It is calling on political parties to commit to tackling this serious iss... Read more →
New app to help hay fever sufferers
A new app, which will allow hay fever sufferers to determine the nature and severity of their condition before advising them on best treatment, has been launched. Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen. While most people are affected by grass pollen, pollen from trees and flowers can also be a... Read more →
Big jump in calls to Samaritans since 2014
The helpline run by Samaritans Ireland has answered around 1.2 million calls since its number became free of charge two years ago. Samaritans Ireland is a volunteer-led charity, which provides confidential, non-judgmental emotional support, 24 hours a day, for people who are experiencing feelings o... Read more →
Parents warned about rewarding kids with food
Parents be warned - rewarding your little ones with food may lead to them becoming emotional eaters. According to UK researchers, parents who use very controlling feeding practices, such as using food for treats or rewards, could be unintentionally teaching their children to turn to food when they ... Read more →
Eviction has major impact on health
People who are facing eviction from their homes are up to 13 times more likely to suffer noticeably poorer health, a new study has found. Spanish researchers set out to assess the impact that eviction can have on physical and mental health. They monitored the progress of 205 people who were current... Read more →
New sexual health awareness campaign
People are being encouraged to speak to their pharmacist about their sexual health and contraception needs. The call comes as part of a new sexual health awareness campaign, which has been launched by the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU), the HSE Sexual Health and Crisis Pregnancy Programme and the Irish... Read more →
Men view heavier women as less attactive
Men do not tend to negatively judge other men who are heavier, however they do view heavier women as being less attractive, a new study has found. UK researchers set out to assess the relationship between body mass index (BMI), attractiveness and gender. They found that overall, women tend to be j... Read more →
Food labels should contain 'activity equivalent'
Foods should be labeled with information on how much activity is needed to burn off the calories contained within, it has been suggested. According to Shirley Cramer, chief executive of the Royal Society of Public Health in the UK, providing people with an immediate link between what they are consu... Read more →
Losing a partner ups risk of irregular heartbeat
People who experience the death of a partner are at an increased risk of developing an irregular heartbeat for up to a year afterwards, a new study has found. An irregular heartbeat, also known as atrial fibrillation (AF), can make the heart less efficient at pumping blood around the body. This can... Read more →
More strokes occurring in working age people
The number of people under the age of 65 who have suffered a stroke in Ireland has jumped by 26% in the last seven years, a conference has been told. According to statistics from the National Stroke Audit, this is the equivalent of at least 300 extra strokes among people of working age every year. ... Read more →
Danger of defective tyres highlighted
Vehicle factors, such as defective tyres, had a role to play in over 100 fatal road traffic accidents between 2008 and 2012, a major new report has revealed. According to the Road Safety Authority, vehicle factors contributed to one in every eight fatal collisions between 2008 and 2012 - that is 10... Read more →
Over 422 million people have diabetes
Over 422 million people worldwide have diabetes and the global cost of this disease currently stands at $825 billion (€727 billion) per year, a major new study has revealed. According to the largest study ever undertaken into global diabetes levels, if current trends continue, over 700 million... Read more →
Almost 9,400 patients on trolleys in March
Almost 9,400 patients were left waiting on trolleys in Irish hospitals last month, the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) has said. According to its ‘Trolley/Ward Watch' figures, 9,381 patients were left waiting on trolleys in March - a 5% increase when compared with March 2014 and... Read more →
Hearing Awareness Week 2016
Older people who wish to have to avail of a free health screening can so this week as part of Hearing Awareness Week 2016. The annual event, which runs from April 4-8, aims to raise awareness of hearing loss. It is run by Hidden Hearing in association with Active Retirement Ireland. As part of thi... Read more →
At least 1% of Irish children have autism
At least 1% of children in Ireland have autism, which is similar to rates in the UK and US, a new study has shown. Autism, also known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a biological disorder of the brain that impairs communication and social skills. Signs can include an absence of eye contact, a... Read more →
Parents shunning cervical cancer vaccine, IMO forum hears
Large number of parents are withdrawing their consent for their daughters to be vaccinated against the HPV virus due to adverse publicity over its alleged side-effects, the annual conference of the Irish Medical Organisation has heard. Public health doctor Ann Hogan said “a significant number... Read more →
Skin cancer warning for outdoor workers
People who work in the outdoors need to be more aware of the dangers of skin cancer, experts have warned. According to a new European report, almost 14.5 million workers in Europe spend at least 75% of their working time outside. After just five years of working outdoors, these workers have a two-f... Read more →
Men less likely to be honest with male doctors
Men die around five years earlier than women and this may be because men are less likely to go to a doctor, and once there, are less likely to be honest about their symptoms, new research suggests. "Men can expect to die five years earlier than women, and physiological differences don't explain tha... Read more →
Importance of seatbelts highlighted
Over the last seven Easter bank holiday weekends, 17 people have died and almost 50 have been seriously injured on Irish roads. The Road Safety Authority (RSA) and the Gardai are urging all road users to be vigilant over the coming days and to ensure that seatbelts are always worn. An analysis of ... Read more →
Children waiting up to five years for eye care
Children who require eye care in the public system have to wait up to five years to be seen depending on where they live, the Association of Optometrists Ireland (AOI) has said. It is calling on the next Government to tackle these ‘unacceptable delays'. In a submission to all newly-elected T... Read more →
Concern over CF staffing levels
There have been some positive developments in the care of people with cystic fibrosis (CF) in Ireland in recent years, however, major concern has been expressed about poor staffing levels in this area. According to Cystic Fibrosis Ireland (CFI), there is a staffing crisis in hospitals, with some CF... Read more →
Antibiotic resistance high among children
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are usually treated with antibiotics, however a new study has found that these drugs may be ineffective when used on children, as antibiotic resistance is high among this population. The discovery and development of effective antibiotics in the 1940s and 1950s meant ... Read more →
Diabetes: rare, genetic form may need different treatment
Treating patients with a rare, genetic form of diabetes with therapies aimed at type 2 diabetes could be harmful, and there needs to be a review of treatment guidelines for such cases. This was the conclusion researchers from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, MO, came to in a s... Read more →
Many Irish unaware they can travel for treatment
Irish patients who face lengthy waiting lists for medical treatment here are entitled to seek treatment abroad and be reimbursed by the HSE, however few patients seem to be aware of their rights in this area, it has been claimed. The Cross-Border Directive (CBD) came into effect on June 1, 2014 and... Read more →
Exercise reduces COPD death risk
People with COPD can reduce their risk of dying if they undertake even moderate exercise, a new study has found. COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is an umbrella term for a number of chronic lung disorders, including bronchitis and emphysema. It is a progressive, disabling condition caus... Read more →
Young adults with diabetes very vulnerable
Young adults with type 1 diabetes are ‘a hugely vulnerable group of patients', a leading doctor has claimed. According to Dr Kevin Moore, a consultant endocrinologist at Tallaght Hospital and Naas General, adolescence is a minefield even in normal circumstances. However, when diabetes is adde... Read more →
Food intolerance often confused with allergies
Food allergies can have a big impact on quality of life, however many Irish people incorrectly think they have an allergy, when they actually have a food intolerance, a symposium in Dublin has been told. Speaking at the event, Dr Aideen Byrne, a specialist in paediatric allergies at Our Lady's Chil... Read more →
Irish teens report lack of family support
Fewer Irish teenagers are taking up smoking at a young age, however many are not satisfied with their lives and feel that they do not get enough support from their family and friends, a new survey has found. The pan-European World Health Organization (WHO) survey looked at almost 220,000 young peop... Read more →
'Difficult' patients face misdiagnosis risk
Patients may be more likely to be misdiagnosed if they are considered ‘difficult' by their doctor, a new study indicates. It has been widely suggested that the accuracy of a diagnosis may be adversely affected if a patient is considered difficult, but until now, there has been no evidence to ... Read more →
Chinese exercises may benefit heart health
Chinese exercises, such as Tai Chi, may help improve the health and quality of life of people with heart disease and high blood pressure, a new study has found. Tai Chi is a traditional Chinese exercise that involves a series of gentle movements that are performed in a slow and focused manner. This... Read more →
Some energy drinks have 16 teaspoons of sugar
The number of different energy drinks on sale in Ireland has jumped in recent years and some of these products contain over 16 teaspoons of sugar or the same amount of caffeine as two expressos in just one serving. According to a new report by Safefood, a survey it carried out in 2002 showed that t... Read more →
Physical activity cuts Alzheimer risk in half
People who are physically active may have a significantly reduced risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, a new study has shown. US researchers looked at almost 900 people who were taking part in a 30-year heart health study. The average age of participants was 78 years. All had their physical acti... Read more →
PTSD common after breast cancer diagnosis
Most women who are diagnosed with breast cancer go on to develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a new study has found. PTSD is an anxiety disorder that can occur after experiencing an intensely stressful event in which grave physical harm occurred or was threatened. It has been ... Read more →
Alzheimer's could be caused by viruses like herpes
Alzheimer's disease could be caused by viruses like herpes, a group of renowned dementia experts have warned, as they call for urgent investigation into the link. The worldwide team of 31 scientists and clinicians, which includes specialists from Oxford, Cambridge, Edinburgh and Manchester Univ... Read more →
Hostile attitude linked to poor memory
Young adults who do not cope well with stress or who have have a hostile attitude may have an increased risk of experiencing thinking and memory problems later in life, a new study has found. US researchers assessed the personalities and attitudes of over 3,100 people with an average age of 25. The... Read more →
Life expectancy has jumped in last 100 years
People born in Ireland in 1911 could only expect to live until their early 50s, a new report from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) has shown. The report, Life in 1916 Ireland: Stories from Statistics, was published to mark Ireland's centenary this Easter and to provide a snapshot of what life wa... Read more →
Exercise helps people cope after heart attack
People who exercise regularly have a better chance of survival if they suffer a heart attack. However, a new study has found that those who exercise are also more likely to cope better mentally in the aftermath. Norwegian researchers used data based on 120,000 people during three different time per... Read more →
Video games increasingly popular among kids
Traditional chasing and running games, like hide and seek and tip the can, appear to be a lot less popular among Irish children than computer games, according to the results of a new survey. Children aged between six and 12, along with their parents, were asked a series of questions about what they... Read more →
Management of meds can be complex
Pharmacists are urging older people to ask them for help when it comes to the medications they are taking. According to the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU), research suggests that people who have to take medication for more than one condition are more likely to take this medication incorrectly. Current... Read more →
Emotional impact of cancer can last years
The emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis can affect patients and their families for years, a new report by the Irish Cancer Society (ICS) has shown. The report looked at the ICS's counselling service and it revealed that while 48% of those accessing the service did so within 12 months of discover... Read more →
NI team in world-first cancer trial
Scientists in Belfast are leading the world's first trial of a new combination of cancer therapies, which may prolong the lives of men with advanced prostate cancer. Around 1,100 new cases of the disease are diagnosed in Northern Ireland every year, and almost 250 men die annually as a result. The... Read more →
Kids bombarded with alcohol messages in sport
Children and teenagers are being bombarded with messages about alcohol at sport events and this may encourage early drinking, the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI) has warned. It was referring to a new study from the UK which found that alcohol sports sponsorship is linked with increase... Read more →
Small reduction in patients on trolleys
More than 8,800 patients were left waiting on trolleys in hospitals nationwide last month, although this marked a small reduction on the numbers waiting during the same period in 2015, the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) has said. According to its ‘Trolley Watch' figures, 8,885 ... Read more →
Kids not active enough in winter
Children are not active enough during the winter and need to be given more opportunities to exercise during this time, new research suggests. Children are recommended to undertake at least 60 minutes per day of moderate to vigorous activity, such as brisk walking, running and sport. UK researchers... Read more →
Irish team grows working heart valve in the lab
Irish scientists have manager to grow a fully functioning heart valve in the laboratory that has the potential to function effectively within a growing human body. This marks a major breakthrough in heart research as it is the first time scientists have successfully made a valve that is capable of ... Read more →
Overweight, obesity linked to poorer memory for young adults
It is well established that being overweight can raise the risk of diabetes, heart disease and stroke. But according to a new study, it may also have consequences for cognitive health; researchers found that young adults who were overweight or obese had poorer episodic memory than their healthy-weig... Read more →
Parents urged to know signs of type 1 diabetes
Parents and healthcare professionals are being urged to make themselves aware of the signs and symptoms of type 1 diabetes in children. Diabetes Ireland and the Irish Childhood Diabetes Register have launched a campaign highlighting the importance of early diagnosis of this condition, which affects... Read more →
Daffodil Day 2016 is fast approaching
Some 40,000 people will be diagnosed with cancer this year and demand for cancer services is increasing, the Irish Cancer Society (ICS) has said. It is holding its annual national fundraiser - Daffodil Day - on Friday, March 11, and this year it is hoping to raise €3.5 million. The ICS is par... Read more →
Big jump in homeless families in Dublin
There are now almost 800 families in emergency accommodation in Dublin - an increase of 114% when compared with January 2015, new figures have shown. According to the figures from the Dublin Region Homeless Executive, last month alone, 125 new families presented as homeless in Dublin. The Dublin S... Read more →
Weight, height linked to lymphoma risk
Teenagers who are overweight and taller than average may have an increased risk of developing non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) - a type of cancer of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system has a key role in fighting infection in the body and lymphoma refers to cancer within this system. There are tw... Read more →
Ireland has high rate of oesophageal cancer
Ireland continues to have one of the highest rates of oesophageal cancer in Europe, the Oesophageal Cancer Fund (OCF) has warned. It is calling on members of the public to familiarise themselves with the symptoms of the disease, which is newly diagnosed in around 400 people every year. If caught i... Read more →
Is height, weight linked to rise in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma?
For unknown reasons, cases of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma are growing in number. A new study adds weight to the evidence that height and weight in early adulthood predict the likelihood of developing non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is a cancer that begins in the lymphocytes, a type ... Read more →
Consensus on genomic classification of bladder cancer makes progress
The genomic revolution that followed the unraveling of the human genome has led to a push to classify cancer according to genetic and molecular - rather than cell and tissue - features. While some areas like breast cancer have made huge progress in this movement, bladder cancer is a relative latecom... Read more →
Untreated high BP ups risk of brain bleed
People with high blood pressure that is left untreated may have an increased risk of developing a bleed on the brain, a new study has found. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a major cause of heart attack, stroke, kidney failure and premature death. However, it rarely carries any ... Read more →
Irish team in tuberculosis breakthrough
Irish scientists have made a breakthrough in relation to how the body's immune system responds to tuberculosis(TB), which could open the door to more personalised treatments for patients. TB is a serious bacterial disease that usually affects the lungs, but can also affect other organs. Symptoms ca... Read more →
Asthma linked to longer time to get pregnant
Women with asthma may take longer to become pregnant, a new study suggests. Previous research has indicated a link between the lung condition and fertility, however findings have been inconclusive, so Danish researchers decided to look into this further. They monitored 245 women, aged between 23 a... Read more →
Overactive thyroid linked to breast cancer risk
Women with an overactive thyroid may have an increased risk of developing breast cancer, a new study has found. The thyroid is a key gland in the body, releasing hormones that are essential for metabolism. According to Danish researchers, up to 6% of people in Europe have undiagnosed thyroid diseas... Read more →
'High risks' found during Holles St inspection
An unannounced inspection of the National Maternity Hospital last October revealed so many high risk findings, that a re-inspection was necessary within six weeks, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has revealed. According to a report of inspections at the hospital on Dublin's Holl... Read more →
Most unaware of 'hidden disabilities'
Many people do not know what a hidden disability is despite the fact that hundreds of thousands of people in Ireland are affected, research has shown. Hidden disabilities refer to disabilities which may not be visible at a glance, but can have a major impact on people's lives. They can arise from c... Read more →
Cancer drug may protect against Alzheimer's disease, study shows
Ahallmark of Alzheimer's disease is the formation of faulty protein clumps that clog up the brain and kill brain cells. Now, after observing its effects in a lab model of Alzheimer's, scientists have discovered that an already approved anti-cancer drug could delay the onset of the neurodegenerative ... Read more →
Eating disorder awareness event for Dublin
Open to those affected, healthcare professionals An open evening for young people and families who are affected by eating disorders is being held in Dublin later this month. The event will coincide with Eating Disorder Awareness Week, which will run from February 22 - 28. Consultant child and ado... Read more →
New test may improve heart treatment
Irish scientists are working on a new test, which may improve the treatment of people at risk of suffering a heart attack. The test has already been trialled on 400 patients. It centres on the treatment of heart disease, which can increase the risk of a heart attack. With heart disease, platelets,... Read more →
MND patients feel obligation towards carers
They often experience 'carer burden' While people with motor neurone disease (MND) are very grateful for the support of their families, they can sometimes agree to things they may not necessarily want, such as life-sustaining interventions, because they feel obliged to follow the wishes of their lo... Read more →
Zika virus: 'Strongest evidence yet' of effect on babies
One of the US's most senior public health officials has revealed the "strongest evidence to date" of the effect on babies of the Zika virus. Dr Tom Frieden, head of the Center for Disease Control (CDC), was testifying before politicians in Washington. He said that data from the cases of two infant... Read more →
One eighth of patients suffer harm in hospital, says report
One in eight patients admitted to hospitals in Ireland over the course of a year suffers an unintended injury, with some dying, new research has revealed. And nearly three-quarters of these adverse events are preventable. The study is the first of its kind to examine the extent of medical mistake... Read more →
Could 'barring exit from blood vessels' stop breast cancer spread?
