The Shape I’m In: Young Offenders star Hilary Rose

ACTRESS Hilary Rose believes in being prepared. But it’s not for the next major storm, it’s for the next big role. And so at the start of the year, when her fitness instructor asked about her goals, she didn’t blink.

Let’s ditch ageing stereotypes now

Stock images of a pair of wrinkled hands used to represent older people are deeply unfair and don’t remotely tell the person’s story, finds Margaret Jennings.

Time to start catering for women experiencing menopause at work

There are no workplace provisions to protect women during the menopause. It’s time to break the silence, says Áilín Quinlan.

Working life: Yvonne Young, midwife ultrasonographer, Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise

A day in the working life of midwife ultrasonographer Yvonne Young.

Focus on key foods during second trimester of pregnancy

Now entering her third trimester, dietitian Aoife Hearne is feeling great, but is lamenting the fact there will be a lot of ‘lasts’ with this, her final pregnancy.

Sex Advice with Suzi Godson: She wakes me during the night for sex - I’m exhausted

My girlfriend keeps waking up in the middle of the night and wanting sex — it is great in theory, but it’s wearing me out. It used to be a rarity, but now it happens at least once a week. She seems able to get back to sleep quite easily, but I really struggle. I am exhausted.

Taking up job title of full-time mother

Andrea Mara talks to four mums who’ve given up their careers — for now — to take care of their children.

Working life: Phil Ni Sheaghdha, general secretary, Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation

Phil Ni Sheaghdha, general secretary, Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO).

Silent loss: The unspoken pain of miscarriage

An estimated 14,000 women endure a miscarriage in Ireland every year and many feel it’s taboo to talk about their loss, writes Sharon Ní Chonchúir.

Sex advice with Suzi Godson: 'Boyfriend can’t stop thinking about my past sex life'

I once made an offhand comment about something I tried in bed with my ex and regretted it immediately. But now my partner thinks he’s not as exciting as my ex in bed and is paranoid. He thinks our sex life is unadventurous, which it isn’t.

What penance did you get? 'A million prayers AND the creed,' replied my younger brother

It’s My Life with Tric Kearney. 

How many times a day must I remind myself that it’s been 2018 for 12 days already? Thank goodness we are no longer in the habit of writing cheques as in days gone by I used to finish an entire cheque book in January writing the wrong year.

The Shape I'm Inhealth: TV3's Muireann O'Connell on loving her 30s

TV and radio presenter Muireann O’Connell joins a long line of women who’ve thrived in their 30s. However, as a younger woman, she wasn’t convinced by what the hype, writes Irene Feighan. 

In for the long haul - distance runner Catherina McKiernan on staying the course

Margaret Jennings says London Marathon winner Catherina McKiernan coaches people to run for longevity and health but only for short, invigorating bursts.

'There is one day in every year when moving to Cork was the best thing I ever did'

There are times when living as an exile in Cork I miss my home county of Dublin, hearing the Dublin accent every day, enjoying Dublin wit, strolling down Grafton street or jumping on a Dart or the Luas.

Lean into 2018 - Jumpstart the year with Pat Divilly's fitness plan

To make lasting changes in 2018 you first need to change your mindset, discovers Carolyn Moore who talks to top wellness coach Pat Divilly about the importance of setting attainable goals when taking on a new weight-loss and fitness regimen.

The superfood worth shouting about

Sharon Ní Chonchúir checks out the latest hit superfood.

Working Life: Mary Lovegrove, manager Design and Dignity project, Irish Hospice Foundation

6am

We have long fought the fight to persuade our children that morning begins at 7am but my typical day begins with a loud and proud announcement from our daughter that she has a jackpot in her nappy and now needs our assistance.

For the next hour or so it’s the usual morning mayhem, familiar to parents everywhere.

Sex advice with Suzi Godson: 'When will I be ready for sex again?'

Six months ago I broke up with my long-term girlfriend. Since then I haven’t felt like having sex at all. How do I get my libido back?

