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- Clounalour Medical Centre | Tralee GP | Centrepoint, John Joe Sheehy Road, Tralee, Co Kerry, V92 P2FE
Clounalour Medical Centre is located in Centrepoint, in the heart of Tralee, Co Kerry. We are fully wheelchair accessible and car parking is provided in the building itself or in the public car park just outside. Helping to Build a Healthy Community Get in Touch Mask Policy To protect our vulnerable patients and staff, please ensure to wear a mask if you have any respiratory symptoms when attending the practice. How Can We Help You Services Appointments Resources Services Online Services Repeat Prescriptions Cancel Appointment Illness Certificates Update Your Details Doctor Letters SMS Signup Test Results Applications & Forms Online Services About About Clounalour Medical Centre Clounalour Medical Centre is located in Centrepoint, in the heart of Tralee, Co Kerry. We are fully wheelchair accessible and car parking is provided in the building itself or in the public car park just outside. We offer a wide variety of medical services to medical card and private patients, including antenatal and postnatal care, childhood vaccinations and regular check-ups. We also provide clinics for the management of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, asthma and COPD. We aim to provide high quality, patient centred care. We look forward to welcoming you to Clounalour Medical Centre. Meet Our Team New Patients Due to ever increasing demand, we are currently operating at full capacity. To ensure that we can continue to provide safe and timely care for our existing patients, our lists are currently closed to new patients. New Patients Opening Hours Contact Contact Us For requests such as repeat prescriptions, illness certificates, doctor letters/forms and test results, see Online Services. If you need urgent medical attention, please call us, as emails may not be read immediately. Clinical queries should never be submitted via email, text or any of the forms on this website as they may not be addressed in a timely manner. Phone numbers & email addresses are found at the bottom of all pages. Opening Hours Monday-Friday: 09.00-13.00 Monday-Friday: 13.45-18.00 Weekends & Bank Holidays: Closed
- Book Vaccine Clinic | Clounalour Medical Centre
< Back Flu & Covid Vaccinations 2026/27 Our autumn/winter vaccination programme will begin in early October. Where possible, both the flu & Covid vaccines will be given at the same time. How to book your vaccine Phone number: 066 712 1792 Who can get the vaccines for free? Everyone aged 60 and older Children and young people aged 2 to 17 (nasal flu vaccine) People with long-term health conditions (for example, heart, lung, kidney or liver disease, diabetes or cancer) People with a weakened immune system Pregnant women Healthcare workers Carers and people who live with or care for someone at higher risk Covid vaccine only Adults aged 18 to 59 who are not in a risk group can choose to receive a COVID-19 vaccine once a year, following discussion with a healthcare provider. The vaccine should generally be given at least 6 months after your last COVID-19 vaccine or infection. In exceptional circumstances, this may be shortened to 3 months.
- Resources | Clounalour Medical Centre
Resources Healthier Living Cardiovascular Disease Applications & Forms COPD Asthma Diabetes Cancer Online Health Info
- Cancel Appointment | Clounalour Medical Centre
Cancel Appointment If you want to cancel an appointment that is more than 24 hours away, please let us know as soon as possible by completing the form below. If your appointment is within the next 24 hours, please call the surgery to ensure we can free up the appointment as emails may not read immediately. First Name Last Name Email Date of Birth (dd/mm/yyyy) Phone Full Address Appointment Date * required Appointment Time Appointment Type (eg. GP, bloods, childhood vaccines) I confirm that I will not be attending this appointment. I understand that my desired appointment date/time may not be available and that the practice may offer an alterative date/time. I consent to this message being sent electronically to the practice. I have checked that the email address and phone number supplied are correct and consent to receiving medical information via email or text. If you wish to reschedule this appointment, please contact the surgery directly. By submitting this form you will be sending personal/sensitive information about yourself across the Internet. Please read our privacy statement to discover how we protect and manage your submitted data. Whilst every effort is made to keep this information secure, you should be aware that we cannot offer any guarantees of absolute privacy. If this matter concerns you then you should use another method of contacting the practice. Submit
- Test Results | Clounalour Medical Centre
