Whelehans Crew 2013

Whelehans Crew 2013

Difference between a chartered physiotherapist and a physical therapist

It could be asked, “are all ‘physios’ the same”? Unfortunately the answer is no. Unlike other medical professionals such as doctors, nurses, midwives and pharmacists, there is no protection in Irish legislation for the title of physiotherapist or physical therapist in Ireland. This means that in essence, anyone can not only assume such a title, but also practice under it.

 There are currently many therapists practicing in the Republic of Ireland in many different settings including sports and leisure using the term “physiotherapists”/ “physio”/”physical therapist” but who have not completed the required courses recognised by the only governing body in the Republic of Ireland called the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists (ISCP). There is currently legislation being drafted by the Government which when finalised into law in the Dail will help clarify this situation for the public. In the meantime, you can protect yourself by ensuring when you require treatment with a physiotherapist; you always check that the person pertaining to be a physiotherapist is a Chartered Physiotherapist. A Chartered Physiotherapist will have the letters MISCP after their name.  This is your protection that you are being treated by a qualified practitioner.

 Ensuring your physiotherapist is a chartered physiotherapist is the only way of ensuring you have the most professionally trained physical health expert. By choosing a chartered physiotherapist, you are in the care of a healthcare professional with a university degree who has demonstrated the highest standard of excellence in clinical care. Chartered Physiotherapists are committed to continual professional development and education ensuring the most up to date knowledge and evidence for your care.

Why confusion can sometimes arise?

The confusion arises because in many countries including the UK and the US, the titles “physiotherapist” and “physical therapist” are protected, and may be used only by therapists with the appropriate qualifications such as four-year full-time degrees. In Ireland, however, physical therapists or sports therapists generally do not have the same qualifications as a physiotherapist, and often gain their qualifications through part-time programmes. To protect these titles and to protect the public, registration with the ISCP has become compulsory for physiotherapists with the appropriate qualification in recent years. This now means it is easier for patients seeking treatment to check if their physiotherapist has appropriate qualifications by simply checking if their physiotherapist is a Chartered Physiotherapist. A simple way of doing this is by going to the ISCP website (www.iscp.ie); by clicking on the section, “Is your physiotherapist chartered?” and when you type in the name of your Physiotherapist, if he/she is a Chartered Physiotherapist, it will confirm this as well as their county of practice. 

 What are the differences?

According to the ISCP, which accredits physiotherapists in Ireland, to be a member of the society and thus a Chartered Physiotherapist, physiotherapists must have completed a three- or four-year degree programme, either in one of four Irish universities or approved international university, as well as undertaking continuous professional development. This training includes three core areas of muscular skeletal, neurology and cardiorespiratory. By choosing a Chartered Physiotherapist, you are choosing a professional who has scientific approach to the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of your complaint. Chartered Physiotherapists are recognised and covered by VHI, Laya Healthcare, AVIVA and other health insurance schemes

A physical therapist, on the other hand, can complete a course on a part-time basis, from 15 months to a three- year term, so the levels of experience and qualifications do differ. Moreover, training for a physical therapist typically only focuses on muscular-skeletal areas and does not take into account other body functions and processes. While the work undertaken by a physical therapist may be legitimate, the ISCP argues that it is essential that the patient should understand exactly what experience and training the person treating them has obtained. Most physical therapists are very aware that they must communicate the difference between their qualifications and that of a Chartered Physiotherapist to patients.

 Only Chartered Physiotherapists are entitled to work in the public sector such as hospitals and health centres, thus it is in the private practice that confusion can arise. According to the ISCP, this grey area is leading to many problems, and it receives many complaints from members of the public who thought they were seeing a trained physiotherapist. Another issue is that there is less comeback when it comes to physical therapists. For example, if a chartered physiotherapist acts in an inappropriate manner or offers inadequate treatment, a complaint can be made to the society.

 Physiotherapy services are available at Whelehans Pharmacy, 38 Pearse St, Mullingar (Opposite the Greville Arms Hotel). Book a physiotherapy appointment with Sinead at  0831722171

Alzheimer's Disease

Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe various conditions which damage brain cells and lead to a loss of brain function over time. Dementia causes a progressive decline in a person’s mental functioning. It is a broad term, which describes a loss of memory, intellect, rationality, social skills and normal emotional reactions. The symptoms of dementia develop gradually over a period of years. The progression of these diseases is largely unpredictable for each individual.