The Shape I'm In: Brian O'Donovan, RTÉ Washington Correspondent

When the drive to go west hit Europe in the 19th century, it was not uncommon for fathers to cross the ocean ahead of their wives and children in search of work and a place to live.

Ageing with attitude: No regrets - look to the future for a healthier life

Learning from our mistakes is a crucial part of life and those who do it well tend to be healthier, says Margaret Jennings. 

Baby health: Importance of taking folic acid during childbearing years

Andrea Mara learns why all women of childbearing age should take folic acid — even those who aren’t planning to get pregnant right now.

Freeing the spirit by ditching the booze

It’s a time of year when many us of decide to quit alcohol. Here, Suzanne Harrington reveals the 12 things she’s learned in 12 years of not drinking.

Sex advice with Suzi Godson: Her pet names for me in bed are a turn off

My new girlfriend is fantastic in every way — apart from one. She uses really cutesy pet names for me in bed. I don’t want to embarrass her, but I find it so unsexy. It turns me off.

Itching to take control of winter eczema flare-ups

Irritating rashes can be difficult to manage during the festive season, but there are things you can do to help, says Liz Connor.

The three different types of psyllium on the market and which one to use

I recently went to purchase some psyllium to help with constipation, but there were three different types available — seeds, powder, and hulls, writes Megan Sheppard.

Working Life: Ioana Maris, paediatrician

A day in the working life of Iona Maris, paediatrician at Bon Secours Hospital.

The Shape I'm In: Gina Akpe-Moses

Gina Akpe-Moses was born in 1999 in Nigeria but moved with her family to Dundalk when she was three years old, writes Arlene Harris.

Out and about with the kids in the festive fun

Andrea Mara says there are lots of festive events for even the most reluctant children to enjoy during Twixmas. 

Indulging in the post-season calm with the kids

After all the rushing about before Christmas, I love this post-season calm. Sitting around doing nothing and believing I’ve been very productive if I venture for the shortest of walks, writes Tric Kearney.

Roll on the good times with the kids

Helen O’Callaghan says kids thrive when given attention.

'The truth is Christmas would be perfect if it weren't for presents'

CHRISTMAS is so close now I’m getting used to living with panic. Every year I resolve to be ‘finished’ early, all presents bought and wrapped by December 8, writes Tric Kearney. 

Dame for a laugh: Everyman's dame Ciaran Bermingham on keeping up with the professional dancers

He describes himself “an actor who can move rather than an actor who can dance”. But as much as Ciarán Bermingham, the dynamic dame in this year’s Everyman panto, loves to move to the beat, it’s not easy being surrounded by lithe professionals dancers.

Working Life: Hazel Trudgill, director of children’s services, CoAction

6am

I’m usually the first one to wake. I love the peace and quiet and I try to fit in half an hour of yoga to set me up for the day.

Skin Saver: How to keep glowing in later years

As the party season revs up this may be an ideal time to take steps to ward off damaging effects our lifestyle can have on your face. Margaret Jennings suggests some resolutions.

Survival guide for parents of screen-addicted teens

The holidays are about family time and togetherness, but how do you ensure your teenagers are present this Christmas and not AWOL on their screens, asks Helen O’Callaghan.

'We have three kids — should we put sex in the diary?'

My husband and I are having trouble finding the time to have sex. We are either too busy or too tired. We have three kids, a live-in au pair and we both work full-time, so it is hectic at home. My husband wants us to try out a “sex schedule” but I am really reluctant because I think turning sex into an arrangement means that it loses all the spontaneity. Does it

Grandparents using smart technology to stay in touch with family members

Staying in touch with your grandchildren at Christmas has never been easier thanks to fast-evolving mobile technology, writes Margaret Jennings.

Lean in for peak fitness with Laura Dorgan

With her heart set on taking part in a triathlon next summer, Róisín Burke signs up for a training course with guru Laura Dorgan.

The Shape I’m In - Mark McNulty: I still get goosebumps when Rocky is in the ring

OFF the pitch, footballer Mark McNulty is not what you’d expect. There’s hardly a sentence when the Cork City goalkeeper doesn’t mention his children.