Test Results Following up on results once tests are done is of utmost importance. With this in mind, please contact the surgery, 2 weeks after your test, using the form below and a member of our clinical team will revert to you either via text or phone to discuss said results. If you have not done so already, please give permission to contact you via text by completing the consent form here. Please note, results of tests ordered by consultants do not routinely come back to the surgery. First Name Last Name Date of Birth (dd/mm/yyyy) Email Phone Full Address Test Results Required Date of Test * required I confirm my test was completed at least 2 weeks ago, as test results may not yet be back otherwise. I consent to this message being sent electronically to the practice. I have checked that the email address and phone number supplied are correct and consent to receiving medical information via email or text. By submitting this form you will be sending personal/sensitive information about yourself across the Internet. Please read our privacy statement to discover how we protect and manage your submitted data. Whilst every effort is made to keep this information secure, you should be aware that we cannot offer any guarantees of absolute privacy. If this matter concerns you then you should use another method of contacting the practice. Submit
- Diabetes | Clounalour Medical Centre
< Back Diabetes Diabetes is a lifelong (chronic) condition caused by a lack, or insufficiency of insulin. Insulin is a hormone – a substance of vital importance that is made by your pancreas. Insulin acts like a key to open the doors into your cells, letting sugar (glucose) in. With diabetes, the pancreas makes too little insulin to enable all the sugar in your blood to get into your muscle and other cells to produce energy. If sugar can’t get into the cells to be used, it builds up in the bloodstream. Therefore, diabetes is characterised by high blood sugar (glucose) levels. Types of Diabetes Type 1 diabetes tends to occur in childhood or early adult life, and always requires treatment with insulin injections. It is caused by the body’s own immune system destroying the insulin-making cells (beta-cells) of the pancreas. Type 2 diabetes usually develops slowly in adulthood. It is progressive and can sometimes be treated with diet and exercise, but more often Type 2 diabetes may require anti-diabetic medicine and/or insulin injections. More than three-quarters of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes.The number of people with type 2 diabetes is rapidly increasing as it is commoner in the overweight and obese, which is itself a growing problem. The remainder have type 1 diabetes. *Type 2 diabetes is included in the Chronic Disease Management programme. Type 1 is not included as it is generally managed by hospital units. Pre-diabetes Pre-diabetes is a condition where the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood is higher than normal, but is not high enough for you to have a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes. Pre-diabetes is the stage before a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes. Pre-diabetes is very treatable, but should be taken seriously. People with pre-diabetes have a high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. If pre-diabetes is taken seriously, Type 2 diabetes can often be prevented or delayed. Being active, losing weight if you're overweight and eating healthy food can all make a huge difference. See our Healthier Living page for advice on how to improve your health, manage your weight, quit smoking or reduce your alcohol intake. Risks Factors for Type 2 diabetes You're more at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes if you: are over 45 have a close relative with diabetes such as a parent, brother or sister are an adult who is overweight or obese have a diagnosis of pre-diabetes had gestational diabete s during pregnancy are physically inactive - for example, if you take less than 30 minutes of physical activity most days have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol or high triglycerides have a history of heart disease have a medical condition that requires long-term steroid use are a member of the travelling community are of south Asian, Chinese, Hispanic, African Caribbean or black African origin have haemochromatosis - storing too much iron in your body are a woman with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) Useful Links & Resources HSE Diabetes Diabetes.ie - What is Diabetes? Useful videos explaining the differences between Type 1 & 2 Diabetes. Diabetes.ie - Type 2 Risk Test See our Healthier Living page for advice on how to improve your health, manage your weight, quit smoking or reduce your alcohol intake. Guide to Testing Blood Glucose - Type 2 Diabetes Healthy Eating for People with Type 2 Diabetes Living Well with Pre-Diabetes This content of this page (and links to other sites) is for general information purposes only and does not substitute medical advice. While we endeavour to keep this website up-to-date, errors may occur. We advise all patients to discuss their health concerns with their GP. If you would like to suggest amendments or highlight new information that could be useful to others please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
- Sexual Health & Contraception | Clounalour Medical Centre
