HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, we are joined by pharmacists Greg Cleary and Tom Murray to explore men's health in the pharmacy setting. The conversation covers a range of important topics, including blood pressure monitoring, smoking cessation, erectile dysfunction, sexual health, cardiovascular health, vaccinations, and mental wellbeing. The pharmacists highlight how pharmacies serve as accessible, confidential, and non-judgmental spaces where men can proactively address their health concerns, encouraging men to take charge of their wellbeing with the support of their local pharmacist.

 

Produced by GKMedia.ie

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, we welcome award-winning writer, poet, and mental health advocate, Daragh Fleming, for an open and thoughtful conversation about men's mental health and healthy masculinity. Daragh shares his personal journey through depression, grief, and unhealthy coping mechanisms, exploring how poetry helped him reconnect with his emotions. He challenges rigid ideas of masculinity, encourages men to break away from traditional ideas of what it means to be a man, and highlights the value of creativity in emotional wellbeing. The episode highlights the free counselling and mental health supports available for men through the HSE,  insightful for anyone interested in or concerned about men's mental health. For more information on men’s mental health supports go to: https://www2.hse.ie/mental-health/services-support/men/?gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23016926794&gbraid=0AAAAADtFcVUGKeuTc4JdAQvcaIZs3cuxF&gclid=Cj0KCQjw0JnRBhDJARIsALobnXawgt7h3mY8ectUZR8PnRhwNqscV6UsscJdn0EG1LkP0wgXqHtPqiQaAvO2EALw_wcB#connect-counsellings-phone-service-for-men

 

Produced by GKMedia.ie

In this episode of HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing, host Noreen Turley is joined by Louise Carolan, Registered Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Dermatology at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, to explain what eczema is, why it flares, and what really helps. Living with eczema can feel overwhelming, but there are lots of practical ways to get it under control and improve day‑to‑day life. Louise explains the difference between eczema and dermatitis, the most common symptoms in children and adults, and why consistent moisturising and repairing the skin barrier are so important. She shares down‑to‑earth advice on bathing, using emollients and topical steroids safely, managing night‑time itching, navigating sports, school and exams, and when it’s time to see your GP or be referred to dermatology. The episode also highlights trusted supports like hse.ie, the Irish Skin Foundation nurse line and resources, and eczema‑specific online tools to help families and adults feel less alone and more confident in managing this long‑term skin condition

 

Find trusted eczema information and support at hse.ie, irishskin.ie, Irish Skin Foundation nurse line (01) 486 6280  and the British Skin Foundation and Eczema Care Online 

 

Produced by GKMedia.ie

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

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, host Noreen Turley speaks with Kathleen King, HSE National Endometriosis Education Lead, and Cate O’Connor, HSE National Endometriosis Education Officer, who have developed an educational programme educating young people in school and clubs about periods, pelvic pain and the impact of endometriosis and adenomyosis. They explore how severe menstrual symptoms can affect school, college, work, sport, friendships as well as mental health, and why it is vital to distinguish typical period discomfort from distressing symptoms that regularly disrupt daily activities. Kathleen explains that endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition, predominantly found in the pelvis, linked with severe cyclical pain, bowel and bladder problems, fatigue and migraine, and that it can be difficult to diagnose. The guests put a real emphasise on the importance of tracking menstrual symptoms over several months, noticing patterns, and bringing concrete information to GP appointments.

They introduce MISE, the HSE menstrual health and endometriosis education programme for schools, workplaces and sports clubs, adapted from a long‑running New Zealand initiative. MISE aims to normalise conversations about menstrual health, empower young people to understand their bodies, and help parents and teachers recognise when to seek medical advice. The episode also outlines how GPs can use HSE clinical guidance to make a presumptive diagnosis and start treatment, and highlights trusted information sources, including MISE Ireland and HSE.ie

 

Produced by GKMedia.ie