In this episode, Ellie Balfe is joined by neuroscientist and psychologist, Dr Sabina Brennan, to explore what really happens to the female brain throughout our lives, from hormonal changes in menopause to the impact of stress, loneliness, and lifestyle on long-term cognitive health.

They discuss why women are more at risk of dementia, how oestrogen loss affects memory and focus, and the small, powerful daily habits that can protect your brain as you age. Sabina also shares why daydreaming is not a waste of time but one of the best things you can do for your mental clarity and creativity.

It’s a conversation that will leave you more informed, inspired, and ready to care for your most powerful organ - your brain.

IMAGE The Check-in is part of the IMAGE Women’s Health Clinic and proudly empowered by Boots and sponsored by Samsung Ireland, Waterstone Clinic, Irish Life Health and its4women.

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

This week on IMAGE The Check-in, preventive cardiologist Dr Paddy Barrett joins Ellie Balfe to explore what every woman needs to know about heart health.

Dr Barrett explains his work in risk evaluation and why understanding your personal numbers is the most powerful step in prevention. Together, they unpack why heart disease remains the leading killer of women, how symptoms differ from men, and what women can do to protect their hearts at every age to live well, longer.

They cover the impact of hormones, inflammation, and cholesterol, as well as practical insights on blood pressure, exercise, and nutrition. Dr Barrett also introduces his three pillars for a meaningful life: Lifespan, Health-span, and Soul-span - and how each connects to the way we live and find purpose.

A conversation that blends science and soul, this episode will leave you feeling informed, hopeful, and motivated to look after the most important muscle in your body - your heart.

Key takeaways:

• What risk really means and how to evaluate your own heart health

• The truth about cholesterol, blood pressure and inflammation

• How menopause changes cardiovascular risk

• Why emotional well-being is central to heart health

• The three pillars of Lifespan, Healthspan and Soulspan

IMAGE The Check-in is part of the IMAGE Women’s Health Clinic and proudly empowered by Boots and sponsored by Samsung, Waterstone Clinic, Irish Life Health and its4women. 

***Disclaimer***

IMAGE The Check-in is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be, and should not be taken as, medical advice. The content shared in each episode is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified medical practitioner. Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no guarantee is given as to the completeness or correctness of the information, and reliance on any information provided in the podcast is solely at your own risk. Always seek the guidance of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your own health, medical condition, or treatment options.

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

In this important episode, Ellie Balfe sits down with Dr Shona Tormey to talk about the full spectrum of breast cancer. Together, they explore everything from detection and screening through to diagnosis, treatment options, survivorship, lifestyle and prevention. Whether you are in your twenties, forties, or post-menopausal, this conversation will give you knowledge, reassurance, and practical guidance.

We discuss when and how to check your breasts, what happens if you find a lump, the emotions around a diagnosis, innovations in treatment, and the simple steps women can take now to advocate for their own breast health.

This is a compassionate and expert-led conversation that speaks directly to women of all ages. The goal is to empower listeners with information, practical advice and confidence when it comes to understanding their breast health.

IMAGE The Check-in is part of the IMAGE Women’s Health Clinic and proudly empowered by @boots.ireland and sponsored by @samsungireland , @waterstoneclinicireland , @irishlifehealth and @its4womenireland.

***Disclaimer***

IMAGE The Check-in is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be, and should not be taken as, medical advice. The content shared in each episode is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified medical practitioner. Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no guarantee is given as to the completeness or correctness of the information, and reliance on any information provided in the podcast is solely at your own risk. Always seek the guidance of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your own health, medical condition, or treatment options.

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

In this episode of IMAGE The Check-in, host Ellie Balfe sits down with GP Dr Sonja Bobart of D4 Medical in Dublin to take listeners on a journey through women’s health from head to toe.