Facts in brief
Dementia has a life changing physical, emotional and mental impact on the affected person and their primary carer and family. There are more than 100 conditions that cause dementia. While the risk of dementia increases with age, it is not a natural part of ageing. Dementia affects approximately one in 20 of people aged over 65 years. This rises to one in five in the 80 plus age group. While it is comparatively rare, dementia can affect younger people. There are approximately 3,800 people under the age of 65 with Younger Onset Dementia in the Ireland. A person with dementia will live for an average of four to eight years, depending on their age at diagnosis. Alzheimer's disease, the most common cause of dementia in Ireland, accounts for more than 50% of all cases; the second most common form is vascular dementia, which may be preventable.

Risk Factors

The risk factors for Alzheimer's disease include increasing age being female, family history, head injury, Parkinsons, hypothyroidism, exposure to dietary aluminium, cardiovascular disease, smoking and high alcohol intake

Health maintenance

As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, various conditions develop that may lead to death, such as septicemia, pneumonia and upper respiratory infections, nutritional disorders, pressure sores, fractures, and wounds. In the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, health maintenance activities should be encouraged including exercise, the control of high blood pressure and other medical conditions, annual immunization against influenza, dental hygiene, and the use of eyeglasses and hearing aids as needed. In later phases of the disease, it is important to address basic requirements such as nutrition, hydration, and skin care.

Diagnosis

There is no straightforward test for Alzheimer’s Disease so diagnosis is difficult, particularly in the early stages. Diagnosis is usually made by excluding other causes such as infection, vitamin deficiency, thyroid problems, brain tumour, depression and the side effects of drugs which all can produce similar symptoms. Diagnosis involves a variety of medical assessments and observations. Assessment usually includes a mini mental state examination (MMSE). Specialists can only make a probable diagnosis. However, clinicians with experience in memory loss are able to diagnose AD to within 80-90% accuracy.

Medication

Medication can slow down progression of AD but is not a cure. Medication should be used in conjunction with non-drug treatment options. For more information on non-drug options, call into Whelehans or discuss with your GP. Four drugs are approved for treatment of dementia in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) in the UK and Ireland. These are donezepil (ARICEPT^®), galantamine (REMINYL^®), rivastigimine (EXELON^®) and memantine (EBIXA^®). The first three are cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine is a NMDA receptor antagonist. All of these drugs must be started under specialist care. All these drugs now have less expensive but equally effective generic equivalents. These treatments can help improve a person’s memory and enable the person to retain new information for longer. The most common side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and anorexia. These can be a particular problem because many people with AD loose weight. However,these side effects wear off after a few weeks in most people. 

Studies have demonstrated modest improvement in cognitive symptoms with cholinesterase inhibitors. Some studies demonstrated a beneficial effect for up to two years after starting treatment. There are no studies of longer periods of medication but most patients can expect that, in time, they will stop responding to treatment as the disease progresses. If the effect wear off, some prescribers recommend a ‘drug holiday’, for example the drug is stopped for six weeks and then started slowly again.

Donepezil has demonstrated in the short term (six months) a beneficial effect on mood and behaviour. Rivastigmine is licensed to treat dementia in Parkinson’s disease. Exelon 4.6mg/24hr transdermal patch and Exelon 9.5mg/ 24hr transdermal patch have been recently launched. The initial dose is 4.6mg/24hr for a minimum of four weeks, and if tolerated, can be increased to 9.6mg/24hr which is considered the recommended effective dose. The rivastigmine patch is considered to have fewer side effects than the capsule version.  Of the four drugs available memantine is the only one licensed to treat moderate severe AD.

There are no guidelines to recommend one drug over another. Donepezil and modified release galantamine only need to be taken once a day which is convenient. Rivastigimine and memantine need to be taken more often though memantine is often given as a single dose in the morning (ie) 2 x 10mg memantine tablets in the morning. There is also insufficient evidence to support the use vitamin E in AD. Further studies are required to test the benefits of Ginkgo biloba.

This article is shortened for this Health Blog. More detailed information and leaflets is available in Whelehans or check www.whelehans.ie

Eamonn Brady is a pharmacist and the owner of Whelehans Pharmacy, Pearse St, Mullingar. If you have any health questions e-mail them to info@whelehans.ie

LARCC extend their specialist post-breast cancer care services to Whelehans in Mullingar

To satisfy a growing local need, LARCC launched their new Breast Care Service here in the midlands region in 2008. Prior to this, women in the midlands who required breast care support services following breast surgery, had to travel to bigger centres like Dublin to obtain specialist breast care services such as prosthesis and bra fitting. LARCC’s confidential hassle free local service provides women with access to a comprehensive range of products and clothing through the support of qualified consultant fitters.

