HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing

#105 Healthy Masculinity

In this episode of HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing, host Fergal Fox welcomes Dr. Conor Hammersley, a Fulbright scholar and expert in rural men’s health, for a thoughtful discussion on healthy masculinity during Men’s Health Week. Together, they explore the challenges men face in balancing societal expectations with emotional wellbeing, the impact of social connection, and the importance of vulnerability. The conversation highlights the need for open dialogue, supportive communities, and practical approaches to men’s mental health, offering listeners a warm and insightful perspective on fostering positive masculinity in today’s world.
 
We would like to highlight our mental health and suicide prevention resources available on yourmentalhealth.ie. Resources and information on sexual health is available on sexualwellbeing.ie, link to the DCU research https://antibullyingcentre.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/DCU-Influencer-Resource.pdf and the On Feirm Ground work https://engagetraining.ie/programmes/on-feirm-ground-2/
 
If you would like to get in touch with the podcast, please email Healthandwellbeing.communications@hse.ie
 
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#104 Little People, Big Feelings: Helping kids manage their emotions

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, host Fergal Fox and guests Melissa Vindigni (Senior Occupational Therapist), Muireann Treacy (Senior Clinical Psychologist) and Rosemary Kavanagh (Senior Speech and Language Therapist) discuss the emotional experiences of young children under the theme "Little People, Big Feelings." They explore the normalcy of intense emotions in children, the developmental stages of emotional regulation, and the critical role of co-regulation, where parents help children manage their emotions. The episode emphasises the importance of parental calmness, understanding sensory triggers, and using simple communication to support children's emotional growth. The speakers also highlight the challenges parents face and the need for self-compassion and realistic expectations.
 
To access more support and information on parenting, see: https://www2.hse.ie/babies-children/parenting-advice/services-supports/getting-support/
 
To get in touch with the podcast, email Healthandwellbeing.communications@hse.ie
 
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#103 Exam Stress Tips

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, Dr. Ciarán Boylan and host Noreen Turley explore strategies for managing exam stress. They discuss how to recognise stress in young people, especially during exam times, and offer advice to parents and guardians on how to provide both practical and emotional support. The conversation aims to help parents and guardians assist young people in effectively navigating the pressures of exam times, as Dr. Boylan shares helpful tips such as maintaining normal routines, ensuring nutritious meals and respecting each individual's coping mechanisms. They also emphasise the importance of self-care and managing expectations. Additional support can be found on https://jigsaw.ie/, https://spunout.ie/, or https://www2.hse.ie/mental-health/self-help/balancing-stress/.
 
To get in touch with the podcast email Healthandwellbeing.communication@hse.ie
 
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#102 Skin Cancer Prevention: Be SunSmart

In this podcast episode, Specialist in Public Health Dr. Breeda Neville and skin cancer prevention advocate Bernie Rice join us to discuss the SunSmart campaign and the critical importance of skin protection to prevent skin cancer in Ireland. They are working tirelessly to increase awareness of the steps you and your family can take to protect your skin from the sun and reduce your risk of skin cancer. Dr. Neville details the SunSmart campaign and the fight against skin cancer, the protective measures that can be taken and the need for increased awareness in Ireland. Bernie shares her poignant story of losing her daughter Sharon to melanoma skin cancer, reinforcing the campaign's significance. The episode covers the dangers of unregulated tanning products, the special vulnerability of children to UV damage, and strategies for promoting sun safety among outdoor workers. The conversation underscores the value of early detection, education, and personal advocacy in combating skin cancer. More information available at https://www.hse.ie/sunsmart/
To get in touch with the podcast email Healthandwellbeing.communications@hse.ie
 
Produced by GKMedia.ie

#101 Cultural Diversity in the HSE

In this podcast episode, host Fergal Fox leads a heartfelt discussion on cultural diversity within the Health Service Executive (HSE) from a staffing perspective. Joined by Christopher Ibanga, a Public Health Protection Nurse, and Abbie Alcorn, a Senior Speech and Language Therapist, the conversation delves into personal experiences of bias and the importance of the HSE Cultural Diversity Network. Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion Manager Maria Barry, also shares insights on the Network's role in fostering a supportive community. The episode highlights the need for open dialogue, cultural sensitivity, and embracing diversity to enhance healthcare delivery and create an inclusive workplace. The author of 'Anatomy of an Ally', which was quoted by Abbie, is Danielle Coke Balfour.
 
