These days, lowering sugar levels is no longer difficult for doctors — the real challenge is to prevent complications caused by your high blood sugar eg heart attack or stroke. That’s why it’s important to check your risk of developing diabetes and the complications it can bring, especially if you or someone in your family has excess weight, high blood pressure, stroke, heart problem or elevated blood sugar & cholesterol levels.

If the 1-minute Diabetes Risk Calculator available online indicates a score above 25, consult our doctor for further evaluation and discuss the next steps.

https://preventing-diabetes.co.uk/know-your-risk-tool/

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is more than just loud snoring or daytime fatigue—it can worsen existing health conditions. For individuals already battling chronic illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or respiratory disorders, OSA acts as a dangerous multiplier, accelerating complications and increasing mortality risks.

1. Cardiovascular Strain: OSA disrupts oxygen flow, causing repeated drops in blood oxygen levels. This strains the heart, exacerbating hypertension and raising the risk of heart attacks or strokes—especially dangerous for those with pre-existing heart conditions.

2. Metabolic disturbance: Poor sleep from OSA disrupts insulin sensitivity, worsening blood sugar control in diabetics. Studies show that untreated OSA increases the risk of severe diabetic complications by 30-40%.

3. Respiratory Risks: For asthma or COPD patients, OSA-induced breathing pauses force the body to work harder, triggering inflammation and frequent symptom flare-ups.

Ignoring OSA doesn’t just disrupt sleep—it fuels a vicious cycle of deteriorating health.

Break the Cycle: ask for sleeping test.  Early intervention is critical.

Ps. Sleeping test - not covered by Medical Card

"To live a long life while enjoying good health, we need to have regular screening tests and visits to a GP on regular basis. But what should we eat to remain healthy and happy at the age of 80 or 90? I recommend the book by Dr. Greger, who, based on the latest research, points out what we should pay attention to."

Please be advised that evaluation of medical tests performed privately outside of Ireland is subject to a fee of €20–30 per page. The secretary needs more information if you want to ask a doctor for a more specific investigation ( MRI scan, Ultrasound scan, blood test, ECG, allergy test). 

Dear Patiens, We kindly ask all of our patients to try and stick to our policy especially: one consultation, one problem, one issue for safety reason.

Each appointment is only 15 min long. This is not a lot of time, even for just one problem. Bear in mind that within this time doctor needs to take:

• full appropriate health history in details to find possible root causes of your problem,
• followed by examination,
• arranging investigation,
• referrals,
• prescriptions,
• sharing back
• explaining to patients further managment, necessary follow up. 

Presenting with multiple problmes means that there is an increased risk that mistakes will be made and some important things to be missed as the doctor may be inclined to rush, particularly if other patients are waiting. Therefore, please do not be offended if the doctor advises you to rebook for your other problmes. We are working in your best interest in order to keep you safe.   

Full text of our Policy : once consulation, one problem, one patient - you can find on our website.  

Alex test is the latest, molecular test that can identify your allergies that are not suspected by yourself or by your doctor. This test is based on molecular methods so it gives less false-positive and less false-negative results in comparison with other allergic tests (eg from the skin test). Alex offers broad panel of 295 allergens that cover allergies for : 

• moulds
• dust
• food
• pollens tress and grass
• cereal
• fruit and vegetables
• milk 
• and many more

Please note that the test is not covered by Medical Card.  The price of the test is 630 Euro and you do not need any special preparation to have this test.  The Alex test does not require you to stop taking your regular medicine. We only need to take your blood sample. That's it. If you are interested in, please contact with our reception at 061597188 to get more information.  

 Sucide beveraement support group in Limerick.  Read more below.

https://www.hugg.ie/news/hugg-men-suicide-bereavement-support-group-led-by-men-for-men/ 

At the very base of Maslow's pyramids lie the physiological needs which include physiological needs such as food, water, warmth and sleep. Without satisfying these needs higher level of pyramide can not be achived. Sleep in patricular is vital for bodies recovery, cognitive function and overall well- being. However in today's fast-pace world sleep takes over back seat to other demands. With increasing workload, constant digital engagement and stress many people sacrifice sleep believing they can function adequally on less rest. This misconception jeopardize your physical health and hampers the ability to achive higher level of psychological fulfiilment such as safety belonging and self-esteem. If you have problem with snorring or falling asleep, please contact our surgery to arrange relevant investigation and our GP assessment. 