Researchers have discovered a protein that controls whether migrating breast cancer cells are allowed to push their way through the walls of blood vessels and continue their deadly journey to establish new tumors in other parts of the body. They suggest that finding a way to control the protein so ... Read more →
Most smokers ignore lung health
The vast majority of smokers have never spoken to their doctor or pharmacist about lung health, a new survey has found. According to the findings from the Irish Cancer Society (ICS), just 15% of smokers have raised the topic with their GP, while only 4% have spoken to a pharmacist. Just 3% have sp... Read more →
Fianna Fáil pledges extra 4,000 nurses and 500 consultants
Party says it will ‘review’ free GP care for under-6s and halt extension to under-12s Fianna Fáil has promised to recruit an extra 4,000 nurses, 500 consultants and 250 GPs over five years to boost the performance of the health service. The party says it will abandon plans by th... Read more →
Kildare disability centre closed after HIQA report
St John of God Services have closed a residential centre for people with disabilities and have moved residents from two others following damning inspection reports from the Health Information and Quality Authority. The centres are on a campus in Celbridge, Co Kildare which is home to 137 peopl... Read more →
Consultants call for more hospital beds
More beds are urgently needed in public hospitals if the problem of overcrowding is to addressed, hospital consultants have said. According to the Irish Hospital Consultants Association (IHCA), the health service requires major investment and this must be prioritised by the incoming government. "I... Read more →
Wicklow could lead way with 'no-fry zone'
Wicklow could lead the way for other counties in Ireland by creating a ‘no-fry zone' close to schools in order to protect children's health. The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland Policy Group on Obesity has made a submission as part of the public consultation process on the new Wicklow C... Read more →
Grandparent carers let down by social services
Grandparents who have taken over the full-time care of their grandchildren because the children's parents are using drugs, feel they are taken for granted by social services, new research has shown. According to the findings, grandparents in this situation often face major difficulties, including m... Read more →
Major investment in ambulance service announced
Fifty new ambulances are to be purchased this year as part of a major investment in the National Ambulance Service. Some €18 million in capital funding is being made available to the service in 2016, which will allow for the purchase of the new vehicles, as well as the refurbishment of a furth... Read more →
Longer breastfeeding linked to bed sharing
Women who breastfeed are more likely to do it for longer if they share a bed with their babies, a new study has found. UK researchers looked at 678 women who were recruited midway during their pregnancy to take part in a breastfeeding trial. The study found that women who frequently shared a bed w... Read more →
Irish team in IBD breakthrough
Hundreds of children in Ireland are affected by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), however Irish scientists have made a breakthrough which could lead to new drug treatments for the condition. IBD refers to the conditions Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. There is no known cause or cure and som... Read more →
Lifespan in mice increased by clearing out senescent cells
Using mice, researchers have shown that clearing out senescent cells - cells whose ability to divide is permanently switched off and that accumulate with age - can increase lifespan without negative side effects. In a Nature paper, the team - from the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine in Rochester, M... Read more →
Lifespan in mice increased by clearing out senescent cells
Using mice, researchers have shown that clearing out senescent cells - cells whose ability to divide is permanently switched off and that accumulate with age - can increase lifespan without negative side effects. In a Nature paper, the team - from the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine in Rochester, M... Read more →
Smoking bans reduce passive smoke harm
National smoking bans have been successful in reducing passive smoking-related harm, including heart disease, major new Irish research has shown. Ireland became the first country in the world to ban indoor smoking in all public places in 2004. Since then, a number of other countries, regions and st... Read more →
Family carers save State €4B annually
Family carers in Ireland provide over six million hours of unpaid care every week, saving the State around €4 billion annually, according to the charity, Family Carers Ireland. It has just launched its pre-Election campaign, ‘Achieving Fairness for Family Carers'. According to the chari... Read more →
'No evidence that CT scans, X-rays cause cancer'
Researchers conclude there is no proof that low-level radiation from medical imaging - such as X-ray and computed tomography scans - causes cancer. They say it is time to throw out an unproven, decades-old theoretical model that has led many people - doctors and regulators included - to believe othe... Read more →
Public can shape cancer policy change
With the General Election now confirmed for February 26, the Irish Cancer Society (ICS) is calling on the public to help shape policy change by urging their election candidates to ‘close the cancer gap'. The cancer gap refers to the fact that where people live in Ireland affects their chances... Read more →
First confirmed cases of Zika virus in Ireland
Two cases of the Zika virus have been confirmed in Ireland. According to the HSE, a man and a woman, who are unknown to each other, were found to have the virus after travelling to an affected country. However, both people have recovered from the infection. Zika virus disease is spread via the bit... Read more →
Head cancer has big impact on carers' finances
Caring for a person with cancer of the head or neck can have a major impact on finances, a new study by the National Cancer Registry of Ireland (NCRI) has found. According to the NCRI, this is one of the most common type of cancers worldwide and it tends to be diagnosed in older people and those fr... Read more →
Death rates from leukaemia falling
A major study of cancer has shown that death rates from leukaemia are falling in Europe among people of all ages. The study by Italian, Swiss and US researchers involved an analysis of cancer rates in the EU's 28 member states, including Ireland. It revealed that death rates from most cancers are f... Read more →
Fertility treatment to be publicly funded
Couples who wish to undergo fertility treatment are to be publicly funded by the State, the Minister for Health has announced. As many as one in six couples have problems conceiving and those who wish to undergo fertility treatment, such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF), have to pay for this private... Read more →
Cervical cancer screening method to be assessed
The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) is to carry out an assessment to establish the most effective screening method for the prevention of cervical cancer. Every year, around 300 women are newly diagnosed with cervical cancer in Ireland and 90 die from the disease. Most cases are caus... Read more →
Many foods have cut salt and fat content
Some of Ireland's most popular food and drink products have had their fat, salt and calories significantly reduced in recent years, a new report has shown. The report from Food and Drink Industry Ireland (FDII) used data on 600 products from 14 major food and drink companies, including Coca Cola Ir... Read more →
Suicide risk among bereaved loved ones
People who have lost a loved one to suicide are at an increased risk of dying by suicide themselves, a new study suggests. According to the findings, when someone loses a loved one suddenly, they are 65% more likely to attempt suicide if the deceased died by suicide and not natural causes. This br... Read more →
Children's food allergies related to immunosuppression
Scientists have found new evidence to explain how food tolerance emerges over time in normal individuals, according to research published in Science. Food allergies affect around 15 million Americans, including many children. Symptoms of allergies and intolerance can range from relatively minor, su... Read more →
Skin Conditions During Pregnancy: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
During pregnancy, a woman's body goes through a host of physical changes and the skin is not immune from these effects. Commonly, women experience changes in the skin's appearance, including dark spots on the breasts, nipples and inner thighs, melasma, linea nigra, stretch marks, acne, spider veins... Read more →
First National Maternity Strategy launched
The country's first National Maternity Strategy has been launched, which aims to improve the quality and safety of mothers and their babies over the next 10 years. According to the strategy, women should have access to ‘safe, high-quality, nationally consistent, woman-centred maternity care'.... Read more →
Irish consumers eating less fat, sugar, salt, report finds
Irish consumers are eating less salt, sugar and fat in their diet thanks to the reformulation of the products they consume, the food industry has claimed. The average daily sodium intake of an adult dropped at least 8 per cent between 2005 and 2012 as manufacturers cut the amount of salt in their p... Read more →
Food companies are told: cut hidden sugar by 10pc before 2020
Food companies will be told today to cut the amount of hidden 'added sugars' in popular products by 10pc in the next four years. And they must reduce levels of saturated fat by 5pc by 2020 to help tackle rates of obesity. The targets are expected to be set by Health Minister Leo Varadkar... Read more →
Muscular dystrophy services need improvement
People with the muscle-wasting condition, muscular dystrophy, need better health and social care services, including more accessible accommodation, Muscular Dystrophy Ireland (MDI) has said. The charity has just launched its inaugural LOVEMDI awareness and fundraising campaign, which will take plac... Read more →
Depression Screening Recommended For All Pregnant Women, New Mothers
Pregnant women and new mothers need more attention when it comes to screening for depression, according to recommendations issued Tuesday by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. That came as part of the panel's recommendation that all adults should be screened, in a situation where they can be ... Read more →
Participants needed for study on falls
Older people living in Galway are being invited to take part in a study on the efficacy of Pilates in the prevention of falls. Some 7,000 people over the age of 65 are admitted to hospital every year in Ireland for the treatment of fall-related injuries. This can lead to major issues with quality o... Read more →
Women urged to avail of free smear tests
Women aged between 25 and 60 are being urged to avail of free smear tests provided by CervicalCheck, the National Cervical Screening Programme. The call came from CervicalCheck and the Irish Family Planning Association (IFPA) at the launch of their Pearl of Wisdom campaign, which is part of Europea... Read more →
AF a bigger heart risk factor in women
Having an irregular heartbeat is known to increase the risk of stroke and heart disease. However, a new study has found that this is a stronger risk factor in women. Atrial fibrillation (AF) causes irregular and rapid heartbeats, which can make the heart less efficient at pumping blood around the b... Read more →
Cereal killers: sugar levels to drop for many popular brands
The amount of sugar in many popular brands found on Irish supermarket shelves is set to tumble over the coming months. Kellogg’s yesterday announced plans to cut more than 723 tons of sugar from its cereals — including the likes of Frosties and Coco Pops — next year. The company d... Read more →
Major depression linked to disruption of brain's emotional networks
Different regions of our brain need to work simultaneously in order for us to process emotion. But according to new research, such regions are disconnected among individuals who experience multiple episodes of major depression. Study coauthor Scott Langenecker, associate professor of psychiatry and... Read more →
Maynooth scientists in diabetes breakthrough
Irish researchers have discovered a series of new compounds which mimic the beneficial effects of exercise in people with type 2 diabetes. Over 370 million people worldwide are estimated to have type 2 diabetes, including some 200,000 in Ireland. Exercise is known to have a beneficial effect on the... Read more →
Beaumont is 3rd hospital to postpone procedures
Beaumont Hospital in Dublin has become the third hospital in two days to postpone all non-urgent elective procedures, due to overcrowding in its Emergency Department (ED). On Thursday, Cork University Hospital and Dublin's Mater Hospital made the same decision due to major pressure in their EDs. A ... Read more →
Many unaware of lung cancer dangers
Many Irish people appear to have a lack of awareness about the dangers of lung cancer, new research suggests. According to a survey of over 1,000 adults, which was launched by the Irish Cancer Society (ICS), just over half of people are unaware that lung cancer is Ireland's biggest cancer killer, w... Read more →
Major pressure on Cork University Hospital
Some 1,735 patients attended the Emergency Department (ED) in Cork University Hospital (CUH) between January 11 and 19, with almost 900 of these requiring inpatient admission. As a result of these high levels of activity, the hospital has postponed all non-urgent elective procedures today (January ... Read more →
Little improvement in brain cancer survival rates
Around 290 people in Ireland are diagnosed with cancer of the brain every year and there has been little improvement in survival rates over the last 20 years, a new report has found. The report by the National Cancer Registry of Ireland (NCRI) analysed the current trends relating to malignant prima... Read more →
Even the health-conscious eat too much 'hidden' sugar
An apparently healthy diet can conceal three times the amount of sugar a person should ideally consume each day - because so much is now hidden in everyday foods. The most unlikely savoury foods can contain several spoons of added sugar, while so-called "low fat" versions of products are often swee... Read more →
Ebola: $5m vaccine deal announced
The Vaccine Alliance, Gavi, has signed a $5m (£3.5m) deal for an Ebola vaccine, to protect against future outbreaks of the deadly disease. The deal commits pharmaceutical company Merck to keeping 300,000 vaccines ready for emergency use or further clinical trials. It will also submit an appl... Read more →
Walking benefits wellbeing in over-50s
People over the age of 50 who walk for at least 150 minutes per week have better mental health, new Irish research has shown. According to data from the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) - an ongoing study of people in Ireland over the age of 50 - being physically active, even just walking... Read more →
Health service to begin electronic patient referrals
The electronic referral of patient appointments by family doctors is to become standard within months as part of a rollout of “e-medicine” initiatives in the health service. All hospitals will be able to receive electronic referrals, and 95 per cent of GPs will be equipped to send them ... Read more →
Free GP care for under-sixes adds to A&E delays
The number of children under six being referred to hospitals has jumped sharply since the Government brought in free GP care for them last year. This has added to increased delays in emergency departments. The State’s biggest children’s hospital, Our Lady’s hospital in Crumlin, h... Read more →
Most pharmacies have experienced crime
Around three in four pharmacies in Ireland have experienced some type of crime, with almost one in five of these crimes described as ‘violent', a new survey has found. According to the Irish Pharmacy Union's (IPU) Crime Survey 2015, 74% of pharmacies have experienced some form of crime, inclu... Read more →
It is not too late to get flu vaccine
The Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar, is urging all health workers and other people at risk to get the flu vaccine. According to the Minister, it is not too late to get vaccinated and there are 250,000 doses of the vaccine in storage ready to be used. Last week, the Health Protection Surveillance... Read more →
Irish scientists in psoriasis breakthrough
Irish scientists have made a breakthrough which could lead to the development of new therapies to treat the skin condition, psoriasis. Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition, which appears as pink or red raised patches on the skin. These patches, which are known as plaques, have a well-defined... Read more →
Women urged not to fear smear tests
An estimated 110,000 women have never attended for a smear test despite the fact that it only takes about five minutes and is free of charge, the Marie Keating Foundation has said. It has launched a new campaign, ‘Don't Fear the Smear', with the aim of encouraging all those in the relevant ag... Read more →
ICS chief executive to take €10,000 pay cut
The chief executive of the Irish Cancer Society (ICS) has decided to take a pay cut as part of the charity's efforts to provide financial assistance to the families of children with cancer. Earlier this week, the ICS announced that it was closing its Financial Support Programme, which helps cancer ... Read more →
Work begins on new mental hospital
The new National Forensic Mental Health Service (NFMHS) Hospital, which will replace the Central Mental Hospital in Dundrum, should be completed by the end of 2018, the Department of Health has said. This week, the Minister for Mental Health, Social Care and Primary Care, Kathleen Lynch, turned the... Read more →
Safety warning after charger causes fire
Members of the public are being warned to be careful when buying and using electrical products, after a charger left on a bed overheated and caused a fire in an apartment in Dublin recently. The charger overheated and burst into flames, causing extensive damage to the apartment in Islandbridge. "E... Read more →
First National Physical Activity Plan launched
Ireland's first ever National Physical Activity Plan has been launched by the Government. It aims to get an extra 50,000 people taking regular exercise every year for the next 10 years. The plan was launched by four Government ministers, including the Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar, and the Mini... Read more →
Cancer financial support programme to close
The Irish Cancer Society (ICS) has confirmed that it is closing its Financial Support Programme, which helps cancer patients who are facing financial hardship as a result of their diagnosis. According to the ICS, the programme is being closed because ‘the demand has become too big for us to m... Read more →
Potatoes linked to diabetes in pregnancy, study finds
The humble spud has come under renewed attack on health grounds, with a new study finding a link between higher consumption of potatoes before pregnancy and a greater risk of developing diabetes while pregnant. The study by US-based researchers, in the BMJ journal, suggests substituting potatoes wi... Read more →
New mental health service for Limerick
A new mental health service aimed at young people is to open in Limerick later this year, it has been announced. Jigsaw is a network of programmes across Ireland, which aims to make sure that every teenager and young adult has someone to talk to if they are having a mental health issue. It is aimed... Read more →
Long waiting times for chronic pain patients
Chronic pain affects around 13% of the Irish population, however those affected have to wait an average of two years before seeing a doctor specialising in this area, an expert has warned. Chronic pain can be described as ‘pain which persists past the normal time of healing', which is taken, ... Read more →
Early weight loss may cut diabetes risk
Obesity is the biggest risk factor for type 2 diabetes, however young people who are obese can reduce their risk of developing diabetes later on if they lose weight early enough, a new study has found. UK researchers looked at the body mass index (BMI) of almost 5,000 men when they were aged 21 and... Read more →
Lifestyle key to preventing type 2 diabetes
More than 60% of cases of type 2 diabetes could be prevented or delayed if people adopted a healthier lifestyle, Diabetes Ireland has said. According to the national charity, which provides advice and support to anyone affected by the condition, the greatest number of people affected by type 2 diab... Read more →
Many festive treats loaded with sugar
Irish families are being encouraged to reduce their intake of sugar this Christmas. According to Diabetes Ireland, the average mince pie contains up to five-and-a-half teaspoons of sugar and many other festive treats, such as Christmas-themed drinks from coffee shops, are also very high in sugar. ... Read more →
15 simple tips for happy feet
The feet provide a foundation for the entire body structure, but nonetheless are often forgotten about and neglected. In her new book, nurse Isobel Guckian advises on how to best care for your precious tootsies. 1 Listen to your body We might love running, but pounding the pavements sends shock wa... Read more →
Siobhan Byrne: Much-needed boost for the metabolism
Poor cheat meals, coffee and bad snacking can all slow the body down. Weekend gorging: It's Monday, and if you constantly get to a Monday telling yourself you have to start again with your diet, after gorging all weekend, then maybe you are doing one of the many things that slow down your metabolis... Read more →
Smear test callback
Our GP advises on smear test abnormalities and the inevitably fatal consequences of CJD. Most abnormalities found on smears are totally treatable. About one-in-20 women who are screened will have some abnormal cells found. Less than one-in-1,000 women who are referred for colposcopy are found to ha... Read more →
New hope for blood cancer patients
People in Ireland who are suffering with cancer of the blood will have the opportunity to be among the first in the world to test new potentially life-saving drugs and treatments, following the launch of a new national clinical research network. The newly established Blood Cancer Network Ireland (B... Read more →
Food allergies may not affect siblings
Good news for parents. Just because one of your children has a food allergy does not automatically mean your other children will also be allergic. US researchers looked at 1,120 children, all of whom had a sibling with a documented food allergy. They found that 53% of the children had a food sensit... Read more →
Kids with dogs have lower asthma risk
Children who grow up around dogs may have a reduced risk of developing asthma. Children who grow up around dogs may have a reduced risk of developing asthma. Currently in Ireland, one in five children has asthma. The link between early life contact with dogs and the development of the disease has ... Read more →
Pregnant women advised not to sit too much
Pregnant women with symptoms of depression are more likely to sit for long periods during their second trimester, increasing their risk of higher weight gain and developing gestational diabetes, a new study has found. Sedentary behaviour, such as sitting for long periods, has already been linked to... Read more →
New website on palliative care
A new website, which aims to provide information about palliative care throughout Ireland, has been launched. The site has been launched to coincide with Palliative Care Week 2015, which runs until October 31. This event has been coordinated by the All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative C... Read more →
The trick to triumphing over your sweet tooth
Most of us admit to having sweet tooth - but there are ways of distracting ourselves from over-indulging. Remember you are more likely to indulge a sweet tooth if you're hungry, so always eat three well-balanced meals, spread evenly, and have healthy ingredients, such as fruit, nuts or low-fat yogu... Read more →
Study urges moderation in red meat intake
A study linking red meat and mortality lit up the media in more ways than one. Hundreds of media outletscarried reports about the study. Headline writers had a field day, with entries like “Red meat death study,” “Will red meat kill you?” and “Singing the blues abo... Read more →
Herbal antidepressant St John's Wort returns
In 2000, there was a big fuss when St John's Wort, the popular herbal remedy for depression, was removed from over-the-counter sales in health-food shops. People asked, what is the problem with a natural remedy? Surely something so harmless, but so good, should continue to be available. It is widely... Read more →
Outbreak of moles on right arm indicates a high risk of cancer
Having more than 11 moles on their right arm could mean a person has a higher risk of skin cancer, according to research. Experts believe that the number of moles someone has on their right arm is the best indicator of how many moles they have altogether - and having more than 100 moles on the body... Read more →
10 simple ways to avoid heartburn
If you've ever experienced heartburn, you'll be all too familiar with the nasty, hot feeling at the back of your throat. It can be uncomfortable and unpleasant, and although not life-threatening in any way, it can certainly affect the quality of your life. This is the first National Heartburn Aware... Read more →
Recall of chemotherapy medicines
The Irish Cancer Society (ICS) is urging anyone who is concerned about a chemotherapy drug recall, to contact its helpline for advice. Last week, the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) announced a precautionary recall of a number of chemotherapy medicines in Ireland. It said that while th... Read more →
New laws on life-saving medicines introduced
Trained members of public can administer them. New laws have been signed by the Minister for Health which will allow trained members of the public to administer life-saving medicines. A number of emergency medicines are included in the new regulations, including adrenaline auto-injectors, better k... Read more →
Most Irish adults not exercising enough
Just one-third of Irish people get enough exercise and only one-quarter eat enough fruit and vegetables, a major new survey has found. According to the first national survey on the nation's health since the SLÁN survey in 2007, while overweight and obesity figures appear to have stabilised i... Read more →
Cancer treatment possible during pregnancy
Women who are diagnosed with cancer while they are pregnant can start treatment for the disease immediately and do not need to worry about the effects this may have on their unborn child, a new study has found. European researchers looked at 129 children aged between one and three years, whose moth... Read more →
HSE highlights importance of flu vaccine
The Minister for Health and the HSE are reminding people in at-risk groups to get themselves vaccinated against the flu. The HSE provides the annual flu vaccine free of charge to people who are considered at risk of contracting the illness. These are:-Everyone aged 65 and older-Pregnant women-Anyon... Read more →
Asthma risk is higher if your grandmother smoked
Children whose grandmothers smoked have a heightened risk of asthma even if their mothers avoided the habit, a study has shown. Evidence that the lifestyle sins of the grandmother can skip a generation and be visited upon her grandchildren comes from a large Swedish study. It adds to growing evide... Read more →
€3B investment plan for health announced
Opposition describe it as a 'wish list' The Minister for Health has announced a €3 billion investment package for the health service as part of the Government's Capital Plan for the next six years. According to Minister Leo Varadkar, this investment will ‘support the transformation of h... Read more →
Fidgeting may be good for you
An increasing number of studies suggest that sitting for prolonged periods is bad for our health. However, a new study suggests that fidgeting movements may counteract some of these adverse health effects. UK researchers examined data from a study involving over 35,000 women aged between 35 and 69.... Read more →
Participants needed for autism costs study
Families affected by autism are being invited to take part in a new study, which aims to determine the true costs of raising a child with this condition. Autism, also known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a biological disorder of the brain that impairs communication and social skills. Signs c... Read more →
The truth about superfoods
Certain foods have been assigned 'super' status and attributed mighty powers said to benefit our health dramatically. Dietitian Jennifer Sygo examines these so-called superfoods and debunks some of the myths surrounding them. Whole foods have literally hundreds, even thousands, of active compounds,... Read more →
Bedtime tablets reduce diabetes risk
Taking blood pressure medications at bedtime, rather than in the morning, halves the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to new research. The research published in Diabetologia (the journal of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes) involved 2,012 patients without diabetes, 97... Read more →
Bedtime tablets reduce diabetes risk
Taking blood pressure medications at bedtime, rather than in the morning, halves the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to new research. The research published in Diabetologia (the journal of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes) involved 2,012 patients without diabetes, 97... Read more →
Majority support tax on sugary drinks
Almost 60% of Irish people would support the introduction of a tax on sugar-sweetened drinks in order to help reduce the rate of childhood obesity, a new poll by the Irish Heart Foundation (IHF) has revealed. In its pre-budget submission, the IHF is calling for a 20% tax on sugar-sweetened drinks. ... Read more →
