In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, we discuss Farmer Wellbeing with Dr. John McNamara from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and Finola Colligan from Mental Health Ireland. They explore the unique mental health challenges farmers face, the importance of health and safety, and initiatives to support their wellbeing. Key topics include the difficulty of accessing mental health services in rural areas, the significance of community engagement, and programmes like Farm Connect and On Feirm Ground, that provide resources and training to improve farmers' mental health and overall wellbeing.

For further information go to the link from Teagasc: https://www.teagasc.ie/rural-economy/farm-management/farm-health--safety/farmer-health/

The Mental Health Ireland website also has useful information and resources: https://www.mentalhealthireland.ie/resources/

To access the On Feirm Ground Training Programme connect with the Men’s Development Network: https://engagetraining.ie/programmes/on-feirm-ground-2/

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In this episode, we speak to John Wall, a dedicated healthcare campaigner, about his personal journey as a patient advocate. From overcoming challenges to building trust and fostering collaboration, John highlights the significance of Patient Partnership in healthcare decision-making. He discusses his role on the local Programme Improvement Board, the growing inclusion of patient voices, and the importance of clear communication and mutual respect between healthcare professionals and patients. With a vision for a more structured approach to patient involvement, John shares valuable insights and inspires listeners to engage and contribute to shaping a responsive and inclusive healthcare system in the HSE. 

For more information on this work in the HSE go to https://www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/national-services/partnering-with-patients/.

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In the first 2025 episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, host Fergal Fox, along with Health Promotion and Improvement colleagues Sean Conneely and Nollaig Ní Chárthaigh, discuss strategies for a Healthy New Year. They emphasise the importance of New Year's resolutions, behavior change, and community support in achieving health goals. Key topics include setting realistic goals, mental wellbeing, quitting smoking, healthy eating, and physical activity. The speakers highlight the significance of gradual changes, utilising local resources, and fostering social connections. They also touch on mental health supports, stress management, and the importance of sleep, providing listeners with practical advice and support resources.

For more information on the resources referenced in the episode go to:

#healthandwellbeing #healthylifestyle #parkrun #healthyfood #sport #health #2025

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In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, hosts Fergal Fox, Noreen Turley and Eamon Keogh reflect on the podcast's achievements in 2024. They discuss the diverse range of topics covered, such as obesity, menopause, health equity, and LGBTQ+ issues, and highlight specific impactful episodes. The hosts emphasise the importance of providing a platform for healthcare professionals to share their expertise and the positive engagement from listeners. They also express excitement for future episodes and ongoing discussions around health and wellbeing, aiming to continue their mission of educating and supporting the community. All podcast episodes are available through this link https://www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/healthwellbeing/hse-talking-health-and-wellbeing-podcast/

To get in touch with the podcast email [email protected]

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In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, we discuss Heart Health with Janis Morrissey, Director of Health Promotion Information and Training at the Irish Heart Foundation, delving into the causes and risk factors of heart disease and stroke. Janis emphasises the importance of both individual lifestyle changes and systemic policy interventions to improve heart health. She highlights the Irish Heart Foundation's efforts in advocacy, prevention, public education, and support services. For more information go to: www.irishheart.ie or https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronary-heart-disease-chd/causes/

To get in touch with the podcast email [email protected]

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In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, Dr. Rory Nee, Consultant Physician in Geriatric Medicine and Integrated Care Program for Older People (ICPOP), and Aoife Quinn, Clinical Nurse Manager (ICPOP), discuss essential strategies to help older adults stay healthy and well during the winter season. Rory and Aoife share practical tips for maintaining health and well-being such as staying up-to-date with vaccinations, managing medications, preventing falls, and combating loneliness. They emphasise the importance of nutrition, regular exercise, staying warm, and fostering family and community connections for mental and brain health. This episode explores the valuable role of the Integrated Care Program for Older People in providing home-based support to prevent hospital admissions and create a safe, thriving environment for older adults in their own homes. Tune in to learn how small, proactive steps can make a big impact on the health and wellness of older people this winter. 

Further information available at http://www.hse.ie/ecc and https://www2.hse.ie/living-well/winter/older-people/

To get in touch with the podcast email [email protected]

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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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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/

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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 [email protected]

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