There are a few places in the world where people reach 100 years in good health! These places are called the blue zones. 

The scientists discovered that there are a few rules that people in blue zones follow to. You can try them in Ireland as well. 

• move naturally every day
• spend more time with family and friends
• do not worry about everything
• practice religious customs and prayer or meditation
• eat more plants and less meat 
• sleep 8 hours daily
• enjoy life as much as possible 
• no drugs, no cigarettes and alcohol

Go for it! 

3D Pulsating Magnetic Field is a modern therapy of pain that foreshadows future medicine.

There are six basic therapeutic effects of Magnetic Field in our body : 

• Analgesic effect esp.after surgery or injury
• Aniti-inflamatory 
• Promotes regeneration of soft tissue
• Anti-swelling
• Vasodilatating 
• Myorelaxing  

PEMF therapy is not invasive, is painless and safe. Efficiency confirmed among our happy patients and in medical researches. Success in treatment depends on the number of sessions.(Minimum 6). Suitable for children(5+) and adults. Perfect adjunct to regular pain killers esp in back pain, joint pain or contradiction to pain killers.  If you have any question please contac our surgery .

(please note that BioMag sessions are not covered by Medical Card)

Medical Card does not cover your all medical assisstance that you can get from your GP in Ireland. Please be aware of the list of medical service that are payable for you even when you are a holder of Medical Card /GP visit card.  

Our doctor can prepare medical report regarding car accident and work injury for patients registered in our surgery. 

Please note that we cooperate with solicitors from Shannon (click to know more) who offer very proffesional service and support in legal cases in English and Polish. 

Please be advised that it is very helpful if you report your car accident or work injuries to our doctor firstly or visit Local Injury Unit ( in ST Johns Hospital), just after injury preferably, before you contact with solicitors. If you want more detalis please contact our surgery. 

How often your wife's can not sleep due to your snoring at nigth? 

Snoring is a well known serious medical problem that you should not ignore. It is belived that snoring can be a reason of hypertension, heart problems, diabetes, obesity, chronic tiredness and car accidents. Good news is that snoring can be treated. The most important is to assess how serious is your snoring from medical point of view. If you feel that snoring is your problem you can ask for your snoring assessment in our surgery. You will be asked to complete special form and wear special device all night checking your breathing.  To know more contact our surgery. 

You can do the first simple test of snoring yourself. Just clic on the link below. ( Polish version available in surgery)

2minutes sleep test

Please note :Night assessment is not covered by Medical Card. 

Safe, quicker alternative to Emergency Department in University Hospital

are the Local Injury Units that offer care for minor injures.

Open 7 days, patients aged 5 and over

St. John's Hospital Limerick 8am-7pm

Ennis and Nenagh Hospitals  8am-7pm

 Common minor injures include: 

-broken bones in arms or legs (below the knee)

-sprains and strains

-scalds and burns provided they are confined to a small area

-objects stuck in your eyes, ears or nose that should be straightforward to remove

-head injures if you've stayed fully conscious and have not vomited

-wounds, bites, cuts, grazes and scalp laceartions (cuts)

Free for Medical Card holders. 

A lot of illness like cold, coughs or sore throat do not need antibiotic! It is belived that atibioitcs are prescribed too often. However, many times we are in doubts when we should go to see our doctor, especially when your child is sick. If you want to become more competent in making desicion in this field please see HSE website that has been prepared especially for you. There you will find many practical advice on how to deal with health minor problems yourself at home before seeking you GP assistance. Please click below. 

Common illness at home

Testosterone deficiency is an increasingly common problem. Low level of testosterone can be seen in stressed, overworked, obese and feeling chronic fatigue men. Low testosterone is associated with increased risk of sexual male problems, lack of energy, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease and COVID-19 infection (with increased all-cause mortality), as well as significant low mood and poor relationships with family and co-workers.

It is good to know your testosterone level. Only 30 Euros for our patients.

Please note that prophylactic screening is not covered by Medical Card.

Interested? Contact our reception on 061597188 

Only €30 may save your life. 

The latest research warns that every second person in Ireland may develop a cancer at some stage of life. However there is a reasonable way to avoid this scenario by perfoming specific single screening test that is available in our surgery eg PSA for man, Ca125 for women, or FIT for both of them and many more. For more details ask secretary or your GP. 

