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#Health - Body

A COMPREHENSIVE SERIES OF ARTICLES ON THIS TOPIC

<p>Disturbed sleep is one of the non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease that can appear as the condition progresses. Picture: iStock </p>

health and wellbeing

Four early signs of Parkinson’s – and how to recognise them

Parkinson's disease affects one to two in every 1,000 people. Some 18,000 in Ireland have the neurodegenerative condition. A tremor is the symptom most people associate with Parkinson’s. But other warning signs can appear years earlier.

<p>Every year, 1,200 people in Ireland are diagnosed with melanoma. Picture: iStock </p>

health and wellbeing

Take a look — Could it be skin cancer?

<p>Picture: iStock </p>

health and wellbeing

Natural Health: What can I take for my tension headaches?

Working Life: Just 23 people on the island of Ireland live with cystinosis

health and wellbeing

Working Life: Just 23 people on the island of Ireland live with cystinosis

Collagen isn’t magic, but its marketing certainly is

comment-analysis

Collagen isn’t magic, but its marketing certainly is

Allergy

health and wellbeing

How to deal with hay fever as pollen counts rise amid change in temperature

Low Section Of Woman Walking On Road In Mountains

How do I start running as a total beginner?

Taking the first step in your running journey is the toughest part, but there is a lot of support out there to help you get going

Tue, 23 Jun, 2026

Blue health: How time by the sea can improve your health

Blue health: How time by the sea can improve your health

Easkey Britton’s life revolves around the sea, from relaxation to work. Her research into blue health builds a strong case for spending more time in and near the ocean. We’re an island nation, so taking to the water couldn’t be easier

Tue, 23 Jun, 2026

How exercising on Ireland's Greenways and Blueways can improve your health

How exercising on Ireland's Greenways and Blueways can improve your health

Discover the restorative power of our blueways and greenways as you reset, re-energise, and expand your horizons through accessible outdoor adventures this summer

Fri, 19 Jun, 2026

Jumping in the sea waves on the beach

Six bugs you could pick up at the beach — and how to avoid getting sick

A trip to the beach is part of what makes summer special, but take care not to pick up an infection or develop a skin irritation - whether in yourself or your children

Fri, 19 Jun, 2026

I'm a cardiologist — here are my top tips to protect your heart as you age

I'm a cardiologist — here are my top tips to protect your heart as you age

Knowing the risks of not following a healthy lifestyle has helped Dr Sorcha Allen focus on her choices

Fri, 19 Jun, 2026

Teenage girl tying shoelace of tap shoe indoors, closeup

Riverdance yourself fit: Why Irish dancing is gaining popularity for its health benefits

Irish dancing has become a global phenomenon thanks to a hit 1990s stage show. Back home, it’s enjoying a renaissance among adults looking to get fit while building a wellbeing community

Fri, 19 Jun, 2026

Hand holding hand fan made of bamboo and paper

Natural Health: What can I do about my perimenopausal sweating?

Plus, My teenage son seems to belch a lot after eating, what can I do?

Fri, 19 Jun, 2026

Person walking in the woods. Speed-hiking shoes closeup.

Bernard O'Shea: Have you heard of the 'fart walk'? Here are five things to know

A ridiculous name, a viral wellness trend and a surprising amount of science.

Thu, 18 Jun, 2026

Salting pizza

How your favourite condiment could be harming your health

Along with a study finding that it can affect cognitive function, a favourite condiment could also harm the heart and lower mood

Fri, 12 Jun, 2026

Should I track my sleep? Here are the pros and cons

The benefits (and the dangers) of tracking your sleep

Focusing on better shuteye is worthwhile, but we shouldn’t get hung up on metrics, say experts

Fri, 12 Jun, 2026

Working Life: Seeing advanced specialist pharmacists come together forthe first time was incredibly rewarding

Working Life: Seeing advanced specialist pharmacists come together forthe first time was incredibly rewarding

Laura Dillon, National Pharmacy Innovation Fellow, HSE Spark Innovation Programme

Fri, 12 Jun, 2026

Portrait of young businesswoman wear trendy smart casual outfit isolated on white background stock photo

Natural health: I feel run down after a tooth infection

Plus how to deal with eye strain after needlework

Fri, 12 Jun, 2026

Life preserver on sandy beach

How to stay safe in the water this summer

Summer is here, and with it the call of the seaside and open water. But before diving in, there's much to consider, from water temperature and rip currents to your ability to float on your back and stay calm in an emergency

Fri, 12 Jun, 2026

Mens Restroom Sign

Bernard O'Shea — The Dad Bod Diaries: Five things your wee is trying to tell you

We shouldn't be squeamish about urine, because often it is trying to send us a report on our health

Thu, 11 Jun, 2026

Doctor examine senior man patient at home.

