HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, Eamon Keogh is joined by Dr Aisling McGrath and HSE physiotherapist Ailish Cleary to explore Ireland's new physical activity guidelines for pregnant and postpartum women. The discussion covers the benefits of staying active during and after pregnancy, addresses common fears and misconceptions, and provides practical advice for women at all fitness levels. The guests highlight the importance of pelvic floor training and discuss the role of healthcare professionals in supporting women to move safely.

Here are some helpful links for further information:

HSE Exercise Videos: https://www.hse.ie/

Rotunda Hospital Resources: https://www.rotunda.ie/

Active Pregnancy (UK): https://www.activepregnancyfoundation.org/

To get in touch with the podcast email [email protected]

 

Produced by GKMedia.ie

On this week’s HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, host Noreen Turley explores Every School Day Matters: Supporting Attendance with Áine O’Keeffe, National Lead, Tusla Wellbeing Project and Director of TESS, and Dr Abigail Collins, National Clinical Lead, Child Health Public Health / National Healthy Childhood Programme (NHCP).

Áine explains why we all have a role in promoting regular school attendance and reducing absenteeism, highlighting that missed days add up and children can miss out on learning, friendships and development when they are not in school.
 
Together, they focus on practical supports that can help children and young people attend as consistently as possible, and what families can do when health issues, anxiety or other pressures get in the way. They highlight the value of early, open communication with the school and staying connected, so families feel supported rather than judged when attendance becomes difficult. Abbie encourages parents to trust their judgement about when their child is well enough to attend, particularly when managing chronic conditions, and to link in with the school so the right supports can be put in place. They discuss how routine can reduce anxiety, and how consistent morning, sleep and school-day routines can make attendance feel more manageable over time.
 

SCPTusla - Child and Family Agency
https://www.tusla.ie/tess/scp/
 
mychild.ie
https://www2.hse.ie/my-child/
 
Knowing if your child is well enough to go to school or childcare
https://www2.hse.ie/babies-children/parenting-advice/caring-for-a-child/knowing-if-your-child-is-well-enough-to-go-to-school-or-childcare/
 
Produced by GK Media.ie

In this week's episode of HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Host Noreen Turley is joined by HSE psychologists Dr Niamh Clarke and Dr Michelle Howard to explore HSE Balancing Stress, a free online programme designed to help people manage stress, low mood, and depression. They share practical approaches including behavioural activation, creating supportive routines, mindfulness, and using positive affirmations to build resilience. The discussion also looks at how stress can affect relationships, and how communication, kindness, and gratitude can strengthen connection and wellbeing. Listeners are encouraged to take small, manageable steps, use the programme’s flexible sessions, and seek professional support when needed via HSE resources.

 

Produced by GKMedia.ie

In this episode of HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing, we speak with Dr. David Weakliam, Director of the HSE Global Health Programme. We explore the importance of global health, highlighting how Ireland’s partnerships with countries like Mozambique, Tanzania, and Sudan help strengthen health systems through training, equipment support, and collaborative initiatives. Dr. Weakliam emphasises the value of mutual learning, trust, and long-term commitment in these partnerships, illustrating how global cooperation benefits both partner countries and Ireland’s own health service. Great examples of partnership are highlighted as well as outlining how interdependent countries are in the context of health and wellbeing.

 

Produced by GKMedia.ie

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, we are joined by Professor Roger O’Sullivan and Professor Brian Lawlor to explore loneliness as a significant health and social issue. The discussion covers the different types of loneliness, its impact on mental and physical health, and the importance of meaningful social connections. The guests highlight the need for tailored interventions, challenge common stereotypes, and share practical steps for individuals and communities to foster inclusion and wellbeing. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own connections and support others in building a more connected society. From 17 December 2025, IPH will be known as the All Island Institute of Public Health.

 

Here are some helpful links for further information:

HSE Understand Together Campaign: https://www.hse.ie/eng/dementia-pathways/about/understand-together-programme/

Global Brain Health Institute: https://www.gbhi.org/

All Island Institute of Public Health (IPH): We are the All Island Institute of Public Health (IPH) | All Island Institute of Public Health

 

Produced by GKMedia.ie