Walking 25 minutes a day can add seven years to your life research reveals
Just 25 minutes of brisk walking a day can add up to seven years to your life, health experts have said. New research shows regular exercise can reduce ageing and increase the average life span. Sanjay Sharma, professor of inherited cardiac diseases in sports cardiology at St George's University H... Read more →
New app for people with rheumatoid arthritis
A new app has been launched to help Irish people suffering with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA is a chronic and often painful condition that affects the joints, causing them to become inflamed. Around 40,000 people in Ireland are affected, almost three in four of whom are women. The RAISE app has b... Read more →
At-risk groups urged to get flu vaccine
People at risk of contracting the flu are being urged to get themselves vaccinated in the coming weeks. According to a new awareness campaign involving Age Action, the Asthma Society of Ireland and Boots Ireland, almost 2,500 cases of flu were reported during the 2014/2015 winter season and the num... Read more →
Smoking doubles risk of dementia
Smokers have a significantly higher risk of developing dementia than non-smokers, however many people are unaware of this link, two leading health organisations have warned. Around 48,000 people in Ireland are affected by various types of dementia, however this figure is expected to jump to 68,000 ... Read more →
Irish team in Alzheimer's breakthrough
Irish scientists have made a major breakthrough in relation to the most common form of dementia worldwide, Alzheimer's disease. According to the team from Trinity College Dublin (TCD), their findings could lead to the development of new forms of therapy for those affected. Alzheimer's disease affe... Read more →
Smoking ups risk of type 2 diabetes
Smokers and those exposed to secondhand (passive) smoke have a much higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a new study has found. According to the findings, more than 27 million cases of type 2 diabetes worldwide may be due to smoking. "Cigarette smoking should be considered as a key modifiabl... Read more →
A healthy weight may delay Alzheimer's onset
Maintaining a healthy weight during middle age may delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease, a new study has found. While obesity is known to increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, until now, it has been unclear whether it also affects the age at onset of the disease. Researchers decid... Read more →
Thousands unaware they have high BP
Hundreds of thousands of Irish adults are unaware they have high blood pressure, which increases the risk of a heart attack and stroke, the Irish Heart Foundation (IHF) has warned. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a major cause of heart attack, stroke, kidney failure and prematur... Read more →
Tuesday 15 September 2015 Life Newsletter 15 myths about cancer
It's easy to believe everything you hear about something as scary as cancer, so we spoke to the Irish Cancer Society to debunk some of the most common myths surrounding the disease. There's no doubt about it, cancer is frightening. As advancements are made we know more and more about the disease, b... Read more →
Orthorexia Nervosa: The good girl's eating disorder
Images of people with ‘perfect bodies’ living on ‘perfect diets’ is perpetuating an obsession with eating only 100pc pure, wholesome foods, says Joyce Fegan. Dieting has now become a dirty little word. Instead, eating ‘clean’ and training ‘hard’ is th... Read more →
Pregnant women urged to avoid all alcohol
Pregnant women in Ireland often receive conflicting advice in relation to drinking alcohol, but there is no safe level of consumption during pregnancy, Alcohol Action Ireland (AAI) has insisted. The national charity for alcohol-related issues is urging pregnant women to avoid alcohol altogether dur... Read more →
15 simple steps to inner calm
We all feel comfortable noting our physical wellness, but we must learn to protect our emotional well-being too. Here are 15 steps to get through those mental health dips - which we all go through One of the most important things to understand and accept is that we all have mental health. In today'... Read more →
Cure for travel sickness a few years away
A cure for travel sickness appears to be on the way, but it may be between five and 10 years before members of the public can buy it. Travel or motion sickness is common. Many people have experienced feelings of queasiness when travelling, however around three in 10 people suffer more severe sympto... Read more →
Thousands using asthma inhalers incorrectly
As many as two-thirds of people with asthma in Ireland could be making their condition worse by not using their inhalers correctly, the Asthma Society of Ireland (ASI) has warned. It has just launched a major campaign in conjunction with the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU), to encourage people to ensure... Read more →
Wasp stings could help fight some cancers research reveals
Getting stung by the Brazilian wasp Polybia paulista may not be such a bad thing if you have cancer, research suggests. The wasp's venom contains a powerful "smart" drug that selectively targets and destroys tumour cells without harming normal cells, a study has shown. In tests, it has been shown ... Read more →
15 tips to banish insomnia
Insomnia adversely affects the health of about 15pc of Irish people, writes Isobel Hayes, but some simple changes to your routine can improve the quality of your sleep. Most of us have woken up at 4am at one time or another and struggled to get back to sleep. But for about 15pc of Irish people, ins... Read more →
Living with pets and allergies
We Irish love our domestic pets, but they are increasingly being found to cause allergies. And look further than Rover the dog, because cats, rabbits, hamsters and other furry pets can also cause allergies. Around half of all asthmatic children are allergic to cats, while 40pc are allergic to dogs.... Read more →
Spotlight on childhood cancer in September
The bravery of children diagnosed with cancer is being highlighted throughout the month of September, as part of the annual Light It Up Gold campaign. The campaign is run in Ireland by the Childhood Cancer Foundation (CCF), but is part of an international campaign that originated in the US. As part... Read more →
Look after your health at Electric Picnic
People attending this weekend's Electric Picnic music and arts festival are being urged to look after their health. According to the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU), dehydration, sunburn, diarrhoea and unprotected sex are the biggest threats to the health of festival goers. "We are advising people to p... Read more →
Kids catch up to eight colds a year
Risk increases at back-to-school time The average school child in Ireland can expect to catch up to eight colds and two to three bouts of viral gastroenteritis per year, pharmacists have warned. According to the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU), most common childhood illnesses are contagious and with ch... Read more →
UCD scientists in arthritis breakthrough
People who are most likely to suffer the severest effects of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can now be identified early and provided with more aggressive treatments earlier on, thanks to a discovery by scientists at University College Dublin (UCD). RA is a chronic and often painful condition that affect... Read more →
All doctors need to know eating disorder signs
All doctors who are in contact with children should be aware of the warning signs of eating disorders, experts have said. Eating disorders are a range of illnesses that are characterised by disordered eating patterns and negative thought processes regarding body weight and shape. They include anore... Read more →
Multiple sclerosis linked to lower levels of vitamin D
Multiple sclerosis is strongly associated with genetically lower levels of vitamin D, according to a new study by researchers from Canada. The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation estimate that more than 400,000 people in the US have multiple sclerosis (MS). MS is an autoimmune disease that aff... Read more →
A bottle of water before mealtimes could aid weight loss
Published in the journal Obesity, the study found drinking 500 ml of water half an hour before eating breakfast, lunch and dinner led to greater weight loss among obese adults compared with those who did not drink water before mealtimes. "The beauty of these findings is in the simplicity. Just drin... Read more →
Women urged to look out for signs of heart disease and stroke
The Irish Heart Foundation launched the 'Red Alert' campaign which runs for September. The campaign aims to highlight that cardiovascular disease is the biggest killer of women in Ireland. Almost 90 per cent of women in Ireland do not know heart disease and stroke are the biggest causes of death am... Read more →
Why insomnia hits middle-age and what we can do to prevent it
Professor Derk-Jan Dijk, director of the University of Surrey's sleep research centre, says reaching middle age creates a perfect storm of conditions for poor sleep; as work and family commitments peak in tandem, sleep becomes the first area of the 24-hour day that people look to cut back on. Lon... Read more →
Link between ADHD and brain injury
The study, published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research, utilized data obtained from a telephone survey of the adult residents of Ontario, Canada. "These new data suggest a significant association betweenADHD [attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder] and TBI [traumatic brain injury],... Read more →
Sitting is 'the new smoking'
Sitting for prolonged periods of time may be as dangerous to a person's health as smoking, researchers in Northern Ireland have claimed. According to the team from Queen's University Belfast, it is now thought that prolonged sitting increases the risk of obesity, heart disease, diabetes and even pr... Read more →
One drink a day raises breast cancer risk, study finds
Medical review says those with family history of disease should consider giving up alcohol Just one drink a day puts women at increased risk of breast and other alcohol-related cancers, a major study published today suggests. People with a family history of cancer should consider giving up alcohol... Read more →
How exercise can help you move on after cancer
Exercise has long been billed as a key part of the cancer recovery journey. We meet the patients lifting and squatting their way back to health It's widely known that physical exercise is a crucial part of healing for those who've undergone heart surgery - but did you know that science is now advoc... Read more →
Less protein, more carbs 'provides key to healthier, longer life'
Cutting down on protein and upping consumption of carbohydrates may be the key to living a longer, healthier life, new research suggests. In tests on mice, changing the mix of protein and carbs produced the same benefits as reducing calorie consumption by 40pc. Previous research has shown th... Read more →
Palliative care differs greatly by region
The type of palliative care services available to people varies greatly depending on where they live, a new report has found. The availability of these services also differs greatly, with some available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and others only available during office hours. The report wa... Read more →
New unit to help families stripped of medical cards
A special unit to deal directly with families who have lost their discretionary medical card is to be set up by health service bosses within weeks. The HSE unit will assign individual case officers to advise on the care, services and support available to those who have a severe disability or seriou... Read more →
Eat raw, living food to improve your body and mind
Anyone who is feeling unwell should first look at the foods they eat, writes Dr Brian Clement, who believes that cooked food compromises our capacity to heal I HAVE been director of Hippocrates Health Institute, located in West Palm Beach, Florida, USA, for the last 34 years. At our health institut... Read more →
Insulin pumps reduce heart-related deaths
People with type 1 diabetes have a significantly reduced risk of dying from cardiovascular disease if they use insulin pumps, rather than injections, a new study has found. An insulin pump is a portable computerised device that is attached to the body. It is the size of a small mobile phone. It del... Read more →
Depression ups heart risk in RA patients
Stress and anger also increase risk People with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are more likely to experience hardening of the arteries - a major risk factor for heart disease - if they are anxious, stressed or depressed, a new study has found. According to the findings, a lack of social support can als... Read more →
Music reduces pain among surgical patients
A major new study has found that listening to music before, during or after surgery can significantly reduce pain and anxiety among patients. According to the findings, even listening to music while under general anaesthetic appeared to reduce the level of pain experienced by patients. UK research... Read more →
Kids' hospital plans 'spectacular' - Varadkar
The Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar, has described the plans for the new National Children's Hospital as ‘spectacular'. The plans for the hospital, which if approved will be based on the grounds of St James's Hospital in Dublin, are being lodged with An Bord Pleanála on Monday aftern... Read more →
Say no to (7) spoons of sugar
Ideally, adults, and children over the age of 11 should not be consuming more than 30g, or seven spoons, of sugar a day. But as we know, most of the sugar we eat is not added but hidden in different foods and drinks. Savoury foods may seem deceptive but they can contain significant amounts of sug... Read more →
Rude health... Hospital freebies
Holding his hands up as a supplier to Irish hospitals, there is no free lunch from Maurice Gueret or exotic caravan trips. Like most ordinary folk, my jaw dropped while watching the recent RTE Prime Time programme on disreputable practices in the hospital supply business. Only after the programme f... Read more →
Patients with epilepsy among first to trial health identifiers
Patients with epilepsy will be among the first to trial individual health identifiers, a unique number which will eventually be given to every person in the State to track them through the health and social care system for life. A new unit will be established within the Health Service Executive to ... Read more →
Weight in 1st pregnancy affects 2nd baby
Risk present even if all went well 1st time A woman's weight during her first pregnancy may affect the health of a second baby, even if everything went well the first time around, a new study has found. It is already well established that a mother's weight can increase the risk of complications du... Read more →
AF screening prog would be cost-effective
A national screening programme aimed at detecting atrial fibrillation (AF) in people over the age of 65, would be cost-effective if introduced in this country, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has said. AF causes irregular and rapid heartbeats, which can make the heart less effic... Read more →
Music during operations should be reviewed
The use of background music in operating theatres should be reviewed, as it may impair communication and lead to tension among staff, the results of a new study suggest. Music was first introduced into operating theatres just over 100 years ago, with the aim of relieving anxiety in patients. Today,... Read more →
'Cancer has put pressure on me financially'
Coming to terms with a cancer diganosis can be a rollercoaster - for the patient and their family. Add the mounting medical bills and the stresses of everyday life, the disease itself becomes just one part of the cancer journey. Patricia Dempsey had a well-paid job as an office administrator before... Read more →
Spicy food may help you live longer
Eating spicy food regularly may help you live longer, a new study suggests. According to the findings, people who frequently consume spicy foods have a lower risk of death, including death from cancer. International researchers looked at over 487,000 men and women aged between 30 and 79 years. All... Read more →
All patients to get identifying number
Every person in the country who uses health and social care services is to be given an ‘Individual Health Identifier' (IHI) - a number that is unique to them and that will last their lifetime. According to the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA), the aim of the IHI is to accuratel... Read more →
Small amount of exercise benefits over-60s
People over the age of 60 who undertake even a very small amount of moderate to vigorous physical activity each week, reduce their risk of death, a new study has found. According to the findings, greater longevity is possible even if older people do not reach the recommended amount of exercise. Ad... Read more →
The psychological effects of hepatitis C: 'It was a dirty and uneasy feeling and it began to haunt me'
It was in the early noughties when I first got my bloods tested. I wasn't even thinking about hepatitis C at that time, that wasn't on my radar at all. To be honest, I only got tested because a number of other people in the methadone clinic I attended at that time were getting tested. I had no idea ... Read more →
Are you in the Bank Holiday horrors? Scientists make breakthrough in battling hangovers
Australian scientists believe they have made a significant breakthrough when it comes to hangovers which might just save you the pain come next Bank Holiday Monday. The new research suggests that drinking pear juice before a night on the tear could dramatically reduce the impact alcohol on your bod... Read more →
Brain training app could help people with schizophrenia
A "brain training" iPad game developed in Britain may improve the memory of patients with schizophrenia, helping them in their daily lives at home and at work, researchers said on Monday. Scientists at Cambridge University said tests on a small number of patients who played the game over four weeks... Read more →
15 ways to stave off dementia
Evidence suggests that if key risk factors for dementia - such as poor nutrition, lack of exercise and unhealthy lifestyles - were addressed, fewer people would have it. We talk to Professor William O'Connor about ways to stave off this condition 1 Wear a helmet Head injury has been linked to ea... Read more →
Giving stroke patients paracetamol 'could save 25,000 lives'
Treating stroke patients with antibiotics and the commonly-used painkiller paracetamol could save up to 25,000 lives across Europe each year, according to researchers. A £4m study will investigate whether routinely offering these drugs to people who have just suffered a stroke would help to... Read more →
Why eating for two during pregnancy may cause weight problem
Eating for two during pregnancy may lead to a weight problem because of changes to the digestive system, new research suggests. Pregnancy causes hormone-driven growth of the intestines that allows more energy to be extracted from the same amount of food, a study shows. The discovery, made in... Read more →
Laya Healthcare announces price hikes
Over half of Laya Healthcare policies are set to increase by an average of 4% from September, the health insurer has announced. Earlier this year, the company said that it had no plans to increase its premiums, however it has now confirmed that 55% of its policies will increase from September 1. I... Read more →
Mums wants more PE in schools
The vast majority of mothers in Ireland think schools need to dedicate more time to physical education (PE) and mental health, a new survey has found. According to the findings, 91% of mothers would like to see more emphasis on PE in school, while 96% would like children to be taught coping mechani... Read more →
Thousands unaware they have hepatitis C
Thousands of people in Ireland are unaware that they are infected with hepatitis C, the HSE has warned. It is calling on anyone who may be at risk to get tested, as effective treatments are available. Hepatitis C is a viral infection that affects the liver, causing it to become inflamed. As a resu... Read more →
Thousands unaware they have hepatitis C
Thousands of people in Ireland are unaware that they are infected with hepatitis C, the HSE has warned. It is calling on anyone who may be at risk to get tested, as effective treatments are available. Hepatitis C is a viral infection that affects the liver, causing it to become inflamed. As a resu... Read more →
Money a major stress for parents
The Government may be trying to convince us that the economy is improving, but a new survey has revealed that parents are more stressed about money now than they were in 2013. The survey, which was carried out on behalf of the Irish Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy (IACP), found that ... Read more →
Preterm births linked to withdrawn personality
Adults who were born very prematurely, or with a very low birth weight, are more likely to have a socially withdrawn personality and show signs of autism, a new study has found. UK researchers followed the progress of 200 adults who were either born very prematurely (before 32 weeks gestation), or ... Read more →
Shift work does not up prostate cancer risk
Men who work shifts are not at an increased risk of developing prostate cancer, a new study suggests. Previous research has suggested that people who work shifts are at an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as breast cancer. Between one and five and one in six workers curren... Read more →
Hospital inspections to focus on food qaulity
Public hospitals will undergo unannounced inspections to ensure that patients are being properly fed and hydrated, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has said. Inspection teams will assess whether patients are being provided with good quality meals and if they are being helped with... Read more →
Free GP care for all kids will happen - Varadkar
The Minister for Health has claimed that Fine Gael will move ahead with introducing free GP care for all children if the party is re-elected. Speaking at the McGill Summer School in Glenties, Donegal, on Thursday, Leo Varadkar, said that the Government ‘ has already expressed its desire to ex... Read more →
Birth weight and lifestyle affect diabetes risk
While it is already known that an unhealthy lifestyle increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, a new study has found that this risk increases even more if a person had a low birth weight. According to US researchers, diabetes is a global epidemic, with 387 million people worldwide now estimated to be... Read more →
Post-separation contact 'facilitates abuse'
Women and children who have left homes where they were abused, risk further abuse because of post-separation contact between children and their fathers, a new study has found. A researcher at Trinity College Dublin (TCD) looked at post-separation fathering in families where the father was known to ... Read more →
Arthritis - big benefits after knee op
People with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who undergo a total knee replacement can expect to experience less pain and a better quality of life afterwards, a new study has found. However, these improvements will not be as good as those experienced by people with osteoarthritis. Arthritis is an inflamma... Read more →
Importance of folic acid highlighted
Sexually active women who could become pregnant are being reminded of the importance of taking folic acid, even if they are not planning a pregnancy. Folic acid is a B-group vitamin, which is known to reduce the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs) in babies. NTDs are birth defects of the brain and s... Read more →
Obese people 'unlikely' to reach normal weight
An obese man has only a one in 210 chance of ever achieving a normal weight again, while an obese woman has a one in 124 chance, a new study has found. UK researchers tracked the weight of almost 280,000 people between 2004 and 2014. They assessed the probability of obese people reaching a normal b... Read more →
Exercise benefits brains of older people
Older adults can improve their brain function by exercising more, a new study has found. US researchers set out to determine the ideal amount of exercise required to experience benefits in the brain. They followed healthy adults aged 65 and older for a six-month period. None of the participants had... Read more →
Pain can affect holidays, work
Many people are currently jetting off on, or are just back from, their summer holidays. However, a new survey has found that almost one in seven Irish people are affected by pain while on holiday. The survey of over 970 adults nationwide was carried out in March and April and found that 15% of peop... Read more →
People with disabilities more likely to be poor
People with a disability are more likely to be poor and depend on social welfare for their income, a new report has revealed. The report by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) looks at the educational and employment experiences of people in Ireland with disabilities. The findings are ... Read more →
Drinking during pregnancy common in Ireland
Drinking alcohol during pregnancy is very common in Ireland and women are much more likely to drink while pregnant if they smoke, a new study has found. UK researchers carried out of a study of almost 18,000 women in four countries - Ireland, the UK, Australia and New Zealand. They found that drink... Read more →
Sugary drinks kill thousands worldwide
Sugary beverages, such as fizzy drinks and fruit juices, may be responsible for as many as 184,000 deaths worldwide every year, according to a global report. US researchers analysed 62 dietary surveys involving over 611,000 people that had been carried out in 51 countries between 1980 and 2010. Dat... Read more →
Avoid squatting in skinny jeans
If you need to carry out a task that involves lots of squatting, do not wear skinny jeans, doctors have advised. They have found that squatting in this type of clothing for long periods of time may damage muscle and nerve fibres in the legs. Writing in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & P... Read more →
Major funding cut for domestic abuse charity
The extension of a vital national helpline for women who are victims of domestic abuse may be delayed because of a cut in funding. According to Women's Aid, the national domestic violence support service, it has seen ‘an unexpected and significant 20% cut to its statutory funding by Tusla, th... Read more →
People visiting their GP more often
As Ireland pulls out of recession, people are starting to visit their GP more often, new data has shown. According to the 2015 Pfizer Health Index, during the recession, there was a decline in people visiting their GPs for check-ups or if they felt unwell, however this has started to change. Some ... Read more →
Recession has big impact on suicide rates
The impact of the recent recession on suicide and self-harm rates has been highlighted in a new Irish study. Researchers at University College Cork (UCC) and the National Suicide Research Foundation looked at the impact of the recession and austerity measures on the rates of suicide and self-harm i... Read more →
Chocolate may be good for the heart
People who eat up to 100g of chocolate per day may have a lower risk of developing heart disease or suffering a stroke, a new study has found. UK researchers looked at almost 21,000 adults taking part in an ongoing diet study. They also carried out a major review of all of the available published e... Read more →
Rise in first-time callers to rape helpline
The number of first-time callers to the national helpline for victims of rape jumped by 30% last year, a new report has shown. According to the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre's (DRCC) Annual Report and Statistics 2014, the national helpline handled over 9,200 genuine counselling calls. Over half of thes... Read more →
10,000 kids signed up for free GP care on day 1
Some 10,000 children aged five and under were signed up for free GP care during the first day of registration for the scheme, the HSE has confirmed.From July 1, all children in the State who are under the age of six will be eligible for free GP care, and Monday marked the first day that parents coul... Read more →
Men urged to know early cancer signs
Irish men are being encouraged to make themselves aware of the early warning signs of cancer.According to the Irish Cancer Society (ICS), some 10,000 men are diagnosed with the disease every year in Ireland. However, the earlier cancer is diagnosed, the better the chance of survival."It's important ... Read more →
Diabetes-related amputations on the rise
The number of people with diabetes who had to have lower limbs amputated as a result of the condition increased last year, despite the fact that such amputations are almost completely preventable, Diabetes Ireland has warned. According to figures from the HSE, 440 people with diabetes had lower lim... Read more →
Living kidney donors reminded about expenses
Living kidney donors are being reminded that they can apply for a reimbursement of their expenses and loss of income that may have arisen as a result of their donation. Figures from the Irish Kidney Association (IKA) show that between 2009 and 2013, 138 living people donated a kidney to another per... Read more →
Weekend screen time bad for teen bones
Teenage boys who spend a lot of time at the weekend looking at various screens have poorer bone health, a new study has found. This finding does not seem to apply to teenage girls however. Researchers in Norway looked at almost 1,000 teenagers aged between 15 and 17. All of the participants were a... Read more →
Nuts, peanuts reduce risk of death
People who regularly consume nuts and peanuts may have a reduced risk of dying from a number of different diseases, including cancer and diabetes, a new study has found. However, the consumption of peanut butter does not appear to affect mortality rates. Researchers in the Netherlands used data fr... Read more →
