Thurles Information » Health

Thurles Fresh Milk A Positive Approach to Wellbeing

George — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:05:09 +0000

Thurles Fresh Milk

Counsellor and Well-being Coach, Fiona Hoban, will be at The Dome, Semple Stadium in Thurles on Thursday February 2nd next. Fiona will be discussing “A Positive Approach to Well-being,” as part of a health evening organised by the National Dairy Council and Thurles Fresh Milk.

A native of Castlebar, Fiona Hoban runs a private counselling practice in Westport and is a part-time lecturer with the National Counselling Institute of Ireland. A graduate of Trinity College Dublin (MA Philosophy & Sociology), Fiona delivers Communications and Life Skills training to both public and private sector clients.

As well as getting great tips about your health, well-being and diet, those who attend will also benifit from a cookery demonstration by Ailish Maher Hennessy, from from Fiacri Country House Restaurant and Cookery School in Knock, Roscrea. Ailish, who has received numerous accolades ranging from Féile Bia to Georgina Campbell, strongly believes in using the best quality, locally produced food and ingredients, to “ensure traceability and to support much needed local employment and revenue“.

Another specialist speaking at this event is Paula Mee, one of Ireland’s leading independent dietitians. Paula was a presenter of RTÉ TV’s Health Squad programme which ran for five years until 2006 and she makes regular appearances on TV and radio programmes advising on nutrition and health issues.

Fran Curry from Tipp FM will be master of ceremonies for the evening at The Semple Stadium Dome, which it is hoped will also raise much needed funds for Friends of the Community Hospital of the Assumption, Thurles.

Tickets, costing €10, are available from Thurles Fresh Milk by phoning 0504-91900; The Hospital of the Assumption Thurles on 0504 21055 or from any Centenary Thurles Co-op branch.

Tickets will also be available on the night, with doors opening at 7.00pm and presentations begining at 7.30pm sharp.

Tipperary Teenager €5.25 Million HSE Settlement

George — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:52:31 +0000

A Tipperary teenager, who suffers with Cerebral Palsy, has secured a €5.25 million court settlement, following his High Court action against the HSE.

The action arose following serious injuries suffered during the circumstances of the birth of Kyle McMahon at St Munchin’s Regional Maternity Hospital in Limerick.

Kyle sued the HSE through his mother M/S Theresa McMahon, who resides at Cudville, Nenagh, Co Tipperary, and liability is understood to have been admitted.

Counsel for Kyle stated that Kyle’s mother had been admitted to hospital with blood pressure health issues and the following day the birth had been induced, with Kyle being born by spontaneous delivery.

Kyle suffered severe distress during his birth and Cerebral Palsy was later diagnosed.

Government Worried About Tobacco Sales

George — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 23:51:18 +0000

Contents Of Cigarette Smoke

As much as 14% to 18% of the 1.7 billion cigarettes smoked in Ireland last year were illegally imported, indicating a €250m loss to the Irish Exchequer in unpaid duty or taxes.
According to today’s Irish Independent Newspaper, Fine Gael TD Derek Keating warns us that more people will die in 2012 from tobacco-related illness than alcohol or even heroin. Ireland he states is now viewed, by smugglers, as an ideal location for their trade in comparison to the rest of Europe.

Mr Keating went on to state that almost every major street in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick and Dundalk has illegal vendors. Another major aspect to this problem is that it is well know that some of the filler substance used to bulk cigarette products, is more dangerous than the actual tobacco content contained in the cigarette itself.

Mr Keating said “We need to smash the distributions system of these criminals and by tackling this crime, everyone will be a winner.”

Mr Keating appears of course to have forgotten to state that cigarettes purchased here in Ireland cost between €4 and €6 more, per pack of twenty, than in any other European country, due to his and previous government’s annual easy target tax increases. This market for cheap smuggled cigarettes is therefore promoted and encouraged by present and previous governments and their sudden concern for our individual health, shown only I fear through tax increases.

Mr Keating has forgotten that Tobacco Products under EU law, being brought into Ireland from other EC countries, once transported and accompanied by the purchaser and for his sole use, rather than for commercial purposes, enter Ireland without payment of exorbitant Irish duty.

