HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing

#76 Climate Change & Sustainability in the HSE

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, we discuss climate change and sustainability within the Health Service Executive (HSE) with Dr. Philip Crowley, HSE National Director of Wellbeing, Equality, Climate and Global Health, and Roisin Breen, Programme Lead for the HSE Climate Action Programme. They explore the HSE's Climate Action Strategy, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050, and highlight initiatives like improving energy efficiency, retrofitting buildings, and promoting greener models of care and  sustainable transport. The episode underscores the importance of public and staff engagement, collaboration, and proactive measures to address climate change and foster a sustainable healthcare system. For more information go to https://www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/healthbusinessservices/national-health-sustainability-office/climate-change-and-health/hse-climate-action-strategy-2023-50.pdf
 
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#75 Social Prescribing Benefits: GP’s perspective

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 Healthandwellbeing.communication@hse.ie
 
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#74 Planning Ahead for Your Healthcare

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, host Fergal Fox discusses the importance of planning ahead for healthcare treatment decisions with Caoimhe Gleeson and Suzy Byrne. Caoimhe, the General Manager in the HSE National Office for Human Rights and Equality Policy, highlights the role of Advance Healthcare Directives under the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015, enabling individuals to outline their healthcare treatment decisions. Suzy, a disability activist, stresses the necessity of making healthcare wishes known, especially for individuals with disabilities. The episode emphasises the need for open communication with family and healthcare providers to ensure that one's healthcare preferences are respected and understood. Discussion points include: Advance healthcare directives, Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015, Understanding decision-making capacity, Open communication, people whose capacity might be in question, Practical steps, Facilitating discussions.
 
For further information go to the website signposts given during the episode such as the Safeguarding Ireland website: https://safeguardingireland.org/
Check out the information and resources on the Decision Support Service website: https://decisionsupportservice.ie/
Read further about Advance Care Planning with the Irish Hospice Foundation: https://hospicefoundation.ie/i-need-help/i-want-to-think-ahead/advance-care-planning/
 
To get in touch with the podcast email Healthandwellbeing.communication@hse.ie
 
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#73 Childhood Obesity

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, host Eamon Keogh discusses childhood obesity with Dr Grace O'Malley, Clinical Lead of the Children's Health Ireland, Child & Adolescent Complex Obesity Service. They talk about the definition, prevalence, and parental concerns regarding childhood obesity. Dr O'Malley emphasises a holistic approach to managing obesity, focusing on overall health rather than just weight loss. She highlights the importance of consulting healthcare professionals, fostering open communication and provides some top tips for parents on how to raise the topic with your child and healthcare professional. Dr O’Malley also discusses the care model and the societal support needed to address this growing health issue.
 
Where can parents get information?
Information about children’s weight on the HSE A to Z website which includes information what to do if you are concerned, having the conversation with your child and advice on healthier habits as a family: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/childrens-weight/
The HSE has a booklet called Talking to Your Child About Weight which is available on www.healthpromotion.ie
A comprehensive list of up to date resources for parents and families available on www.childhoodobesity.ie 
Find more information about community based services here https://youtu.be/dtXHO8_aPJE
Information for families on healthier lifestyles such as physical activity, healthy eating, screen time is available at www.mychild.ie
Information for families on healthy eating including recipes is available at www.safefood.eu
 
Where can Healthcare Professionals get information?
Healthcare professionals can get more information including policy documents, clinical guidelines, professional organisations, research and more by visiting www.childhoodobesity.ie
The HSE Obesity Clinical Programme is available at https://www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/cspd/ncps/obesity/
Find more information about community based services here: https://youtu.be/nmwxqIe1-qg
Please get in touch to find out more about our podcast series or the work of HSE Health and Wellbeing Healthandwellbeing.communications@hse.ie 
 
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#72 Being LGBTQI+ in Ireland

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, host Fergal Fox discusses the mental health challenges faced by LGBTQI+ individuals in Ireland. Dr. Matt Kennedy from Belong To and Denise Croke from the HSE share insights from a recent research report revealing high rates of self-harm and suicidal thoughts among LGBTQI+ youth. They emphasise the importance of supportive environments, inclusive education, and the role of allies in fostering acceptance. The episode calls for collective action to create a society where LGBTQI+ individuals feel valued and supported.
 
Supports and services available from LGBTQI+ support organisations such as Belong To https://www.belongto.org/, LGBT Ireland https://lgbt.ie/, Transgender Equality Network Ireland https://teni.ie/.
Freephone Samaritans 116123
Text About It (text HELLO to 50808)
Visit the HSE website www.yourmentalhealth.ie for more information on mental health, supports and services.
 
