In Ireland, 1 in 2 people will develop cancer at some stage of their life. Cancer prevention and early diagnosis are key to reducing the burden of cancer in Ireland. Listen to Consultant in public health Dr Triona McCarthy at the HSE’s National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) discuss steps you can take to reduce your risk of cancer and the healthy lifestyle choices you can make to help. Triona also explains that not all cancers can be prevented; each individual’s risk of getting cancer is influenced by a wide range of factors. But she adds that there are steps we can take to reduce the risk of many cancers. Making healthy lifestyle choices not only reduces the risk of cancer, but also helps improve general health. Dr McCarthy works with the HSE’s National Cancer Control Programme, which established and coordinates the Irish Cancer Prevention Network (ICPN). ,ICPN member organisations work together to support and collaborate on cancer risk reduction initiatives. Together, they provide a trusted source of information for the public by converting the knowledge gained through research, surveillance and outcome evaluation into strategies and actions for the prevention of cancer in Ireland. There are now more than 200,000 people living with and beyond cancer in Ireland. The number of survivors is predicted to double over the next 25 years, mainly due to improvements in early detection, effective cancer treatment and new developments in treatment. Further Information www.hse.ie/cancerprevention Produced by GKMedia.ie
In this episode we talk to HSE Health Promotion and Improvement Officers, Olive Fanning and Anne Marie Murphy, about Positive Mental Health and the HSE’s Minding Your Wellbeing programme which is available through a series of 5 videos along with other mental health supports on www.yourmentalhealth.ie. Hosted by Fergal Fox, they discuss the programme and many of the terms and concepts used in the field of Positive Psychology such as Self-Care, Resilience, Positive Relationships, Mindfulness and how we need to Manage Our Thoughts. Both Anne Marie and Olive have significant experience of delivering this evidenced based programme face to face to HSE staff and they offer their insights, giving listeners lots to reflect on in terms of how they mind their own mental wellbeing. The Minding Your Wellbeing Programme Support Booklet is also highlighted in the podcast as a useful practical tool for people who are working to improve their mental wellbeing and is available via www.healthpromotion.ie. Please get in touch to find out more about our podcast series or the work of HSE Health and Wellbeing Healthandwellbeing.communications@hse.ie Produced by GKMedia.ie
In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, host Noreen Turley and guest Professor Mary Wingfield, Consultant Obstetrician Gynaecologist at the National Maternity Hospital, Dublin, discuss various aspects of fertility. Mary explains that there are a number of things that can affect your fertility, including age, body weight and smoking, and fertility problems affect both men and women equally and, in some cases, there is no known cause. She also tells us that there are things you can do to improve your chances of conceiving such as having a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, reducing your alcohol intake, stopping smoking, reducing stress, having regular unprotected sex etc. We hear advice on what you can do if you are experiencing fertility problems, with the first step being to talk to your GP who will do some initial tests with you and may refer you to one of the new HSE Regional Fertility Hubs for further investigations if needed. These new HSE hubs provide free services to people experiencing fertility problems. We also hear about the different types of HSE-funded treatments such as IUI, IVF and ICSI, which are available for people who meet the access criteria. Throughout the podcast, Noreen and Mary explore common fertility problems in both men and women, the importance of early fertility education, and the psychological impact of fertility treatments. For more information, visit hse.ie/fertility for valuable resources and insights. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to reach out to us at healthandwellbeing.communications@hse.ie Lastly, if you know someone who might benefit from or be interested in this topic, please share this episode with them. Produced by GKMedia.ie
In episode 15 of the HSE Talking Health & Wellbeing Podcast, we talk about Men’s Health Week with Anne Farrell, CIE Occupational Health Unit and Finian Murray in HSE Health and Wellbeing. Finian explains the background to Men’s Health Week and the range of activities happening during Men’s Health Week 2023 and the many partners involved. Anne talks to us about the range of health & wellbeing supports in CIE for their pre-dominantly male staff. Hosted by Eamon Keogh. To find out more about #MensHealthWeek check out www.mhfi.org. Contact Healthandwellbeing.communications@hse.ie for further information. Produced by GKMedia.ie
