Antibiotic Overuse - Irish Times Article

Below is the text of an article in the Irish Times - now we all know that antibiotics are overused but what is the alternative? Can coughs, colds and flu be treated at all? Here's the good news: of course they can, with appropriately chosen homeopathic remedies. A lot of people may already know about the amazing efficacy of remedies in these types of illnesses (among many others). For example, you know that fluey feeling when your muscles ache all over, you feel dull, drowsy, your eyes and your whole body feel heavy and a you're a little dizzy or shaky and all you want to do is stay in bed, then a dose or two of Gelsemium (6c or 30c, always follow the manufacturer's directions) will help and you should be feeling fine again within a couple of days or less. As with any homeopathic remedy, you should always match the symptoms to the remedy picture - a good book to use for home prescribing is mentioned in previous blog.
Other 'flu' type illnesses, coughs etc will respond to different remedies. Always see a professional for advice if symptoms are not clearing within a short period of time.

Dangers of antibiotic overuse highlighted

Eithne Donnellan, Health Correspondent

Tue, Nov 18, 2008

Ireland is one of only three European states where levels of antibiotic use among patients in the community is continuing to rise year on year.

As a result there is a high level of resistance to antibiotics in the Republic compared to in most European countries.

That was the key message at a seminar in Dublin this morning where a campaign to increase awareness among GPs and the public about appropriate prescribing and appropriate use of antibiotics kicked off.

Dr Robert Cunney, consultant microbiologist with the national Health Protection Surveillance Centre, warned that if people take antibiotics when they aren't needed, it may mean they won't work when they really need them for a serious infection.

"We are using more and more antibiotics each year in Ireland and are seeing more infections caused by antibiotic resistant bacteria as a result. We must take steps to reduce inappropriate antibiotic use.

Otherwise we risk squandering one of the most important medical advances of the past 100 years," he said.

He said up to 20 per cent of pneumococcal infections here are now resistant to penicillin, and there is also a worrying increase in the level of resistance amongst
E.Coli infections here to the quinolone group of antibiotics, which are strong antibiotics used to treat life-threatening infections.

He pointed out that in many other European countries antibiotic use had stabilised or was reducing. France and Belgium, he said, had seen a marked decrease in antibiotic consumption in recent years as a result of public information and education campaigns for family doctors.

Plans have now been put in place here to look at prescribing practices among GPs in their own areas, to develop guidelines for them on when antibiotics should be prescribed.

The Health Service Executive is now starting a three-week advertising campaign in an attempt to raise awareness among the public that antibiotics are not the solution for common colds, coughs or flu. This is because antibiotics are effective only against bacterial infections, not viral ones.

© 2008 irishtimes.com

About Sheelagh

Sheelagh Behan is an experienced homeopath, registered with the Irish Society of Homeopaths, having spent the years since she graduated in 1994 in a busy practice in Dublin City Centre and in Portmarnock where she lives with her family and pets (1 dog and 2 cats at the moment!). Training: After completing 4 years study at the Irish School of Homeopathy in Dublin, Sheelagh went on to finish 3 years post-graduate studies with Jeremy Sherr and Dr. A.U. Ramakrishnan, both renowned homeopaths. She has tutored and supervised students at the Irish School of Homeopathy for many years now. She also trained and worked in counselling and finds this experience invaluable in her practice today. An active member of the Irish Society of Homeopaths for many years, she is currently a spokesperson and member of the Media Team for the Society. About Homeopathy: Homeopathy is a safe and gentle system of medicine that uses naturally occurring substances in the form of remedies to stimulate the body's natural ability to heal. All kinds of complaints are treated by Homeopathy and each case presents a unique set of circumstances. It is suited to all ages and safe even for children, pregnant and sensitive patients and Sheelagh often treats whole families. Recommended reading: ‘The Complete Homeopathy Handbook’ or ‘Homeopathy for Mother and Baby’ for pregnancy and childbirth, both available in Nelson’s Homeopathic Dispensary, Duke St, Dublin or on the internet. You should always use these in conjunction with professional advice. It is also advisable to do a short course on using homeopathic remedies at home. Ask Sheelagh about when she is giving the next one. The following are some useful sites you can browse for information about Homeopathy: www.dublinholisticcentre.com Our Wicklow Street clinic site. Irish Society of Homeopaths www.irishhomeopathy.ie Irish Society representing professional homeopaths in Ireland and maintaining a register of qualified and experienced homeopaths in Ireland. Homoeopathy Home www.homeopathyhome.com Professionally designed American site calling itself a 'jumping-off point' for homoeopathic resources on the web. Helios Kits – www.helios.co.uk Useful site where you can buy Helios homeopathic kits, books etc. The European Council for Classical Homeopathy www.homeopathy-ecch.org The voice of the profession in Europe. www.hpathy.com Terrific site full of information for both patients and practitioners. Enquiries and appointments: phone Sheelagh directly on 01-846 1276