Keep in check
Regular screenings can pick up weakness before they become something more sinister. We sent brave volunteers to investigate the state of their health at the lastest clinics, both medical and alternative, to see what’s on offer.
WHAT: Irish Centre of Integrated Medicine
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKES? Anywhere from one hour to three, depending on what tests you take
PREPARATION: of having a thermography screening, you’ll received a detailed list of precautions in advance, including (for women), the optimum time of the month for screening, as well as advice on what to avoid for a few hours/days in advance of the screening (eg. extreme temperatures, massages, fake tan)
THE TESTS: blood analysis (may common disorders may show up in the blood, it also claims to detect low immune status, digestive disorders, iron/mineral deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, leaky gut syndrome, high cholesterol); medical thermography (the jury is still out on its effectiveness but I found it accurate in identifying areas of joint inflammation and fibrocystic breast tissue); homeopathic consultation (detailed lifestyle analysis with naturopath, followed by dietary/ supplement advice). Other services include acupuncture, bio-resonance testing (used as a pre-diagnostic facility to test for possible food intolerance and allergies); bone sonometry (to assess the risk of osteoporosis); urine analysis
BEST FOR? People with existing health problems who are looking for an alternative approach using natural medicine; those who have “tried everything”
STATE-OF-ART? The centre was the first in Ireland to introduce thermography screening and will complement it with an ultrasound machine
LIFESTYLE ANALYSIS: Naturopath will do a complete lifestyle check, including questions about your diet, exercise regime and stress levels
ANYTHING SPECIAL? Very good at connecting all the dots and integrating the various tests to get an overall picture
COUND DO BETTER? Premises were outdated, but they are moving to a new state-of-art facility in the next few months
HEALTHY NEW YOU? If you have a consultation with the naturopath, you will walk away with a detailed list of supplements and how to take them, as well as dietary advice. They have information sheets for any lifestyle/diet changes you may have to make
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU TAKE IT? Depending on what shows up, they may recommend return visits. Anything from four months if something specific shows up, to once a year for a standard check
HOW MUCH? Initial consultation with homeopath, €120; €80 thereafter. Thermography: breast check, €165; full body check, €380. Blood analysis, €125
WHERE ? Johnstown, Naas, Co. Kildare, 045 8844819; http://www.icim.ie/.
Tags: Health Check