We would like to inform you that screening tests on-demand are not covered by Medical Card. The offer is avialable only for our patients. 

https://www.cliniclimerick.com/you-are-healthy-when-you-are-fully-medically-tested

Obesity is an increasing problem in the world. It is belived that obesity is a risk factor for heart problems, cancer, stroke and many more. You surly heard about the latest good medicine that helps controling your weight. How you can get it in Ireland.

If you have medical card you can get it for free when you meet some HSE special demands. 

1. Your GP, after medical examination, needs complete a special, very detailed aplication form about your condition available on line. (40 min of working for GP)
2. Your, the fresh blood tests ( dated up to 3 months) will be assessed by a HSE doctor who checks if you meet the criteria for this medicine
3.  Here, there are a few of them:
   1. BMI >35 kg/m3
   2. plasma glucose level > 5.5- 6,9
   3. HbA1C 42-47 mmmol/mol
   4. fasting cholesterol >5 mmol
   5. Systolic BP >140 
   6. and more
4. If your GP can see that you do not meet above criteria or HSE doctor rejects your aplication you can try to get it privately. 

One in two people in Ireland will develop cancer at some point in their lives, and cancer is now one of a leading cause of mortality in Ireland according to Irish College of General Practitioner (Forum vol40,2023). 

The early stage of cancer is often asymptomatic, non-specific and painless. The only regular checkup of your health, under professional supervision, will help you to avoid sinister scenario in your life. There are many fast tracks of investigaions offered in Irish Health Care System regarding cancer as well as there are various kinds of investigations for specific kind of cancers available in your GP surgery. 

Contact your GP if you are interested in having cancer screening.  

Read more: How to avoid cancer

Are you 50+ ?

If you are a female 50+ you are eligible for free Breast Check (mammography). Registration online(More: Breast Check)

If you need an assistance with registration for the Breast Check Programme , please call our reception

Rapid test is a modern antigen test available for our patients that let us know quickly if you have COVID infection, RSV (quite common among children) or flu. 

Benefits of the rapid test:

• cheaper than in any pharmacy in Ireland
• quick result  
• based on nasal swab only (easily accaptable for children)
• help to avoid unnecessary antibiotic treatment
• very sensitive (accuracy over 98%)
• will help you to protect your family and your co-workers  more efficiently if we know a germ of causing your symptoms.

Please note that if you have symptoms of infection as fever, running nose, cough, sore thrat you can be asked to have diagnostic test for COVID before visting our doctor or nurse. If your symptoms developed just before your appointment, please, let us know before you have contact with our staff. 

Please note: Rapid test is not covered by Medical Card. 

This is because many people need your doctor advice on the same day. 15 minutes appointment is usually enough time for doctor to find out what your medical problem is. However, if you feel that you have more than one problem to discuss, please let us know in advance in our reception. Some of your questions can be sorted out at our secretary level. Some health problem may need one more appointment.  Remember,  when your GP spends more time (more than 15 min) with you, the waiting time of other people scheduled after your appointment is getting longer and longer and in the end of the day the delay of your appointment can reach 60 minutes or more! I am sure that you understand the situation because you would not be happy to spend 60 minutes in our waiting room before seeing your doctor. Therefore, we would highly appreciate your liaise regarding this issue and please let us know while making an appointment if you have more medical issues to discuss with your doctor. 

• Just 20 min of daily brisk walking can protect you against many health problems. You can do it:

read more

St. John’s LIU will function from 8am to 7pm each day over the Bank Holiday weekend taking ED and self-referrals.

Nenagh and Ennis LIUs will be open from 8am to 8pm each day over the Bank Hoilday weekend taking ED and self-referrals.

The government recently announced the expansion of free GP care to all children under the age of 8 and to housholds earning below the new median income threshold. Eligble current practice patients can apply in the coming months as follows:

*If your child is aged 6 or 7, you can apply online for a Doctor Visit Card from 11th August 2023.

*If your household earns below the median income (€47,000 per year after deductibles) you can apply online for a Doctor Visit Card. The extension of free GP care on income grounds will take place in two phases, on September 11th and November 13th.

We feel that every chest pain should be seen by doctor as soon as possible. If you have Medical Card you can go to hospital directly without referral letter from your GP.  

However, if you value your time we offer rapid assessment of your heart in our surgery (ECG, troponin, D-Dimers, doctor's examination - not covered by medical card) to spare your time and in this way you can avoid sitting all night in busy Emergency Department. Sick leave to work and to Social Welfare on request.