HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing

#95 Palliative Care: the Myths and Truths

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, we discuss palliative care with Jacinta Kelly, Director of Nursing, North West Hospice, Sligo and Dr. Feargal Twomey, Consultant in Palliative Medicine, Milford Hospice and HSE Mid West, HSE Clinical Lead, Palliative Care.
The discussion demystifies palliative care, emphasising its role beyond end-of-life scenarios and its applicability to patients of all ages and various illnesses. Both guests share freely their personal and professional insights on this sensitive area. Key takeaways include the importance of early engagement, holistic care approaches, and the need for training and coordination among healthcare providers. The episode highlights the work of the staff across the health service who support and work in palliative care and points to the significance of compassionate support for patients and their families. For more information, visit https://www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/cspd/ncps/palliative-care/
 
To get in touch with the podcast email Healthandwellbeing.communication@hse.ie
 
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#94 Promoting Youth Health in Youth Organisations

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, host Fergal Fox chats with Rachael Treanor, Manager of the National Youth Health Programme at the National Youth Council of Ireland. They delve into the programme's mission to enhance youth health and wellbeing through the dedicated efforts of youth workers. Rachael highlights the importance of creating safe spaces, fostering social and emotional skills, promoting mental health and sexual health and addressing issues like anxiety and substance use. The conversation underscores the value of informal learning environments and the collaborative nature of the programme aimed at empowering young people and supporting youth workers effectively.
 
To learn more about the work of the National Youth Health Programme and the National Youth Council you can check out: https://www.youth.ie/programmes/youth-health/
To get in touch with the podcast email Healthandwellbeing.communication@hse.ie
 
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#93 The Power of Family Resource Centres

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, host Fergal Fox discusses the crucial role of Family Resource Centres (FRCs) with Fergal Landy, CEO of the National Family Resource Centre Forum, and Shauna Diamond, National Programme Lead. They explore how FRCs support health and wellbeing in communities by offering services like parenting, family support, mental health initiatives, and social prescribing. The conversation highlights the importance of community engagement, addressing health inequalites, and fostering non-judgmental environments to address issues that are sometimes stigmatised such as gambling and period poverty. Strong and ongoing collaborations with organisations like the HSE and Tusla are discussed and how they enable the FRCs to support families and often the most vulnerable at community level.
 
If would like to find out more about training around the issue of suicide as discussed in the episode please go to the National Office for Suicide Prevention Training Hub: https://traininghub.nosp.ie/ or if you work in a Family Resource Centre: https://www.familyresourcementalhealth.ie/
 
 
For further information, visit https://www.familyresource.ie/.
To get in touch with the podcast email Healthandwellbeing.communication@hse.ie
 
Produced by GKMedia.ie

#92 Getting Ireland Active

With more options and activities freely available across Ireland, there has never been a better time to get physically active. In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, we explore the positive developments and initiatives happening to encourage everyone to get active. Host Eamon Keogh speaks with Louise Burke, Director of Participation, Sport Ireland, the national state agency tasked with developing sport in Ireland. Louise talks about the vision of Sport Ireland; to encourage people of all ages to participate in sport at any level for the benefit of their health, with the help of the development of local sports plans and outdoor recreation strategies, and working with the Local Sports Partnerships and the HSE to drive community engagement. Listeners will hear about a renewed focus to encourage broader participation in physical activities as part of the Every Move Counts initiative, the new national physical activity guidelines.
 
Louise shares exciting insights about Ireland's National Outdoor Recreation Strategy, which focuses on enhancing outdoor activities. She also highlights the "Her Moves" initiative, which aims to engage teenage girls in diverse physical activities, and provides tailored resources to keep girls active and involved in sports. Louise also outlines other initiatives to support individuals with chronic conditions become active. Finally discussing the "Get Ireland Active" website, a comprehensive free resource for finding local activities, trails, and sports clubs, making it easier for everyone to get involved: www.getirelandactive.ie
 
To get in touch with the podcast email Healthandwellbeing.communication@hse.ie
 
Produced by GKMedia.ie

#91 The HSE's Digital Future

The way we experience healthcare is changing, and technology is at the heart of this transformation. In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, we explore the impact of digital transformation on Ireland’s healthcare system. Host Noreen Turley speaks with Damien McCallion, Deputy HSE CEO and Chief Technology and Transformation Officer, about how technology is starting to revolutionise patient care, enhancing efficiency, and shaping the future of healthcare. From electronic health records to virtual care and AI-driven innovations, Damien shares insights into how the HSE’s Digital for Care strategic implementation roadmap is shaping a more connected, efficient, and patient-centred healthcare system. This Roadmap is aligned to the Digital for Care – A Digital Health Framework for Ireland 2024 – 2030.
Listeners will learn how digital health solutions will improve patient safety, streamline workflows, and support healthcare professionals by reducing repetitive tasks. Tune in to discover how technology is reshaping the HSE and what it means for patients, staff, and the healthcare system as a whole. For more information visit https://about.hse.ie/our-work/digital-for-care-2030/
To get in touch with the podcast email Healthandwellbeing.communication@hse.ie
 