< Back Sexual Health & Contraception We provide a full range of contraceptive services and sexual health advice. During your consultation we will discuss all options and help you choose the right method for you. Our GPs are highly experienced in fitting Long Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs) such as coils (intrauterine devices/systems) and the contraceptive implant (the bar). We also provide the contraceptive injection. We also offer sexual health advice including STI screening and support. Make an appointment with your GP to discuss your options. National Free Contraception Service Women and people with a uterus aged 17 to 35 can get contraception for free. You do not need a medical card to access this service. Make an appointment with your GP to discuss your options for contraception. If you are aged 17-35, you do not have to pay for your GP visit or any prescriptions you get. Talking to your GP about contraception What costs are covered? The costs covered include: GP appointments - to talk about contraception options and for repeat prescriptions when needed any prescriptions given by your doctor - these will be given free of charge at participating pharmacies your choice of contraception - from the types covered below fittings and removals of implants and IUDs or IUSs (coils) any check-ups or other follow up care needed, relating to your implant or coil emergency contraception (morning after pill) Types of contraception covered? There are many types of contraception covered by this service. You may need to experiment to find what works best for you. Emergency contraception is also covered. You can choose from a range of contraception listed below. These include short-acting contraceptives and long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs). Short-acting contraceptives Short-acting contraceptives are are types of contraception that depend on you remembering to take or use them regularly or each time you have sex. These include the: progesterone only and combined contraceptive (the pill) contraceptive patch contraceptive ring LARCs Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) are types of contraception that you do not have to remember to take everyday. These include the: implant injection copper coil (intrauterine device/IUD) and hormonal coil (intrauterine system/IUS) How to get free contraception? Make an appointment with your GP to discuss your options for contraception. If you are aged 17-35, you do not have to pay for your GP visit or any prescriptions you get. You do not need a medical card to access this service. To access free contraception you need to be: a woman or person with a uterus aged between 17 to 35 living in Ireland Your information You will need to give us your PPS number, name, date of birth and address. We need this to make sure that you are in the 17 to 35 age group covered by the free contraception service. You will also need to present your PPSN in the pharmacy when you collect your prescription. Emergency contraception from pharmacies Emergency contraception can prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or if your contraception fails. For example, a condom slipped/broke or you missed a pill. If you need the emergency contraceptive pill (the morning after pill), this can be given over-the-counter at participating pharmacies for free. You will need to give your PPS number, name and address at the pharmacy. They need this information to make sure that you are in the 17 to 35 age group covered by the free contraception service. More information on emergency contraception Useful Links & Resources HSE - Types of Contraception Sexualwellbeing.ie - contraceptive choices, sexually transmitted infections, free home STI kits, unplanned pregnancy information HSE Your Sexual Health - resources and information MyOptions.ie - Information and support on all your unplanned pregnancy options, including continued pregnancy supports and abortion services. Talking to your GP about contraception Information on emergency contraception This content of this page (and links to other sites) is for general information purposes only and does not substitute medical advice. While we endeavour to keep this website up-to-date, errors may occur. We advise all patients to discuss their health concerns with their GP. If you would like to suggest amendments or highlight new information that could be useful to others please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
- Dermatology & Cryotherapy | Clounalour Medical Centre
< Back Dermatology & Cryotherapy We are experienced in dealing with a wide range of common skin conditions, such as acne, eczema, psoriasis and rosacea. We can also review any concerning skin growths or rashes, providing appropriate, effective treatment or arranging specialist review if indicated. We perform a wide range of procedures in the practice, such as cryotherapy or surgical removal of small benign growths, skin tags or warts, avoiding the need to visit hospital. Make an appointment with your GP to discuss your options. Useful Links HSE - Skin Cancer Irish Cancer Society - Skin Cancer This content of this page (and links to other sites) is for general information purposes only and does not substitute medical advice. While we endeavour to keep this website up-to-date, errors may occur. We advise all patients to discuss their health concerns with their GP. If you would like to suggest amendments or highlight new information that could be useful to others please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
- Mental Health | Clounalour Medical Centre
