Muiris Houston

3 days ago | irishtimes.com | Muiris Houston

It’s not often that medicine signals a big change in how it perceives an established disease phenomenon. Yet, that is precisely what a recent publication, The Lancet Commission on Rethinking Coronary Artery Disease, sets out to do. Coronary heart disease has traditionally been diagnosed when there is an inadequate blood supply to the heart muscle. This ischaemic episode occurs when there is a blockage in one or more of the coronary arteries.

2 weeks ago | medicalindependent.ie | Pat Harrold |Muiris Houston |Alison Green |David Lynch

iStock.com/PeopleImages As public health needs evolve, so too must our approach to immunisation Vaccination is one of the most effective public health tools, offering protection not just for individuals, but also contributing to the overall health of our communities. By immunising adults against diseases like influenza, pneumonia, and shingles, we can significantly reduce the incidence of these illnesses, particularly among vulnerable groups such as the elderly and those with chronic...

2 weeks ago | irishtimes.com | Muiris Houston

In the last month there have been warnings about the resurgence of two infectious diseases in Europe – polio and measles. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reported a steep rise in measles cases in 2024. Between February 1st, 2024 and January 31st, 2025, a total of 32,265 people were diagnosed with measles across Europe. And last week came a combined ECDC and World Health Organisation (WHO) warning about an unusually high number of poliovirus detections in recent months.

1 month ago | irishtimes.com | Muiris Houston

Do you find the guidance on increasing your exercise and making dietary changes can be overwhelming? I think it is a particular challenge to change health behaviours when you are sedentary and all too aware of how unfit you are. So, in this column, I thought I’d look at how even small behavioural changes can make a difference. What’s the least amount of exercise you can get away with doing while still seeing these benefits?

1 month ago | medicalindependent.ie | Muiris Houston |- David Lynch |- Catherine Reilly |David Lynch

istock.com/saravuth-photohut Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill is already ruffling feathers as she steps into her new roleSo, we have a new Minister for Health. And Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has certainly hit the ground running.