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#90 Youth, Alcohol & Health

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, we explore the challenges young people face when navigating alcohol in Ireland today. Martina Byrne, Manager of Cross Care Ronanstown Youth Service, and Sive Brennan, a Leaving Cert student and junior youth worker, join us for an insightful discussion on peer pressure, societal attitudes, and the impact of alcohol on young people. Martina highlights the critical services Cross Care provides, supporting young people through education, youth diversion programmes, and mental health initiatives. She also emphasises the importance of delaying alcohol consumption due to its negative effects on brain development and overall wellbeing.
Sive shares her first-hand experiences in youth work, discussing the role of education and supportive environments in helping young people resist peer pressure. She also explores the financial and health consequences of alcohol use and the growing trend of zero-alcohol beverages, questioning their impact on youth drinking culture. For parents and educators, this episode offers practical advice on fostering open conversations, setting a positive example, and building trust to help young people make informed choices. It reinforces the vital role parents play in shaping attitudes towards alcohol and guiding their children towards healthier decisions.
 
For more information for parents on preventing alcohol use in young people, visit the HSE website: https://www2.hse.ie/living-well/alcohol/information-parents/preventing-use/
 
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#89 Age Friendly Ireland

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, host Fergal Fox speaks with Catherine McGuigan, Chief Officer of Age Friendly Ireland, as they discuss the organisation's mission to create inclusive environments for older people in Ireland. Catherine highlights the importance of local government collaboration and proactive initiatives like Healthy Age Friendly Homes, which support older people to live independently. The conversation touches on the importance of preventing falls, enhancing wellbeing, promoting positivity around aging and engaging older people in decision-making. Catherine emphasises the interconnectedness of housing and health, and the need for a collaborative approach to address the unique challenges faced by older communities.
 
For information on supports and services, visit https://agefriendlyireland.ie/
To get in touch with the podcast email Healthandwellbeing.communication@hse.ie
 
Produced by GKMedia.ie

#88 Declutter Your Mind

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, host Noreen Turley is joined by Peadar Maxwell,  Senior Psychologist in the HSE. They explore the concept of "mind clutter"; those overwhelming thoughts and distractions that often lead to stress, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating. Peadar shares valuable insights on the symptoms of mind clutter and how it can impact mental clarity and overall wellbeing. The conversation explores practical strategies for managing mental clutter, including mindfulness, visualisation, journaling, and pioritising self-care practices. Peadar also emphasises the importance of making “good enough” decisions to reduce the pressure of perfectionism. These simple steps can help people regain focus and improve their mental wellbeing. If you are looking for ways to clear mind fog and manage stress more effectively, this episode is filled with practical advice to help you declutter your mind.
 
For supports and services visit www.yourmentalhealth.ie 
 
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#87 Keeping a Healthy Smile

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, Dr Anne O’Neill, Oral Health Lead, HSE, talks about the importance of dental check-ups and the significant connection between oral health and overall well-being.
 
Dr. O'Neill provides practical tips on brushing and flossing, highlighting the impact of diet on dental health, providing tips for parents when it comes to their children’s dental routines and about building in regular daily times to do those small oral health habits at a young age.
 
The discussion also focuses on changes to dental practices, specifically about how dental amalgam is no longer being used in fillings, due to a new EU directive. For more information visit www.brushmyteeth.ie
 
To get in touch with the podcast email Healthandwellbeing.communication@hse.ie
 
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#86 The Truth about Alcohol & Cancer

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, the discussion features insights from Dr. Breeda Neville, Public Health Specialist and Dr. Sheila Gilheany, CEO of Alcohol Action Ireland.
The conversation centred around the significant public health issues associated with alcohol use, particularly its links to cancer. We discuss the new alcohol labelling laws which aim to provide consumers with clear and unbiased information about the products they consume. The call to action from Dr. Neville encourages listeners to consider the immediate benefits of reducing alcohol consumption, such as improved physical and mental health, better sleep, and enhanced relationships. 
Both Sheila and Breeda agreed that healthcare professionals can play a crucial role in raising awareness and they encouraged health care staff to engage patients in conversations about their alcohol use.
Sheila also outlines the challenges posed by the alcohol industry where the marketing used can in some cases obscure the serious health risks associated with alcohol consumption. 
 
Listen and share wherever you get your Podcasts or watch on the HSE Health and Wellbeing YouTube channel.
 
Ask About Alcohol - www.askaboutalcohol.ie
NCCP - https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/5/cancer/
Alcohol Action Ireland: Home - Alcohol Action Ireland
HSE Drug and Alcohol Helpline Drugs and Alcohol Helpline - HSE.ie
 
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