Busy year for eating disorder helpline
Almost one in five calls to an eating disorders helpline last year came from children aged 14 and under, a new report has shown. Around 200,000 people in Ireland have eating disorders and Bodywhys is the national voluntary organisation that supports those affected. According to its 2014 Annual Repo... Read more →
Exercise cuts gestational diabetes risk
Women who exercise during pregnancy reduce their risk of developing gestational diabetes, a new study has shown. Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy - most often in the second or third trimester. It usually disappears after the baby is born, although women who ... Read more →
102-year-old on trolley for 26 hours
A woman aged 102 years was left waiting on a trolley in Dublin's Tallaght Hospital for 26 hours, it has emerged. The woman was brought to hospital at 2pm last Monday afternoon. She was initially treated for heart problems before being placed on a trolley, where she was left until 5pm on Tuesday, wh... Read more →
300+ complaints about doctors in 2014
The Medical Council received 308 complaints about doctors in 2014. The Medical Council is the regulatory body for doctors working in Ireland. It maintains the register of all doctors who are legally permitted to work here and sets the standards for medical education and training. It is also where m... Read more →
Central Mental Hospital to be replaced
Permission has been granted by An Bord Pleanala to build a new hospital in Dublin, which will replace the existing Central Mental Hospital (CMH). The new facility will be built in Portrane in Co Dublin and will consist of a 120-bed National Forensic Hospital, which will replace the CMH, a 10-bed me... Read more →
Support for secondary cancer patients
A new education and support programme, aimed at people who have been diagnosed with secondary cancer, is set to begin later this month in Dublin. A primary cancer refers to where a cancer begins. For example, if you have cancer that begins in the breast, this is known as primary breast cancer. Some... Read more →
Many Leaving Cert students stressed
Almost 59,000 students are doing the Leaving Cert this year, however research has shown that levels of stress can be high among these young people, with some believing that ‘their whole life depends on' their results. Researchers from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) analysed... Read more →
Hay fever impacts on social gatheringss
Eight in 10 people with hay fever avoid social gatherings and outdoor events because of the condition, a new survey has revealed. Hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis, is a seasonal condition. It refers to an allergy to pollen and spores. Pollen is the tiny, dust-like particles given off by cer... Read more →
'Spectacular' results from cancer trials
New cancer trials have produced ‘spectacular' results, which could have major consequences for the way the disease is treated, experts have claimed. One of the trials involved almost 1,000 patients with advanced melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer. They were treated with two immu... Read more →
More research on water fluoridation needed
A major review has found ‘no definitive evidence' that water fluoridation produces either positive or negative health effects, however further studies on this topic are needed, the Health Research Board (HRB) has said. Currently in Ireland, the public water supply is fluoridated. The practice... Read more →
Obesity in pregnancy a major risk
A new study involving Irish scientists has highlighted the increased risks pregnant women face if they are obese. According to the findings, global rates of maternal obesity are now at epidemic proportions and these women, along with their babies, face a range of health risks. Maternal obesity ref... Read more →
Cork brain study needs participants
People aged 50 and older who are living in Cork are being invited to take part in innovative brain health research, which could improve their quality of life. The Mallow Primary Healthcare Centre (MPHC) is to become the first satellite site of the NEIL (Neuro Enhancement for Independent Lives) Memo... Read more →
Jack and Emily most popular baby names
Over 67,000 births were registered in Ireland in 2014, with Jack and Emily continuing to be the most popular baby names. According to the latest figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO), a total of 67,462 births were registered last year - 34,785 boys and 32,677 girls. While this is almost ... Read more →
Summer most dangerous time on roads
Over 70,000 speeding offences have been detected so far this year, with one in 10 of these found to be travelling at least 30km/h above the posted speed limit, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has said. Along with the Gardai, it is appealing to drivers to slow down this bank holiday weekend and thro... Read more →
Bounce-related injuries increase in May
Parents are being warned about the potential dangers of trampolines and bouncy castles. According to the VHI SwiftCare Clinics, which are based in Dublin and Cork, May is typically the time when bounce-related injuries tend to become more common because of the Communion season and the oncoming summ... Read more →
Ireland's smacking law criticised
The controversial issue of parents smacking their children is being highlighted again after the European Committee of Social Rights (ECSR) found that Ireland has violated a European charter by not banning all corporal punishment. Earlier this week, the ISPCC called on the Government to introduce a ... Read more →
Experts to advise on new cancer strategy
A steering group to advise the Department of Health on a new cancer strategy for the country has been established. The National Cancer Strategy Steering Group is made up of a number of experts in the field and will be chaired by consultant medical oncologist at St James's Hospital, Prof John Kenned... Read more →
Bowel cancer risk for overweight teens
Teenagers who are very overweight may be much more likely to develop bowel cancer later in life, a new study has found. It is already known that obesity in adulthood can increase the risk of this disease, however it is unclear what impact excess weight in adolescence may have. Swedish and US resear... Read more →
Free health services for Magdalen survivors
Women who worked in the State's Magdalen Laundries are to receive free health services from July 1, the Government has announced. From that date, the HSE will provide a number of primary and community health services free of charge, including GP services, prescribed drugs, dental services, home nur... Read more →
Depression ups heart failure death risk
People with heart failure have a significantly increased risk of death if they suffer with moderate or severe depression, the results of a new study indicate. Heart failure is a potentially life-threatening condition which leads to the heart being unable to pump enough blood around the body. Sympto... Read more →
Rise in teen sexual assaults
Rape and sexual assaults involving teenagers appear to be on the increase in Ireland, a new report has found. In some cases, these assaults are being filmed and discussed on social media. According to the CARI 2013/2014 Annual Report, between 2012 and 2014, there was a 43% increase in calls to its... Read more →
Preterm births ups risk of preterm delivery
Women who were born prematurely have an increased risk of giving birth to a premature child, a new study has found. According to Canadian researchers, it is already known that women who were born with a low birth weight are more likely to give birth prematurely. However, they wanted to see whether ... Read more →
Kids' nightmares linked to psychosis
Children who experience persistent nightmares may be more likely to suffer psychotic symptoms in their late teens, a new study suggests. Psychosis refers to a mental state in which a person is detached from reality and experiences a number of abnormal symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions and ... Read more →
Leukaemia drug being trialled in Galway
A patient attending University Hospital Galway is the first person in the world to start treatment as part of a clinical trial for a promising new drug for acute leukaemia. Adult acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It is the most common type of acute le... Read more →
Many skip brushing teeth and share toothbrushes
Around one in four Irish adults skip brushing their teeth at least once a week, a new survey has revealed. Over 1,100 adults were surveyed earlier this month and according to the findings, one in 10 has had their teeth professionally whitened, while at least one in five has tried whitening products... Read more →
Clinical trials in cancer on the increase
The number of cancer clinical trials taking place in Ireland is on the increase and this will have a major impact on the future of cancer treatment, ICORG has said. ICORG is the All Ireland Cooperative Oncology Research Group, which works to highlight the importance of clinical trials in Ireland an... Read more →
Prognosis no worse with family breast cancer
Women with a family history of breast cancer who subsequently develop the disease, have the same prognosis as other women with the disease who have no family history, a new study has found. According to UK researchers, these findings should offer hope to women who are concerned about their future d... Read more →
Under-18 sunbed ban 'working'
The new law banning people under the age of 18 from using sunbeds appears to be working, however some tanning salons are still offering illegal price promotions, the Irish Cancer Society (ICS) has said. It carried out an undercover survey of tanning salons in Dublin during March. As part of this, a... Read more →
Shift work has big effect on health
People who work outside a traditional nine-to-five schedule are more likely to be overweight, experience sleeping problems and may even have an increased risk of developing diabetes, a new study has found. According to US researchers, the potential health effects of shift work have become a major c... Read more →
Busy workers less active than they think
People in busy jobs who believe they are achieving their daily recommended levels of physical activity while working, may be fooling themselves, a new Irish study suggests. According to Dr Eleanor McIntyre of Galway University Hospital, most adults spend around 60% of their waking hours in work, th... Read more →
Chronic fatigue expert to talk in Ireland
A leading international expert on the condition ME, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), is to give two talks to members of the public later this month. ME (myalgic encephalomyelitis) affects around 12,000 people in Ireland and symptoms can include overwhelming exhaustion, joint pain, musc... Read more →
70,000 screened for diabetic eye disease
Over 70,000 people with diabetes have had their eyes screened as part of Diabetic Retina Screen (the National Diabetic Retinal Screening Programme), since it began in 2013. The aim of this programme is to prevent vision problems and blindness due to the eye disease, diabetic retinopathy, which is a... Read more →
1 in 5 will develop heart failure
One in every five people in developed countries is expected to develop heart failure despite the fact that this condition is largely preventable, experts have warned. Heart failure is a potentially life-threatening condition which leads to the heart being unable to pump enough blood around the body... Read more →
Irish women having kids later in life
The proportion of women in Ireland giving birth for the first time in their 40s is higher than the EU average, new figures have shown. According to the figures released by Eurostat, overall, women giving birth for the first time here are slightly older than the EU average. Currently, the majority o... Read more →
Poor services for people with Crohn's and colitis
Around 20,000 Irish people are affected by Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, yet public awareness of these conditions remains low and services for those affected are often inadequate, a major new report has shown. Crohn's and ulcerative colitis are known collectively as inflammatory bowel dis... Read more →
Ireland's population to hit 5.3M by 2060
Ireland's population is expected to grow to 5.3 million people between now and 2060, according to a new European report. During the same period, the average life expectancy for Irish men will increase from 79 years to 85 years, while women's life expectancy will increase from 83 years to 89 years. ... Read more →
Hay fever a major trigger for asthma
With hay fever seasons already in full swing, people with asthma are being reminded that hay fever is a major trigger for their condition. Some 80% of people with asthma also suffer with hay fever and pharmacists are warning those affected to be aware of allergens and to always have their inhaler c... Read more →
Smoking and angioplasty - a bad combination
Smokers undergoing angioplasty, a procedure used to treat narrowed or blocked coronary arteries, can expect a much better quality of life afterwards if they quit cigarettes, a new study has shown. Angioplasty involves placing a balloon in a narrowed or blocked artery. The balloon is blown up and th... Read more →
Little awareness of genetic tumour condition
A genetic condition that affects around one in every 6,000 people in Ireland, and is responsible for conditions such as epilepsy and autism, is virtually unheard of here, experts have warned. This lack of awareness and understanding means that those affected are not getting the level of care that t... Read more →
Seriousness of coeliac disease 'undermined'
An estimated 46,000 people in Ireland have coeliac disease, however in recent years, the seriousness of this condition has been undermined, the Coeliac Society of Ireland has said. This week is Coeliac Awareness Week and the society is aiming to increase awareness of the condition, including its sy... Read more →
Psoriasis has big impact on quality of life
Over 73,000 people in Ireland are affected by the skin disease, psoriasis, and for many, the condition has had a major impact on their health, job prospects, love lives and self-esteem, a major new report has revealed. Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition, which appears as pink or red raised... Read more →
Outpatient waiting lists higher than ever
Over 412,000 people are waiting for outpatient appointments - the highest figure ever recorded.According to the National Treatment Purchase Fund, which collates waiting list data for public patients, at the end of April, there were 412,422 people waiting to be seen in outpatient clinics.Over 83,000 ... Read more →
Unsupported dads linked to kids' bad behaviour
A child's behaviour is more likely to be troublesome in families in which the father does not feel supported by his partner, a new study has shown.It is already widely acknowledged that the way parents work together can have a big impact on the behaviour of children. However, little research has bee... Read more →
'Incentives needed to attract nurses back'
The nurses union, the INMO, will be pressing for a gradual restoration of pay cuts, the reintroduction of a 37-hour working week and a major increase in nurse staffing, at its annual delegate meeting, which begins today.INMO General Secretary Liam Doran, speaking at the outset of the conference in T... Read more →
Depression increases risk of nightmares
People are most at risk of experiencing frequent nightmares if they are depressed or suffer with insomnia, a study has found.Researchers in Finland set out to identify risk factors for nightmares. They looked at almost 14,000 men and women aged between 25 and 74.The participants were asked how often... Read more →
COPD ups risk of sudden cardiac death
People who have the common lung disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), face an increased risk of sudden cardiac death, a new study has found. COPD is an umbrella term for a number of chronic lung disorders, including bronchitis and emphysema. It is a progressive, disabling condition... Read more →
Workers urged to talk about mental health
Over half of Irish people believe that being open about a mental health problem in work would negatively impact their job prospects, See Change has warned. See Change is an alliance of organisations working to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and it has just launched its annual Green Rib... Read more →
Traumatic events up women's heart risk
Women have a significantly increased risk of suffering a heart attack if they experience a traumatic life event such as the death of a loved one, a new study has found. It is already known that stress can affect heart health, however US researchers set out to assess the types of stress that can hav... Read more →
Many delay GP visits due to cost
At least six in 10 people who do not have medical cards delay going to see their GP or consultant because of the cost involved, a new survey has found. A similar number of patients also have difficulties when in comes to paying for medication and other health-related expenses. The survey was carri... Read more →
Timing of treatments key with arthritis
People with the painful condition, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), could see a major improvement in their condition if their treatments were timed in line with their body clock, Irish scientists have claimed. According to a team from Maynooth University, they have found evidence that coordinating treatm... Read more →
Parents have poor knowledge of vaccinations
Over half of Irish parents do not know which diseases their children have been vaccinated against, a new survey has revealed.Currently in Ireland, babies and children are eligible to receive a number of vaccinations as part of the national primary immunisation schedule. Immunisation is not compulsor... Read more →
Public warned about Lyme disease
People who spend lots of time outdoors are being reminded of the importance of protecting themselves against Lyme disease, which is spread by the bite of a tick.According to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), in a small number of cases, Lyme disease can cause severe heart and nervous ... Read more →
Pharmacists want to offer more vaccines
Pharmacists have called on the Government to allow them to provide more vaccination services to the general public.Pharmacists already offer a flu vaccination service, but according to the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU), if they offered other vaccines, this could improve patient outcomes and ‘free... Read more →
Sun can cause skin damage on most days
Pharmacists have called on the Government to allow them to provide more vaccination services to the general public.Pharmacists already offer a flu vaccination service, but according to the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU), if they offered other vaccines, this could improve patient outcomes and ‘free... Read more →
Bullying 'worse than maltreatment'
Children who are bullied by their peers suffer worse mental health problems in the long term than those who have been maltreated by adults, new findings suggest.UK researchers looked at over 4,000 people taking part in a UK study of parents and children, and more than 1,200 people taking part in a s... Read more →
Morning after pill policy 'unacceptable'
Pharmacists have called for an end to the practice whereby women with medical cards who wish to obtain the morning after pill free of charge have to attend their GP for a prescription first. The emergency hormonal contraceptive, Norlevo (levonorgestrel), has been available to women in pharmacies wi... Read more →
Chronic pain has major impact
One in eight adults in Ireland suffers with chronic pain and some of these people are at risk of becoming addicted to pain relief medication, a conference has been told. Chronic pain is considered to be pain in the body that lasts longer than three months. Back, joint and neck pain are the most com... Read more →
Hormonal imbalance impacts fertility
Hormonal imbalance is a common cause of infertility in females, however many women attempting to get pregnant are unaware of this, a fertility doctor has warned.Currently in Ireland, as many as one in seven couples have fertility issues, and according to Dr Ahmed Omar, medical director at Beacon Car... Read more →
'You cannot outrun a bad diet'
While exercise is essential for good health, it will not counteract the negative impact of a poor diet, experts have claimed. They insisted that nobody can outrun a bad diet, even athletes. According to the experts, while exercise has a key role in staving off diseases such as heart disease and di... Read more →
Concern over kids' move to adult diabetes care
Most children being treated for type 1 diabetes transition to adult services when they finish secondary school. However, despite being a very vulnerable time for these young people, there are still no national guidelines governing the move from paediatric to adult services, doctors have warned. The... Read more →
Warning over online slimming tablets
Irish people are being warned about the dangers of buying slimming products over the internet, following the death of a young woman in the UK. The warning comes from the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA), following the death of a 21-year-old English student earlier this month. Eloise (El... Read more →
Mindfulness may benefit recurrent depression
A type of mindfulness-based therapy may offer an alternative to people with long-term depression who no longer want to take antidepressants, scientists have claimed. Mindfulness aims to show people how to pay attention in a specific way, focusing on the present moment and what is happening around t... Read more →
Higher insurance premiums fast approaching
Members of the public who do not have private health insurance are being reminded that from the start of next month, anyone aged 35 or older who takes out insurance will be charged extra. From May 1, private health insurers will be allowed to load premiums by 2% per annum from the age of 35, as par... Read more →
Women invited to ovarian cancer seminar
Women who are concerned about or affected by ovarian cancer are being invited to attend a seminar on the disease next month. Around 330 cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed in Ireland every year, making it the sixth most common female cancer. It is sometimes referred to as a ‘silent disease... Read more →
Problem drinking in women a major concern
Irish women are suffering an increasing number of health problems as a result of their consumption of alcohol, including liver cirrhosis, which in the past mainly affected older men, a leading doctor has warned. According to Dr Orla Crosbie, a consultant hepatologist at Cork University Hospital, 20... Read more →
Childline getting calls from suicidal kids
More than 300 children who were at urgent risk of suicide called Childline last year, the ISPCC has revealed. The children's charity, which runs the Childline service, said that over 1,000 children made contact last year about issues relating to suicide and of these, over 300 ‘had already act... Read more →
Many do not understand palliative care
Many people have a poor understanding of what palliative care is and who it is for, a new survey has found. Palliative care aims to provide the best quality of life to any person - adult or child - with a non-curable or serious illness, including severe heart disease, dementia and motor neurone dis... Read more →
Many underestimate risk of few cigs
Many people still underestimate the damage to health even a few cigarettes can cause, new research suggests. According to French doctors, despite years of public health campaigning on this issue, it is clear that ‘the war against tobacco is not over'. They analysed data from a survey of over... Read more →
24,000 may have undiagnosed diabetes
Some 24,000 people in Ireland could have undiagnosed type 2 diabetes, a new study indicates.It looked at almost 30,000 people between 2009 and 2013 in an attempt to assess diabetes and cardiovascular risk in the Irish population.The study revealed that 17% of the participants - almost 5,000 people -... Read more →
Cancer Society concerned about e-cigarettes
The Irish Cancer Society (ICS) has expressed concern that e-cigarettes may actually increase smokers' dependence on nicotine.It made the claim after a new poll revealed that two-thirds of e-cigarette users also smoke conventional cigarettes.The poll was carried out on behalf of the ICS and involved ... Read more →
Teaching kids about abuse in school beneficial
Children who are taught about sexual abuse in school are more likely to tell an adult if they have been abused themselves, compared to those who have not been taught about this topic, a new study suggests.According to Australian researchers, an estimated one in 10 girls and one in 20 boys worldwide ... Read more →
Few teens regularly use e-cigarettes
While e-cigarettes appear to be popular among teenagers, few of those who try them will become regular users, a new study suggests. E-cigarettes are battery-powered devices designed to supply nicotine through inhaled water vapour. They continue to be at the centre of a major debate, with some peopl... Read more →
Divorce increases heart attack risk
Women who get divorced are more likely to suffer a heart attack than women who remain continuously married, a new study has found. According to the findings, even if a divorced woman goes on to remarry, her risk of suffering a heart attack is still higher. "Divorce is a major stressor, and we have... Read more →
7,000+ cancers detected by BreastCheck
Over 1.2 million mammograms have been provided to women as part of BreastCheck, the National Breast Screening Programme, since its introduction in 2000, and more than 7,400 cancers have been detected. The programme is launching a new campaign aimed at encouraging all women aged between 50 and 64 to... Read more →
GPs should not treat teens as kids
GPs need to be aware of how fast teenagers can change and they should not treat this group ‘as though they were young children', a new study has found. GPs in a medical practice in Ballymun in Dublin carried out research into their teenage patients to see how often and why they were attending... Read more →
Irish worry about skin tone, wrinkles
Almost two in three Irish people say they feel less attractive than people from other countries because of their skin tone, a new survey has found. According to the findings, half of Irish people describe their skin tone as pale, while almost three in four say they have a ‘pink twinge' to the... Read more →
Tango may aid Parkinson's patients
Dancing the tango may benefit some patients with Parkinson's disease, a new study suggests. Parkinson's is a progressive neurological disease, the symptoms of which include tremors, stiffness and slow movement. An estimated six to seven thousand people in Ireland are affected and there is no cure. ... Read more →
Many still not aware of bowel cancer
Most people are unaware of just how prevalent bowel cancer is, the HSE has said. Bowel cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in both men and women, with over 2,200 new diagnoses every year. While the disease is most commonly seen in people aged between 55 and 74, younger people can al... Read more →
Diabetes in elderly can be difficult to manage
The number of people worldwide over the age of 60 is expected to jump from 605 million in 2000 to two billion by 2050, and this has major implications for diabetes care, Irish doctors have warned. According to the doctors, treating people with type 2 diabetes can be particularly challenging if they... Read more →
Serious life events up diabetes risk
People who experience a serious psychological event during their first 14 years of life, such as the death of a loved one, may be more likely to go on to develop type 1 diabetes, the results of a new study indicate. The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown, but both genetic and environmental f... Read more →
Dementia risk for underweight middle-aged
Middle-aged people who are underweight may have an increased risk of going on to develop dementia, a new study has found. UK researchers analysed the medical records of almost two million people, which had been collected over a 20-year period. The average age of those involved was 55, while the ave... Read more →
Eggs lower risk of type 2 diabetes
People who regularly eat eggs may have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a new study has found. Few studies have assessed the link between egg consumption and diabetes and any findings have been inconclusive, so researchers in Finland decided to investigate further. They looked at the di... Read more →
Low support for free GP care for under-6s
While most people are in favour of free healthcare, the vast majority do not believe that providing free GP care to all children aged five and under should be the first step towards this, a new survey has found. The survey of 1,000 adults was carried out last month on behalf of the National Associa... Read more →
Comparing on Facebook linked to depression
People who spend lots of time on Facebook comparing their lives to the lives of their friends may be at risk of developing symptoms of depression, new findings suggests. According to US researcher, Mai-ly Steers, of the University of Houston, while the idea of ‘social comparison' is nothing n... Read more →
Domestic abuse affects mental health
A new study has highlighted the impact domestic violence can have on the mental health of women. According to the findings, as well as their physical injuries, victims of domestic abuse are at an increased risk of developing mental health problems, including depression and psychotic symptoms. UK a... Read more →
People urged to talk about palliative care
People are being encouraged to talk about their experiences of palliative care - both good and bad - as part of a new campaign. Palliative care is aimed at people whose conditions cannot be cured. The goal is to provide the best quality of life in the time they have left, which can be anything from... Read more →
http://www.irishhealth.com/article.html?id=24540