< Back Mental Health We provide an empathetic service if you are under stress, suffer from anxiety or experience depression that is affecting your wellbeing. We are experienced in diagnosing and treating mental ill health with pharmacological and non-pharmacological options. Make an appointment with your GP to discuss your options. Mental health is about more than being free of mental illness such as depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia. It is also about having a positive sense of wellbeing. Positive mental health allows us to enjoy life’s pleasures, believe in our own abilities, cope with the normal stresses of life, work/study productively and enjoy socialising. Wellbeing may be compromised when negative and painful emotions are extreme or very long-lasting and interfere with the person’s ability to function in daily life. For some people it may be difficult to talk about mental health, but it can help to talk about how you are feeling. People you can talk to might include friends, family, a counsellor or your GP. Need Help Now? If you need help now you could talk to your GP or if you need to talk to someone now here are a number of helplines you can contact for confidential non-judgemental support. Watch the video for some useful suggestions on how to talk to your GP about your mental health. Mental Health Ireland - Five Ways to Wellbeing Mental Health Ireland promotes mental health and wellbeing to all individuals and communities, supporting people who experience mental health difficulties. Watch the video or click here to see more information on the Five Ways to Wellbeing - Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning & Give. You can find mental health resources from Mental Health Ireland here . Connect Make time each day to Connect. Connect with the people around you. With family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. At home, work, school or in your local community. By staying connected and nurturing these relationships we feel happier and more secure, giving us a better sense of purpose. Be Active Look for ways to be active everyday. Go for a walk or a run. Step outside. Cycle, play a game, garden or dance. Discover a physical activity you enjoy which suits your lifestyle and level of mobility and fitness. Research has shown being physically active can improve your mental health and wellbeing. Take Notice Be aware of the world around you and what you are feeling. Be Curious. Catch sight of the beautiful. Notice the changing seasons. Savour the moment whether you are walking to work, eating lunch or talking to friends. Pay attention to the present moment – to your thoughts, feelings and to the world around you. Keep Learning Try something new. Rediscover an old interest. Sign up for that course. Cook a new recipe. Take on a new responsibility. Setting yourself a new challenge and learning a new skill will increase your confidence which can improve your mental health and wellbeing. Give Giving to others is good for you. Do something nice for someone else. Thank someone. Volunteer your time or join a community group. See yourself and your happiness linked to the wider community can be incredibly rewarding and create connectedness with the people around you. Volunteering can be a great way to meet new people and also generate positive feelings from helping others. If you decide that you would like to get involved in volunteering but you are not sure exactly what you would like to do, then a good place to start is Volunteer Ireland. They can help you find what kind of volunteering suits you. Find your local volunteering centre here . Click here to see more information on these Five Ways to Wellbeing. Useful Links & Resources See below links to helplines and further information on mental health: HSE - Mental Health - an extensive guide and resources on mental health issues. Mental Health Ireland - promotes mental health and wellbeing to all individuals and communities, supporting people who experience mental health difficulties. Pieta House - helps people in suicidal distress or those engaging in self-harm. Freecall the helpline on 1800 247 247 . Or you can simply text HELP to 51444. You can also contact Pieta House for guidance on how to help someone who is self-harming or suicidal. Pieta House provides free individual counselling, therapy and support who have been bereaved by suicide. Samaritans - is a service that can be used either if your situation feels more urgent, or if you feel like all you need is a good chat. You can ring their helpline whether or not you have mental health issues, if you're worried about a friend, and even if you're under 18. Aware - have a support line for anyone who is worried about depression, which operates from 10am to 10pm, seven days a week, as well as a support mail service. Freephone helpline on 1800 80 48 48 . SilverCloud: Free Digital Cognitive Behavioural Therapy - In partnership with the HSE, the SilverCloud online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) platform provides access to a free 8-week supported programme. Online CBT has been shown to have a positive impact on symptoms. Talk To Tom - are a community based suicide prevention, mental health awareness and bereavement support charity. Spun Out - is a youth information website dedicated to making sure that 16 to 25 year olds in Ireland - one of the most at-risk demographics - are empowered with the information they need to live active, happy, and healthy lives. A Lust For Life - is an Irish mental health charity that uses content, campaigns and events to facilitate young people to be effective guardians of their own mind - and to be the leaders that drive our society towards a better future. EmployAbility Service - The nationwide EmployAbility Service provides an employment support service for