In this episode we hear from Martin Beanz Warde who tells us about his ‘Through Our Eyes’ photography project which was funded under the Traveller Through Creativity initiative in 2022. Martin is a Comedian, Writer and Photographer who also shares his own personal story about expressing his creative ability in a variety of ways and how he has supported others through his growing media presence. Please leave us a review of our podcast series on your podcast channel of choice. Produced by GKMedia.ie
In this episode we talk to Ian Power, CEO of SpunOut.ie, the youth information website. The discussion covers a broad range of issues that young people are seeking information on through the website. Ian describes how the organisation has developed and learned by working with young people to give insights and offer support with trusted information where and when young people need it. SpunOut also launched the Free Text 50808 service in 2020 and Ian shares some insights into the way that service was set up and how it supports young people through challenging times. SpunOut have been a partner of the HSE in the context of youth mental health and youth health information for many years. Hosted by Fergal Fox. Thanks for listening to the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, please leave a review on your chosen podcast channel. Produced by GKMedia.ie
In this episode we talk about Making Every Contact Count (MECC), a national behaviour change programme, which prepares healthcare professionals to use the different contacts they have with their patients as an opportunity to talk with them about making healthier lifestyle changes, in order to prevent chronic disease. Mo Foley, Making Every Contact Count Mobiliser and Louise Crowley, Physiotherapy Manager in HSE Mid-West Community Healthcare tell host Eamon Keogh all about their experience implementing Making Every Contact Count. They share their insights from supporting the implementation of MECC, discussing the training programme, why staff should take it on, and why MECC is of benefit to the public. For more information visit: www.makingeverycontactcount.ie Thanks for listening to the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, please leave a review on your chosen podcast channel. Produced by GKMedia.ie
Listen to the latest episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, hosted by Noreen Turley with Mark Smyth, HSE Senior Clinical Psychologist, who discuss some of the signs of mental health problems and the new HSE Mental Health Literacy Campaign. The episode focusses on stress, anxiety, low mood and sleep as common signs of mental health problems and what we can do to help ourselves and others. HSE resources and support information are available on yourmentalhealth.ie Produced by GKMedia.ie
Listen to the latest episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, featuring Moira Germaine, Education and Training Manager with the Sexual Health and Crisis Pregnancy Programme. Moira tells us about the Making the ‘Big Talk’ many small talks resources, which support conversations between parents and their children about relationships and sexuality. Find out all about the research and rationale behind the new resources, now available on sexualwellbeing.ie, as Moira shares her insights from working with a wide range of stakeholders on sexual health to empower parents and carers to support healthy relationships for their children. We hope you enjoy this engaging and informative podcast, hosted by Fergal Fox. Please leave us a review on your chosen podcast channel. Produced by GKMedia.ie
Listen to this episode as we learn about Social Prescribing and how this initiative can improve the wellbeing of a wide range of individuals, including those who are socially isolated, lonely, and experiencing long-term conditions and mental health difficulties. This week, we speak to Caragh Munn, Social Prescribing co-ordinator with Bray Area Partnership, who explains how Social Prescribing focuses on ‘What Matters to the Person’ rather than ‘What is the Matter with the Person.’ She describes how the aim of Social Prescribing is to connect adults to community groups, organisations and statutory services for practical and emotional support with the help of a Social Prescribing Link Worker. We learn how referrals to the Social Prescribing Link Worker come from various sources, including GPs, nurses, community mental health teams, health and social care professionals, older people services, the community and voluntary sector, as well as self-referrals. Details on how to make a referral or how to self-refer to a service, and where to find your nearest Social Prescribing Service can be found at: https://allirelandsocialprescribing.ie/members-map/. Additional Information: HSE Social Prescribing Homepage: https://www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/healthwellbeing/our-priority-programmes/mental-health-and-wellbeing/social-prescribing/ For more information on Social Prescribing and the All-Ireland Social Prescribing Network, visit: www.allirelandsocialprescribing.ie Social Prescribing in action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STxPqB-0ndw Produced by GKMedia.ie