GP shortages threaten rural healthcare

The national shortage of GPs in Ireland has become a real problem in rural areas and has been compounded by the 30% emigration rate of newly qualified GPs

Wed, 10 Jun, 2026

Worry, woman and dandruff on hair, scalp and studio background to scratch allergy, eczema or head lice. Female model, itching sc

Natural health: What can I do about my itchy scalp?

Plus how to deal with painful bunions from improper footwear

Sun, 07 Jun, 2026

I used a fitness tracker to make myself ‘younger’ — here are the small habit changes that worked

I used a fitness tracker to make myself ‘younger’ — here are the small habit changes that worked

Denise O’Donoghue was shocked when Whoop announced she was 2.7 years older than her age, but the app’s plan reversed it

Fri, 05 Jun, 2026

‘I had bowel cancer at a young age and discovered an underlying genetic predisposition’

‘I had bowel cancer at a young age and discovered an underlying genetic predisposition’

Sinéad O’Reilly was a young mum of two when blood in the toilet led to a shock diagnosis and a stark choice

Fri, 05 Jun, 2026

'I developed crippling anxiety and felt like a different person after taking a GLP-1 drug'

'I developed crippling anxiety and felt like a different person after taking a GLP-1 drug'

From tingling, burning skin to finding even the touch of your clothes painful, along with experiencing high anxiety levels and thoughts of self-harm, the side effects of weight-loss drugs need to be clearly communicated to patients

Fri, 05 Jun, 2026

Senior woman lifting weights, maintaining fitness and health

How to start weight training after 60 and why it can slash your risk of early death

Two hours per week of resistance exercise can significantly cut the risk of an early death

Fri, 05 Jun, 2026

Girl and weight loss

Bernard O'Shea: The Dad Bod Diaries — My weight has gone up... but at least I've got a plan now

I've spent months waiting for motivation to arrive. It never did. Instead, I discovered five tiny 'Bernard Steps'

Thu, 04 Jun, 2026

Healthcare workers intubating a COVID patient.

Surgeries involving heart-lung machines may be cancelled when perfusionists strike

Forsa spokesperson Linda Kelly said the HSE had failed to engage with the trade union on contingency planning

Wed, 03 Jun, 2026

Woman using injection pen to administer weight loss drug

Unqualified influencers are promoting dangerous peptides and regulators can't cope

Regulators are struggling to keep up as peptides are pushed by social media influencers as shortcuts to fat loss, anti-ageing, health and recovery, and muscle growth

Sat, 30 May, 2026

I've had two heart attacks — could gene editing help my chronically high cholesterol?

I've had two heart attacks — could gene editing help my chronically high cholesterol?

A new way of managing harmful blood fats is emerging in the form of novel gene-editing treatments designed to inactivate or suppress key liver genes involved in regulating cholesterol levels

Fri, 29 May, 2026

'I held my baby for 59 minutes — I’m learning to live with the pain of her loss'

'I held my baby for 59 minutes — I’m learning to live with the pain of her loss'

Cork-based nurse Daniela Gomez was told her daughter would not survive outside the womb. She got to hold her baby for 59 minutes. The grief, she says, is like being on a rollercoaster

Fri, 29 May, 2026

I was diagnosed with MS at 18 — I’m glad we had children while I’m still able to walk and run

I was diagnosed with MS at 18 — I’m glad we had children while I’m still able to walk and run

Laura Barry was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis as a teenager and chose to have children sooner rather than later while her health was stable

Fri, 29 May, 2026

Woman sweating while having a hot flash outside

Six signs you’re dehydrated – and what to do about it

Dehydration can sometimes sneak up on you with some surprising symptoms

Fri, 29 May, 2026

A picture of the brain drawn in chalk with various food products: fish, meat, nuts, vegetables and greens. Healthy food.

Food for thought: Diets that improve cognitive health and lower dementia risk

The DASH and Mediterranean diets have come out on top for improving cognitive health and lowering your risk of developing dementia. Here's the lowdown.