people with a health condition, injury, illness or disability and a recruitment advice service for the business community. Beaumont Mindfulness and Relaxation Centre - Resources Turn2me.ie - Turn2Me is a high-quality, safe, anonymous, and confidential space for you to gain support for your mental health online. Non Violent Resistance (NVR) - is a supportive program for parents that are experiencing child to parent violence. Parentline - is a national, confidential helpline that offers parents support, information and guidance on all aspects of being a parent and any parenting issues. This content of this page (and links to other sites) is for general information purposes only and does not substitute medical advice. While we endeavour to keep this website up-to-date, errors may occur. We advise all patients to discuss their health concerns with their GP. If you would like to suggest amendments or highlight new information that could be useful to others please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
- Cardiovascular Disease | Clounalour Medical Centre
< Back Cardiovascular Disease Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a general term for conditions affecting the heart or blood vessels. It's usually associated with a build-up of fatty deposits inside the arteries (atherosclerosis ) and an increased risk of blood clots . It can also be associated with damage to arteries in organs such as the brain, heart, kidneys and eyes. CVD is one of the main causes of death and disability in Ireland, but it can often largely be prevented by leading a healthy lifestyle. Conditions Specific conditions include but are not limited to: Heart Failure Heart Attack (angina) Stroke/TIA Irregular Heartbeat (atrial fibrillation) *The above four conditions are included in the Chronic Disease Management programme. Hypertension (high blood pressure) is not not included in the Chronic Disease Management programme. Causes of CVD The exact cause of CVD isn't clear, but there are lots of things that can increase your risk of getting it. The more risk factors you have, the greater your chances of developing CVD. If you are concerned about your heart health, make an appointment to see your GP and we can assess your individual CVD risk and advise you how to reduce it if necessary. Risk factors include: High blood pressure Smoking High cholesterol Diabetes Inactivity Being overweight or obese Family history of CVD Ethnic background Other risk factors that affect your risk of developing CVD include: age – CVD is most common in people over 50 and your risk of developing it increases as you get older gender – men are more likely to develop CVD at an earlier age than women diet – an unhealthy diet can lead to high cholesterol and high blood pressure alcohol – excessive alcohol consumption can also increase your cholesterol and blood pressure levels, and contribute to weight gain Stroke A stroke is a serious medical condition that occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. Like all organs, the brain needs the oxygen and nutrients provided by blood to function properly. If the supply of blood is restricted or stopped, brain cells begin to die. This can lead to brain damage and possibly death. Strokes are a medical emergency and prompt treatment is essential because the sooner a person receives treatment for a stroke, the less damage is likely to happen. Types of Stroke There are two main causes of strokes: ischaemic (accounting for over 80% of all cases): the blood supply is stopped due to a blood clot haemorrhagic: a weakened blood vessel supplying the brain bursts and causes brain damage There is also a related condition known as a transient ischaemic attack (TIA), where the supply of blood to the brain is temporarily interrupted, causing a 'mini-stroke'. TIAs should be treated seriously as they are often a warning sign that a stroke is coming. Lifestyle Factors Your risk of having a stroke is increased by certain things in your lifestyle which you can change, and which also increase your chances of having a heart attack. These include: smoking, being overweight, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. Read more on how to keep your heart healthy . Useful Links NHS Cardiovascular Disease - lots of information including risk factors and specific conditions. Irish Heart Foundation - is the national charity fighting stroke and heart disease, funded up to 90 per cent by public and corporate donations. A-Z of cardiovascular disease here and their Healthy Eating guide for heart health here . HSE Heart Failure HSE Heart Disease HSE Heart Attack (angina) See our Healthier Living page for advice on how to improve your health, manage your weight, quit smoking or reduce your alcohol intake. This content of this page (and links to other sites) is for general information purposes only and does not substitute medical advice. While we endeavour to keep this website up-to-date, errors may occur. We advise all patients to discuss their health concerns with their GP. If you would like to suggest amendments or highlight new information that could be useful to others please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
- Services | Clounalour Medical Centre
Services Routine & Acute GP Consultations Blood Tests & Investigations Adult Vaccines & Immunisations Chronic Disease Management Family Planning & Antenatal Care Childhood Care & Immunisations Teen Health Female Health Male Health Over 65s Health Mental Health Sexual Health & Contraception Dermatology, Minor Surgery & Cryotherapy Medical Reports - Legal, Insurance, Driving Travel Health Services Page
