We’re taking a fresh look at asthma and breaking down the latest research into simple, everyday tips that can make a difference. You’ll hear real stories from people living with asthma, learn practical advice from experts, and discover how to support someone you care about – whether it’s a child, an adult, or anyone managing asthma alongside other health challenges.

This episode was recorded in front of a live audience on Tuesday, 21 October 2025.

Want to hear more?  Join the conversation at #MyHealthRCSI and subscribe to the RCSI YouTube and podcast channels for expert-led content on health and wellbeing. Catch up anytime at www.rcsi.com/myhealth, where you can watch or listen to past episodes.  

MyHealth RCSI is proudly supported by PRESIDIO. Together, we are creating a space where lived experience and expert advice come together, helping everyone explore, question and understand their health on their own terms. 

If you’re caring for someone you love, whether it’s a child, an older adult, or someone with mental or physical health challenges, this episode is for you. We’ll hear real stories, share practical advice, and explore the supports that can help carers stay well

Want to hear more?  

he final episode of the RCSI MyHealth series 2024/25 explores the crucial role of sleep in our overall health, wellbeing and performance. 

Despite its importance, many people struggle to achieve sufficient and restorative sleep. In this episode, we will delve into what happens to the brain and body during sleep, the key factors that influence sleep quality, and evidence-based tools to improve it.

We will also examine the impact of sleep on memory, learning, and cognitive function, as well as its deep connections to mental health.

This episode is chaired by Dr Jolanta Burke, Associate Professor, RCSI Centre for Positive Health Sciences Panellists include:

The fifth episode of the RCSI MyHealth series 2024/25 explores the evolving landscape of diabetes, examining the latest trends in prevalence, causes, and impacts.

The panel members highlight the advances in treatment and technology for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, while also offering personal insights and future directions for prevention, management, and support.

This episode is chaired by Professor Suzanne McDonough, Head, School of Physiotherapy, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Panellists include:

Dr Kate Gajewska, Clinical Manager for Advocacy and Research, Diabetes Ireland.

Professor Edward Gregg, Head, School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Professor Diarmuid Smith, Consultant Endocrinologist, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin.

Professor Seamus Sreenan, Director, Graduate Entry Medicine Programme, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences and Consultant in Diabetes and Endocrinology, Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, Dublin.

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This audio contains content intended for adults and is not suitable for listeners under the age of 18. If you're looking for educational materials that are more suitable for younger audiences, please visit: https://johnnysambassadors.org/teachers/

This RCSI MyHealth Series event, focusing on the topic of cannabis and young minds, explores the latest research on how cannabis affects brain development and mental health in young people.

This episode is chaired by Miriam O’Callaghan, Irish television presenter and current affairs presenter with RTÉ.  

Panellists include: 

All useful resources, including all of those shared by our speakers and those that were made available to take away from the support stands present on the night, can be freely downloaded and viewed on the website www.rcsi.com/myhealth

The third episode in the RCSI MyHealth series 2024/2025, focusing on emotional well-being following a cancer diagnosis, took place as an in-person event at RCSI’s St Stephen’s Green campus in Dublin city centre earlier this month. The event featured healthcare providers and patient advocates who shared personal insights and coping strategies for life with cancer.

This episode is chaired by Dr Padraic Dunne, Senior Lecturer, Centre for Positive Health Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences.  

Panellists included:

Two guest speakers also join the panel to share their personal experience of a cancer diagnosis and a cancer diagnosis of a family member:

For more information and links to useful resources, visit www.rcsi.com/myhealth

The second episode in the RCSI MyHealth series 2024/2025 will focus on the topic of understanding and managing chronic pain.

This episode will explore the complex presentation of chronic pain. The panel will discuss the various management options, including the importance of therapeutic alliance and self-management to empower people living with chronic pain.

This episode will be chaired by Professor Helen French, Associate Professor in Physiotherapy, School of Physiotherapy, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Panellists include:

Professor Suzanne McDonough, Professor and Head of School of Physiotherapy, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences

Dr Padraic Dunne, Senior Lecturer, Centre for Positive Health Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences

Dr David Moore, Consultant Pain Specialist, Beaumont Hospital, and RCSI Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer

Ms Catherine Flanagan, Patient advocate for people living with pain

As part of this discussion, the panel will discuss the emotional impact of a diagnosis from a patient advocate living with Lewy Body Dementia, raise awareness and share practical tools for maintaining brain health, as well as discuss developments in disease modifying treatments in this area.  

This episode will be chaired by Professor Annie Curtis, Associate Professor, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences

Panellists include: 

As part of this discussion, the panel will raise awareness around the key risk factors for heart health, in particular, how menopause affects women’s risk of heart disease and stroke, the role of lifestyle medicine in prevention and specific supports available around maintaining cardiac health and preventing cardiovascular disease. 

This episode will be chaired by Dr Sarah Barry, Director of Academic Programmes, Senior Lecturer, School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Panelists include:

Professor Robert Byrne, Director of Cardiology at the Mater Private Hospital, Dublin and Chair of Cardiovascular Research, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences

Dr Robert Kelly, Senior Lecturer, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, and Consultant Cardiology & Lifestyle Medicine, Beacon Hospital Dublin

Dr Una O’Neill, General Practitioner, Mercer’s Medical Centre, and GP trainer on the RCSI GP Training Programme

As part of this discussion, the panel will address the key concerns and worries that parents have around the topic of child nutrition and provide information and practical advice to support healthy growth and development. 

This episode will be chaired by Professor Oran D. Kennedy, Associate Professor, Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, RCSI

Panelists include:

Dr Michael Riordan, Clinical Senior Lecture, RCSI and Consultant in Nephrology, CHI at Temple Street and Crumlin

Dr Claire Timon, Lecturer in the School of Population Health, RCSI