HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing

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 [email protected]

 

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

In this episode of HSE Talk and Health and Wellbeing, host Noreen speaks with Dr. Paul Kavanagh, a public health consultant and adviser to HSE Tobacco Free Ireland. Drawing on personal experience and expert knowledge, Dr. Kavanagh explores Ireland's tobacco endgame - the goal of eliminating tobacco harm entirely by 2035. He discusses the ongoing impact of smoking on Irish society, the tobacco industry's influence on policy, and bold strategies such as a tobacco-free generation policy and nicotine reduction in cigarettes. The discussion includes a call to action for public support to eliminate tobacco’s influence and highlights the stop smoking supports available both online and in person for those seeking support to quit.

 

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In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, host Noreen Turley talks to Dr Sean O’Dowd, Consultant Neurologist and Clinical Lead for HSE National Dementia Services, and Dr Claire Neill, Consultant in Public Health Medicine with the National Health Improvement Team.
 
They discuss how alcohol affects the brain in the short and long term, including its impact on mood, sleep and mental health. They also explore alcohol use among young people, why there is no safe level of alcohol for health, and how population-level measures like pricing, availability and marketing restrictions can reduce harm.
 
Drinking alcohol, especially at higher levels over time, can damage brain cells and is linked to a higher risk of dementia. This makes changing your drinking an important way to protect your brain health. Claire and Sean share practical advice on how cutting down on alcohol can improve your sleep, mood, energy and thinking, and how the brain can recover when people reduce or stop drinking.
 
They also highlight supports available if you’re concerned about your drinking. Your GP can help by offering advice, carrying out a brief assessment and, if needed, referring you to HSE drug and alcohol services or counselling.
 
You can also contact the HSE Drugs and Alcohol Helpline on 1800 459 459 or visit Ask About Alcohol for clear, trusted information and support:
www.dementia.ie
www.askaboutalcohol.ie
 
 Produced by GKMedia.ie

In this HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing episode, host Noreen Turley talks to neonatal speech and language therapist and SPARK HSCP National Innovation Fellow, Deirdre Bradley, about how reading, talking and singing to babies from day one can shape their brains, support bonding and boost long‑term language and literacy. Drawing on powerful research and her 20 years’ experience in neonatal care, Deirdre explains how Baby Talk started in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, and now offer supports and resources to all neonatal units with the support of HSE Spark Innovation, HSE library  and community library partners.

Baby Talk is a simple idea transforming care for some of Ireland’s tiniest patients – premature and vulnerable babies in neonatal units. Listeners will hear moving stories of parents, grandparents and staff using books, baby-friendly “Tonie Boxes” and simple songs to comfort babies through long hospital stays and separation, while also easing parental anxiety and supporting mental health. Deirdre shares how this initiative, available to all neonatal units in Ireland, supports the brain and language development of premature and vulnerable babies by encouraging parents to read, sing, and talk to their little ones from the earliest days. From specially selected books and multilingual resources to voice-recording devices that keep families connected, Baby Talk is transforming neonatal care.

Deidre also highlights practical, realistic tips that any parent or carer can start today, reading one short book to a baby demonstrates how everyday moments and familiar voices can add up to over a million words of language exposure before school. 

 

Produced by GKMedia.ie