- Over 65s Health | Clounalour Medical Centre
< Back Over 65s Health As we get older there are some conditions and illnesses that we are more likely to develop. Find out more about them, their symptoms and how they can be diagnosed and treated. We are here to help and place an emphasis on preventative medicine focusing on risk factors for chronic disease, such as heart disease and diabetes, and try to address these risk factors before they evolve into a life limiting condition. See our Healthier Living page for advice on how to improve your health, manage your weight, quit smoking or reduce your alcohol intake. Vaccines We strongly recommend that those over 65 get their flu vaccine every winter and also a pneumococcal vaccine once 65 years of age. For more information, see Vaccines & Immunisations. Common Conditions & Illnesses Most of the below information is sourced from AgeUK , a fantastic organisation in the UK dedicated to supporting older people in the UK. Check out their website here for more information on these conditions and other advice. We have also linked the individual conditions - just click the underlined condition name. Arthritis Arthritis is a common condition which causes joint pain and inflammation. If you have arthritis, there’s support available and things you can do to help make life easier. Cancer The risk for some types of cancer increases as you age. For example, women become more at risk for cervical or endometrial cancers, while men have a higher risk for prostate cancer. While preventing cancer altogether may not be possible, screenings to detect certain cancers in the early stages can help effectively treat them. Read more on our Cancer page. Dementia Dementia is a term used to describe a collection of symptoms that occur when certain diseases or conditions affect the brain. Common symptoms include: problems with memory and/or thinking skills, disorientation, struggling to follow things, mood and personality changes. If problems like these start to affect your daily life, it's worth making an appointment to discuss them with your doctor. If you're worried about someone else, try to encourage them to see their doctor. You could offer to go with them for support if they seem a bit reluctant. For more information see AgeUK page: How to have an open conversation . Being forgetful doesn't necessarily mean you have dementia As we get older, many people experience symptoms like these from time to time. Dementia-like symptoms can be caused by depression, vitamin deficiencies, stress, thyroid problems or urinary tract infections. If you're worried, you should see your GP. See more resources on dementia below. Depression and anxiety Feeling down isn't a natural part of ageing, it's a sign that you're not feeling as well as you should be. Older people with depression usually experience more physical symptoms – such as tiredness, weight loss, and problems sleeping. These aren't trivial matters; they're crucial to your health. If you've experienced some of these symptoms on most days for 2-4 weeks, you should speak to your GP. Talking about your mental health can be daunting, but your GP is used to having these conversations. We are here to help and will know what to do. Diabetes Diabetes is a disease that causes a person's blood glucose levels to become too high. There are two main types – type 1 and type 2. Read more on our Diabetes page. Eye health Vision problems can lead to a higher risk of falls, driving accidents, and incorrect use of medications. They can also make day-to-day life harder. The best way to make sure your eyes are healthy is to have regular eye checks. Many eye diseases can be treated successfully if they are detected early. Hearing loss Hearing loss is a reduced ability to hear. You may find you need the TV volume to be louder or that you can’t always hear people talking, especially in a crowd. Hearing loss is usually gradual and you may not notice any changes straight away. If you've recently noticed problems with your hearing, the first step is to talk to your GP and explain how these problems are affecting your day to day life. High blood pressure One of the simplest health checks, but also one of the most important, is your blood pressure level. Persistently high blood pressure (also known as hypertension) is a major cause of premature death and disability, because it can lead to strokes, heart attacks and heart disease. If left untreated it can increase your risk of heart disease, kidney disease and dementia. Incontinence People of all ages can have a problem controlling their bladder or bowel, and this can have a real impact on their daily lives. Some people avoid going out or need to plan their activities around a toilet. People can be reluctant to talk about bladder or bowel problems, but in most cases the problem can be cured or managed so it doesn’t interfere with your everyday life. Influenza (flu) Flu is a highly infectious and potentially serious illness caused by influenza viruses. Each year the make-up of the seasonal flu vaccine is designed to protect against the influenza viruses that the World Health Organization decide are most likely to be circulating in the coming winter. If you're 65 and over, getting your free