Do you know what the triggers of childhood obesity are?

Answer: The immediate triggers and danger areas that precipitate the onset of childhood obesity can often seem so simple that they often slip under the radar and go unremarked. The figures on the topic in Ireland certainly make sobering reading for parents. Fully one quarter (25%) of Irish children are now overweight, and as many as eight out of ten are not meeting the recommended amount of daily physical activity. What this means in hard numbers is that there are now 300,000 overweight children throughout the country, with 100,000 of them listed as clinically obese. Per head of population, Ireland is currently in fifth position for childhood obesity from a 2013 survey 27 EU countries.[1] More immediately, with no government supplied treatments on offer, parents who are looking for a programme to help their children face a minimum fee of 600 euro.

It can often be hard for parents to recognise that their child might have a problem until it is too late, so with that in mind here is a quick outline of the triggers that can lead to a greater problem a few years down the line.

Genetics/Family History

Like most of aspects of our physical make up, such as height and eye colour, genetics and family history play a part in the onset of childhood obesity. Heavier parents will most likely have heavier children, but of course exceptions always prove the rule. In addition to genetics, children also learn their habits and behaviours from parents, and so diet and pastimes like the number of hours spent watching TV are also picked up at home. These patterns of behaviour are the frameworks which children will carry into adulthood, and it is at home that good habits like healthy eating and sufficient physical exercise are begun.   

Diet

A bad diet is perhaps the number one trigger for obesity in childhood. The usual causes here are too many sugary or junk foods throughout the week instead of healthy balanced meals. This in turn leads to a calorie overload and weight gain. An often overlooked factor in a child’s diet for many parents, however, is the size of serving portions. While most of us have a good idea of what makes up a healthy dinner and try to limit the amount of empty calories like sweets that our children take in, it is rarely pointed out that younger children under ten do not need large servings at mealtimes. This can encourage overeating and weight gain also.   

Physical Activity

It’s no secret that physical activity among children has been declining for decades. Twenty years ago, half as many children were driven to school as are today and the ever growing choice of video games and TV shows means that once children get home, they are less likely to go out again, especially in the winter months.

It’s recommended that children get sixty minutes of physical activity every day in order to maintain good health, growth, and weight; anything short of that and the potential for problems begins. The good news is that the physical activity in question does not have to be anything particularly exerting, such as team sports or running, but everyday pastimes like walking or active games all contribute to getting the minutes up.

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John Keane is a full time pharmacist and owner of Keanes Pharmacy. Why not discuss this topic confidentially with John anytime in person at Keanes Pharmacy, Austin Friars or 0449342884 ©Keanes Pharmacy 2015 www.keanespharmacy.com

The Best Time to see a Doctor for Burns

Question: When should you seek medical attention for burns?

When it comes to minor burns, there are a lot of remedies that will allow you to treat them in the comfort of your own home. However, instances can occur when you need more than first aid and should seek medical attention in order to properly treat what are obviously severe burns.

Medically speaking, if the burned area is not more than three inches in diameter, it can be treated at home and will not need a doctor’s presence. It can be aided by cooling down the burnt area by running cold water over it for no less than ten minutes. Do not apply or use ice to treat burns, as this will irritate and worsen the affected area, actually causing more pain, instead of cutting down the swelling that may result in blister build up.

Dressing

If you need a wound dressing for a minor or “not so” severe burn, the proper procedure is to use a clean gauze bandage to cover the affected area and keep it from further exposure to bacteria. Avoid wrapping the gauze too tightly, as it may cause more irritation. This can also be done while waiting for medical professionals to take a look at more serious injuries. Do the best you can as circumstances allow.

Blistering

An indicator that a burn is heading into a severe state is if blisters start to develop. Although blisters heal easily, they are a sign that that more skin activity is building up, which is a cause for concern. When blisters appear therefore, it is the right time to check if the “Doctor is In”.

Severe Burning

Severe burns, such as third degree burns, sometimes won’t actually cause much pain, as some of the skin tissues or even the muscles underneath the affected skin have been seriously damaged. If so, you may feel some numbness, a stiff feeling, or you will notice a white substance around the burnt area.

Another indicator that you need a medical professional is if burnt areas involve your genitals, eyes, ears, hands, or feet, whether they be full or partial burns, as well as over joints.

It is also highly advised to contact emergency services:

• If the burn area is as big: larger than your palm
• If you are not sure how serious the burn is
• If the burn is caused by a chemical or electrical device
• If it results in a state of shock
• If the victim inhaled hazardous fire smoke
• If the cause of the burn is due to a physical abuse
• If there are other factors that may have caused the burn to be severe

Also, if an infection has already occurred, the following signs will be evident:

• Fever
• Unbearable pain
• Red vein-like spread from the burnt wound
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Dizziness
• Thirst
• Abnormal urination
• Lightheadedness

No matter how small or big the wound is, it is still best to consider medical attention to be properly guided and oriented on how to treat it. Misconceptions still exist as to how to treat and care for burns, so it is best to be as informed as possible should the worst happen.