Together they explore the body as a connected system - from mood and hormones to heart health, gut balance, pelvic care, sleep, and stress. The conversation is full of warmth, wisdom, and practical expertise, offering simple signposts for what to look out for and how to care for yourself at every stage.

Dr Bobart shares her insights on the tests that matter, how to read your results, simple supplements and how to work in partnership with your GP to feel seen as a whole person.

Listen for:

• The most common health patterns GPs see in women today
• What to know about thyroid and hormone health
• The importance of pelvic and post-menopausal care
• Sleep, supplements, and stress - the ‘Triple S’ of better health
• How to create a preventive, proactive relationship with your GP
• 
  

This episode is empowering, clear, and full of calm, practical guidance for any woman who wants to better understand her own body.

IMAGE The Check-in is empowered by Boots Ireland, and sponsored by its4women, Waterstone Clinic, Samsung and Irish Life Health.

***Disclaimer***

IMAGE The Check-in is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be, and should not be taken as, medical advice. The content shared in each episode is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified medical practitioner. Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no guarantee is given as to the completeness or correctness of the information, and reliance on any information provided in the podcast is solely at your own risk. Always seek the guidance of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your own health, medical condition, or treatment options.

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

What really happens when our hormones are in (or out of) balance, and how much control do we actually have? In this empowering episode, host Ellie Balfe sits down with renowned Professor and Consultant Endocrinologist, Dr Mary Ryan, to talk about Hormone Harmony: how our hormones influence every part of our health and wellbeing, and how we can learn to work with them, not against them.

Dr Ryan, author of It’s Probably Your Hormones and one of Ireland’s leading voices in women’s health, shares powerful insights on the phases of female hormone health, from puberty to perimenopause and beyond. She explains why so many women today feel exhausted and burnt out, and how prioritising rest is not indulgent but essential for hormonal balance and long-term energy.

Together, Ellie and Dr Ryan explore:

• Why hormones are the ultimate influencers and how to keep them in balance

• The truth behind buzzwords like adrenal fatigue and oestrogen dominance

• How stress and overwork deplete our energy and hormones

• Practical ways to advocate for yourself in medical consultations

• The connection between female equality, emotional load and physical health

• How to view menopause as a powerful, positive transition - our great second act.

It is a conversation about understanding, empowerment and change - in our homes, workplaces and relationships. 

Every woman will find something here that resonates.

IMAGE The Check-in is part of the IMAGE Women’s Health Clinic and proudly empowered by @boots.ireland and sponsored by @samsungireland @waterstoneclinicireland @irishlifehealth and @its4womenireland

**disclaimer**

The IMAGE Check-In Podcast is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be, and should not be taken as, medical advice. The content shared in each episode is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified medical practitioner. Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no guarantee is given as to the completeness or correctness of the information, and reliance on any information provided in the Podcast is solely at your own risk. Always seek the guidance of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your own health, medical condition, or treatment options.

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

In the very first episode of IMAGE The Check-in, host Ellie Balfe is joined by Caoimhe McAuley, Director of Pharmacy at Boots Ireland, to explore the vital role pharmacy plays in women’s health.

From being the first point of contact for everyday health concerns to offering trusted support throughout life’s bigger moments, Caoimhe explains why a simple conversation with your pharmacist might be one of the most supportive steps you ever take.

Together, they unpack the complete checklist of health screenings women should be aware of, what really matters when it comes to supplements, and the facts around GLP-1 medications. This episode is all about demystifying, guiding, and empowering women to take control of their own health story with clarity and care.

IMAGE The Check-in is empowered by Boots, and sponsored by Samsung, Waterstone Clinic, Irish Life Health, and Its4Women.

*Disclaimer*

IMAGE The Check-in is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be, and should not be taken as, medical advice. The content shared in each episode is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified medical practitioner. Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no guarantee is given as to the completeness or correctness of the information, and reliance on any information provided in the podcast is solely at your own risk. Always seek the guidance of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your own health, medical condition, or treatment options.

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