flu vaccination is a very important way to help protect your health. Malnutrition Malnutrition means that someone isn’t eating well enough to maintain their health and wellbeing. It is characterised by low body weight or weight loss. Being malnourished can mean more visits to the GP and longer recovery times from illness. Malnutrition can affect health and wellbeing, increase hospital admissions, and can lead to long-term health problems for otherwise healthy and independent older people. Menopause The menopause is a natural part of ageing, and occurs when a woman stops having periods and is no longer able to have children. It’s a gradual process which happens over months or years. Read more here on our Female Health page. Osteoporosis Osteoporosis is a progressive condition that leads to more fragile bones as you get older. Fragile bones are more likely to break easily, and bones in your wrist, hip and spine are particularly vulnerable. For women, the hormone oestrogen helps protect bone strength. The reduction in oestrogen in the years following menopause causes a rapid bone loss, which can lead to osteoporosis. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs particular seasons. It's more common in winter, as we adjust to the change in seasons and feel lower in mood and energy. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) UTIs are infections of the bladder, kidneys, or tubes that carry urine. They are common in older people but are easily treated and there are steps you can take to prevent them. Useful Links & Resources Health resources: Female Health Male Health AgeUK - conditions & illnesses Irish Nutrition & Dietetic Institute – Healthy ageing resources on keeping active and nutrition. NHS - Practical Guide to Healthy Ageing Dementia resources: The Alzheimer Society of Ireland - is the leading dementia specific service provider in Ireland. The Alzheimer Society of Ireland works across the country in the heart of local communities providing dementia specific services and supports and advocating for the rights and needs of all people living with dementia and their carers. Understand Together - is a public support, awareness and information campaign led by HSE, working with The Alzheimer Society of Ireland and Genio campaign. Their website has lots of resources. HSE – Dementia information AgeUK – Dementia information and resources Irish Nutrition & Dietetic Institute – Nutrition and dining resources for carers of those with dementia. Global dementia ambassador Helen Rochford-Brennan recently spoke with Tommy Tiernan about her work as a dementia advocate and about her short-term memory challenges and the strategies she uses to work around them. Watch on the RTE player here . Other resources: HSE - Services for Older People HSE - Support & Services for Caring for Older People Citizens Information - Health Services for Older People Active Link - Older People Information Age Action - provides services including Care and Repair, computer training and information, and also campaigns for older people at a national level. ALONE - provides Housing with Support, Support Coordination, Befriending, BConnect training and technology, and Campaigns for Change to hundreds of older people every week, who are homeless, socially isolated, living in deprivation or in crisis. Active Retirement Ireland - is a national membership organisation that aims to enable older people to lead a full, happy and healthy life through a range of opportunities organised by local older people themselves through local Active Retirement Associations. Age & Opportunity - is the Irish national agency working to: Challenge negative attitudes to ageing and older people. Promote the participation of older people in all areas of society, and to encourage understanding between the generations. They also run the Bealtaine Festival, which is Ireland’s national festival which uniquely celebrates the arts and creativity as we age. The festival brings together people from all over Ireland to foster and inspire creativity among older people and to promote the skills, experiences and exposure that can lead to a rich creative life for all older people. Bealtaine is increasingly recognised as a major innovator in the area of the arts, creativity and older people globally and as a result is also about supporting the arts community to continue to work and to inspire and train other artists to engage in the area of creative ageing and intergenerational work. Friends of the Elderly - works hard to provide a wide range of social programmes for older people who would benefit from a friendly chat or a social outing. With the help of their many dedicated volunteers and donors they provide companionship, support, social engagement, inter-generational activities and community-based services. Think Ahead - Think Ahead is a practical tool and customisable guide for advance care planning and end of life. It helps you document your healthcare choices and personal wishes. Over 65 Resources This content of this page (and links to other sites) is for general information purposes only and does not substitute medical advice. While we endeavour to keep this website up-to-date, errors may occur. We advise all patients to discuss their health concerns with their GP. If you would like to suggest amendments or highlight new information that could be useful to others please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