Every hour that a person spends watching television on a daily basis could increase their risk of developing diabetes by more than 3%, a new study has found. US researchers looked at over 3,200 overweight adults who had been enrolled in a diabetes prevention programme in the late 1990s. While this ... Read more →
People embarrassed about bowel cancer
Around 2,400 men and women are newly diagnosed with bowel cancer every year in Ireland, yet many people still find the disease very embarrassing to talk about, the Irish Cancer Society (ICS) has said. It has revealed that more people view the bowel cancer section on the ICS website than any other s... Read more →
€74M to tackle ED overcrowding
Additional funding of €74 million is being made available by the Government to tackle the ongoing issue of overcrowding in the country's Emergency Departments (EDs), the Health Minister has confirmed. Some €44 million is being allocated to the Fair Deal scheme, to help alleviate the probl... Read more →
St Vincent's Daffodil Centre launched
The Irish Cancer Society (ICS) has officially launched its Daffodil Centre at St Vincent's University Hospital in Dublin. Daffodil Centres provide information, support and advice on cancer and are based in hospitals around the country. Last year alone, they dealt with queries from more than 40,000 ... Read more →
Main type of disability in kids is intellectual
At least two in three children with disabilities in Ireland have multiple disabilities, new research has found. According to a new report, which has just been published by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) and the National Disability Authority (NDA), children with disabilities are m... Read more →
Injured brains may age faster
Serious head injuries may lead to faster ageing of the brain, a new study suggests. UK researchers analysed the brain scans of over 1,700 people, including 99 who had suffered a traumatic brain injury at some point. These injuries were caused by road traffic accidents, falls or assaults. They foun... Read more →
Antibiotics increase diabetes risk
People who repeatedly use certain types of antibiotics may have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a new study has found. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections. They cannot treat viral infections. According to US researchers, the overprescribing of antibiotics is already ... Read more →
Erection probs common after prostate surgery
A new study has found that regaining normal erectile function after a common prostate operation is ‘rare'. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers found in men - over 2,000 Irish men are newly diagnosed every year. A common method of treatment is a radical prostatectomy, which is th... Read more →
3 drinks a day can cause liver cancer
Consuming just three alcoholic drinks a day can cause liver cancer, new research has found. The results were uncovered by the World Cancer Research Fund's Continuous Update Project (CUP). This project involved an analysis of 34 studies worldwide, involving over eight million people, 24,500 of whom ... Read more →
Stress management key in breast cancer
Women who are taught skills to manage stress after being diagnosed with breast cancer may experience improved moods and a better quality of life for many years to come, a new study suggests.US researchers followed the progress of 240 women who had recently been diagnosed with breast cancer. They wer... Read more →
Higher stroke death rate in women
Women in Ireland are much more likely to die from stroke than men, new figures have revealed.According to provisional figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO), in 2013, 42% more women died from stroke than men. In some counties, such as Sligo, Carlow and Clare, the number of women dying from... Read more →
Test reduces chemo use in breast cancer
A test which determines whether chemotherapy will benefit certain women with early-stage breast cancer has proven successful in Ireland. Around 2,700 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in Ireland every year and it is acknowledged that the criteria currently used to decide whether chemotherapy... Read more →
Hospitals using 'unclean' equipment
A ‘significant' number of public hospitals inspected in 2014 were found to be using unclean patient equipment, a new report has revealed. Hand hygiene practices among some staff members were also called into question. The report has just been published by the Health Information and Quality A... Read more →
Breastfeeding linked to higher IQ
People who are breastfed may have higher IQ scores and earn more money in the long-term, a new study has found. According to researchers in Brazil, while the short-term benefits of breastfeeding are clear, the long-term benefits have yet to be established. They set out to assess whether breastfeedi... Read more →
Diabetes has major global economic impact
While it is known that type 2 diabetes can have a major impact on health, a new study has, for the first time, highlighted the impact it also has on the global economy and labour markets. UK researchers set out to assess the economic impact of type 2 diabetes around the world. They analysed data fr... Read more →
40% higher cancer risk for obese women
Women who are obese have a 40% increased risk of developing a number of different cancers, including bowel, womb and kidney cancer, new figures have revealed. According to Cancer Research UK, obesity is known to increase a woman's risk of developing at least seven different types of cancer - bowel,... Read more →
The battle for our children's health
The Government is being urged to automatically grant medical cards to children with severe disabilities. The call comes from national campaign, Our Children's Health, which is working to ensure that any child diagnosed with a serious illness or congenital condition is entitled to a full medical car... Read more →
Regular lack of sleep linked to high BP
People who regularly fail to get enough sleep appear to have an increased risk of developing high blood pressure, a new study suggests. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a major cause of heart attack and stroke. However, it rarely carries any signs or symptoms. In fact, a person c... Read more →
Tobacco-free world by 2040 'possible'
The sale of tobacco worldwide should be phased out by 2040, public health researchers have insisted. The international group of health and policy experts claim that with sufficient political support and increased action against the tobacco industry, a tobacco-free world - where less than 5% of adul... Read more →
Public lecture to examine role of antibiotics
Members of the public who want to find out more about how antibiotics work and the problems associated with their overuse, are invited to attend a public lecture on the topic. The issue is set to be discussed as part of the Royal College of Surgeons' (RCSI) MiniMed Lecture Series on Wednesday, Marc... Read more →
Heart disease in women underestimated
Breast cancer is still commonly perceived as a bigger health issue for women than cardiovascular disease (CVD), despite the fact that CVD is the leading cause of death among women in Europe, the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) has said. According to the society, CVD kills over half of women in... Read more →
Public consulted on 'health identifiers'
Members of the public are being asked to give their views on individual health identifiers (IHI) - unique numbers that will be assigned to all people using health and social care services in this country. An IHI is a unique, non-transferable number that will last for a person's lifetime. According ... Read more →
Thyroid cancer risk after breast cancer
Women who survive breast cancer have an increased risk of going on to develop cancer of the thyroid, particularly within five years of their breast cancer diagnosis, a new study has found. Until now, studies linking breast and thyroid cancer have been mixed, so US researchers decided to assess this... Read more →
Water fluoridation benefits older people
Water fluoridation appears to have benefitted the oral health of older people in Ireland, according to a new study. Currently in Ireland, the public water supply is fluoridated. The practice is considered controversial by some, with anti-fluoridation campaigners arguing that adding substances to th... Read more →
Mental disorders common among young
More than half of young people in Ireland will meet the criteria for a mental health illness before they reach the age of 25, a study has found. Researchers from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) and Dublin's Mater Hospital traced 212 people from different schools in north Dublin who ... Read more →
Gout may reduce Alzheimer's risk
People with the common arthritic disease, gout, may have a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, a new study has found. Gout is the most common type of inflammatory arthritis. It causes sudden and severe episodes of joint pain, swelling, tenderness and warmth. It most commonly affects the... Read more →
Pro-vegetarian diet cuts heart risk
People who consume more plant-based foods than animal-based foods have a reduced risk of dying from heart disease, a new study has found. UK scientists looked at the diet and lifestyle habits of over 451,000 people from 10 European countries. All were aged between 35 and 70 and were monitored for a... Read more →
Prostate and breast cancer link found
Women may have an increased risk of developing breast cancer if they have a close male relative who has battled prostate cancer, a new study indicates. While it is already known that people have an increased risk of developing either of these diseases separately if there is a family history of them... Read more →
2.4B have untreated tooth decay
Some 2.4 billion people worldwide have untreated decay in their permanent teeth, while 621 million children have untreated decay in their milk teeth, a major new study has found. It was carried out by the international Oral Health Research Group and is contained in the latest Global Burden of Disea... Read more →
Teen sleep patterns linked to snacking
Teenagers with irregular sleeping patterns consume more calories each day and are much more likely to snack at nighttime, the results of a new study indicate. US researchers analysed the sleeping patterns of almost 350 teenagers, who slept, on average, for about seven hours per night. The study fo... Read more →
Cost of drugs now 'near the European average'
PHARMACISTS which have high operation costs are not able to match the lower drugs prices being offered by a Dublin chemist who estimates that in his first year of business he has saved customers almost €1m, it was claimed yesterday. Darragh O'Loughlin, head of the Irish Pharmacy Union was resp... Read more →
Being fit at 40 benefits the brain
People who are not physically fit in their 40s may experience accelerated ageing of the brain by the time they reach 60, a new study has found. "Many people don't start worrying about their brain health until later in life, but this study provides more evidence that certain behaviors and risk facto... Read more →
Teen stress increases heart risk
Teenagers who are prone to stress may have an increased risk of developing heart disease later in life even if they exercise regularly, a new study has found. Previous research has suggested a link between stress and some health problems, including coronary heart disease, so Swedish researchers dec... Read more →
People urged to reduce sugar intake
The World Health Organization (WHO) is appealing to people to reduce the amount of sugar they are consuming. A new guideline from the WHO recommends that both adults and children should reduce their daily intake of free sugars to less than 10% of their total energy intake, while reducing to below 5... Read more →
Cigarette plain packaging law passed
Ireland has become the first country in Europe and only the second in the world to introduce plain packaging laws for cigarette packets.The Public Health (Standardised Packaging of Tobacco) Bill has now passed through all stages of the Oireachtas and this will ensure that all tobacco industry market... Read more →
Health insurance plan to be ready by summer, says Varadkar
It is possible to get to a point where more than half the population has voluntary health insurance, Minister for Health Leo Varadkar has said.Mr Varadkar said he intends to go to Government with a “roadmap” for health insurance by the summer.Many people consider health insurance as impo... Read more →
New sunbed regulations now in effect
New laws governing the commercial use of sunbeds, including a ban on ‘unlimited use', are now in effect. From today (March 2), anyone using sunbeds must be supervised and anyone supervising must be over 18 years of age. Health information must be provided to anyone using, hiring or buying a s... Read more →
Coffee may cut clogged arteries risk
People who drink three to five cups of coffee each day may have a reduced risk of developing clogged arteries, which can lead to heart attacks, a new study has found. Research into the effects of coffee on cardiovascular health have been mixed. It was previously thought that coffee consumption incr... Read more →
GPs get fee offer for under six scheme
GPs are likely to be offered around €100 a year per child under the Government's plans for free GP care for children under six years of age. The payment from the State to GPs is expected to be set at around €75 a year for each child under six on their lists, plus €25 a year if the do... Read more →
Heart failure - activities should be assessed
People with heart failure who struggle with daily tasks such as washing and dressing, are more likely to be hospitalised and die prematurely, a new study has found. Heart failure is a potentially life-threatening condition which leads to the heart being unable to pump enough blood around the body. ... Read more →
Premature death risk with ADHD
People with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are twice as likely to die prematurely than people without the condition, with accidents the main cause of death, a new study has found. Danish researchers followed the progress of almost two million people, including over 32,000 with ADHD... Read more →
Growing gap in life expectancy figures
Irish people are living an average of 15 years longer today when compared with people in the 1950s, new research has found. However, it also reveals a growing gap in life expectancy between social classes, with manual workers dying at a younger age than professionals. The research was carried out ... Read more →
Success for Cork infant with rare diabetes
A baby born with a rare form of diabetes that only affects one in every 200,000 infants, has been successfully treated at Cork University Hospital (CUH). Ava Joyce from Douglas in Cork is now 18 months old, but in August 2013, she was diagnosed with the rare genetic condition, permanent neonatal di... Read more →
Postnatal depression - phone support helps
Women suffering with postnatal depression could benefit greatly from telephone-based peer support, a new study suggests. Postnatal (postpartum) depression typically affects mothers within the first year of their baby's life, most often within the first four weeks. Symptoms can include low moods, fe... Read more →
Intense anger ups heart attack risk
People who experience an episode of intense anger are at an increased risk of suffering a heart attack within the next two hours, a new study has found. The findings appear to confirm previous research which has suggested that anger can be a trigger for a heart attack. Australian researchers asses... Read more →
Eating peanuts may prevent peanut allergy
Children at high risk of becoming allergic to peanuts could stop this from happening by eating the offending products frequently from a young age, a new study has found. Until now, healthcare professionals have generally recommended that foods that can cause allergies, such as peanuts, should be av... Read more →
Overuse of anti-anxiety meds a big concern
Irish people's relationship with anti-anxiety medication, such as Valium, is to be discussed by experts at an event open to the public this week. The event is part of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland's (RCSI) MiniMed Lecture Series, which sees a range of health-related topics being discusse... Read more →
Asthma 'not taken seriously enough'
People living with asthma in Ireland today do not believe the condition is taken seriously enough, a major new study has found. Some 470,000 people in Ireland have asthma - the fourth highest prevalence of the condition in the world. However, many of those affected feel that because it is so preval... Read more →
Outpatient waiting figures continue to rise
Over 61,000 people were waiting for more than one year for an outpatient hospital appointment in December of last year, an increase of more than 5,600 when compared to November. The figures are contained in the HSE's latest Performance Assurance Report, which covers the period December 2014. It no... Read more →
Jump in calls to dementia helpline
Calls to a dementia helpline jumped by 20% last year, new figures have shown. The national helpline, which is run by the Alzheimer's Society of Ireland, is the only dementia helpline in the country. According to the latest figures, 2014 was its busiest year to date, with a 20% jump in calls and a d... Read more →
12% of dads develop postnatal depression
As many as one in nine Irish fathers suffer with paternal postnatal depression, the results of a new study suggest. Postnatal depression is generally associated with women during the first year after their baby is born. Symptoms can include low moods, feelings of sadness and loneliness, frequent cr... Read more →
Barriers facing students with disabilities
The number of students with disabilities going on to third level education is on the increase, however major barriers remain for many, a new report has found. The report was published by the Association for Higher Education Access & Disability (AHEAD). It found that in the academic year 2013/14... Read more →
Biggest fall in smokers since 2009
The number of smokers in Ireland fell by 70,000 last year, the biggest annual drop since 2009, the HSE has announced. According to its National Tobacco Control Office, which has monitored national smoking prevalence every month since 2003, smoking prevalence in people aged 15 and older was 19.5% in... Read more →
Naps beyond 2 may not benefits kids
Children who nap beyond the age of two may have poorer sleep quality overall, a new study suggests. The length and quality of sleep toddlers get over a 24-hour period has a major impact on their health and development. By the time a child is two, they are usually getting most of their sleep at nigh... Read more →
'Unlimited' use of sunbeds banned
New rules governing the use of commercial sunbeds are to be introduced next month, including a ban on ‘unlimited' use, the Department of Health has confirmed. From March 2, users of commercial sunbeds will be required to wear protective eyewear and will have to be supervised throughout, in an... Read more →
Major changes to family legislation
The ‘most important change' to family legislation in the history of the Irish State is being discussed in the Cabinet today (February 17). According to the Toaiseach, Enda Kenny, the Child and Family Relationships Bill is ‘the most important change in family legislation since the founda... Read more →
Irish team find molecule can block diseases
Scientists in Trinity College Dublin (TCD) have made a breakthrough which could help to block certain inflammatory diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), arthritis and Alzheimer's disease. The discovery centres on a molecule called MCC950, which can suppress the ‘NLRP3 inflammasome' - an ... Read more →
Stroke survivors may have higher cancer risk
It is already known that people with cancer have an increased risk of suffering a stroke. However, a new study has found that the opposite may also be true - those who suffer a stroke may have an increased risk of developing cancer. US scientists analysed data relating to over 3,200 people over the... Read more →
Type 2 diabetes linked to poorer cognition
People with type 2 diabetes appear to have poorer cognitive functioning, a new study has found.Canadian researchers carried out a detailed analysis of all the available studies that investigated the link between type 2 diabetes and a reduction in cognitive abilities known as executive functioning.Ex... Read more →
Low vitamin D levels linked to severe stroke
Strokes may be more severe in people with low vitamin D levels, the results of a new study indicate.Vitamin D is known to be essential for healthy bones, but recent research suggests that it has a major role to play in other parts of the body also. According to US scientists, low levels of this vita... Read more →
1 in 4 has chronic bad breath
One in four Irish people has chronic bad breath, but while the condition affects men and women equally, women are more likely to seek treatment, dentists have said. According to the Irish Dental Association (IDA), once people realise they have bad breath, also known as halitosis, it is easy to trea... Read more →
Fatal Foetal Abnormality Bill deafeated
The Fatal Foetal Abnormality Private Members' Bill has been defeated in the Dail by 104 votes to 20. The Bill, which was proposed by independent TD, Clare Daly, would have allowed for abortion in cases where an unborn baby had been diagnosed with a fatal foetal abnormality which meant they would no... Read more →
Warning about detergent child poisoning risk
Paracetamol and liquid detergent capsules were the most common causes of infant poisoning cases handled by a Dublin children’s hospital according to a new study. Drugs accounted for over half of the poisoning cases reported to Temple Street Children’s University Hospital, but the appear... Read more →
Stress affects heart attack recovery in women
Young and middle-aged women who suffer a heart attack tend to have a worse recovery than men, and stress may be partially to blame for this, a new study has found. Until now, research into the recovery outcomes of young and middle-aged women who suffer a heart attack has been limited, so US researc... Read more →
Preterm births linked to heart risk
Pregnant women who spontaneously go into labour prematurely may have an increased risk of suffering a stroke or developing heart problems later in life, a new study has found. Dutch researchers carried out an extensive analysis of 10 studies involving women from five European countries - Scotland, ... Read more →
Concern over laser eye surgery ads
Ads which appear to trivialise the seriousness of laser eye surgery should not be used, and this includes the use of time limited deals on sites such as Groupon and Living Social to sell this procedure, eye doctors have insisted. The Irish College of Ophthalmologists (ICO), which is the training bo... Read more →
Awkward positions trigger low back pain
People who must perform manual tasks involving awkward positions are significantly more likely to suffer with low back pain, a new study has found. Almost 10% of the world's population will experience back pain at some point in their lives and according to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is... Read more →
Low birth weight link to psychiatric problems
Babies with a very low birth weight may have an increased risk of developing psychiatric problems as adults, a new study suggests. However, they also have a lower risk of developing alcohol or drug problems. Babies born prematurely usually have a low birth weight. Canadian researchers set out to i... Read more →
Type 1 diabetes - higher death risk in women
Women with type 1 diabetes have a much higher risk of death than men with the same condition, a new study has found. According to the findings, women with type 1 diabetes have an almost 40% increased risk of death from all causes compared with men, and are also twice as likely to die from heart dis... Read more →
Lab to benefit kids with heart problems
A new state of the art laboratory, which will benefit children with heart problems, is being built at Our Lady's Children's Hospital Crumlin (OLCHC). The hospital is the national centre for the provision of cardiac surgery for children and this new Hybrid Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory will rec... Read more →
Oesophageal cancer risk for overweight kids
Children who are overweight may have an increased risk of developing cancer of the oesophagus (food pipe) later in life, a new study has found. Researchers in Denmark analysed the health records of over 255,000 school children who were born between 1930 and 1971. The height and weight of these chil... Read more →
Calories on menus to be made law
From next year, all food service outlets, including restaurants and takeaways, will be required to include the calorie details of their meals on their menus. Proposals to require this were approved at the Government's Cabinet meeting this week. When made into law, food outlets will have to display ... Read more →
Low vitamin D levels linked to severe stroke
Strokes may be more severe in people with low vitamin D levels, the results of a new study indicate. Vitamin D is known to be essential for healthy bones, but recent research suggests that it has a major role to play in other parts of the body also. According to US scientists, low levels of this vi... Read more →
Sale of cheap alcohol to be banned
New measures to tackle alcohol abuse in Ireland, including a ban on the sale of cheap drink, have been announced by the Government. The proposed Public Health (Alcohol) Bill 2015 will see a raft of measures aimed at reducing the ‘enormous impact' alcohol misuse currently has on society. "Mos... Read more →
Pre-pregnancy health linked to child obesity risk
Women who improve their health before they become pregnant could reduce their child's risk of becoming obese later in life, a new study indicates. There is already a growing body of evidence that suggests that a child's life in the womb and soon after birth can affect their risk of obesity. While s... Read more →
Teen screen time affects sleep
The more time teenagers spend looking at various screens during the day, the poorer their quality of sleep is likely to be, a new study has found. Norwegian researchers looked at over 10,000 teenagers aged between 16 and 19. All were asked about the amount of time they spent looking at various scre... Read more →
Call for more community x-ray services
Providing GPs with access to community-based x-ray services could reduce some of the pressure on Irish Emergency Departments (EDs), doctors have claimed. Currently in Ireland, if a patient suffers an extremity trauma - damage to one of their limbs, such as their hands or feet - they have to be refe... Read more →
Rewards help pregnant smokers quit
Pregnant women who smoke are more likely to quit the habit if they are offered financial incentives to do so, a new study has found. A recent report found that almost one in eight mothers in Ireland smoked throughout their pregnancy. Smoking during pregnancy is known to increase the risk of health ... Read more →
Big wait for kids' dermatology service
Children who need to access dermatology services at Temple Street Children's Hospital now face being placed on an additional waiting list due to a lack of specialists, the Irish Skin Foundation (ISF) has warned. Previously, children were placed on one of two waiting lists - urgent cases and those o... Read more →
Dementia care severely lacking
Almost 90% of nursing homes in Ireland have no dedicated dementia care units, despite the increasing number of people living with this condition, a major new survey has found. According to a new report based on the survey findings, dementia is currently ‘one of the biggest challenges facing g... Read more →
Most breast cancer info on web inaccurate
Breast cancer is the most searched for cancer on the internet, yet much of the information available is either inaccurate or hard to read, Cork University Hospital (CUH) has said. Furthermore, one in three women attending breast cancer clinics in Ireland has limited health literacy. This all means ... Read more →
Sugary drinks linked to earlier menstruation
Young girls who consume a lot of sugary drinks tend to begin menstruating earlier, a new study has found. This marks the first study to investigate a link between these drinks and the age at which a girl gets her first period. It involved over 5,500 girls aged between nine and 14, who were monitore... Read more →
Big fall for Ireland in Euro health index
Ireland has fallen by eight places in a major European health index, coming in at 22nd place out of a possible 36. According to the 2014 Euro Health Consumer Index (EHCI), Ireland's ranking represents a ‘deep dive' from the 14th position it held in 2013. It scored just 644 points out of a po... Read more →
Even mild cholesterol ups heart risk
Having even mildly elevated cholesterol levels in your 30s can significantly raise your risk of heart disease later on, a new study has found. US researchers looked at almost 1,500 adults taking part in a long-term ongoing study. All of the participants were free of cardiovascular disease (CVD) at ... Read more →
Women urged to get smear tests
Irish women are being reminded of the importance of undergoing screening for cervical cancer - a disease that kills thousands of women elsewhere in Europe who do not have access to the high-quality screening that is available here. This week is European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week and in Irelan... Read more →
Many afraid to discuss cancer symptoms
Some people may avoid going to their GP with warning symptoms of cancer because they are afraid of wasting their doctor's time, a new study has found. Others are afraid that they will be diagnosed with the disease or they simply blame their symptoms on somthing else, such as ageing. The UK study l... Read more →
Type 1 diabetes on the increase
The most common form of diabetes found in children - type 1 diabetes - is on the increase in most countries worldwide, including Ireland, an international conference held in Dublin has been told. Unlike the more prevalent type 2 diabetes, type1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition not related to wei... Read more →
Rare food allergy leaves babies fighting for lives
