Our GPs in Collins Avenue and Baldoyle are passionate about disease prevention and Dr. O’Connell has a specific interest in Men’s Health. The Men’s Health clinic is a health screening clinic for men over the age of 40 specifically focusing on male health issues and disease prevention.
The patient will be asked to fill in a health questionnaire before the appointment which focuses on lifestyle issues and general well-being. Dr. O’Connell will discuss any issues raised in the questionnaire and will do a full physical examination. Blood tests will generally be checked depending on the age of the patient and their medical or family history. Bloods would usually include –full blood count, liver function tests, kidney function tests, thyroid function, cholesterol, glucose and prostate hormone. If further tests are required these will be advised on the day of the appointment.
We are happy to see men back on a yearly basis should they like to attend for a regular check up.

Are you caring for a loved one with dementia? The fantastic and often unseen work of thousands of carers in Ireland allow many of those suffering with dementia to live at home for as long as possible in with dignity in a caring and supportive environment.
This however can be draining both physically and emotionally for their carers who often have feel they have no one themselves to turn to when things become too much to bear.

Please do not hesitate to see your GP should you need help and support in this role or if you have concerns that you or a loved one may be showing symptoms of forgetfulness or behaviour that is out of character.

There are many community and medical supports available of which you may be unaware and can be organised through your GP or Primary care team. Also, information and support can be accessed via the Alzheimer Society of Ireland which has links to many home services, respite and local support groups that carers can access www.alzheimer.ie

Care of the Elderly
At this time of year it is especially important to think of our elderly friends and neighbours.

Winter can be long and lonely even for those with family around. Elderly people require warmth and regular hot meals to keep safe during the colder months and may need support to get their groceries or medication when inclement weather or ice may make it difficult to brave the outdoors.

Many older people have a fear of falling if they venture out leaving them isolated in their homes and so may miss their usual company and routine.

Should you or a loved one need extra help or support from the many community services available please to not hesitate to contact your doctor or Public Health nurse for advice.
Prepare well for the winter including an early health check-up and ensure that all vaccinations including the annual influenza vaccine are up to date.

When at home keep heating on, always wear warm layer. Get up and walk around the house at least every hour for a few minutes to keep circulation going and muscles strong. Have regular warm drinks and meals.
The following websites have lots of helpful information and useful contacts www.ageaction.ie www.friendsoftheelderly.ie

We are happy to say that we are participating in the free GP visit card for the under sixes.
If you wish to register just click on the link

http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/1/schemes/mc/gpvc/under6.html

and sign up for either Dr. Mel McEvoy or Dr. Kerry O’Connell

Exam time can be anxious stressful and a potentially overwhelming experience. It is important to mind yourself. Here are some key tips to help keep the stress to a minimum.

Sleep
It is important to get between 8-10 hours per night. Try and wind down before sleep.

Eat
Make sure to eat regularly, this will help your concentration and ensure you last the distance.

Exercise
Exercise is a great way to relieve built up stress, improving your mood. It is important to build it into your plan, take a walk or go for a swim or a cycle.

Fun
It is just as important to schedule time for fun. Make time for things that you enjoy during exam breaks and at the weekend.

• Before your exams thinks about the practical issues and have them organised in advance
• Timetable for exams
• How am I travelling to the exams?
• What do I need? i.e. pens, calculator, exam number

Coffee intake
Watch your caffeine intake. Caffeine is a stimulant which can mimic feelings of anxiety and interfere with our ability to concentrate and sleep.

Talk
If you are feeling overwhelmed talk to someone, family or friends you are not alone, support is available.

Over thinking
Don’t dwell on what has already happened. This doesn’t help and you can’t change the past. Leave the last exam behind you and focus on the next exam.

Best of luck and remember once the exams are over there is a long and hopefully enjoyable summer break ahead.

While Christmas in general is a time for catching up with friends and family, enjoying the magic with your children and indulging in some good seasonal fare remember it can be a difficult time of year for some.

Often throwing family together, indoors, for long periods may trigger tensions to arise. Keep the peace and enjoy each other’s company by making sure to give everyone their own space, help out  to spread the chores so you can all enjoy the break, wrap up and get out for a walk, and be aware that excessive alcohol can often trigger arguments that otherwise may not occur.
Useful information is available at www.drinkaware.ie , www.accord.ie, www.aware.ie

The financial demands at Christmas time can be great and a source of added stress in the family. For simple advice that may help MABS (Money advice and Budgeting service) have a useful leaflet available online at www.mabs.ie or see www.citizensinformation.ie for any supports that you may be entitled too.
While enjoying all the traditional festive treats is part of the joys of Christmas a little forward thinking can avoid unpleasant food poisoning or the need to start the New Year with a diet.   www.safefood.eu

Healthy Eating Tips for Christmas Season

Christmas can be a time of indulgence, not just on the big day itself where the average person consumes up to 3 times their required daily calorie intake, but over the extended party season.

Here are a few simple tips to follow to ensure that January can get off to a bright and healthy start.

• Think about your food carefully when doing Christmas shopping in the run up to the festive season. Avoid stocking up in the weeks before on high calorie snack foods, sweets and drinks.
  When faced with a Christmas party never attend with an empty stomach. This will help you not to over indulge on both alcohol and party foods – easy to do when feeling a little nervous at a social outing. Keep your hands full with a glass or napkin and chat more, graze less!
• Choose healthier nibbles – avoiding those that are deep fried or cased in pastry which tends to have higher fat content. Stick instead to lean meat or fish such as smoked salmon and low fat dips with fresh vegetables, instead of crisps choose popcorn.
• Enjoy a Christmas drink but choose diet mixers or slim line tonic, light beer or a smaller glass of wine. Don’t drink on an empty stomach. Drink water in between rounds and remember the safe upper limit – 14 units for women, 21 units of alcohol for men, per week.
• For Christmas dinner – Turkey is a naturally lean meat – but avoid eating the skin. Fill up on lovely seasonal fresh vegetables, avoid adding too much salt, gravy or butter and keep an eye on portion size.
• Get regularly out for a brisk walk – escaping from the house for some fresh air and exercise with the family will keep mind and body feeling fresher and healthier.

Finally please do not forget our elderly friends and neighbours who may need a visit more than ever at this time of year. For more information see our news archive.
Should any of these issues become too much to cope with please do not hesitate to contact your GP for support.