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John Keane is a full time pharmacist and owner of Keanes Pharmacy. Why not discuss this topic confidentially with John anytime in person at Keanes Pharmacy, Austin Friars or 0449342884 ©Keanes Pharmacy 2015 www.keanespharmacy.com

Mullingar Store to feature in “Irish Store of the Year” Final

Below is a copy of what we recently sent out local media outlets announcing us reaching the final for  "Irish Store of the Year 2014" - John

A Mullingar store will feature in the final of this years  “Irish Store of the Year”. Highlighting the quality of local indigenous retailers the town has to offer at national level.

The pharmacy at Austin Friars opened just last year in one of Mullingar’s landmark medical buildings, The Old Dispensary directly behind “The Monks” statue, so this nomination is a source of great pride to everyone connected with the store, especially John Keane, Gillian Ryan, Leona Irwin and Eithne Mannering who work in it.

Local pharmacist John Keane opened Market Point Pharmacy in Patrick  Street in 2008; that store’s high quality of service was recognised in “Top 5 in Category” nominations in the same REI competition in both 2011 and 2013. In 2010 John’s brother Robert joined the team, opening Green Road Pharmacy, which recently extended its opening hours until 9pm nightly to meet customers’ developing needs. At the end of 2013 the brothers took a brave step in their decision to breathe new life into the landmark building in Austin Friars with an extensive and tasteful renovation.

All 3 stores have built their business on good old fashioned customer service and value for money while looking after the medical needs of local customers in a professional and welcoming manner. This has been recognised not only in their customers’ reactions over the last 5 years, but also through a range of objective awards from bodies including Retail Excellence Ireland (2011, 2013, & 2014), The Irish Pharmacy Awards (2013 & 2014), and Midlands Gateway Chamber of Commerce (2014).

The 2014 awards ceremony will take place in Galway on November 1st this year. Keanes Pharmacy - representing Mullingar - will find themselves head-to head against strong national and regional brands in this year’s final - Butlers Chocolate Café ( Liffey Street, Dublin), Compu B, (William Street, Galway), Garrett’s, (Castletroy, Limerick), L’Occitane En Provence, (Wicklow Street, Dublin) and Eircom Meteor,( Pavilion Shopping Centre, Swords, Dublin). Each and every one will be fighting it out for the top spot. Regardless of the eventual result, Mullingar’s Keane brothers, along with family, friends and supporters, will be flying the retail flag with pride for their home town and county on the night.

John Keane is the pharmacist owner at Austin Friars Pharmacy and can be contacted at 0868626763.

Film Crew Arrives in Keanes Pharmacy, Austin Friars!

We had great excitement this morning in Austin Friars. Because we have reached the final of "Irish Store of the Year" a film crew was sent down to film us for the awards night. 

Thanks to all staff and parents that formed part of "rent a crowd" for the morning - budding thespians the lot of you! 

As part of the video they required 10 random facts on the store. Heres what we came up with:

10 Facts about Keanes Pharmacy, Austin Friars

1. The store is a 300 year old building that was previously a bank, a county dispensary and an orphanage! The statue of 2 monks outside represent the history of the area.
2. A lot of the history has been maintained in the design of the store – the old name – “the dispensary” is now celebrated in white neon inside, and a map of Mullingar dating from 1914 is featured on the wall of the waiting area.
3. A traditional farmhouse AGA bought locally on donedeal.ie for €450  is placed in front of the original chimney breast maintaining the character of the building
4. The store has two consultation rooms; one for the pharmacist and another for complimentary practitioners.
5. The monks outside the store represent the start of the Camino de Santiago trail from the midlands – next stop saint James’ Gate Guinness Brewery, Dublin
6. Old pharmacy bottles are dotted around the store to emphasise  the heritage of the building and mixing the old with the new
7. In our 300 year old building, niche brands such as Fuschia & Decleor catch the eye, creative displays, and regular medical and cosmetic events really set us apart.
8. This is Keanes Pharmacy third time to be in the prestigious REI “store of the year final”
9. Keanes Pharmacy have two other stores in Mullingar, Market Point and Green Road
10. Keanes Pharmacy, Austin Friars celebrate the fact that they are local and independent and that there is no other store like theirs in the world!

www.keanespharmacy.com

Down with Blood Pressure! The skinny on BP in Ireland

With high blood pressure heavily increasing the likelihood of heart disease and stroke, it’s recommended that everyone get their blood pressure checked at least every five years, increasing to once a year as we get older. This advice becomes particularly pertinent when we read that half of all adults in Ireland over the age of 45 suffer from high blood pressure, and worryingly, perhaps 4 out of 5 men and two thirds of women with the condition are going untreated.