 Breast care service now open in Mullingar

LARCC are delighted to announce that in addition to offering their breast care services in the tranquil setting of their Multyfarnham headquarters, they are extending these support services to Mullingar. LARCC have teamed up with Whelehans Pharmacy in Mullingar to offer breast care support services in Whelehans purpose built and private consultation facility located to the rear of their Pearse St premises.  

 Eamonn Brady, owner at Whelehans explains that “this new service came about from feedback received from our customers who had fought breast cancer successfully and felt that it would be a great help to be able access specialist after care support services here in Mullingar. As a result of this feedback, I discussed the possibility with LARCC of extending their service to Mullingar”

 Eamonn continues “I feel that this service really fits with our ethos here in Whelehans. Our aim is to offer professional care and advice in a convenient local setting. We aim to offer the personal touch that you often find lacking in the world of multinational chains.  LARCC are renowned for the psychological and emotional support they provide to their clients. The homely atmosphere LARCC provide at their retreat and cancer care centre in Multyfarnham is unrivalled. The aim is to replicate this level of care and attention in a convenient town centre location.”

 The Team

The service is delivered by two members of the LARCC staff, a nurse and a therapist, who have both undertaken additional specialist training to become consultant fitters.

 The Service

LARCC’s breast care service at Whelehans will be the same service that LARCC offer in Multyfarnham. This includes on site consultation, breast form prosthesis fitting, bra measuring and fitting and discussion and support.

 Monthly clinic

The service in Mullingar will be offered via a personal private appointment at the monthly clinic held at Whelehans consultation facility. Telephone support and advice is also available from the LARCC team.

Products and services

LARRC offer the service to private and medical card clients. They offer a wide range of brands including Trulife^®, Amoena^®, Anita^®, Nicola Jane^® amongst others. The service is free for both medical card and private patients. Products are covered by prescription, medical cards and private insurance. In addition, LARCC offers all breast care clients the opportunity to partake of a variety of free therapies at their Multyfarnham retreat including massage, reflexology and reiki.

LARCC offer one hour consultations to each client, giving them plenty of time to try on a wide variety of stock, making sure they are happy and comfortable with their choice.

The breast care service in Whelehans Pharmacy is on selected Mondays. Lo-Call 1850 719719 to book an appointment. In LARCC’s Multyfarnham centre, the service is available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays every week.

Flexiseq™- a new innovative joint pain treatment for Osteoarthritis sufferers

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and a leading cause of joint pain. In recent weeks I have been inundated with queries on the new drug-free joint pain gel for arthritis. The product is called Flexiseq™ and it has got a lot of attention due to comments from the likes of Arthritis Ireland and top rheumatologists. Hence in this week’s health blog I explain what all the fuss is about and how this product works.

 Flexiseq is an innovative treatment, researched and developed in Germany, for the management of pain and joint stiffness in patients with osteoarthritis. Flexiseq™ is a gel containing nanostructures called Sequessome™ vesicles, which are able to cross the skin and target sites of pain when rubbed in. Once inside the joint, Sequessome vesicles accumulate on the damaged cartilage forming a lubricating layer. Research shows is benefits in relieving pain with comparable efficacy to celecoxib, a leading prescription drug used for treating osteoarthritis pain. Daily application in the morning and evening is enough to give real improvement in joint pain in as little as two days.

Flexiseq™ is registered as a medical device; thus Flexiseq™ does not contain any pharmaceutically active ingredients meaning it doesn't contain any drugs that might interact with medication you may be taking for pain or any other ailment.

John Church, CEO of Arthritis Ireland said “We welcome any new innovative approach to making life easier for the 450,000 people living with osteoarthritis in Ireland.” Professor Geraldine McCarthy from Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, in Dublin said “I have been aware of Flexiseq™ since its launch in Germany last year and welcome its arrival in Ireland, as we have a real need for new treatments for the symptoms of osteoarthritis.” The drug-free gel is supported by a wealth of clinical data including a paper recently published in the influential British medical journal Rheumatology which indicated that Flexiseq™ could be used safely in older patients and patients with heart problems without risks associated with traditional prescription anti-inflammatory drugs.

 Patients with high risk medical problems

The targeted, physical mode of action of Flexiseq™ crucially means there are no drug-to-drug interactions with Flexiseq™ as it is not itself a drug and, as a result, it can be used by patients who may be taking a variety of medications for other diseases and is an option for patients considered ‘at risk’ from the more common side effects associated with prescription only anti-inflammatory painkillers, for example, those with such conditions as high blood pressure, gastric disorders or asthma.

As Flexiseq™ is an alternative treatment; it should not replace conventional treatments prescribed by your doctor. It can complement other arthritis treatments. Always consult your doctor. I will discuss osteoarthritis in more detail in my health blog soon.