The babies can suffer severe vomiting and diarrhoea hours after eating some trigger foods which can cause hypovolemic shock, an emergency condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood through the body. The cases of the illness, known as Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES), we... Read more →
Major new Irish study on prostate cancer
The long-term quality of life of men who have survived prostate cancer varies significantly depending on the main treatment they received, a new Irish study has found. Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer found in men. Every year in Ireland, over 2,000 men are newly diagnosed with the ... Read more →
Too much TV linked to junk food consumption
People who watch excessive amounts of television tend to eat more junk food and have a poorer understanding of healthy nutrition, a study has found. According to US researchers, a number of previous studies have found a link between time spent in front of the TV and unhealthy food consumption. "In... Read more →
Stroke death risk for men living alone
Men who live on their own have a much bigger risk of dying prematurely in the years after a stroke, a new study has found. The research focused on almost 1,100 people who had suffered an ischaemic stroke. This type of stroke is caused by a sudden blockage in the blood vessels supplying blood to the... Read more →
Moderate alcohol cuts heart failure risk
People who drink moderate amounts of alcohol may have a reduced risk of developing heart failure, a new study has found. According to US scientists, while previous research has already found that moderate alcohol consumption can lower the risk of some conditions, its role in relation to heart failu... Read more →
Knee pain on stairs may signal arthritis
People who experience pain in their knees when using the stairs may be displaying early symptoms of the most common type of arthritis, a new study has found. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis. Symptoms include pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints and most Irish people o... Read more →
Walking groups reduce disease risk
If you want to reduce your risk of developing a range of conditions including heart disease and depression, get out walking with a group. According to a new study, regularly walking outdoors in groups lowers the risk of a number of life-threatening conditions. The UK study was based on an analysis... Read more →
Many failing to manage diabetes properly
Many people with type 2 diabetes believe they are effectively managing the condition when the truth is, they are not, a new survey has found. According to the findings, 70% of people with type 2 diabetes believe that they are in control of the condition, however just 50% have significantly changed ... Read more →
Eczema takes big emotional toll
The common skin disease, eczema, can take a major emotional toll on those affected, a new study has found. It also appears to have a major impact on physical health, with affected adults more likely to be obese, have high blood pressure, have high cholesterol and have diabetes compared to those wit... Read more →
Flu vaccine advised for high-risk groups after doubling of cases
High-risk groups should get vaccinated against influenza following a doubling of the number of cases last week, the Health Service Executive has advised.Flu rates rose from 15.5 per 100,000 to 29 during the second week of January and are now above threshold levels, which means the illness is activel... Read more →
Rich, educated men drink more in later life
People often drink less alcohol as they get older, however a new study into the drinking habits of people over the age of 45 has revealed that single, rich, educated men appear to be the most likely to drink more alcohol later in life. The UK study, which took 10 years to complete, involved 4,500 m... Read more →
13% of mums smoke during pregnancy
Almost one in eight mothers in Ireland smoked throughout their pregnancy and those who smoked the most were more likely to give birth to smaller babies, according to a new report. The report on maternal health behaviours is part of the Growing Up In Ireland study - a national study of almost 20,000... Read more →
Polar bear evolution key to heart disease treatment
RESEARCH by Irish scientists into polar bears could help medics treat heart disease. The team looked at the bears' diet – plenty of fat and not drinking fresh water – and how it doesn't affect their bodies. "If you think about having a diet which is entirely animal fat-based, you'd be ... Read more →
One in four with heart failure wouldn't bother to get assistance
Fewer than one in 10 people in Ireland are able to spot the signs of heart failure – and a quarter of people experiencing symptoms would wait a week "or not bother at all" to get medical advice. A new survey has exposed a "staggering lack of awareness" among Irish people about heart disease, ... Read more →
Concern over lung cancer rates in women
Irish women have one of the highest lung cancer incidence and mortality rates in Europe, the Irish Cancer Society (ICS) has warned. According to the society, ‘significantly more Irish women are dying from lung cancer than in other European countries'. "We are concerned that lung cancer morta... Read more →
Employees who work more than 55 hours a week more likely to consume 'risky' levels of alcohol
People who work longer are more likely to seek solace in alcohol, new research finds, sparking calls for employers to use European limits on the length of the working week. It has long been accepted that long days can lead to exhaustion, mental health problems and even relationship breakdown, but t... Read more →
Acceptance of heart failure key to treatment
People with chronic heart failure who fail to accept their illness have a poorer quality of life, a new study has found.Heart failure is a potentially life-threatening condition which leads to the heart being unable to pump enough blood around the body. Around 20 million people are affected worldwid... Read more →
Diabetes camp to focus on lifestyle changes
Many people who are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes do not receive adequate information on the importance of moving to and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, Diabetes Ireland has said.According to the national charity, which offers support and education to people with diabetes and their families, a hea... Read more →
High risk of medication errors here
Ireland has a ‘very fragmented healthcare system', which increases the risk of medication errors, researchers have warned.According to the researchers, while there is no national data on the incidence of medication errors in the Irish healthcare system, recent studies carried out in Irish hosp... Read more →
Antibiotic that kills bugs without resistance is discovered
Scientists have discovered a new antibiotic, teixobactin, that can kill serious infections in mice without encountering any detectable resistance, offering a potential new way to get ahead of dangerous evolving superbugs.Researchers said the antibiotic, which has yet to be trialled in humans, could ... Read more →
Simple test detects risk in heart failure patients
People who attend Emergency Departments (EDs) with acute heart failure should have their blood sugar levels checked immediately, as this could identify if they are at risk of further health problems or even death, a new study has found.Heart failure is a potentially life-threatening condition which ... Read more →
Irish people urged to walk more
A new health initiative is aiming to get Irish people off their sofas, as research shows that walking for just 30 minutes per day improves both physical and mental health. The initiative has been launched by Get Ireland Walking and the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) and it involves a ‘21 Day Walk... Read more →
Irish teens face heart disease and infertility as obesity crisis grows
Obesity in young girls could mean they will find it impossible to have a baby later in life. Being seriously overweight can bring on early puberty, as well as lead to a range of infertility problems. Complications with the reproductive system, as well as health problems affecting the liver and pan... Read more →
New unit to help families stripped of medical cards
A special unit to deal directly with families who have lost their discretionary medical card is to be set up by health service bosses within weeks. The HSE unit will assign individual case officers to advise on the care, services and support available to those who have a severe disability or seriou... Read more →
Irish malaria vaccine trial proves successful
The first human clinical trial of any malaria vaccines to be carried out in Ireland has proven successful, scientists have said.Two new malaria vaccines were trialled in humans by researchers at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) in Dublin and they were found to be well tolerated, produ... Read more →
Maynooth scientists identify diabetes protein
Scientists at Maynooth University have identified a protein that has the potential to prevent the development of obesity-driven diabetes.Obesity is a key factor in Type 2 diabetes, because excess abdominal fat causes fat cells to release an inflammatory chemical, which can make the body less sensiti... Read more →
Free GP care for under sixes may be ready by Q2 next year
The HSE has said it hopes to implement free GP care for children under six years by the second quarter of next year.It also plans to have completed implementation of recommendations in the Keane Report on medical card eligibility by the final quarter of next year.The HSE 2015 national service plan w... Read more →
Many 'struggling to cope' - Samaritans
The Samaritans responded to over a half a million calls for help this year, making 2014 the organisation's busiest year to date.Samaritans Ireland is a volunteer-led organisation, which provides confidential, non-judgmental emotional support, 24 hours a day, for people who are experiencing feelings ... Read more →
National dementia strategy to focus on community care and stigma
Taoiseach Enda Kenny has unveiled a €27.5 million national dementia strategy that will focus on shattering the stigma of the diesase and supporting community care.Dementia affects about 50,000 people in Ireland, with Alzheimer’s the most common form. By 2041, the number affected is expect... Read more →
Lung cancer deaths rise in women as smoking takes its toll
Death rates for Irish women from lung cancer are continuing to rise because of the numbers who took up smoking when they were younger, a new report has revealed.It also highlights the increase in deaths from melanoma - the aggressive form of skin cancer - in men as a result of failure to protect the... Read more →
Menstrual age linked to heart risks
The age at which a female begins menstruating may affect her risk of heart disease and stroke later in life, a new study suggests. According to the findings, females who begin menstruating at the age of 10 or younger, or at the age of 17 or older, appear to have an increased risk of developing hear... Read more →
Most drug-related deaths involve men
Over 600 people died as a result of drug use in 2012, the vast majority of whom were men, new figures have shown. According to the latest figures from the National Drug-Related Deaths Index, which is published by the Health Research Board (HRB), 633 died in 2012, a slight drop on 2011's figure of 6... Read more →
Cancer info provided to 82,000 in 2013
Over 82,000 people were provided with information and support by the Irish Cancer Society's Cancer Information Service (CIS) last year, a new report has shown.The CIS is made up of the National Cancer Helpline, online services and Daffodil Centres, which provide information and support in local hosp... Read more →
Jump in calls to abuse counselling service
The number of individual callers to a telephone service that provides counselling to people who have been abused has jumped by 22% so far this year.Over half of these callers have said they were sexually abused, a slight increase on the same period last year.Connect Counselling, which is part-funded... Read more →
New ambulance transfer service for kids
A new critical-care ambulance service, which will transfer seriously ill children between hospitals, has been launched.The Paediatric Retrieval Service can transfer seriously ill children, up to the age of 16, from hospitals anywhere in Ireland to Dublin's Temple Street Children's Hospital and Our L... Read more →
New dementia resource for Cork
A new website, which aims to offer support to people diagnosed with dementia in the north Cork area, has been launched.An estimated 42,000 people in Ireland are currently affected by dementia, around 26,000 of whom live in the community. In the north Cork area, it is estimated that almost 1,000 peop... Read more →
Drug cuts breast cancer rates by 29%
Many women with breast cancer are given the drug, tamoxifen, to reduce the risk of the disease recurring. However, now a new study has found that the drug also has a major preventive effect in women at risk of the disease, which remains constant for at least two decades.According to the findings, th... Read more →
Asthma risk for kids in parent bed
Toddlers who share a bed with their parents may have an increased risk of developing asthma later in childhood, a new study suggests.Dutch researchers monitored the health of over 6,100 mothers and their children every year until the children were six years of age. Information on wheezing and asthma... Read more →
Poor sleep in old age linked to dementia
Study participants who spent the least amount of time in deep "slow wave" sleep were significantly more likely to lose brain cells than those who slept the most deeply.The research also showed that lack of oxygen caused by the snoring condition sleep apnoea increased the risk of tiny areas of damage... Read more →
Rush hour traffic is bad for the heart
People with heart disease should avoid being outside during rush hour traffic, experts have said.Over three million deaths worldwide are caused by air pollution every year and as many as one in three Europeans living in urban areas are exposed to air pollution levels that are considered above safe E... Read more →
Hologram to advise visitors on hand hygiene
A nurse hologram is being used by Dublin's Tallaght Hospital to remind visitors about the importance of hand hygiene.Visitors to the hospital can expect to receive a unique greeting from the hologram, which is based on an existing staff nurse, Helen Corrigan.The move is part of a new awareness initi... Read more →
Irish team seeking causes of MND
A major new DNA mapping project, which aims to discover the causes of motor neurone disease (MND), has been launched in Ireland.MND is the name given to a group of diseases in which there is progressive degeneration of the motor neurones in the brain and spinal cord. Motor neurones are the nerve cel... Read more →
WHO reports dramatic fall in malaria deaths
Malaria deaths have dropped dramatically since 2000, the World Health Organization (WHO) has said.It said cases are falling steadily, thanks to more people being diagnosed and treated, and more people getting bed nets.Yet progress against the mosquito-borne infection remains fragile.West African cou... Read more →
Irish men 'have less healthy diets'
Irish men consume less healthy diets, are less aware of healthy eating guidelines and have a preference for larger portions than Irish women, a new report has found. According to the report, Men's Food Behaviour, which was published by Safefood, men's attitude to food is putting them at a disadvant... Read more →
Social groups protect mental health
People who strongly identify with social groups, such as sports clubs or choirs, may have a reduced risk of experiencing mental health problems, two studies have found.Scottish psychologists set out to investigate the link between group identification - a person's sense of belonging to a group - and... Read more →
Concern over Christmas blood supplies
The Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) is appealing to members of the public to donate blood over the coming weeks.It said it is concerned about its blood supplies during the Christmas and New Year period."Traditionally holiday periods and especially the lead into the Christmas/New Year festivit... Read more →
New eye guide 'cuts through medical jargon'
Over 224,000 people in Ireland are affected by conditions that cause vision loss and this figure is expected to reach 275,000 by 2020, Fighting Blindness has warned.The sight loss charity has launched a new patient guide to support people who have been diagnosed with retinal conditions. The aim of t... Read more →
Obesity cuts life expectancy by 8 years
Obesity may shorten a person's life expectancy by up to eight years and deprive them of almost two decades of healthy life, a new study has found.According to Canadian scientists, obesity-related type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease are to blame.They created a disease-stimulation model to esti... Read more →
Big jump in neurology waiting list
The number of people waiting for more than one year for an outpatient appointment to see a neurologist has jumped in recent months, the Neurological Alliance of Ireland (NAI) has warned. Neurological conditions affect the brain and spinal cord and these can include stroke, epilepsy, migraine and ac... Read more →
Death risk for babies of obese mums
The babies of women who are overweight or obese during pregnancy have an increased risk of dying, with babies born to severely obese mothers facing the biggest risk, a new study has found. According to Swedish researchers, overweight and obesity are common among women of childbearing age and previo... Read more →
Many dismiss cancer warning signs
Many people dismiss the potential warning signs of cancer as less serious symptoms, a new study has found. The UK research noted that just 2% of people who had experienced a recent symptom often associated with cancer actually thought that the disease could be the cause. As part of the study, 1,70... Read more →
Call for nationwide smoky coal ban
An estimated 9,000 lives have been saved since a ban on smoky coal was introduced in Dublin in 1990 and this ban needs to be extended nationwide as a matter of urgency, the Asthma Society of Ireland (ASI) has said. Some 470,000 people in Ireland have asthma, including one in every five children. Sm... Read more →
Bilingualism delays Alzheimer's by 5 years
Being able to speak two languages fluently may delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease by up to five years, a new study suggests. Dementia currently affects around 36 million people worldwide, including some 40,000 people in Ireland. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia, accountin... Read more →
HIV's ability to cause AIDS is weakening over time, finds study
Rapid evolution of HIV, the human immunodeficiency virus, is slowing its ability to cause AIDS, according to a study of more than 2,000 women in Africa. Scientists said the research suggests a less virulent HIV could be one of several factors contributing to a turning of the deadly pandemic, eventu... Read more →
No link between antibiotics and asthma
A large new study appears to confirm that there is no link between the early use of antibiotics and a rise in childhood asthma. Previous studies have suggested that if a mother take antibiotics while pregnant, or her child is given antibiotics in early life, that child has an increased risk o... Read more →
Defibrillator programme could save ten lives a year
A report from the Health Information and Quality Authority has recommended the targeted placing of public access defibrillators in locations where there is a higher incidence of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. In a health technology assessment for Minister for Health Leo Varadkar, HIQA said that no... Read more →
Many asthma triggers at Christmas time
With just weeks to go until Christmas, people with asthma are being reminded to take particular care of themselves as there may be many extra triggers for their condition at this time of the year. Some 470,000 people in Ireland have asthma and one person dies from the condition every week despite t... Read more →
Obesity a major risk factor for cancer
Overweight and obesity have become major risk factors for cancer, causing almost half a million new cases of the disease worldwide every year, a new study has found. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), cancer caused by excess weight is currently much more common in ... Read more →
HSE service plan to target waiting times and cancer care
Targeted measures to tackle waiting lists, the recruitment of hundreds of extra doctors and nurses and the expansion of cancer services are outlined in the HSE’s service plan, to be published today. The plan envisages savings totalling €130 million, to come from cuts in spending on drugs... Read more →
Link between paracetamol and asthma 'overstated'
Scientists have found that a suggested link between early exposure to paracetamol and an increased risk of developing asthma in childhood may be ‘overstated'. Previous research has suggested that the use of this common painkiller during pregnancy and/or a child's early years may increase the ... Read more →
Chlamydia testing at five-year high
There has been a big jump in the number of people getting tested for the sexually transmitted infection (STI), chlamydia, in Dublin this year. According to the Dublin Well Woman Centre, its three clinics have already carried out 4,576 chlamydia tests so far this year, surpassing the full-year total... Read more →
Fall in cases of MRSA and C.diff
The number of people contracting the hospital superbug, MRSA, has fallen significantly in recent years, new figures from the Department of Health have shown. Rates of another superbug, C.diff, also appear to be on the decline. MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) is a form of the bac... Read more →
Breathing for life: Huge progress in asthma treatments
Having asthma is like trying to breathe through a soggy straw. That is how Breda Flood (63), from Co Wexford, describes this often frightening condition, which causes the airways to become constricted, making it difficult to breathe. SHAREIt's a problem that only arose when Breda was in her 30s; no... Read more →
Asthma, COPD linked to bowel disease
People with diseases of their airways, such as asthma, are more likely to have an inflammatory bowel disease, a new study has found. This marks the first population-based study to investigate the link between diseases of the airways and the incidence of bowel diseases. Canadian researchers used a ... Read more →
Bad marriage could 'break' heart
Staying in a bad marriage could literally break your heart, the results of a new study suggest. US researchers analysed data relating to around 1,200 married men and women and found that older people who were in bad marriages had a higher risk of developing heart disease compared to people in happy... Read more →
Exercise reduces Parkinson's risk
People who undertake even a ‘medium amount' of exercise may reduce their risk of developing Parkinson's disease, a new study suggests. Parkinson's is a progressive neurological disease, the symptoms of which include tremors, stiffness and slow movement. An estimated six to seven thousand peop... Read more →
200 cancers detected by BowelScreen
Almost 200 cases of bowel cancer have been detected by BowelScreen, the National Bowel Screening Programme, since it began last year, early results show. Some 2,500 people are newly diagnosed with bowel (colorectal) cancer in Ireland every year and around 1,000 people die from it annually, making i... Read more →
Fats in processed food affect memory
Men who eat a lot of trans fats, which are found in processed foods, have poorer memory, a new study suggests. Trans fats are artificially produced fats that are used in thousands of processed foods, from deep fried food and frozen pizza to biscuits, margarine and ready-meals. US researchers looke... Read more →
Pre-pregnancy weight linked to kids' heart risk
Adults have a much higher risk of dying from heart disease or stroke if their mothers were overweight or obese before they became pregnant, a new study suggests. Previous research has found that people whose mothers were overweight before pregnancy have an increased risk of diabetes, high cholester... Read more →
Self-test products 'not 100% reliable'
People are being reminded that self-test health products, such as pregnancy tests and blood sugar testing kits, are not 100% reliable. According to the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA), the availability of self-test health products is increasing, but it is important that people using suc... Read more →
Women shouldn't ignore their father's medical history
Around one in 70 women will get ovarian cancer in their lifetime - and for most women with a family history of the disease, their risk will not be much higher than that of the rest of the population. Nearly 380 Irish women are newly diagnosed with the cancer annually. If a woman has a first-degree ... Read more →
Irish workers want to become healthier
Just 15% of workers are provided with healthy food choices in their company canteens or vending machines, a new survey has found. According to the findings by the Nutrition and Health Foundation (NHF), many of Ireland's workers want to become healthier and would like to see their employers playing ... Read more →
Stop using antibiotics for common illnesses
Many people still believe that antibiotics can help to treat common illnesses such as colds, the flu and earaches, however this is not the case, the HSE has said. It has just launched a new online support to help people deal with common illnesses.Undertheweather.ie provides a range of informat... Read more →
Galway doctors focusing on diabetes
Doctors in Galway are attempting to work out why some people develop type 2 diabetes, while others do not. According to Dr Francis Finucane, a consultant endocrinologist at Galway University Hospital (GUH), working this out ‘will help us develop better therapies for tomorrow'. "The diabetes ... Read more →
Diabetes - many confused about food labels
A healthy diet is essential for the estimated 207,000 Irish people with diabetes, however many of these struggle with shopping for food, especially when it comes to reading labels, Diabetes Ireland has said. In an effort to tackle this, the national charity, which offers support and education to th... Read more →
Kids' juices contain more sugar than Coke
Some juice drinks aimed at children contain more sugar than Coca Cola, experts have warned. They carried out a survey of 203 fruit juices, juice drinks and smoothies being sold in UK supermarkets and found that at least 25% contained the same amount or more sugar than Coca Cola, which contains five... Read more →
7,000 over-70 medical cards cut
The Government has been accused of ‘targeting vulnerable older people', after new figures revealed that almost 7,000 people over the age of 70 lost their medical cards during a one-month period. The figures that were released to Fianna Fail show that the number of people over the age of 70 wi... Read more →
One in five has chronic back pain
Around 20% of Irish adults suffer with chronic back pain and for some of these, the cause of their pain can take years to diagnose, a new campaign has warned. The Europe-wide initiative, 'Don't Turn Your Back On It', has just been launched in Ireland and it is urging people to become more knowledge... Read more →
New test to detect diabetes risk
Some 350,000 Irish people are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes over the next two decades, however many are unaware of this, Diabetes Ireland has warned. According to the charity, which provides support and education to people with diabetes, latest international figures estimate that over 225,0... Read more →
Details of symphysiotomy redress scheme announced
Details of the Government's redress scheme for women who underwent a surgical symphysiotomy have been announced. Participants will receive between €50,000 and €150,000. There are believed to be around 200 symphysiotomy survivors in Ireland. The procedure had been discontinued in all but o... Read more →
7,000 patients on trolleys last month
Almost 7,000 patients who needed to be admitted to hospital last month found themselves on trolleys either in overcrowded Emergency Departments (EDs) or wards, the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation has said (INMO). According to the INMO's latest ‘Trolley/Ward Watch' figures, 6,977 patien... Read more →
Insurance to be made 'affordable again'
A series of measures, which it is hoped will address the issue of rising private health insurance premiums, has been announced by the Health Minister, Leo Varadkar. According to Minister Varadkar, the Private Health Insurance Package is designed to ‘make private health insurance affordable ag... Read more →
Insomnia linked to road death risk
Insomnia may be a major contributor to road-related deaths and other unintentional fatal injuries, a new study suggests. Insomnia is a sleep disorder which results in people constantly having difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep. This can lead to a number of problems such as daytime fatigu... Read more →
Allergens on loose foods to be labelled
Specific allergens, such as peanuts, milk and shellfish, will have to be clearly labelled on all loose foods from next month, the Department of Health has said. New laws have been brought in by Health Minister, Leo Varadkar, as required under EU regulations. Similar measures are being signed into l... Read more →
Smoking causes 90% of lung cancer
For smokers, the risk of developing lung cancer falls if they quit the habit, however it will never be as low as the risk that applies to someone who has never smoked, Irish doctors have said. According to Dr Jane Kleinerova and Dr Dermot O'Callaghan of the Mater Hospital in Dublin, lung cancer cur... Read more →
How to eat yourself young with tips from a naturopath
A morning brew - When you wake up in the morning, squeeze half a lemon into some warm water, add a little ginger and a teaspoonful of turmeric. This drink will cleanse your liver and will also start the digestive process. Ginger is an anti-inflammatory, which is good for the skin. If you're trying t... Read more →
Are saturated fats good or bad for our health?
