Health - Life

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#Health - Life

A COMPREHENSIVE SERIES OF ARTICLES ON THIS TOPIC

<p>Linda O'Riordan McCarthy, Picture: Larry Cummins</p>

health and wellbeing

‘I couldn't eat without choking and I had persistent heartburn — it was oesophageal cancer'

Ireland has one of the highest rates of oesophageal cancer in Europe, with around 520 cases diagnosed each year

<p>Eibhlin Johnston: 'I felt constant pressure to hold it all together at work and at home.' <span class="contextmenu emphasis CaptionCredit"> Picture: Moya Nolan</span>
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health and wellbeing

Workplace burnout: 'I was so stressed in 2016 I ended the year with a collapsed lung'

<p>We’ve asked sex educators and therapists to share their answers to the questions men and women most frequently ask. Picture: iStock</p>

health and wellbeing

These are the top 20 questions sex experts are asked by both women and men

Maybe he's been lying all this time

advice

Sex File: What happens if the passion wanes between us?

Juggling breastfeeding and a full-time job: 'I worried about finding time to pump'

health and wellbeing

Juggling breastfeeding and a full-time job: 'I worried about finding time to pump'

Cork consultant: 'It’s an incredible moment when you can tell a patient they’re cancer-free'

health and wellbeing

Cork consultant: 'It’s an incredible moment when you can tell a patient they’re cancer-free'

Smile face inside yellow background and white punch paper with copy space for positive mindset and client excellent evaluation c

Find your happy spot with simple daily habits

January can be a tough month with its short, cold and grey days. But what if you made space for a bite-sized project — one that allows you to make micro changes that could form the foundation of contentment?

Fri, 23 Jan, 2026

Working Life: “Women aged 50 and over have the lowest uptake of cervical screening nationally”

Working Life: “Women aged 50 and over have the lowest uptake of cervical screening nationally”

Rachael Comer, education and training manager, screening training unit, HSE CervicalCheck

Fri, 23 Jan, 2026

Relaxed pair watching movie at evening home. Family spending enjoying together

How to keep the spark alive when you've both been in tracksuits since 2020

How can you keep the spark alive when you’re both in comfy clothes and working from home on a regular basis since covid struck? Experts say that love needs closeness, but desire needs distance

Fri, 16 Jan, 2026

'See every misstep as a lesson': Well-known faces share career advice they'd give to their younger selves

'See every misstep as a lesson': Well-known faces share career advice they'd give to their younger selves

Take every opportunity going, push yourself outside your comfort zone, and don’t try to figure out every step, say high-profile people and professionals

Fri, 19 Dec, 2025

Working Life: It’s fantastic that children will be protected against chickenpox as it isn't just a mild illness

Working Life: It’s fantastic that children will be protected against chickenpox as it isn't just a mild illness

Dr Chantal Migone, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at the HSE National Immunisation Office (NIO)

Fri, 10 Oct, 2025

Are you in a co-dependent relationship?

Are you in a co-dependent relationship?

In Elizabeth Gilbert's new memoir, she recounts how her co-dependency drove her to such despair that she planned to murder her seriously ill partner. Although the act never took place, the scenario highlights the devastation that can result when you compulsively prioritise another person's needs over your own

Fri, 26 Sep, 2025

'At 38, I was told that I needed to have a hysterectomy because they had found cancer'

'At 38, I was told that I needed to have a hysterectomy because they had found cancer'

Gráinne Culliton was devastated when she was told she had to undergo a hysterectomy for cervical cancer at 38. However, she went on to become a mum of two through surrogacy

Fri, 19 Sep, 2025

Working Life: Every year in Ireland, about 7,000 people experience a stroke

Working Life: Every year in Ireland, about 7,000 people experience a stroke

Recovery after a stroke can be overwhelming, but with the right support, patients can rebuild their independence, confidence, and sense of hope. Being part of that journey is an incredible privilege

Fri, 19 Sep, 2025

Beautiful woman showing stop sign

The consent conversation: How to avoid grey areas in the modern dating scene

Students’ unions are organising consent workshops for freshers to promote safe and mutually enjoyable sexual experiences

Fri, 12 Sep, 2025

Working Life: ‘When I left school at 18, I went straight into a caring role in my local nursing home’

Working Life: ‘When I left school at 18, I went straight into a caring role in my local nursing home’

Michael Cronin, regional patient and service user engagement lead, HSE Mid West

Fri, 05 Sep, 2025

'I thought I was having a heart attack — it was actually bowel cancer'

'I thought I was having a heart attack — it was actually bowel cancer'

Cork-based mother of two Natasha O’Byrne is undergoing chemotherapy, but that hasn’t stopped her from raising money for the charity that came to her aid

Mon, 25 Aug, 2025

NIAMH CONROY

'A mother busy with a young family ignored blood in her stool — she had stage four bowel cancer'

One in 10 who develop the disease is under 50, so it’s essential to be vigilant and tackle the stigmas associated with discussing poo

Mon, 18 Aug, 2025

Couple Lying On Bed At Home

Sex File: Our sessions go on for too long and I stop enjoying it — is there a solution?