Fri, 29 May, 2026

artisanal baked wholegrain biscuits, stuffed with peanut butter

Bernard O'Shea — The Dad Bod Diaries: Help! This culture of TMI is ruining my BMI

I know enough about weight loss to sit the Leaving Cert in it. And yet I still find myself eating chocolate biscuits at 11 o’clock at night

Thu, 28 May, 2026

female uterus

Natural Health: Is there an alternative to vaginal oestrogen?

I’m in my early 50s, and my female friends are encouraging me to use vaginal oestrogen therapy to help with lubrication.

Sun, 24 May, 2026

I thought my headaches were caused by caffeine withdrawal — it was a brain tumour

I thought my headaches were caused by caffeine withdrawal — it was a brain tumour

Loretta Kennedy put her constant headaches down to caffeine withdrawal or not getting enough fresh air— until she had a seizure and needed emergency care

Fri, 22 May, 2026

GAIL HAWTHORN

Working Life: Hepatitis C is now highly curable and treatment is straightforward

Gail Hawthorn is a clinical nurse specialist in hepatitis C liaison

Fri, 22 May, 2026

Alzheimers And Dementia

Is your lifestyle increasing your risk of Alzheimer’s?

What risk factors can't you change and which are worth looking at to protect your brain health?

Fri, 22 May, 2026

Rethinking the power of hormones: 'Women deserve the information needed to choose'

Rethinking the power of hormones: 'Women deserve the information needed to choose'

Dr Louise Newson is a leading authority on women’s health. In her new book, she argues that we are still not giving enough attention to the profound impact hormones can have on our daily lives

Fri, 22 May, 2026

Bernard O'Shea: The Dad Bod Diaries — Where has the food of my youth gone?

Bernard O'Shea: The Dad Bod Diaries — Where has the food of my youth gone?

With the likes of the red Bounty and Lilt quietly disappearing from our shelves, I wonder if middle age is really a case of just becoming homesick for the snacks that shaped us

Thu, 21 May, 2026

Syphilis treatment

STIs reach record levels across Europe, with gonorrhoea seeing 303% increase

The latest report indicates a surge of STIs across multiple countries, and provides the first "comprehensive overview" of how European countries are tackling the diseases

Thu, 21 May, 2026

'I was stranded in the jungle and needed surgery': Cork woman's ordeal on trip of a lifetime

'I was stranded in the jungle and needed surgery': Cork woman's ordeal on trip of a lifetime

Rachel Gotto, 56, tells Arlene Harris how a holiday in paradise turned into a hellish nightmare when she faced a life-threatening health situation

Mon, 18 May, 2026

Couple's feet close-up.

Sex File: Why does my new partner take so long?

Although your partner doesn't seem to be bothered about it, delayed ejaculation is clearly having a negative effect on your experience, so it needs to be addressed before it takes the joy out of sex altogether

Mon, 18 May, 2026

Why you don’t have to stomach abdominal pain

Why you don’t have to stomach abdominal pain

Aishling Condon Healy ended up in hospital before she was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis

Fri, 15 May, 2026

Having fun together never ends

'He said his marriage might have survived if he’d known more about menopause'

Hormone changes brought on by perimenopause and menopause can lead to hot flushes, anxiety, brain fog, and low libido.

Fri, 15 May, 2026

Canterbury meningitis and septicaemia outbreak

Student dies in UK meningitis outbreak as contacts offered antibiotics

It is understood that the most recent case in Berkshire is not the same strain of MenB linked to the outbreaks in Kent in March.

Fri, 15 May, 2026

Sleepy young woman sitting at dining table in kitchen with closed eyes, holding cup while having breakfast

Natural health: I'm struggling to get over a chest infection

Plus how to care for a cut from a rusty nail

Fri, 15 May, 2026

Working Life: With more clinical trials, Ireland's cancer patients can get tomorrow's treatments today

Working Life: With more clinical trials, Ireland's cancer patients can get tomorrow's treatments today

Angela Clayton-Lea, CEO of Cancer Trials Ireland

Fri, 15 May, 2026

Concept polycystic ovary syndrome, PCOS. Copy space, women reproductive system.

Six early signs of PCOS often overlooked

Symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome usually become apparent during your late teens or early 20s

Fri, 15 May, 2026