Saturated fat has long been demonised by nutritionists, but new research has indicated that eating moderate amounts makes good health sense. You've heroically avoided steak and swapped butter for marge - but the latest food news could leave a bad taste in your mouth. Despite everything we've been t... Read more →
Travellers have poorer asthma control
Members of Ireland's Traveller community tend to have higher rates of asthma and poorer control of the condition compared to the general population, however a new health initiative aims to tackle this problem. Research by the Department of Health has previously shown that Travellers often face cert... Read more →
IMO concern over HSE Ebola plans
The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) has expressed concern about the HSE's contingency plans in the event of a case of Ebola being detected here. The IMO met with the HSE on Wednesday to discuss the issue and outlined a number of concerns it has with the plans. It queried the wisdom of advising pat... Read more →
Docs should know signs of eating disorders
Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of all mental health conditions and all doctors in contact with children should be aware of the warning signs, experts have warned. Eating disorders refer to a number of illnesses that are characterised by disordered eating patterns and negative thou... Read more →
Women urged to be breast aware
Women are being reminded of the importance of knowing the signs and symptoms of breast cancer. According to the Irish Cancer Society (ICS), over 2,700 cases of the disease are newly diagnosed in this country every year and Irish women have a one in 10 chance of developing it during their lifetime. ... Read more →
Risk groups urged to get flu vaccine
Every year in Ireland, thousands of people put themselves at risk of serious illness or even death by failing to get vaccinated against the flu, the HSE has warned. It has launched its annual flu vaccination campaign, which urges people in at-risk groups to get vaccinated. Research indicates that i... Read more →
Burnout high among cancer doctors
Some seven in 10 young cancer doctors in Europe show signs of burnout because of the demands of the job, a major new survey has revealed. This is the largest survey of its kind, involving almost 600 oncologists under the age of 40 working throughout Europe. It found that 71% were showing signs of b... Read more →
Many unfamiliar with common skin disease
A new campaign has been launched to raise awareness of a skin condition that affects one in four people at least once in their lives, but which many people are unfamiliar with. Urticaria - the medical term for hives - causes severe itching and wheals (a temporary raised area of the skin). At any gi... Read more →
Not feasible to list medical card conditions
An expert panel that was appointed by the HSE to examine what medical needs should be taken into account when it comes to medical card eligibility has found that it is ‘neither feasible nor desirable' to list medical conditions that would qualify for a card. The panel of 23 experts was appoin... Read more →
Pregnancy diabetes could be cut by 50%
Almost 50% of all cases of gestational diabetes could be prevented if women consumed a healthy diet, maintained a healthy weight, exercised regularly and stopped smoking before and during pregnancy, a new study has found. Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy - m... Read more →
Neurotic women 'more likely to get Alzheimer's'
Anxious, jealous, moody or distressed middle aged women may be putting themselves at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, according to a 38-year long study. The claim, which appears in Neurology online, comes after scientists used personality and memory tests to track the health and welfare of 80... Read more →
Doctors warned about blood tests on those with Ebola symptoms
The National Virus Reference Laboratory has tested 18 samples from 12 patients with reported symptoms of Ebola and a relevant travel history, but all tested negative. The news comes as the HSE issued new advice to GPs dealing with patients who may have the Ebola virus. Under the revised guidelines... Read more →
'Every breastfeed makes a difference'
Mothers and mothers-to-be are being reminded that ‘every breastfeed makes a difference'. That is the theme of this year's National Breastfeeding Week, which runs from October 1-7. Over half of mothers who left hospital last year were breastfeeding at the time of their discharge, 46% excl... Read more →
Call to extend BreastCheck
Almost 90 lives are being lost in Ireland every year as a result of the Government's failure to extend the national breast screening programme, BreastCheck, to women aged between 65 and 69, the Irish Cancer Society (ICS) has said. According to the ICS, the Government made a promise to extend screen... Read more →
Get the vaccine and avoid the misery of being hit by flu
Almost as many people die from flu each year as are killed on our roads. So take steps to protect yourself. Doctors are a lot like fruit-pickers. We're pretty much seasonal workers, with the summer being relatively quiet work-wise, compared with the winter. The winter months ravage the respiratory s... Read more →
HSE figs 'confirm patients are suffering'
The latest waiting list figures released by the HSE ‘categorically confirm that patients are suffering as a direct result of inadequate health funding', nurses have insisted. According to the HSE's own performance report for July, over 54,000 people are on a waiting list for an inpatient or d... Read more →
E-cigs no help to smoking cancer patients
E-cigarettes do not appear to help cancer patients quit smoking, according to a new study. The health dangers of smoking are well-documented and it is widely acknowledged that anyone diagnosed with cancer should be advised to quit the habit. US scientists decided to look at e-cigarettes specifi... Read more →
Vaping: 6 facts you need to know about e-cigarettes
The facts surrounding the rise of the e-cigarette. Usually powered by a rechargeable battery, electronic cigarettes allow users to simulate smoking by vaporising liquid nicotine and other additives. They contain no tobacco. More than 95pc of e-cigarettes are produced in Shenzhen, southern China.... Read more →
Focus on mental health at Ploughing Championships
Almost one in four people believe that those with mental health problems are not trustworthy, while at least one in three people admit they would not treat someone with a mental health problem the same as they treat others, a survey has shown. The results were released by St Patrick's Mental Health... Read more →
Skin cancer in men on the increase
The number of men developing skin cancer in Ireland has jumped by over 21% since 2009, new figures indicate. The figures were released by VHI Healthcare to mark its sponsorship of Blue September - a national campaign that aims to raise awareness and funds for male cancers. According to the... Read more →
Palliative care 'not just for last days of life'
There is a common perception that palliative care is all bout providing pain relief to older people during their last days of life. However, a new campaign aims to change this belief. ‘Making the Most of Life' is a nationwide campaign coordinated by the All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Pa... Read more →
Call for more school breakfast clubs
No child should start the school day without a nutritious breakfast and an investment of just €1.8 million by the Government could ensure that the most vulnerable children in the country get a good breakfast at school every day, according to a new report. The report, Supporting the Development... Read more →
Health service is at a 'critical point'
Patient safety is being compromised throughout the health service as a result of budget cuts in recent years, the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) has said. According to the organisation, there is now major concern among healthcare professionals that this situation is at a critical point. "We are ... Read more →
2015 abortion referendum 'really bad idea'
Health Minister Leo Varadkar has insisted that there will ‘never be perfect legislation that removes all tragedies related to pregnancy'. Speaking about a possible abortion referendum in the Dail on Thursday, he said that he believed it would be a ‘really bad idea' to hold such a refere... Read more →
Desire to have kids affects mental health
Women who do not conceive following fertility treatment have poorer mental health in the long run if they are unable to let go of their desire to have a child, a study has found. Welsh and Dutch researchers looked at over 7,100 women who had undergone fertility treatment in 12 different hospitals b... Read more →
Bullied kids face nightmares, terrors
Twelve-year-old children are much more likely to suffer from nightmares, night terrors or sleep walking if they were bullied between the ages of eight and 10, a new study has found. Sleep-related disorders such as nightmares and night terrors are known as parasomnias. UK researchers decided to look... Read more →
Smoking dads up kids' asthma risk
Children have a greater risk of developing asthma if their fathers smoked before their conception, a study has found. This marks the first study to investigate the link between childhood asthma and a father's smoking habits prior to conception. Norwegian scientists looked at the smoking habits of ... Read more →
Tranquillisers may up Alzheimer risk
People who take a group of drugs commonly used to treat anxiety and insomnia may have an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, a study has found. Benzodiazepines, also known as sedatives or tranquillisers, are a group of medications that help to regulate sleep, ease agitation and reduce... Read more →
Daily breakfast cuts kids' diabetes risk
A new study appears to back up the old saying that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It found that children who eat breakfast every day are less likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared to children who skip this meal or only eat it sometimes. UK researchers looked at the breakfast... Read more →
Sport may benefit boys' math skills
Boys who are very physically active during their early years of school may have better reading and math skills, a new study suggests. Researchers in Finland studied the link between physical and sedentary behaviour, and reading and arithmetic skills among almost 190 children aged between six and ei... Read more →
Pharmacists call for Minor Ailment Scheme
Pharmacists are calling for the introduction of a Minor Ailment Scheme for medical card holders, which they insist will provide ‘more timely access to appropriate healthcare at no extra cost to the State'. The call came from the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) in its pre-Budget submission. The un... Read more →
Unexplained hep A cases linked to berries
Consumers are being warned to boil any imported frozen berries for at least 60 seconds before eating them, in response to fears over a food-poisoning outbreak of the hepatitis A virus. According to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI), a few Irish cases of hepatitis A have been reported &lsq... Read more →
New app aims to help people caring for relatives with dementia
A free app has been launched to help the 50,000 family carers looking after people with dementia. The app from Home Instead Senior Care, is a pocket guide to dementia care. It provides access to quick, helpful tips from experts and other caregivers. Features include: 25 topic categories regardin... Read more →
Moderate exercise cuts heart failure risk
Exercising moderately for one hour per day could significantly reduce a person's risk of developing heart failure, a new study suggests. Heart failure is a potentially life-threatening condition which leads to the heart being unable to pump enough blood around the body. Symptoms include tiredness, ... Read more →
Tony Ward - Cancer was my hardest opponent to beat
Tony Ward had to overcome many challenges in his dazzling rugby career. But nothing prepared him for the cruel illness that turned his life upside down. Now, for the first time, he tells Kim Bielenberg about his toughest battle. He was renowned as a wizard in an Irish rugby shirt. He toured with th... Read more →
Irish team in cornea transplant breakthrough
Around 100,000 people worldwide undergo a cornea transplant every year. Now researchers based in Galway have made a breakthrough which could reduce the risk of patients rejecting this type of transplant. Corneal eye disease is the fourth most common cause of blindness globally, affecting over 10 mi... Read more →
Health insurance figures still falling
The number of people with private health insurance is continuing to fall, new figures from the Health Insurance Authority (HIA) have shown. According to the latest figures, at the end of June 2014, 2,017,000 people held inpatient health insurance plans. This is 11,000 fewer people when compared to ... Read more →
New class of drug targets skin cancer
A new kind of DNA-based drug has been used to treat a form of skin cancer. The researchers involved believe it may also prove effective in a more dangerous skin cancer – melanoma. The first human use of the drug, known as DZ13, was conducted at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney, Aus... Read more →
Breast cancer study to focus on aspirin
Cancer Society (ICS) has announced the national roll-out of a major clinical study, which aims to improve outcomes for breast cancer patients by looking more closely at the potentially important role of aspirin. Recent research part-funded by the ICS found that women who had been prescribed aspirin... Read more →
Many unaware they have eye disease
The leading cause of blindness in Irish people over the age of 50 continues to be the eye disease AMD. However many people affected are not even aware they have it The warning comes ahead of AMD Awareness Week 2014, which runs from September 15-21. This year's campaign - 'Begin Your New Chapter' - ... Read more →
Dr Ciara: Take care and get to the heart of the matter
Heart failure varies from mild to severe, and is poorly recognised or understood by patients. The heart is probably written about more than any other organ, both in medicine and - as the organ of love - in literature. Interestingly, the heart wasn't always the organ we ascribed love to - in ancient ... Read more →
An apple a day can cut heart disease by 40%, study finds
Daily consumption of fruit can reduce risk of death by third in at-risk individuals. Eating fruit every day can reduce the risk of heart and artery disease by up to 40 per cent, a study has found. Compared with avoiding fruit altogether, daily consumption also cut the overall risk of death by nearl... Read more →
Universal healthcare could take 10 yrs
The head of the GP group in the IMO had warned that it could take 10 years for universal healthcare to be fully introduced in Ireland. And Dr Ray Walley says GPs will have to be compensated for any loss of private practice earnings if GP care is to become free at the point of access. Interviewed b... Read more →
E-cigarettes should be banned indoors - WHO
Electronic cigarettes should be banned from indoor spaces and face curbs on their sale over health fears, the World Health Organisation has said. Despite releasing vapour instead of smoke the devices, officially known as electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), still carry a risk to those standi... Read more →
My name is David Walsh, I've had Parkinson's for 10 years
3am. Mind is open. Eyes are not yet open. I am almost afraid to open my eyes because I know the day begins and the complications of Parkinson's begin. No matter how hard I try to stabilise the body and stop the shaking and the tremor, starting in my gut, I know the second I open my eyes, it will get... Read more →
Given the gift of life... Ireland's transplant athletes
As the Irish Transplant Team competed in the European Transplant and Dialysis Sports Championships, participants hoped to bring comfort to the families of organ donors, who have given them the greatest gift of all - life. "It's a really positive way to give back to everybody who has contributed to y... Read more →
Children’s hospitals say no decisions made about future use of sites
Sale of hospitals at Crumlin, Temple Street or Tallaght could raise millions of euro to offset cost of new project, estimated at €650m. The three Dublin children’s hospitals say no decisions have been made about the future use of their buildings and land once the new national children&rsq... Read more →
Diabetes eye screen scheme on target
Diabetic RetinaScreen - the National Diabetic Retinal Screening Programme is on target to complete its first round of national diabetic screening for the eye. Diabetic retinopathy is a diabetes-related eye disease whichcan lead to blindness. Diabetic RetinaScreen has already invited in excess of 1... Read more →
Smoking link to head/neck cancer deaths
A new study conducted by by the National Cancer Registry of Ireland (NCRI) has found that head and neck cancer patients who smoke at the time of diagnosis have a significantly increased rate of death from cancer. The study has found that over one in two of these patients identified were smokers at ... Read more →
'Back to front' guidelines on abortion
Nearly seven months after the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act came into effect, health professionals have to date only been issued with guidelines on how the appeals system where a woman is refused an abortion should operate. This 'back to front' approach to guidance on the operation of the... Read more →
Warning on September asthma spike
The Asthma Society of Ireland has warned that emergency hospital admissions for children with asthma increase significantly in the month of September. The Society is providing training and support free of charge to help parents and teachers at this time. According to 2013 figures, hospital admissi... Read more →
Parents 'exploited' by overseas youth cancer treatments
Specialists say experimental approach unrealistic and may harm some children. Hope offered by experimental cancer treatments abroad is “unrealistic” and, in some cases, may harm children, two leading childhood cancer specialists have warned. Consultant Prof Owen Smith and oncologist Dr ... Read more →
Alopecia 'cure' fully restores hair in five months
A pill that cures alopecia baldness has full restored the hair of three patients in a breakthrough hailed as ‘dramatic’ and ‘exciting’ by scientists. Doctors conducted a pilot trial after identifying which immune cells were responsible for destroying hair follicles in people ... Read more →
Welcome to the 'manopause'
It's all the rage among the Wall Street brokers, but is the boom in testosterone-replacement therapy the latest sign that middle-aged men have taken to spending their way out of their mid-life crises, asks David Thomas. There's a hot new drug called TRT that users take to make them feel more energe... Read more →
No confirmed or suspected Ebola cases in Ireland, says HSE
Statement follows report on Irish news website of first suspected case in State. The Health Service Executive (HSE) has said there are no confirmed or suspected cases of Ebola in Ireland. The statement issued by the HSE follows a report on an Irish news website ‘The Journal’ that a room... Read more →
Mars recalls some drinks over bacteria concern
A number of Mars milk drinks have been recalled as a precaution as they could pose a health risk due to the presence of the Bacillus bacteria. The drinks, manufactured by Milchwerke Mittelelbe GMBH, have best before dates between 19 December 2014 and 11 April 2015. The products being recalled are ... Read more →
Cancer kids missing out on med cards
Children diagnosed with cancer in Ireland are still not automatically entitled to a medical card, leaving their families with the added stress of having to undergo a means test, the Childhood Cancer Foundation (CCF) has said. Over 200 children are diagnosed with cancer in Ireland every year - that ... Read more →
New guidelines in wake of Savita case
New sets of guidelines have are being given to hospitals on the management of pregnant women with suspected sepsis and second trimester miscarriage. An update covering the area of sepsis has been added to previous early warning guidelines on maternity care and a new set of guidelines on miscarriage... Read more →
Salt is killing 1.6m people a year through heart disease
USING too much salt leads to more than 1.6 million heart disease-related deaths around the world each year, research suggests. Scientists based the finding on an analysis of 205 surveys of sodium intake in countries representing nearly three-quarters of the world's adult population. Effects of... Read more →
Aspirin can prevent cancer deaths, Irish study finds
Researchers find prescription can help stop spread of breast cancer to lymph nodes. A simple aspirin pill can help reduce death rates from cancer by preventing the spread of the disease, new Irish research suggests. Women who have been prescribed aspirin regularly before being diagnosed with breast... Read more →
Leaving Cert students urged to stay safe
Leaving Cert students receiving their exam results today are being reminded to look out for each other when celebrating later on. Just under 57,000 students are set to get their results today and according to youth website, spunout.ie, alcohol may play a big role in many people's celebrations tonig... Read more →
Aspirin may stop spread of breast cancer say researchers
Irish researchers have found that aspirin may stop the spread of breast cancer. Researchers funded by the Health Research Board and Irish Cancer Society have discovered that women who had been prescribed aspirin regularly before being diagnosed with breast cancer are less likely to have cancer that... Read more →
Plain packaging will cost revenue, but bring health savings
Ireland would be first EU member state to introduce plain-packaging legislation. The State may lose tax revenue through the introduction of plain packaging for tobacco products but this will be offset by savings from reduced deaths and illness linked to smoking, according to a Department of Health s... Read more →
Caesareans safer if baby is breech
Breech babies have a much higher risk of death if they are delivered vaginally rather than by caesarean section, a new study has found. Babies in the breech position are delivered feet or buttocks first, rather than head first. An estimated 4% of deliveries are breech. A previous study carried out... Read more →
Diabetes foot problem signals heart issues
The loss of sensation that people with diabetes sometimes experience in their feet may predict their risk of suffering a cardiovascular event such as a stroke or heart attack, a new study suggests. Diabetes can cause blood vessel and nerve damage, particularly if the condition is poorly controlled.... Read more →
Ebola risk ‘extremely low’ in EU, says commissioner
The EU is prepared in the “unlikely event” of the Ebola virus outbreak reaching Europe, according to the European Commissioner for Health. Speaking today after the WHO declared the worsening outbreak of Ebola in West Africa as a “public health emergency of international concern&rd... Read more →
Aspirin cuts risk of digestive cancers
Taking aspirin can significantly reduce a person's risk of developing major cancers of the digestive tract, such as bowel cancer, a new study has found. The drug also reduces the risk of dying from these cancers. This marks the first time that scientists have reviewed all the evidence contained in... Read more →
'Prostate screening can reduce cancer deaths'
Prostate cancer screening could reduce deaths from the disease by about a fifth, according to a major European study. However, the authors of the study of over 162,000 men conclude that routine blood test (PSA test) screening programmes for prostate cancer should not be introduced at this time. Do... Read more →
First stages of Universal GP Care in place by year end - Varadkar
Minister for Health plans to delay introduction of UHI and postpone abolition of HSE. Minister for Health Leo Varadkar hopes the first stages of Universal GP Care for over-70s and under-6s will be in place before the end of the year. Mr Varadkar told RTÉ’s Today with Seán O&rsqu... Read more →
6 reasons not to panic about Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Ireland
While the world is experiencing the worst ever outbreak of EVD, the threat to Ireland is very low. Here is six reasons not to panic. The world is experiencing a deadly outbreak of deadly Ebola Virus disease and has killed more than 700 people in West Africa. The disease has no known cure and only on... Read more →
Having babies close together is safe
Most of us are familiar with the term Irish twins - when siblings are born less than 12 months apart, sometimes even within the same calendar year. Until now, having babies close together was thought to increase the risk of prematurity and low birth weight, however a new study suggests that this may... Read more →
The facts about the Ebola Virus Disease
The Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) has killed over 600 people since it was first diagnosed in February this year. We look at what exactly the disease is, and its symptoms. The Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) has killed over 600 people across Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone since it was first diagnosed in Febr... Read more →
400 complaints against doctors last year
A total of 400 complaints about doctors were made to the Medical Council last year, according to its latest annual report. This compares to 423 complaints made to the Council in 2012. Council statistics also show a major increase in doctors who have mental health issues being supported by its Heal... Read more →
First malaria vaccine could be available by next year
GlaxoSmithKline submits application to European Medicines Agency for assessment. A British drug maker has come a step closer to making the world’s first malaria vaccine available for use. GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has submitted an application to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) who will assess... Read more →
Shift work ups diabetes risk
Doing shift work can increase your risk of developing diabetes, according to new research. Researchers in China found that any period of shift work was associated with a 9% greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared with working normal office hours. And the risk is highest in men and in pe... Read more →
Irish rugby player appeals to men to be more aware of testicular cancer
After the tragic loss of a friend to the disease, rugby star Jordi Murphy tells why it is vital to ignore the macho culture and seek help early. Irish rugby international and Leinster flanker Jordi Murphy (23) is the perfect case in point of an old head on young, albeit quite considerable, shoulders... Read more →
The Dracula Bug: Why you should be wary of dangerous ticks
With Lyme Disease on the increase, here's how you can protect yourself this summer. Is there anything worse than a tick? I'm not sure there is. Parasitic arachnids that lurk in the long grass, watching and waiting to drop from their perch, onto unsuspecting passing mammals and lock onto us with thei... Read more →
Free GP care for all plan delayed
All children and people over 70 will get free GP care by 2016 under a new timetable drawn up by Health Minister Leo Varadkar. This means, however, that the Government is unlikely to deliver on its promise of free GP care for the entire population by 2016. Instead, it will provide GP care to younger... Read more →
Paracetamol ineffective for back pain
Paracetamol is no better than placebo pills at tackling acute back pain, new research has indicated. The research findings have called into question the common belief that paracetamol should be the first choice painkiller for low-back pain. The researchers indicate that paracetamol may not be e... Read more →
Migraine drug to go 'over-the-counter'
The medicines watchdog, the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA), has recommended that the migraine drug sumatriptan be made available over the counter, rather than on prescription-only as at present. The drug, which is better known under the brand name Imigran, is one of 12 active medicine ... Read more →
Number of British women travelling to USA to choose the sex of their baby on the rise
Hundreds of British couples are travelling to specialist clinics in America to choose the gender of their child in an act of 'family balancing'. Leading American specialist Dr. Daniel Potter, who runs a large clinic in California, revealed that the number of couples seeking treatment to engineer th... Read more →
‘It started with a simple cold and ended with me being admitted to a psychiatric hospital...’
