A WonderCare Podcast

REALITY CHECK - This is really important!

Imagine a world before antibiotics when a simple cough or cut on your leg could result in death. That's kind of where we are headed if we don't act as a collective in the name of antimicrobial stewardship.

• What are antibiotics?
• What do you mean by antimicrobial resistance?
• How are Ireland doing?
• How can I help?
• Is there hope?
• What role do vaccines play?
• And more!
• 
  

1. HSE Antibiotic guidelines
2. Global Action Plan for Antimicrobial resistance - WHO

I am so thrilled to be partnering with Salin plus  This 100% natural salt therapy device is suitable for both adults and children! Tune in to learn more!

Simply following and reviewing this podcast can make a huge difference! If you enjoy this episode I would be so grateful if you could follow or subscribe to the show!

#antibioticresistance #antimicrobialresistance #antibiotics #healthpodcast #irishhealth #antibioticuse #medicinesadvice #healthadvocate

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Sheena was asked "Is Salin Plus a gimmick?" on her instagram this week - this is the answer!

This episode focuses on the Salin Plus salt therapy device. Sheena addresses potential concerns about bias due to the sponsorship of the season by Salin Plus. As a pharmacist, Sheena revisits scientific evidence supporting halotherapy, which uses dry salt particles to improve respiratory health. Key points include the benefits of halotherapy in managing asthma, improving sleep quality, aiding in skin conditions, and clearing nasal congestion. She highlights the importance of using Salin Plus in a dry room and provides practical tips for its optimal use. She also answers listener questions, emphasizing evidence-based and complementary treatments.

00:00 Introduction to Salin Plus

00:06 Addressing Bias and Sponsorship

01:05 Viewer Question on Effectiveness

01:52 Scientific Evidence on Halotherapy

03:35 Benefits of Salt Therapy

13:01 Practical Advice and Usage Tips

22:26 Sound Demonstration

25:57 Important Usage Warnings

29:52 Conclusion and Contact Information

I am so thrilled to be partnering with Salin plus  This 100% natural salt therapy device is suitable for both adults and children! Tune in to learn more!

Simply following and reviewing this podcast can make a huge difference! If you enjoy this episode I would be so grateful if you could follow or subscribe to the show!

#salinplus #respiratoryhealth #asthma #preventativehealth #halotherapy #salttherapy

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Understanding and Managing Croup in Children

In this episode of the Wonder Care Podcast, Sheena Mitchell, a Pharmacist and mother of three, discusses winter viruses with a focus on croup, a condition affecting the upper airways primarily in children under six. She explains the symptoms, causes, and ways to manage croup, emphasizing the importance of staying calm and offering reassurance to the child. Sheena also provides tips on hydration, rest, and when to seek medical attention. Additionally, she plays audio samples of stridor to help parents identify this characteristic sound.

00:00 Introduction to the WonderCare Podcast

00:23 Understanding Croup: Symptoms and Causes

01:49 Croup in Children: Age and Gender Factors

02:04 Recognizing the Croup Cough

03:22 Managing Croup at Home

06:03 When to Seek Medical Help

06:43 Identifying Stridor and Wheezing

09:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

I am so thrilled to be partnering with Salin plus  This 100% natural salt therapy device is suitable for both adults and children! Tune in to learn more!

Simply following and reviewing this podcast can make a huge difference! If you enjoy this episode I would be so grateful if you could follow or subscribe to the show!

#croup #respiratoryhealth #healthpodcast #familyhealth #childrenshealth #health

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Understanding Human Meta Pneumovirus (HMPV): Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

In this episode, Sheena discusses Human Meta Pneumovirus (HMPV), a virus similar to RSV that was discovered in 2001 and is prevalent worldwide. Often spread through respiratory droplets, HMPV commonly affects children and can cause both upper and lower respiratory tract infections, including pneumonia and asthma flare-ups.

Sheena explains the virus's symptoms, which range from mild flu-like issues in adults to severe complications in children and vulnerable populations. She provides thorough advice on managing symptoms at home and emphasizes the importance of supportive treatment and hydration. Preventative measures, such as handwashing and keeping sick children home, are crucial, especially since there is no vaccine for HMPV.

The episode includes practical tips for symptom relief and underscores the higher risks in children with asthma who may suffer more severe effects from the virus.