Listen to the latest episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast to hear a heart-warming conversation with Alison Baker Kerrigan and host Fergal Fox, who both share their experience and insights from singing in workplace choirs in the health service. Alison, who works as Arts Officer in Tallaght University Hospital and takes part in their Heartbeats Choir, shares her experience of working with her colleagues in Tallaght to write a new song, which was shared as part of one of the HSE Staff Choir Concerts. Alison also took part in David Brophy’s Frontline Choir during COVID and describes what it was like to connect with a new group of HSE colleagues to practice and perform for the television series. It all makes for an uplifting podcast, please leave us a review on your chosen podcast channel. Produced by GKMedia.ie
In this episode, hosted by Eamon Keogh, we talk about the Living Well Programme, a free group self-management programme to help people manage their long-term health condition. Tommy, shares his experience of participating in the programme, his personal challenges and how the programme offered practical help and support. Liz Cox, a Living Well Leader, talks to us about the structure of the programme and what people considering joining can expect. Mary Gowing, a Self Management Support Coordinator for Long-term Health Conditions discusses the history of the Living Well programme, its origins and explains more about what a long term health condition is. Produced by GKMedia.ie
In this episode listen to Dr. Noel Richardson, Director of the National Centre for Men’s Health in South East Technological University (SETU), as he talks to us about why we need to and how we can, focus on men’s health. He also speaks candidly about his own Parkinson’s diagnosis and how important it is to make supports for men’s health as accessible as possible. Hosted by Fergal Fox. Produced by GKMedia.ie
In this episode listen to Sarah Halpin talk us through her journey from smoker to ‘We Can Quit’ Community Facilitator, where she is now helping others to stop smoking through the free HSE Quit supports. We also hear from Dr. Paul Kavanagh, HSE’s Public Health Clinical Advisor on Tobacco who shares his thoughts about the current smoking and vaping situation in Ireland today and the plans for a Tobacco Free Ireland. Hosted by Noreen Turley. Produced by GKMedia.ie
In this episode we hear from Colin Regan, the GAA’s Community and Health Manager who tells us all about the Healthy Club programme in the GAA, how it has developed in recent years and the ambition to have GAA clubs support their communities by being hubs for health and wellbeing. Hosted by Fergal Fox. Produced by GKMedia.ie
Welcome to the first episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast. In this podcast, we focus on the Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme to give some insights about how implementation of this new health inequality programme is progressing with Ger Fahy HSE Limerick Sláintecare Healthy Community Coordinator and Mairead Carney, Sláintecare Healthy Community Local Development Officer with Mayo County Council. Hosted by Fergal Fox. Produced by GKMedia.ie
In this episode of HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, we explore the important role of community engagement in preventing cervical cancer and the importance of collaboration in work together towards an Ireland where cervical cancer is rare in every community. Joining the discussion are Dr Caroline Mason Mohan, Director of Public Health for the National Screening Service, and Catherine Heaney, Healthy Communities Project Coordinator for Dublin City Community Cooperative. Dr Mason Mohan provides an in-depth look at cervical cancer prevention through HPV vaccination, cervical screening and early treatment, while Catherine shares a unique perspective on the importance of connecting with local communities to drive meaningful behavioural change. Catherine’s organisation collaborates with the National Screening Service through the Community Champions Health Promotion Pilot Project. This innovative project aims to build the capacity of community health workers, empowering local leaders to implement tailored interventions that encourage participation in cervical screening. By bridging national health strategies with grassroots engagement, the project ensures communities have the tools, knowledge, and support to access life-saving cervical screening services. For more information visit www.screeningservice.ie or www.hpv.ie. To find out more about cervical cancer elimination visit www.hse.ie/cervicalcancerelimination. To get in touch with the podcast email Healthandwellbeing.communication@hse.ie Produced by GKMedia.ie