Luckily, there are now more options than ever when it comes to getting checked for this common ailment.

Irish Heart Foundation Blood Pressure Road Show 2014

Perhaps the most convenient and certainly the cheapest option over the autumn months this year is to pay a visit to the Irish Heart Foundation’s free blood pressure testing centres all around the country. A quick visit to http://www.irishheart.ie/iopen24/blood-pressure-road-show-2014-t-8_201_1310.html will give you all the details of the most convenient date and time in your county. In addition to testing and advice, staff will be happy to provide you with helpful free leaflets and booklets, full of information and tips on how to control blood pressure and keep your heart healthy.

Your Local Pharmacist

Pharmacies are increasingly offering blood pressure testing for customers along with medication and consultations, sometimes with appointment, but often as a walk in service. This service is generally available without appointment and free of charge.

Your Family Doctor

Blood pressure is usually taken as a matter of course with any G.P. check up, but if you’re worried or perhaps showing symptoms of low blood pressure (discussed below), a traditional doctor’s appointment will be sufficient to put your mind at ease and diagnose what the problem is. In the event that you are found to have either high or low blood pressure, your doctor will be able to proscribe any necessary medication and advise on how to arrange your diet and lifestyle in order to minimise any potential problems down the line.

When to Get Checked

High blood pressure does not in fact have any visible symptoms, and so it is best to get your pressure checked as often as the minimum durations mentioned above. Though the Irish Heart Foundation recommends a maximum period of one test every five years for younger people, it is a lot better to get regular check-ups and consultations more often than this, even if you are not showing any signs of ill health.

Low blood pressure, or hypotension, can manifest itself in dizzy spells or a feeling of fainting, particularly when standing up. If this is happening to you regularly, it is best to book an appointment for a check.

How Does It Work?

Blood pressure testing takes two minutes and is completely painless. An inflatable cuff is placed over the patient’s upper arm and then inflated. An automatic machine then measures the pressure of blood and displays the results digitally.

John Keane is a full time pharmacist and owner of Keanes Pharmacy. Why not discuss this topic confidentially with John anytime in person at Keanes Pharmacy, Austin Friars or 0449341704 ©Keanes Pharmacy 2014 www.keanespharmacy.com

Splish Splash - Water charges nearly here! What is your ideal bath?

With just a few short months to go before the introduction of water charges, now is the time to enjoy a few extra-long soaks in the bath before you have to start thinking about the first bills arriving in the post in the New Year. Once the free levy is used up for each adult and child, charges of about half a cent per litre will be placed on all water that a household uses each quarter. An average bath uses about 80 litres of water, meaning that from the end of this year, we’ll be charged the princely sum of 40 cents per bath that we take. Now is the time then to break out the bubbly and enjoy the last of the good times!

Deep Steep Lavender/Chamomile

After a long day, or an even longer week, the whole point of a good bubble bath is to relax completely and get rid of all the stresses of the day to day. There are few better combinations for this than lavender and chamomile. Chamomile has long been renowned for its soothing qualities, as anyone who tried its tea variant can attest, and the fragrance of lavender will fill the room and conjure up images of peaceful country walks on a summer’s day. A must.

Irish Organics Seaweed Tonic Bath

For those of us looking for a little more regeneration than relaxation, Irish Organics could have the answer with their Seaweed Tonic Bath. Containing “mineral and protein rich hand harvested seaweed”, this is a bubble bath that brings a little bit of the spa treatment to your home. Along with the seaweed, it includes citrus and hyssopus extracts, both excellent skin tonics for increased relaxation, better circulation and soothing healing, along with amaranth protein, which is “rich in amino acids” for a healthy glow.

The Radox Range

A perennial favourite in all Irish stores, Radox carries a little something for everyone in their wide range of bath products. For those of us with the more active jobs or have just enjoyed a good session on the pitch or in the gym, they boast not one, but two sport orientated foams, the “Muscle Soak” and the “Muscle Therapy”, both of which promise to relieve even the hardest knocks and aches. For you’re looking to kickstart the evening then there is the Radox “Eastern Spirit”, with orange blossom and oriental lotus, as well as the “Brazilian Fusion” with extracts of dragon fruit and camu camu berry.

And for the kids…

Like Radox, Johnson’s are one of those brands that seem to have been around forever, and that is always the sign of good quality products and care for customer’s needs. Johnson’s has a range of fun bubble baths for kids, some with well-loved characters like Goofy, Tigger, and Minnie Mouse, as well as its special Soothing Vapour Baby Bath, which promises to send baby off to sleep for a peaceful night afterward.   

©Keanes Pharmacy