00:00 Introduction to Human Meta Pneumovirus (HMPV)

00:38 Discovery and Spread of hMPV

01:08 Symptoms and Impact on Different Age Groups

02:36 Treatment and Home Care Tips

05:02 Comparing hMPV with Other Viruses

06:27 Prevention and Final Thoughts

07:19 Conclusion and Contact Information

I am so thrilled to be partnering with Salin plus  This 100% natural salt therapy device is suitable for both adults and children! Tune in to learn more!

Simply following and reviewing this podcast can make a huge difference! If you enjoy this episode I would be so grateful if you could follow or subscribe to the show!

#HumanMetaPneumovirus #HMPV #childrenshealth #familyhealth #healthireland #pharmacy #pharmacist

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Advocating for Vaccine Access: Navigating RSV Immunization Challenges

In this special episode, Sheena is joined by Emma, a mother of two, who recounts her harrowing experience with her child's severe RSV infection and her tireless advocacy for broader vaccine availability. The discussion delves into the bureaucratic obstacles and frustrations with the healthcare system, touching on the lack of accountability and the ethical dilemmas surrounding private access to essential vaccines. The episode highlights the emotional and financial toll on families, the inefficiencies in government response, and calls for proactive health leadership to address these inequities. Emma's personal anecdotes underscore the systemic challenges and stresses the urgent need for change to protect vulnerable infants and alleviate healthcare pressures, especially in the wake of COVID-19.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:34 Emma's Personal Story: A Mother's Ordeal

04:49 The Fight for RSV Immunization

06:53 Government Response and Frustrations

09:30 Advocacy and Public Campaigns

12:33 Systemic Issues and Accountability

18:11 Personal Experience with Vaccine Rollout

19:23 Impact on Healthcare System

20:43 Emotional and Societal Costs

21:30 Lack of Empathy in Decision Making

24:21 Challenges in Accessing Private Healthcare

25:13 Ethical Concerns and Inequity

28:29 Call for Stronger Leadership and Proactive Measures

29:16 Hopes and Concerns for the Future

32:53 Practical Advice for Parents

I am so thrilled to be partnering with Salin plus  This 100% natural salt therapy device is suitable for both adults and children! Tune in to learn more!

Simply following and reviewing this podcast can make a huge difference! If you enjoy this episode I would be so grateful if you could follow or subscribe to the show!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Comprehensive Guide to the New RSV Immunisation for Parents

In this detailed episode, I provide an in-depth exploration of the new RSV immunisation, focusing on its importance, safety, and effectiveness. The discussion covers the basics and risks of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), the introduction and benefits of the Nirsevimab vaccine, and potential side effects. The episode compares Nirsevimab with the older Palivizumab, highlighting its superior efficacy in reducing hospitalisations and ICU admissions. It also addresses eligibility guidelines, the vaccination process, accessibility through government programs, and specific advice for parents, especially those with infants born from September 1st. I reassures parents with real-world success stories, clarify misconceptions, and provide practical tips on preventing RSV through hygiene. The episode aims to equip parents with reliable information to protect their children effectively.

00:00 Introduction to RSV Immunisation

00:46 Background on RSV and Its Impact

02:45 RSV Symptoms and Risks

05:16 Parental Guidance for RSV Care

07:35 Healthcare System Strain Due to RSV

10:34 Introduction to RSV Immunisation

11:05 Understanding Monoclonal Antibodies

12:16 History and Safety of RSV Antibodies

13:19 Nobel Prize-Winning Technology

13:30 Challenges with Palivizumab

14:11 Introducing Nersivumab

15:06 Effectiveness and Safety of Nersivumab

17:49 Real-World Data and Results

19:22 Eligibility and Administration

22:28 Addressing Common Questions

26:35 Preventing RSV: Practical Tips

I am so thrilled to be partnering with Salin plus  This 100% natural salt therapy device is suitable for both adults and children! Tune in to learn more!

Simply following and reviewing this podcast can make a huge difference! If you enjoy this episode I would be so grateful if you could follow or subscribe to the show!

#childrenshealth #familyhealth #healthireland #pharmacy #pharmacist #rsv #nirsevimab #beyfortus

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Empowering Women's Health: The Case for Over-the-Counter Vaginal Estrogen

In this episode, Laura passionately discusses her advocacy for making vaginal estrogen available over the counter, eliminating the need for a prescription. She explains the role of vaginal estrogen, particularly for women experiencing low estrogen levels due to menopause, perimenopause, and other conditions. The conversation covers the challenges of accessibility, the need for greater education, and the potential benefits, including reducing UTIs and improving pelvic floor health. Laura emphasizes the importance of shifting societal attitudes towards women's health, highlighting the broader impact of menopause on families and communities. The episode underscores the urgency for petitions and systemic changes to improve women's health options, contrasting the accessibility and focus placed on male health solutions such as Viagra with the oft-neglected issues of women's health.