Smoking Cheaply In Ireland Within Irish Law

Since the recent price increase by tobacco manufacturers of 10 cents and Minister Michael Noonan’s budget increase of 25 cents, per pack of twenty, confirmed smokers in Ireland have changed their smoking habits considerably. While many seek out easily available illegally imported supplies, others have moved more significantly to “roll your own,” loose tobacco.

Presently if you are a 40 cigarette a day person, two packs of 20 cigarettes can cost as much as €17.80 per day, depending on brand. On the other hand one packet of “roll your own” cigarette tobacco, including 50 gummed cigarette papers, which allows for the making of about 30 cigarettes, costs a mere €4.20.

Mastering the rolling of your own cigarettes by hand is now no longer “an acquired art over time,” when you can purchase an automatic cigarette rolling machine for less than €5. Within 15 minutes you can easily whip up 20 beautiful hand made cigarettes. Indeed confirmed female smokers and followers of fashion, are now buying engraved silver personalised cigarette cases for about €20, for their handbags, claiming they smoke only handmade cigarettes.

Most new converts to “Roll Your Own Cigarettes,” claim they smoke less tobacco, by including slimline filter tips when rolling their cigarettes. All smokers, previously smoking up to 40 cigarettes per day, state that they now save a colossal €90 per week, due to their change in habit, and all feel less guilt, in relation to their usage of their households disposable income.

Note: Regardless of the tobacco product used, it has been proved that there is an increased risk of cancer, strokes and heart disease by its usage. Tobacco smoke that is inhaled causes lung cancer, sinus disease and chronic obstructive lung disease. Many pipe smokers state that they do not inhale, but research shows that they have a significant increase in risk of lung, larynx, throat, esophagus, pancreas, and colon-rectal cancers along with an increased risk of coronary artery disease, emphysema, chronic bronchitis and strokes.

So maybe it is time to quit the habit as this years ‘new years resolution.’

What Are You Doing New Years Eve

George — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 16:18:29 +0000

New Year’s Eve is one night when the world comes together to celebrates love, forgiveness and even hope. People come together to celebrate their survival and look forward longingly, in some cases, for that second chance and perhaps a new start.

Younger people, aged 18 to 34 years, are more likely to go out to a public place this New Years Eve, while older people will probably spend New Year’s Eve at home or at a friend or family member’s home. So whatever you get up to, please do stay safe and do remember that New Years Eve is the worst holiday night of the year for those who insist on driving after drinking.

So parents do have a chat with your children before they head off this evening. Despite their protest, warn them about the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs and fatigue, as well as how to be both a good driver and yes, also a good passenger.

Remember teenagers are less likely to drive drunk, when parents lay down some concrete safety ground rules, so do insist and even offer your services to transport those family members anxious to celebrate in the party mood.

From Brian and myself here at Thurles.Info, may we wish you and yours, far and wide, a happy and prosperous New Year in 2012.

Ecstasy Drug Warning Dangerous Batch On Sale

George — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 11:27:35 +0000

Ecstasy "Bad Batch" on sale in Tipperary

A stern health warning was issued by Health Service Executive yesterday after three people were hospitalised as a result of a bad batch of the party drug ecstasy. The HSE has stated that the rogue batch was extremely dangerous, causing a more than usually expected reaction to those who took the pills.

Patients who presented themselves and who were treated at the emergency department of South Tipperary General Hospital in Clonmel were suffering from extreme stomach cramps, jaw clenching, hallucinations and bouts of teeth grinding.

Tests showed that the patients treated with these symptoms had taken a drug containing a combination of several chemicals which included MDMA more commonly called Ecstasy, the amphetamine-type stimulant MDEA, plus the psychedelic compound MDA.

It is now feared that, with the Christmas party season in full swing, consignments of this drug may continue to be offered by dealers or through friends here in Co Tipperary and indeed elsewhere in the country.

The normal use of Ecstasy causes adverse effects including nausea, hallucinations, chills, sweating, increases in body temperature, tremors, involuntary teeth clenching, muscle cramping, and blurred vision. Ecstasy users also report after-effects of anxiety, paranoia, and depression.

An ecstasy overdose is usually characterized by high blood pressure, faintness, panic attacks and in more severe cases, loss of consciousness, seizures, and a drastic rise in body temperature. Ecstasy overdoses can be fatal, as they may result in heart failure or extreme heat stroke.

