Celtic Diseases: Irish Health and Wellbeing
Celtic Curse
Haemochromatosis is a genetic disorder seen mainly in people of Celtic origin which causes those affected by it to absorb excessive amounts of iron into the blood.
It is particularly prevalent among Irish and other Celtic people. The condition causes people to absorb excessive amounts of dietary iron in the body which, over time, may lead to serious organ damage. Iron builds up very slowly, so symptoms may not appear until aged 30-40 years old. It can develop only if your father and mother both carry the defective gene.
People of Irish heritage are more likely than any other ethnic group to carry the gene that leads to Haemochromatosis. One in five Irish people are carriers of the mutated gene and one in ten people are at risk of developing iron overload.
If Haemochromatosis is untreated it can cause life-threatening complications including cancer, liver disease and heart disease.
The iron overload condition, which is caused by an inherited genetic mutation, is common in people of Irish and Celtic ancestry and is often called the Celtic Curse.
Irish in Britain - Hemochromatosis Fact Sheet available at: www.irishinbritain.org/assets/files/Haemochromatosis-Fact-Sheet-2022.pdf
Heart and Circulatory Diseases
Heart & Stroke Conditions Explained https://irishheart.ie/heart-and-stroke-conditions-a-z/cardiovascular-disease/
Irish Heart Foundation https://irishheart.ie/news/ireland-has-highest-rate-of-haemochromatosis-in-the-world/
Irish Lung Conditions: The respiratory health of the nation
COPD: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Ireland has the highest hospitalisation rate for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease among selected OECD countries with over 87% of these admitted as emergencies.
https://www.healthnews.ie/respiratory/the-respiratory-health-of-the-nation/#
Asthma: Ireland has one of the highest rates of asthma in the world – Asthma Society Ireland https://www.asthma.ie/home
Type 2 Diabetes in Ireland
Living with Type 2 Diabetes: https://www.diabetes.ie/living-with-diabetes/living-with-type-2/
Haemochromatosis and Diabetes related conditions www.diabetes.org.uk/diabetes-the-basics/related-conditions/haemochromatosis-diabetes
Mental Health: Irish websites for support, advice & guidance
Information and advice about your mental health and wellbeing www2.hse.ie/mental-health/
Mental Health Resources: Empowering people with the knowledge and skills to look after their mental health – Wellbeing programmes
https://www.aware.ie/programmes/?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI1OCD96K_iAMV3pRQBh1O6Ab4EAAYAiAAEgLR1_D_BwE
Mental Health Commission: Contact for urgent help https://www.mhcirl.ie/help-and-advice/urgent-help-and-support
Mental Health Ireland: https://www.mentalhealthireland.ie/
Women’s Mental Health Support https://www.nwci.ie/womens_mental_health_support
Getting help: mental health and community supports https://www.walkinmyshoes.ie/library/about-mental-health/gettinghelp
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