00:14 Understanding Vaginal Estrogen

00:49 Impact of Low Estrogen Levels

02:06 Antibiotics vs. Vaginal Estrogen

03:00 Pelvic Floor Health and Estrogen

03:45 Challenges in Women's Health Awareness

08:46 Menopause and Societal Impact

11:23 Advocacy for Over-the-Counter Vaginal Estrogen

12:42 Licensing and Accessibility Issues

19:38 Conclusion and Call to Action

I am so thrilled to be partnering with Salin plus  This 100% natural salt therapy device is suitable for both adults and children! Tune in to learn more!

Simply following and reviewing this podcast can make a huge difference! If you enjoy this episode I would be so grateful if you could follow or subscribe to the show!

#perimenopause #menopause #oestrogen #hrt #vaginaloestrogen #womenshealth #healthireland

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I am so excited to dive straight into Season 10 of A WonderCare Podcast!

Thank you all so much for staying tuned over the past couple of years - I quite literally could not do this without you.

Let's find out what's coming up in Season 10!

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The government has announced a new plan to include a two-dose chickenpox vaccine in the childhood immunization schedule for all babies born on or after October 1, 2024. The vaccine will be administered at 12 months and again when the child enters junior infants. There is no catch-up program for those born before this date, who will need to get vaccinated privately. Despite initial concerns about the duration of efficacy, authorities, including HICWA, have determined the benefits outweigh risks. A vaccination uptake of 80% is necessary to achieve herd immunity and protect vulnerable groups. Common side effects are minimal, and the vaccine aims to significantly reduce chickenpox and associated complications in the community. The podcast encourages all eligible people to get vaccinated to ensure broad protection for the population.

00:00 Government Announces Chickenpox Vaccine for Children

00:29 Details of the Vaccine Schedule

00:41 Evaluating the Vaccine's Efficacy and Risks

01:18 Chickenpox: A Common and Serious Disease

02:05 Global Adoption of the Chickenpox Vaccine

02:37 Importance of High Vaccination Uptake

02:53 Two-Dose Schedule and Its Benefits

03:48 Potential Risks and Concerns

05:06 Complications and Risks of Chickenpox

06:03 Special Considerations for Pregnant Women

07:44 Who Should Not Get the Vaccine?

08:41 Post-Vaccination Transmission and Side Effects

10:18 Summary and Call to Action

11:12 Conclusion and Contact Information

I am so thrilled to be partnering with Salin plus  This 100% natural salt therapy device is suitable for both adults and children! Tune in to learn more!

Simply following and reviewing this podcast can make a huge difference! If you enjoy this episode I would be so grateful if you could follow or subscribe to the show!

#childrenshealth #familyhealth #healthireland #pharmacy #pharmacist #chickenpoxvaccine #chickenpox

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In this weeks episode I discuss the anticipated health challenges for the upcoming winter season. I draws parallels to Australia's recent flu season, highlighting the prevalence of diseases like flu, whooping cough (pertussis), RSV, and COVID-19. I emphasise the importance of vaccinations, especially given the uptick in measles and pertussis cases due to missed vaccinations during the pandemic lockdowns. I also give tips on preventive measures such as hand hygiene, the use of antigen tests, and maintaining a nutritious diet to boost immunity. Listeners are encouraged to stay informed through weekly updates on disease levels and vaccinations on WonderCare Instagram.

00:00 Introduction and Winter Health Concerns

01:35 Measles: A Growing Concern

02:36 Insights from Australia's Flu Season

03:36 Pertussis: The Whooping Cough Threat

06:25 RSV and Immunization Efforts

09:58 COVID-19 Variants and Vaccination

13:39 Preventive Measures and Final Thoughts

16:42 Antigen Tests and Nutritional Tips

18:50 Conclusion and Call to Action

I am so thrilled to be partnering with Salin plus  This 100% natural salt therapy device is suitable for both adults and children! Tune in to learn more!

Simply following and reviewing this podcast can make a huge difference! If you enjoy this episode I would be so grateful if you could follow or subscribe to the show!

#childrenshealth #familyhealth #healthireland #pharmacy #pharmacist #flumonia #respiratoryhealth #covid #rsv #flu #pneumonia #winterhealth

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