New Children’s Hospital Is Not National

brianc — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 23:32:19 +0000

Childrens Hospital For Dublin

It seems, according to the news today, that the new National Children’s Hospital is to go ahead at the Mater University Hospital Campus, Eccles St. in Dublin 7. It beggar’s belief that this project that claims to be the new National Children’s Hospital to serve all of Ireland is going to be situated right in the centre of traffic-congested Dublin. What about the 3/4 of the population of Ireland that doesn’t live in Dublin that this hospital claims it will serve?

Well, that’s our tough luck, it seems.

The new Children’s Hospital Dublin-centric location is going to cause all sorts of problems for people living outside of the capital. A long transit time with a possible sick child would be a nightmare for parents to endure. Traffic congestion in Dublin would only add to a parent’s anxiety and then there is the parking issue. All these point’s combine to make a possible journey to the Children’s Hospital a nightmare of those people who do not live in Dublin.

It seems to me that the term ‘National’ in National Children’s Hospital is just a buzz-word, as it appears that there is nothing national about it. Indeed, their own website seems to have an identity crisis, it is called the New Childrens Hospital. Even on their homepage, I quote;

“there is unanimous agreement that there is an urgent need for capital investment in children’s healthcare infrastructure in Dublin.”

Hmmm, nothing about it serving the whole of Ireland then.

“The Children’s Hospital of Ireland will also include an ambulatory and urgent care centre at Tallaght which will provide out-patient, day-care and emergency care services primarily for families in the south-side of the city.”

Good news for Tallaght, but what about the rest of the country?

Hospital Location Controversy

The location of the National Children’s hospital was called into question by Philip Lynch in 2010 as chairman of the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board. He proposed a different location for it on a green field site outside of the M50. This new location made a whole lot of sense at the time as it would have been;

substantially cheaper to build there
have good road and rail links
would better serve the whole country and not just Dublin.

However, he was summarily sacked for just proposing the idea. In March this year, Philip Lynch went on the radio to make the case that the proposed city centre location for the new hospital would be inaccessible and have severe parking difficulties. He described the proposed city centre location as a “cul-de-sac” and that the decision to locate the hospital in the city centre as “political” [link]. He further claimed that the city location was only chosen because;

“a deal was done on the [Mater] site….by an eminent politician”

So don’t believe the hype, the new National Children’s Hospital is not national at all.

Be One Of The Elite 5% & Give Blood

George — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 20:43:34 +0000

Please Give Blood

Ann Doherty of the Irish Blood Transfusion Service has asked me to inform our readers that the Blood Donation Clinic will be visiting The Dome, Semple Stadium here in Thurles in the coming week.

The Service will also be visiting Nenagh on Monday November 3rd – Thursday November 6th 2011.

Venue In Thurles: The Dome, Semple Stadium, Thurles, Co, Tipperary.

Time: Afternoon Clinic – 2:30 pm – 5:30 pm, on Wednesday 2nd November.

The clinic will also be visiting Thurles on Thursday 3rd, Monday 7th and Tuesday 8th of November starting at 6:00pm – 9:00 pm each evening.

For further details click Here to check their website or contact them on Tel:- 061 306980.

Blood Transfusion Service Facts

Keep in mind that one in four people will need a blood transfusion at some point in their lives.
Only 5% of the population are regular blood donors.
Over 1,000 Irish people receive transfusions every week in Ireland.
One car accident victim may require up to 30 units of blood, a bleeding ulcer could require anything between 3-30 units of blood and a coronary artery bypass may use between 1-5 units of blood.
Approximately 70,000 patients will have transfusions in Irish hospitals this year.
3,000 blood donors are needed each week in Ireland.
A unit of blood lasts for just 35 days.
Some blood packs for new born babies or cancer treatment only lasts for 5 days.
There is no substitute for human blood.
The IBTS supplies 71 hospitals in Ireland with blood and blood products 365 days each year.

Last Government Root Cause Of HSE Reductions

George — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 15:28:39 +0000

Deputy Noel Coonan is arranging an urgent meeting of HSE Management in the Mid West to look at new ways of dealing with the reduction of beds in the Hospital of the Assumption, the Dean Maxwell Community Nursing Unit and St Conlon’s Home in Nenagh.