In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, we discuss Diabetes with Dr. Kate Gajewska, Clinical Manager for Advocacy and Research, Diabetes Ireland and Dr. Cathy Breen, Interim Dietetic Lead – HSE, National Clinical Programme for Diabetes about Diabetes. They discuss the different types of diabetes—Type 1, Type 2, and gestational—highlighting their symptoms and different risk factors. They discuss the importance of early diagnosis and how many people may live undiagnosed for years, only discovering their condition when complications arise. The episode highlights the complexity of diabetes, the important role of self-management, as well as highlighting free resources available. Recognising the diabetes is a serious but treatable condition. For more information go to: https://www.diabetes.ie/ https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/diabetes/ To get in touch with the podcast email Healthandwellbeing.communication@hse.ie For the TEST campaign (awareness of symptoms) - https://www.diabetes.ie/living-with-diabetes/child-diabetes/think-type-1-diabetes-think-test/ Language Matters - https://www.diabetes.ie/living-with-diabetes/child-diabetes/talking-about-diabetes-language-matters/) Our diabetes education and support programmes: https://www.diabetes.ie/type-2-diabetes-support-programmes/ Produced by GKMedia.ie
In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, we discuss climate change and sustainability within the Health Service Executive (HSE) with Dr. Philip Crowley, HSE National Director of Wellbeing, Equality, Climate and Global Health, and Roisin Breen, Programme Lead for the HSE Climate Action Programme. They explore the HSE's Climate Action Strategy, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050, and highlight initiatives like improving energy efficiency, retrofitting buildings, and promoting greener models of care and sustainable transport. The episode underscores the importance of public and staff engagement, collaboration, and proactive measures to address climate change and foster a sustainable healthcare system. For more information go to https://www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/healthbusinessservices/national-health-sustainability-office/climate-change-and-health/hse-climate-action-strategy-2023-50.pdf Produced by GKMedia.ie
In this episode of the HSE Talking Health & Wellbeing Podcast, host Noreen Turley explores the concept of social prescribing with Dr. Sean Owens, a GP and chair of the Climate Health Alliance of Ireland, and Dr. Aleisha Clarke, the HSE National Program Manager for Mental Health and Wellbeing. They explain how social prescribing aims to connect individuals with local community resources to meet their social, emotional, and practical needs and discuss that sometimes it’s not just about medical solutions; it’s about holistic care that considers the whole person moving beyond traditional medical solutions to a more holistic approach to healthcare. Sean acknowledges that integrating social prescribing into primary care requires a cultural shift among healthcare providers. He demonstrates how social prescribing has been successfully integrated into his practice, where link workers have become an essential part of the healthcare team. Aleisha explains that the evidence shows that social prescribing can have a range of positive outcomes, including improvements in mental wellbeing, physical health and health behaviours, and reductions in social isolation and loneliness. Aleisha outlines the referral process, noting that individuals over 18 can be referred by a GP, health care professional or individuals can also self-refer. Once referred, they work with a link worker to co-develop a personalised health and wellbeing plan tailored to their specific needs and circumstances. This individualised support is crucial, as link workers take the time to understand each person's unique needs. Listeners are encouraged to visit the All-Ireland Social Prescribing website https://www.allirelandsocialprescribing.ie/ to connect with local link workers and start their journey toward accessing community supports. This episode highlights the potential of the social prescribing service in improving health and wellbeing, and advocate for continued development of this innovative service in healthcare. For further information, visit https://www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/healthwellbeing/our-priority-programmes/mental-health-and-wellbeing/social-prescribing/ To get in touch with the podcast email Healthandwellbeing.communication@hse.ie Produced by GKMedia.ie