This article is shortened for my health blog. More detailed information and leaflets is available in Whelehans

Eamonn Brady is a pharmacist and the owner of Whelehans Pharmacy, Pearse St, Mullingar. If you have any health questions e-mail them to info@whelehans.ie

The perfect Back to School lunchbox

With kids back to school in a couple of weeks, pharmacist Eamonn Brady from Whelehans in Mullingar gives tips on a healthy lunchbox. High-protein lunches produce greater afternoon alertness and more focused attention, whereas lunches that are high in fat tend to lead to greater fatigue, sleepiness and distraction. Chicken, tuna, lean beef and eggs are examples of lunch options that are high in protein and low in fat.

 Lunch box tips

Milk or water are best as drinks. Sugar free squash (one part squash to four parts water) is better than sugary minerals. Always opt for brown or wholegrain bread rather than white bread for sandwiches and rolls; wholegrain varieties are higher in fibre and keep children fuller for longer. Cut sandwiches into fingers, squares or triangles for a bit of variety. For fillings, cucumber, tomatoes and apples are tasty. Convenience snacks are high in fats, salts and sugar so should not be eaten on a regular basis. Include a piece of fruit every day. Vary the fruit everyday; examples include grapes, plums, peaches, bananas, orange segments, apple slices and kiwis (cut in half and eaten with a spoon). A good tip to prevent a sliced fruit going brown during the day is to sprinkle lemon over the sliced part. Try to include something from the dairy group every day which could include milk, yogurt or cheese. For variety, try cheese slices, cubes, triangles or grated cheese. Encourage children to help you make their lunch or even to make their own lunch. Children are more inclined to eat it if they had a part in making it.

Just the Tonic!

Supplements should not be considered an alternative to a healthy and varied diet. However, Whelehans Children’s Tonic may give a short term boost for those kids who won’t eat enough fruit and veg.

Eamonn Brady MPSI is the owner of Whelehans Pharmacy, 38 Pearse St, Mullingar (opposite the Greville arms Hotel). Tel 04493 34591. www.whelehans.ie

Festival Tips

‘Wash Your Hands’ among essential tips to ensure a healthy festival experience

 

With a number of festivals taking place across the country this weekend, pharmacists are advising that basic hand hygiene can help reduce the risk of picking up or spreading germs that can cause upset stomachs. The ‘wash your hands’ tip to music revellers is one of a number of  Top Festival Tips that Eamonn Brady from Whelehans Pharmacy in Mullingar advises for a safe and healthy festival.

 Unprotected sex, dehydration and sunburn are some of the other threats to the health and safety of festival goers, pharmacists say.

Pharmacist Eamonn Brady says, “Hand washing is the simplest, most effective measure for preventing the spread of germs. Washing your hands, particularly before you eat or after going to the toilet, will help prevent the spread of bacteria and food-borne illnesses. Festival goers should also bring along and use an antiseptic hand gel with a high alcohol content and use it regularly.”

 Eamonn also highlighted the risks of unprotected sex and warned festival revellers to plan ahead and bring condoms to prevent sexually transmitted infections.

 Eamonn are also advises revellers on other areas of concern. “You can bring along a few over-the-counter remedies to have if you become unwell, such as medication for stomach upsets or diarrhoea and antiseptic cream for bites, stings or cuts. It is also very important to apply sunscreen with a high sun protection factor to avoid sunburn,”

 Top Festival Tips

1. Wash your hands – Wash your hands before you eat, after going to the toilet or handling rubbish. Bring along an antiseptic hand gel and use it regularly.
2. Medication – Make sure to bring an adequate supply of any medication you may be taking. If you are an asthma sufferer, don’t forget to bring your inhaler and spare cartridges.
3. Dehydration – drink plenty of water. Be careful if you are drinking alcohol as it has a dehydrating effect.   
4. Sexual Health – Practice safe sex and take precautions. Always use a condom to protect against sexually transmitted infections. Remember, vomiting and diarrhoea can make oral contraceptives ineffective.
5. Sun Protection – It doesn’t take much sun to get burned or have sunstroke when you’re outside all day at a festival. Use a sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF 20 or higher) and apply it regularly. Choose a sunscreen that protects from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Always wear a hat and sunglasses and protective clothing.
6. Stomach Upsets – Ask your pharmacist about appropriate over-the-counter medicines to bring with you in case you get a stomach upset. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration if you are suffering from diarrhoea.

Eamonn Brady is pharmacist at Whelehans Pharmacy, 38 Pearse St, Mullingar (opposite the Greville Arms Hotel). Tel 04493 34591. Web. www.whelehans.ie