Doctors thought Audrey Frost was having a breakdown when, in reality, she was suffering from a rare, life-threatening condition called Guillain-Barré syndrome. ‘I was in a lot of pain but it’s nothing compared to what my mam and dad went through,” says Audrey Frost with a sh... Read more →
Trinity plays key role in global schizophrenia breakthrough
Findings have potential to kickstart development of new treatments. An international scientific collaboration has found 108 locations in the human genome associated with schizophrenia. Trinity College Dublin was a significant contributor to that effort along with 3,500 Irish participants in the stu... Read more →
Minister for Health signals shift in medical card policy
Varadkar says issuing of cards based on ‘hierarchy of illnesses’ may not be realistic. New Minister for Health Leo Varadkar has indicated he may walk away from the Government’s plan to start issuing medical cards on the grounds of medical condition. In the first clear expression o... Read more →
Kelly reverses cut to 23 voluntary groups
Health and disability organisations to share €1.3m funding after ministerial U-turn. Minister for the Environment Alan Kelly has restored funding to 23 health and disability organisations whose grants were controversially axed by his predecessor Phil Hogan. Mr Kelly said he was making bridging... Read more →
Mega increase in public waiting lists
New Health Minister Leo Varadkar is facing a major challenge to manage the growing waiting list crisis, with the numbers waiting for public hospital outpatient and inpatient/daycase care continuing to spiral. Just over 23,000 more people are waiting over 12 months for an outpatient appointment than... Read more →
My heart disease taught me value of slowing down
Michael McCabe (34) was forced to see a GP when he began coughing and choking and was diagnosed cardiomyopathy. AT THE height of the boom, Michael McCabe was regularly working 13-hour days, six days a week. During busy peri ods between 2004 and 2007, 100-hour weeks were not uncommon for McCabe, then... Read more →
Almost 350,000 waiting for outpatient appointment
Latest HSE figures show a deficit of €162 million in five months to end of May. Almost 350,000 people are waiting for an outpatient appointment, according to the latest figures from the Health Service Executive (HSE). The figures, which show the HSE recorded a €162 million deficit in the f... Read more →
A moment with a muffin made me confront my eating disorder
Louise O'Neill shares her experience with Anorexia Nervosa and its devastating effect on her life. I’m in a Starbucks in New York, waiting for the Q Train to resume service. I’m almost an hour late for work now, and trunks stuffed with thousands of dollars worth of designer clothing need... Read more →
Varadkar rules out intervention on axed community funding
Department of Environment funding for 26 health and disability groups cut. Minister for Health Leo Varadkar has ruled out any intervention in the row over the Department of the Environment’s decision to axe funding for 26 health and disability organisations. Mr Varadkar said there were no fund... Read more →
End of funding to health and disability groups may be death knell
Department of the Environment funding cuts will mean closure of many groups working for those with medical conditions. First, run a funding competition based on woolly criteria. Then, leave the results sitting on the Minister’s desk for months (or at least until after the local elections are o... Read more →
9 things you didn't know about fat
Where do fats fit in to our modern day diet? Our understanding of fats – including which ones are actually good for us – is evolving. We know for example that red meat and meat products, cakes and biscuits, which are rich sources of saturated fatty acids, are associated with an increased... Read more →
1 in 3 Alzheimer cases could be prevented
One-third of Alzheimer's cases worldwide could potentially be prevented, new research suggests. Alzheimer's disease affects an estimated 44 million people worldwide and some 35,000 people in Ireland. As the world's population ages, prevalence of the disease is increasing and according to UK and... Read more →
New eye test could detect early stage Alzheimer’s
Early trials show key biomarkers can be identified in retina and lens. Regular eye tests could in future be used to diagnose early-stage Alzheimer’s, new research suggests. Early trials of two different techniques show that a key Alzheimer’s biomarker can be identified in the retina and... Read more →
Free GP care for over-70s will ‘require legislation’
Crown proposes that non-smokers could be given discount on health insurance. Legislation will be required to give effect to the Government’s decision to extend free GP care to all over-70s, the Oireachtas health committee has heard. The measure, which will apply to those over-70s who do n... Read more →
Insect Bite: 'Lyme disease almost destroyed my life'
An insect bite seems like a minor annoyance. But as the HSE urges us to protect themselves against tick bites, Celine Naughton talks to those whose lives have been shattered by a single encounter. Getting out and about in summer comes with a government health warning – protect yourself ag... Read more →
Over-35s taking out health insurance face penalty. First-time insurance subscribers to face 2% per year penalty after May 2015.
Customers over the age of 35 will pay a 2 per cent per year penalty on their health insurance following the introduction of a new loading by Minister for Health James Reilly. In a move designed to attract younger customers back into the market, Dr Reilly said health insurance premiums will rise mor... Read more →
What is the Lifetime Community Rating? Q&A: New loading system explained
What is Lifetime Community Rating? Community rating is the principle whereby everyone pays the same premium for the same health-insurance product, regardless of age. That’s the system that applies in Ireland and it effectively means younger, healthier subscribers are subsidising older, less he... Read more →
Neurological services hit by new funding cuts Some organisations dealing with chronic pain and services to the elderly may close
Eleven neurological organisations receiving support for vital community services in areas such as motor neurone disease, stroke and dementia have lost funding under a Department of the Environment scheme for voluntary organisations. The Neurological Alliance of Ireland, which represents 31 organisa... Read more →
Battle of the mind - Virginia Kerr on cancer support
Psychotherapist and opera star, Virginia Kerr, explains how cancer sufferers and their families need emotional support, as grieving the loss of health and taking time out are crucial to a full recovery. Cancer is not just a physical illness that requires radical medical intervention. It can also... Read more →
Urgent need for new Alzheimer drugs
Despite the increasing prevalence of Alzheimer's disease, the number of potential new drugs being developed is ‘relatively small' and the rate of success of clinical trials in this area is ‘limited', scientists have warned. Alzheimer's disease affects an estimated 44 million people worl... Read more →
Baby boom on the wane as country's birth rate slows down
THE baby boom is continuing to wane with some maternity units seeing a substantial fall in births in the first four months of the year, new figures show. There were 21,587 births in the first four months of the year, a drop of more than 240 compared to the same period in 2012 when the trend was als... Read more →
Rare disease plan aims to provide better patient care
Patients face long waiting times for diagnoses and problems accessing treatment, Reilly says. A new plan for the treatment of rare disease in Ireland should lead to faster diagnoses, improved access to care and better support for patients and their families, Minister for Health James Reilly has sai... Read more →
Advice for long, hot days is not to be sneezed at. Eight things you can do to help control your hay fever.
For the 20pc of us who suffer with varying degrees of hay fever, summer can be a time of sheer misery. The pollen released by plants, trees and grasses around this time of year triggers an allergic reaction in hay fever sufferers. Sneezing, itchy and running noses, streaming eyes and even headaches ... Read more →
Dáil to debate deaf advocacy service cut. Irish Deaf Society say withdrawal of funding will leave ‘gaping hole’ in supports for deaf
A decision by the Department of Environment to stop funding an advocacy service for deaf people is to be debated in the Dáil today. Fianna Fail TD John Browne is to raise the matter, and its implications for other voluntary bodies, under topical issues in the Dáil this afternoon. ... Read more →
'I'll fight my pancreatic cancer my way' says Irish dad of one who has recorded 'fun' video for his baby daughter to watch after he dies
FACING a bleak prognosis like his there are not many who would decide to record a fun video clip about fighting cancer. But Darren Mullery is fighting cancer his way and wants to give hope to other sufferers that there still is life after a cancer diagnosis. He also wants to leave a legacy for his ... Read more →
African leaders to discuss Ebola outbreak
Health ministers from 11 west African nations and experts in disease control are meeting in Ghana's capital to plan "drastic action" to fight the deadliest Ebola outbreak in history. The number of deaths attributed to an epidemic of Ebola virus in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone stood at 467 by Mo... Read more →
Children born after fertility treatment 'more likely to be autistic and schizophrenic'
Scientists with the University of Copenhagen studied 2.4million children over 40-year period. Children born to women with fertility problems have a 33 per cent greater risk of suffering with mental illness, a study has claimed. The research looked at 2.4million children in Denmark between 1969 and ... Read more →
We need to have a talk about the taboo subject of death
It's always been a taboo subject as nobody wants to discuss death. But now many are... and a lot of them are still in the full of their health. At just 31, Jennifer Muldowney has already planned her funeral. Despite being in perfect health and having youth on her side, the Dublin woman has decided o... Read more →
Reilly rejects calls for more funding for procedure for morbidly obese patients
Leading endocrinologist wants to be able to resume life-saving gastric bypass operations. Minister for Health James Reilly has rejected calls by a leading obesity expert for a resumption of life-saving gastric bypass operations on dangerously obese public patients. Endocrinologist Prof Donal O&rsq... Read more →
State to ban cigarettes sales from vending machines
THE Government has given the go-ahead to ban 7,000 cigarette vending machines and outlaw the sale of e-cigarettes to under-18s. Health Minister James Reilly took his war on tobacco a step further yesterday by securing Cabinet approval for a range of radical measures which may form part of new legis... Read more →
For the price of a coffee, you can help save our little boy's life
When John Glynn was told his son Gavin had inoperable cancer, he refused to 'enjoy the time they had left' and found a treatment in the US that gives his beloved boy a fighting chance. THE doctors had done their best, exhausted every possibility. But John Glynn wasn't ready to give up. In March, Jo... Read more →
HSE pledge on mental care death reporting
The HSE says it is making service improvements to ensure that all unexpected deaths in mental health services are reported on and investigated properly by local staff. Audits carried out by the HSE have revealed serious shortcomings in the manner in which deaths likely to have been from suicide wer... Read more →
Why counting beats instead of sheep may help insomnia
Listen up insomniacs: music comes out tops in a recent large-scale study of therapeutic sleep remedies. HAVE you ever woken in the middle of the night and listened to the seconds ticking; for hours? It's as if you can hear time passing. You may have gone to bed exhausted and not been able to nod of... Read more →
What can my son take for hay fever?
My eight-year-old son suffers from hay fever. He loves playing sports, particularly football. What over-the-counter medicines are safe for him to take? And is there anything I can do to help? This must be distressing for you and your son. It is important that since he loves playing sports to make ... Read more →
Time to worry? Scientists find link between stress and heart troubles
It is known that long term stress can cause fatal heart attacks and strokes, but scientists have never known why. Stress triggers our so-called ‘fight or flight’ mechanism which sends a surge of adrenalin to help the heart pump harder and increase blood flow to enable the body to fight ... Read more →
Health case study: Living with rheumatoid arthritis
Former nurse, Sinead Gallagher, and her friend, Jeanette, set up a successful aesthetic clinic, says Joy Orpen, but then, following the birth of her fourth child, Sinead began to experience mysterious aches and pains. Getting a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) does not mean an end to life as ... Read more →
Eating well can slow down Alzheimer's onset
Dr Neal Barnard says diet and exercise could help fight Alzheimer's disease. FOR anyone with a friend or family member suffering from a degenerative brain disease, you know firsthand how cruel these can be. With greater understanding and awareness of these conditions, hopefully society will treat s... Read more →
Ice cream can contain a fifth of daily calories
THEY may be hard to resist on a hot day but a single ice cream could be a fifth of your daily calorie requirements in one go. Ice creams contain up to 360 calories – but if you choose carefully, there are also many lower-calorie options on sale to minimise the damage. Following calls last we... Read more →
Alzheimer's breakthrough as memory loss drug in sight
A drug to prevent the memory loss associated with Alzheimer's disease is a step closer after scientists discovered why people with dementia cannot form new memories. It was previously thought that Alzheimer's was primarily caused by the build-up of plaques in the brain that stop neurons from firing... Read more →
If men’s cancers are so prevalent, why do we hear less about them?
Men have lower five-year cancer-survival rates, so they need to be proactive, like Willie Penrose. Men are more likely to die of cancer, and have lower five-year survival rates than women. According to figures produced by the National Cancer Registry, men have a one in seven, or 14 per cent, chance... Read more →
8 reasons resistance training is the best thing you can do for your body
Resistance training is unquestionably the best training that you can do. It will deliver more benefits than any other style of training, in every way. From mental to physical benefits and everything else, resistance work is where it's at. Yet so many people are scared of it. Firstly you need to rem... Read more →
Daily "tomato pill" can significantly improve the functioning of blood vessels in patients with heart disease
A daily "tomato pill" can significantly improve the functioning of blood vessels in patients with heart disease, research has shown. The findings suggest that a powerful antioxidant in tomatoes may contribute to the health benefits of a Mediterranean diet. Participants in the study were given a su... Read more →
HSE appoints expert panel to review medical card eligibility
The HSE has announced the make-up of the expert panel that is to examine how medical card needs should be taken into account in the context of medical card eligibility. The panel is to be chaired by Prof Frank Keane, Past President of the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland and will be made up of 23 ... Read more →
Further drop in number of people with health insurance
The latest figures from the Health Insurance Authority show that 21,000 people dropped their inpatient health insurance during the first three months of this year. There are now just more than 2 million people with inpatient cover, compared with almost 2.3 million people when the market peaked at t... Read more →
Women told they may be wrong to have breasts removed
Nearly three-quarters of women who have both breasts removed after a cancer diagnosis may be wrong to take the drastic step, a study has suggested. Researchers who studied 1,447 women treated for breast cancer found that 8pc of them had undergone a double mastectomy. But 70pc of these women did no... Read more →
21,000 drop health insurance in first quarter of year
PRESSURE on the public hospital system is set to intensify after new figures showed thousands more people have dropped their health insurance. Close to 50,000 people ditched their private health insurance last year, a move that will heap further pressure on Health Minister James Reilly. This is be... Read more →
New unit to help families stripped of medical cards
A special unit to deal directly with families who have lost their discretionary medical card is to be set up by health service bosses within weeks. The HSE unit will assign individual case officers to advise on the care, services and support available to those who have a severe disability or seriou... Read more →
New unit to help families stripped of medical cards
A special unit to deal directly with families who have lost their discretionary medical card is to be set up by health service bosses within weeks. The HSE unit will assign individual case officers to advise on the care, services and support available to those who have a severe disability or seriou... Read more →
Just 80,000 will benefit from Coalition's medical card U-turn
The Government's decision to suspend the review of discretionary medical cards will only benefit around 80,000 people – leaving one million, including pensioners, still facing a crackdown this year. Despite the rowback, the thousands of patients who have lost their discretionary cards will no... Read more →
Some low-fat foods have more calories than full-fat
SOME low-fat supermarket products – several of which are on sale here – contain more calories than the food's ordinary full-fat version. Most low-fat products have a third fewer calories, yet one in 10 had more or the same calories than alternatives. A study which will be presented to ... Read more →
Five Healthy Alternatives to Potato Chips
Today is National Fish & Chip Day, and to celebrate the mighty chip, we offer five healthier alternatives... You know the feeling, you want a portion of chips, but you don't want all the guilt that goes with their carby goodness. Luckily, there are lots of foods that allow you to replicate ... Read more →
Believe it or not, cynics three times more likely to develop dementia
Cynics are three times more likely to develop dementia than those who have faith in humanity, a study has shown. Believing that others are motivated by selfishness or that they lie to get what they want appears to radically increase the risk of cognitive decline in later life. Cynicism has previou... Read more →
The ins and outs of hay fever
Dr. Paul Carson of Slievemore Clinic offers expert advice when it comes to battling dreaded summer hay fever. The arrival of summer is a joyful time for the majority of us but for those suffering from hay fever it can be a season of dread. Invisible clouds of pollen wreak havoc with the sinuse... Read more →
Sharing my struggle with mental illness has really helped
Fiona Kennedy iis urging fellow sufferers to reach out to family and friends for help, for love and support and most vitally, a listening ear. Mental illness thrives on secrecy and isolation, says Fiona Kennedy. She is urging fellow sufferers to reach out to family and friends for help, for lov... Read more →
Children hit as arthritis sufferers' medical cards cut
NEARLY two-thirds of arthritis sufferers said their discretionary medical cards have been removed or put under review – leaving some unable to afford their medication. Children who have the painful condition have been particularly badly hit and the removal or review of the cards has affec... Read more →
My Health Experience: ‘Exercise is the best way I can manage arthritis’
If I had been told I had to give up sport after being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, it would have broken me. Most people think of arthritis as a disease that affects older people but I was only 16 and in fourth year of secondary school when I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Even... Read more →
Settling your child into a holiday abroad!
Foreign holidays can upset a child's routine but a few simple tips will ensure an easier time with less tantrums...Over the past 20 years I have travelled with many families who were looking for a little help on holidays with their kids. Each time I was doing a job, so I was pretty focused on makin... Read more →
High cholesterol may hit chances of having a baby
HIGH cholesterol levels may reduce a couple's chances of having children, a study has found. The US research suggests a link between raised cholesterol and infertility as well as heart disease. When both partners in a couple had high amounts of cholesterol in their blood it took the longest time t... Read more →
Concern over airbrushed images
Images of celebrities and models that have been airbrushed or photo shopped ‘hold out an impossible ideal to young people of how they should look', MEP, Nessa Childers, has insisted. The member of the European Parliament made her comments at a seminar on airbrushing, which she hosted in conju... Read more →
Most kids' menus offer no vegetables
Less than half of Irish eating establishments include vegetables as part of their children's menus, new research indicates. According to a new report from Safefood, entitled Do you have a kids' menu?, just 42% of establishments listed vegetables on children's menus. This finding was based on a surv... Read more →
Tobacco giant says plain packaging could lead to State compensation
Legal opinion commissioned by cigarette producer says James Reilly’s plan could come at ‘high price’ for taxpayer. The world’s largest tobacco company has warned the Government the introduction of plain packaging for cigarettes could lead to “an extremely high price&rd... Read more →
Medical Card information
A Medical Card is a plastic card, about the size of a credit card, issued by the HSE. People who hold a Medical Card are entitled to a range of Health Services free of charge. What Health Services are available Free of Charge if I have a Medical Card? You are entitled to the following services if ... Read more →
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