Blog
Cholesterol Basics
When looking at risk for heart disease and stroke, there are a few things to look at. One of them is cholesterol. So, as we come to the end of Irish Heart Month, let's do Top Ten basics of cholesterol. What is it? What do those numbers mean? What is it?...
This was not needed
Let's be very clear. A documentary clearly explaining the health crisis that is obesity in factual terms, without weight shaming, that includes biology and treatment options is critically needed. A documentary that clearly explains what these drugs are, how they...
Health promotion or Self Promotion?
“Can you put my name in there?” T. asked me. He’s suddenly looking over my shoulder as I write. Since he’s learned to read, I’ve been more careful what I have visible on my laptop when he’s hanging around -- so it’s pretty dully stuff he’s looking at. “In where?” I...
Is your family struggling to access medical care for obesity or overweight?
Many of my patients and their families struggle or have struggled to access care for children or teens who are above a healthy weight, have obesity, and those who are suffering obesity-related health complications. The RCSI led Landscape project is working to...
World Sepsis Day
What is Sepsis? Sepsis arises when the body’s response to an infection injures its own tissues and organs. It may lead to shock, multi-organ failure, and death – especially if not recognized early and treated promptly. Sepsis is the final common pathway to death from...
Demonic Possession is a clue here, but spotting less-than-trustworthy “scientific papers” isn’t aways this easy
So, a colleague on Twitter was shocked - and mildly amused - to see a paper published (mind you, it was not in, say the New England Journal of Medicine) purporting that psychiatric illness was, in fact, demon possession. Not shocked that someone said it, shocked that...
The Struggle is Real
The struggle is real: Suddenly, it is darker. It is colder. It is wetter. Not going for a walk this evening? It's very easy to blame the change in the evenings. Or, actually, it's very easy to blame patients for not wanting to go out to continue those evening walks as...
Allergy Mythbusting
T. came home from school yesterday and told me there is a new single-allergen blanket ban in his school. A blanket single-allergen ban? Really? The first thing I did was check the calendar to ensure that it really is 2023. Why does a balanced, safe, and...
5 Fast Facts for PCOS Awareness Month
September is PCOS awareness month. PCOS = Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome 5 things to know about pcos? 1. As many as 10-20% of women in Ireland may have PCOS. 2. PCOS can cause problems with hormones, fertility, or periods in childbearing years. PCOS can also cause:...
WWAD is back this Autumn
Walk With A Doc Ireland is back this autumn. This autumn, I'll be on the road -- and it may be more appropriate to call it "Walk With Docs". This September, I'll start close to my home in Ashbourne, Co. Meath at 11am on Sunday 24 September. We will meet by the...