Consistently extended sex sessions are unfortunately more likely to cause extreme discomfort than to give her an orgasm

Mon, 18 Aug, 2025

New movie Materialists explores the hollow world of high-end dating — but is modern dating merely transactional?

New movie Materialists explores the hollow world of high-end dating — but is modern dating merely transactional?

Is modern dating, as depicted in a new movie, more like a shopping trip, with financial wherewithal at the top of the checklist?

Fri, 15 Aug, 2025

Working Life: Your career path doesn’t have to be traditional to lead to success

Working Life: Your career path doesn’t have to be traditional to lead to success

Sharon Scanlan, advisory partner, head of Healthcare and Life Sciences, Grant Thornton

Fri, 15 Aug, 2025

Parenting teenagers: When to choose a conflict — and when to let it go

Parenting teenagers: When to choose a conflict — and when to let it go

Everything from the clothes your children wear to the state of their bedroom can bother you but there is a time to get tough and there's a time to look the other way the experts tell Helen O'Callaghan.

Sun, 10 Aug, 2025

Working Life: My interest in gardening isn’t random... my great grandfather was head gardener at a stately home

Working Life: My interest in gardening isn’t random... my great grandfather was head gardener at a stately home

Covid prompted me to re-evaluate my life, when I found myself working a lot from home. I saw that I could be making better use of my time than spending hours commuting every day

Fri, 08 Aug, 2025

Creative teamwork in a tech company's boardroom

Workplace Wellbeing: Is there a price to pay for being too likeable?

The pressure to be liked is real and often it's women who sacrifice their own preferences for those of the majority

Fri, 01 Aug, 2025

I noticed a lump in my throat while swallowing — it was cancer

I noticed a lump in my throat while swallowing — it was cancer

Business manager Mike Freeney enjoyed ultra running in his free time, but difficulty eating and keeping up with other runners led him to visit his GP and the start of tests, which revealed throat cancer

Sun, 27 Jul, 2025

Fergal Fox

Working Life: My first-ever audio recording was done with our local parish priest in Mayo

Fergal Fox, head of stakeholder engagement and communications, HSE Health and Wellbeing

Fri, 25 Jul, 2025

My kids forced me to get my hearing checked — how right they were

My kids forced me to get my hearing checked — how right they were

Vickie Maye noticed a decline in her hearing in her late 20s after undergoing chemotherapy for lymphoma. She decided to act when she could no longer rely on lip reading at social events, and her children were fed up with having to repeat themselves over and over

Fri, 25 Jul, 2025

‘My mom never knew she had dementia — it would have devastated her’

‘My mom never knew she had dementia — it would have devastated her’

Neuroscientist Sabina Brennan encourages caregivers to live in the moment and notice the happy experiences they share with their loved one

Fri, 18 Jul, 2025

Working Life: ‘Before the Flood’ helped me make climate action my life’s work

Working Life: ‘Before the Flood’ helped me make climate action my life’s work

Samuel Awe, HSE Capital & Estates regional sustainability office, HSE Dublin and Midlands

Fri, 18 Jul, 2025

Woman kissing cute Jack Russell Terrier dog on white background. Space for text

Growing up around pets is particularly helpful for immune development — here's why

Growing evidence suggests that regular exposure to our pets’ microbes, particularly in early life, can help build a stronger immune system

Fri, 11 Jul, 2025

Working Life: 'The youngest person with dementia we worked with was 45 — that's heartbreaking'

Working Life: 'The youngest person with dementia we worked with was 45 — that's heartbreaking'

Gillian Dullea, senior primary care occupational therapist, Dublin South and Wicklow

Fri, 11 Jul, 2025

Woman rubbing aching back

Natural Health: What can I do about my lower back pain?

Plus: natural ways of helping your loved one with repetitive behaviours

Sun, 06 Jul, 2025

Sleeping with a snorer

Is a sleep divorce the solution? How to get past the long, sleepless nights

Sleep is vital to our health, and an increasing number of couples are discovering that sleeping separately can lead to a better night’s rest.