For further information on the HSE Cultural Diversity Network go to: https://healthservice.hse.ie/staff/procedures-guidelines/diversity-equality-and-inclusion/
 
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#100 Supporting your Teen with Anxiety

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, host Fergal Fox speaks with experts Rosemary Kavanagh (Speech and Language Therapist), Niamh Garavin (Occupational Therapist), and Muireann Treacy (Clinical Psychologist) about the intricacies of adolescent development, with a particular focus on anxiety. Their discussion addresses the swift changes teenagers experience, the effects of anxiety, and the crucial role of clear communication. Niamh emphasises the value of a supportive atmosphere, while Muireann underscores the importance of active listening and nonverbal cues. The episode also explores co-regulation, the role of social media, and the importance of self-care for parents. Listeners are encouraged to foster open, compassionate relationships with their teenagers and to seek professional help when needed.
 
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#99 Balancing Stress

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, Dr. Niamh Clarke, Principal Psychologist Manager and Programme Presenter, and Dr. Aleisha Clarke, National Programme Manager for Mental Health and Wellbeing, joins host Noreen Turley to introduce the new Balancing Stress programme, which is a free, easy-to-access, evidence-based online course in stress management, developed in partnership with HSE Health and Wellbeing and HSE psychologists. Through the conversation, Niamh and Aleisha explore how stress affects so many of us, how it can build up unnoticed, and why understanding our own patterns of stress is the first step to managing it more effectively.The episode highlights key themes covered across the six sessions, including practical tools for managing worry, anxiety, low mood, improving relationships, and managing stress into the future. It also explains how the programme combines techniques from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Positive Psychology, and Compassion-Focused Therapy to offer real, practical support. This feels a little bit repetitive as you have already noted the tools and techniquesNiamh and Aleisha discuss how Balancing Stress is designed for busy lives, with six short, flexible sessions that you can complete at your own pace. Whether you are facing everyday pressures or simply want to strengthen your coping skills, this programme offers practical strategies you can start using right away. The conversation also highlights the importance of making psychological supports more accessible, the impact of stress on our wellbeing, and the power of small, consistent changes in building resilience over time.Listen now to find out how Balancing Stress can help you take small, manageable steps towards a healthier, more balanced life. For more information, visit www.hse.ie/balancingstress. To get in touch with the podcast email Healthandwellbeing.communications@hse.ie
 
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#98 Relationships and Sexuality: Talking to Your Children

Listen to the latest episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, featuring Moira Germaine, Education and Training Manager with the Sexual Health 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. 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.
 
Note: Since the recording of this episode, the age range has been expanded further and is now freely available to 17 to 35 year olds. For more information and to access the resources mentioned in the podcast please visit: https://www.sexualwellbeing.ie/
 
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#97 parkrun: Fitness, Fun & Friendship

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, we talk about parkrun, a free, volunteer-led, 5k and 2k events that take place in open spaces every weekend around Ireland. This HSE supported initiative encourages people of all ages to come together to run, walk and talk.
 
We talk about the origins of parkrun and how it has gone from strength to strength, with over 14,000 participants weekly and over 10% of the population registered, it is a community initiative which is open to all ages.
 
Jenny Branigan, parkrun, Territory Manager, Republic of Ireland, talks about the parkrun experience, how it is volunteer-led and that everyone is made to feel welcome. She stresses that parkrun is a free, fun event to be enjoyed by people of all ages and at their own pace. She also acknowledges the supportive role the HSE has played over many years through funding and also through the many volunteers who give up their time to organise events across the country. Katie Dillon Keane, HSE Health Promotion Officer, talks to us about the benefits and importance of physical activity and also shares her thoughts and experiences of being a volunteer with parkrun.
 
Please see links to useful resources as mentioned during the discussion:
https://parkrun.ie
https://www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/healthwellbeing/our-priority-programmes/heal/physical-activity-guidelines/
 
To get in touch with the podcast email Healthandwellbeing.communications@hse.ie
 
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#96 Parenting in a Digital World

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, we explore how strong, supportive relationships between parents and children are one of the most effective protectors against online harm. Creating a safe space for open, age-appropriate conversations helps build empathy, promotes healthy values, and supports children to navigate an increasingly complex digital world with confidence.
Our guest, Alex Cooney, CEO and co-founder of Cyber Safe Kids, shares insights into the real impact of the online environment on our children’s lives. We discuss the risks of exposure to harmful online content, including pornography and misogynistic messaging, and how parents can support children in developing critical thinking and resilience. Alex explains that Cyber Safe Kids mission is to educate parents about online safety and highlight the Same Rules Apply campaign, which encourages parents to apply the same principles to online parenting as they do offline; setting boundaries, staying involved, and keeping communication open. To get in touch with the podcast email Healthandwellbeing.communications@hse.ie and for further information visit www.cybersafekids.ie.
 
Please see links to useful resources as mentioned during the discussion:
 
https://spunout.ie/
https://jigsaw.ie/
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/
https://www.webwise.ie/
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/
https://www.keepitrealonline.govt.nz/
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