Deputy Noel Coonan

The local Fine Gael TD has also spoken with his party colleague Minister James Reilly outlining his strong discontent at the worrying effect these cutbacks will have on those in need of rehab and respite.

Speaking to Thurles.Info today Deputy Coonan stated: “It is deeply regrettable that this cutback will affect the delivery of respite and rehabilitation care. These unfortunate cutbacks stem from the IMF/EU deal signed up to by Deputy Michael Lowry and Fianna Fáil in Government, who have left this country bankrupt. Deputy Lowry supported the last Government through thick and thin and the Hospital of the Assumption must now face the brunt of the outgoing Governments gross mismanagement. This last Government is the root cause for the HSE being in excess of its allocated budget and unable to provide staff to safely manage beds in Thurles. It is therefore ludicrous for Deputy Lowry, in recent days, to lay the blame at the feet of sitting Government TDs.”

“Every effort will be made to make better use of the existing resources and with that in mind I am calling for a meeting with HSE management and the hospitals concerned,” concluded the local Fine Gael TD.

Waterford Regional Hospital Ban Visitors

George — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 15:44:58 +0000

Waterford Regional Hospital

In the interests of patient care and as a precaution, a ban on visitors has been introduced this weekend by the HSE at Waterford Regional Hospital, in a bid to curb a suspected case of the Winter Vomiting Bug.

The only exceptions permitted by the hospital, which serves patients from South Tipperary, are for parents visiting sick children and partners visiting the maternity section.

The vomiting bug causes short-lasting outbreaks of abdominal pain and nausea followed by diarrhoea and/or vomiting. It is usually quite mild and rarely causes severe problems, however it may be quite unpleasant and debilitating in small children or older people who are already ill or infirm.

People affected by the virus should drink plenty of fluids; maintain strict hygiene and because of the highly contagious nature of the virus and avoid visiting hospitals or nursing homes. If symptoms persist, contact your GP by telephone and advise him/her of your condition before going to the surgery, so as to limit the spread of the virus.

Nenagh Native Dr Derry Gleeson Dies

George — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 12:07:39 +0000

Dr Derry Gleeson. R.I.P.

The death has occurred, aged 88, of Tipperary born Dr Derry Gleeson, at Bishopscourt Residential Care Home, Liskillea Waterfall, Co. Cork.

Born in 1922 in Nenagh, Co Tipperary, Dr Gleeson was the son of Local Government Inspector Jeremiah Gleeson and his wife Mary. At the age of nine he moved with his family to County Cork where he was educated at the Presentation College, making the senior cup team and matriculating at just 15 years old. He went on to enter University College Cork’s medical school and later was elected president of the college’s Students’ Council, before graduating in 1944, aged just 22 years old.

Dr Gleeson began his medical career as an intern at Sheffield Royal Infirmary, (which closed in 1980,) later returning to Ireland to take up an appointment in obstetrics at the National Maternity Hospital in Dublin. In 1952 he was appointed dispensary doctor in Labesheeda, Kildysart,in Co Clare, and in 1955, appointed dispensary doctor in Ballylinan, in Co Laois.

Dr Gleeson was particularly well known in rugby circles as an Ireland and Munster rugby selector, as well as being a past President of the Irish Medical Association, a former Vice-Chairman of the Irish Medical Council from 1984 to 1989 and President of the Irish Medical Association’s delegation to China in 1976/77.

Dr Gleeson played rugby with Clontarf FC, Athy FC, and UCC rugby club, latter of which he was President from 1975 to 1977. He was a Munster Rugby selector during the 1960′s and an Irish selector from 1969 to 1972. Dr Gleeson was also a well known member of both Cork and Waterville Golf Links.

Pre-deceased by his wife Margie, (née O’Gorman) Dr Gleeson will be sadly missed, yet lovingly remembered by his family, his many friends, neighbours and former patients.

The body of Dr Gleeson remains in repose at the Wilton Funeral Home, Sarsfield Road, Cork with removal this Monday evening at 6.30pm to St Joseph’s (SMA) Church, Wilton. Requiem Mass will be held at 11.00am on Tuesday with funeral afterwards to St. Olives Cemetery, Model Farm Road, Cork.

Note: Family flowers only with donations, if desired, to Cork Alzheimer’s Home Support or the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland.

Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam dílis.