Fri, 04 Jul, 2025

Working Life: Many Roma women had never had a cervical screening test before

Working Life: Many Roma women had never had a cervical screening test before

Gina Miyagawa, Roma health co-ordinator, Cork Kerry Community Healthcare

Fri, 04 Jul, 2025

PROF RONAN COLLINS

Working Life: If you like people, you will like geriatric medicine

Professor Ronan Collins, consultant geriatrician and Age Friendly ambassador for South Dublin Co Council

Fri, 27 Jun, 2025

Workplace Wellbeing: Breaking the barriers that block disabled people's careers

Workplace Wellbeing: Breaking the barriers that block disabled people's careers

Many disabled people in Ireland are willing and able to work, but with our disability employment rate the lowest in the EU, more must be done to support them

Fri, 27 Jun, 2025

People clinking glasses with sparkling wine indoors , closeup

Sobering shift: Are Irish women changing their relationship to alcohol?

National Women's Health Survey: Despite what the marketing departments might tell us, alcohol isn’t a healthy way to unwind, and more women are realising they are better off without it

Fri, 27 Jun, 2025

Young girl with open arms freely at mountain top against sunset.

Five simple things you can do to stay fit and healthy this summer

From breathing more effectively to getting morning sunlight, keep it simple this summer

Fri, 27 Jun, 2025

Annie Mac: I still struggle to be the centre of attention

Annie Mac: 'After I had kids I was busier than ever — I was really burnt out'

The Dublin-born DJ chats about sober DJing, weight training and perimenopause

Sun, 15 Jun, 2025

Hands Forming a Heart Shape Near an Airplane Window During Flight

What are the health risks of flying and how can we limit their impact?

Flying takes a toll on your body, but with a few practical strategies, you can start your holiday feeling your best

Fri, 13 Jun, 2025

Angry businesswomen looking with hate

Workplace Wellbeing: How to deal with irritating coworkers

Experts offer advice on how to deal with coworkers who have a knack for getting under your skin at work

Fri, 13 Jun, 2025

Everything you need to know about cholesterol and how to keep it under control

Everything you need to know about cholesterol and how to keep it under control

A high cholesterol level is dangerous, but with the right diet, an active lifestyle, and support from your doctor, you can get it under control

Fri, 06 Jun, 2025

Working Life: 'My mum and teacher sparked my love for science'

Working Life: 'My mum and teacher sparked my love for science'

“Memorable moments in my job include when the email came in to share the news that cases of rotavirus had dropped by over 70% in the first two years since the vaccine was introduced"

Fri, 06 Jun, 2025

Happily ever after with greener bites — staying sustainable on your big day doesn’t have to be difficult

Happily ever after with greener bites — staying sustainable on your big day doesn’t have to be difficult

Staying sustainable on your big day doesn’t have to be difficult. Caroline Hennessy talks to Michael O’Neill of Clonakilty’s Fernhill House Hotel & Gardens about reducing waste and using local produce

Fri, 06 Jun, 2025

eating apple

Eat your way to the best results — nutritious food to help exam students succeed

A leading dietitian gives some simple tips for success ahead of the Leaving and Junior Cert exams

Tue, 03 Jun, 2025

Irish rowing champion Aoife Willis: 'The possibility of being diabetic never came into my head'

Irish rowing champion Aoife Willis: 'The possibility of being diabetic never came into my head'

Up to 300,000 people are living with diabetes in Ireland. According to recent research, many believe there is stigma associated with their condition

Fri, 30 May, 2025

Bright red heart on opened white sanitary towel with wings on light pink table background. Pastel color. Closeup. Top down view.

A period of life we need to talk about — the stigma that still surrounds menstruation

Menstruation is still surrounded by stigma, with half of women feeling uneasy discussing it at work and the majority of students lacking an understanding of their cycle

Fri, 30 May, 2025

Sporty Young Woman Drinking Water On Bridge

Tips to keep in mind before lacing up your trainers for a run

Before you lace up your trainers and head out to exercise under the hot sun, keep these tips in mind

Fri, 30 May, 2025

Working Life: 'We’re very concerned about the attraction of vapes to young people'

Working Life: 'We’re very concerned about the attraction of vapes to young people'

“We strongly recommend that those selling e-cigarettes and vapes get details from their supplier of the products’ origins and confirm that they are legal"

Fri, 30 May, 2025

Workplace Wellbeing: We need policies that support workers through a cancer diagnosis

Workplace Wellbeing: We need policies that support workers through a cancer diagnosis

A cancer diagnosis can significantly affect a person’s career, highlighting the need for workplace policies that support employees and employers

Fri, 30 May, 2025