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#71 Healthy Habits for University Life

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, host Fergal Fox speaks with Dr. Eithne Hunt, an Occupational Therapist and Lecturer at University College Cork, about practical tips for students to support their health and wellbeing in third level education. This episode is full of useful information for students, parents and teachers or anyone working with young people wishing to advance to third level education. Key topics include the importance of social connections, self-compassion, time management, and sleep. They discuss the challenges students face transitioning to university life and introduce Dr. Hunt's "Everyday Matters" programme. This initiative helps students develop healthy habits and practical skills to enhance their wellbeing. Dr. Hunt shares practical tips and emphasises the value of play and leisure in maintaining mental health and preventing burnout.
 
For more information on the work underway by the Higher Education Authority in the area of Healthy Campus click here. To get in touch with the podcast email us at Healthandwellbeing.communications@hse.ie
 
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#70 Think Brain Health

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, Dr. Sean O'Dowd, Consultant Neurologist at TUH, and Clinical Lead at the National Dementia Services, discusses brain health with the host. Dr. O'Dowd, who specialises in cognitive disorders and dementia, explains the functions of different brain parts and emphasises the importance of how we can maintain brain health by making informed lifestyle choices. Dr O'Dowd highlights the brain's neuroplasticity, its ability to change and adapt, and that is it never to early or too late to look after your brain health. He speaks about the positive impact of physical activity, social engagement, and cognitive stimulation on brain health, and the link between hearing loss and dementia. In this episode, he highlights the need for increased awareness of brain health and dementia risk factors. Further information can be found at www.understandtogether.ie.
 
Watch our previous podcast episode Dementia - Understand Together https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qH9IbOUQ2_4
 
“Think Brain Health Webinar – Discover how healthy behaviour’s support your incredible brain”
https://hsehealthandwellbeingnews.com/think-brain-health-webinar-discover-how-healthy-behaviours-support-your-incredible-brain/
 
If you are concerned about dementia or would like to find local services and support, please call the national helpline provided by the Alzheimer's Society of Ireland for free on 1800 341341 ( Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm, Saturday 10am to 4pm).
If you would like to get in touch with the podcast or join the HSE Health and Wellbeing mailing list, email Healthandwellbeing.communications@hse.ie.
 
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#69 Healthier Food Environment

The latest HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast talks about Safefood's latest public health campaign, "#TalkAboutFood which aims to raise awareness about the food environment and its significant impact on children's health.
Dr Aileen McGloin Director of Nutrition with Safe Food and Norah Campbell, Associate Professor of Marketing at Trinity College Dublin talk about the challenges parents face on a daily basis in the current food environment dominated by unhealthy options. The conversation focusses on the food environment and highlights how it encompasses more than just the availability of food. It includes the broader context in which food choices are made, influenced by marketing, cultural norms, and the physical settings where food is available.
 
For more information about #TalkAboutFood visit https://www.safefood.net/healthy-eating/talk-about-food/understanding-food-environment
 
Please get in touch to find out more about our podcast series or the work of HSE Health and Wellbeing Healthandwellbeing.communications@hse.ie 
 
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#68 New Physical Activity Guidelines

The latest HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast talks about the new national physical activity and sedentary behaviour guidelines.
Professor Elaine Murtagh and Associate Professor Grainne Hayes from the University of Limerick. The episode centres around the newly launched physical activity and sedentary behaviour guidelines, exploring their significance, updates from previous guidelines, and recommendations for various population subgroups, including those with disabilities.
The conversation highlights the importance of reducing sedentary behaviour, incorporating muscle-strengthening activities, and understanding the intensity of physical activity. Understanding these intensity levels helps individuals gauge their activity and ensure they are meeting the recommended guidelines. For more information about the guidelines visit https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/44751-every-move-counts-national-physical-activity-and-sedentary-behaviour-guidelines-for-ireland/
Please get in touch to find out more about our podcast series or the work of HSE Health and Wellbeing Healthandwellbeing.communications@hse.ie
 
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#67 Screen Time and Young People

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, host Fergal Fox discusses the impact of screen time on young children with Dr. Gillian Doyle and Dr. Anne-Marie Casey, Senior Clinical Psychologists. They explore how screen time affects health and wellbeing, emphasising the need for mindful use of devices and advice for family conversations about screen habits. The experts highlight the importance of balancing screen time with other developmental activities and suggest guidelines tailored to children's ages and needs. They also discuss the role of parents in modelling healthy behaviours and creating screen-free times to foster better social and emotional development. For more go to: https://www2.hse.ie/babies-children/play/screen-time/
If you would like to get in touch with the podcast or join the HSE Health and Wellbeing mailing list, email Healthandwellbeing.communications@hse.ie.
 
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