We are here to help you keep fit and healthy. Health checks that are provided here in Rosslare Pharmacy are:
Diabetes Glucose Testing
What is Diabetes?
When a person is diagnosed with Diabetes it means they have high levels of blood sugar (glucose) in their body. This is caused by a lack of or inability to produce enough insulin. Insulin is a hormone that controls how our bodies use glucose.
What are the types of Diabetes?
There are three main types of Diabetes:
Type 1 : Believed to be caused by an autoimmune condition which means your immune system attacks and destroys the cells that make insulin. The damage caused by this is permanent.
Type 2: This is when your body is not able to use the insulin it produces efficiently . This in turn makes the cells in your pancreas make even more insulin.. It continues to make more until it is unable to continue to keep up with the demand. The amount of insulin produced then decreases and leads to your body having high blood sugar. Factors that cause Type 2 diabetes are believed to be:
- Genetics
- Lack of excersise
- Being overweight
- Other health factors
- Other environmental factors
Gestational Diabetes: This is caused in pregnancy due to insulin blocking hormones being produced. You will only ever get gestational diabetes when you are pregnant.
Why test for Diabetes?
Diabetes, when left untreated can be very serious. If a person has Type 2 Diabetes and doesn’t get treated this can lead to long term damage to your feet, liver & eyesight just to name a few. It can also increase your risk of heart disease.
When to get tested?
You should consider getting tested for diabetes if you fall into any of the following risk factors:
- If you are overweight for your height
- If you are over the age of 40
- If diabetes runs in your family i.e. either of your parents suffer from it.
- If you excersise very little ( > 2.5 hours in the week )
- If you suffer from High Blood Pressure or Cholesterol
You should also consider being tested for Diabetes if you suffer from any of the following symptoms regardless of the above risk factors:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Unexplained blurred vision
- Frequent urination
- Always thirsty
- Extreme tiredness/fatigue
- Feeling hungry even though you have eaten.
Blood Pressure Check
What is blood pressure?
Everyone has blood pressure. This is what shows how hard your heart has to work to get your blood pumped around your body. The normal reading for blood pressure is around 120 ( systolic) over 80 ( diastolic). The systolic reading is the measurement when your heart is working its hardest. This is when the muscles in your heart are squeezing to pump the blood from your heart. The diastolic reading is when your heart is relaxed, and the blood flows back into the heart.
What is High Blood Pressure?
A blood pressure reading of 140/90 or 140/80 if you are diabetic would suggest a consultation with your GP. The higher your blood pressure reading the more likely you are to suffer from a heart attack or stroke.
Our Blood Pressure Check
When you come to Rosslare Pharmacy to have your blood pressure checked you will be guided to our private consultation area. We aim to offer a private and confidential service in a stress free environment. There is no cost associated with a blood pressure check.
3. Smoking Cessation
