A WonderCare Podcast

Understanding RSV and the Impact of NursivMab Immunization In this week's episode, Sheena discusses Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and provides an update on the current RSV season. She explains the effects of Nirsevimab, the new RSV immunisation introduced through a Pathfinder program for babies born between September 1st and February 28th. She also reads a letter she wrote to Dr. Colm Henry an...

Understanding Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment In this episode of the WonderCare podcast, Sheena, a pharmacist and mother of three, explores hand, foot, and mouth disease. She covers its causes, symptoms, and how it spreads, and offers tips on reducing transmission, treating symptoms, and when to see a doctor. Sheena also discusses a lesser-known aftermath of the dise...

In this episode, Sheena delves into the world of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) in Ireland. She explores the nature and necessity of HRT, its various options, benefits, and potential drawbacks. She also addresses the controversy surrounding Minister Stephen Donnelly's 'free HRT scheme', explaining why it may not actually be free for patients and highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by comm...

Antimicrobial Resistance - What happens when antibiotics won't work? (re-release) REALITY CHECK - This is really important! Imagine a world before antibiotics when a simple cough or cut on your leg could result in death. That's kind of where we are headed if we don't act as a collective in the name of antimicrobial stewardship. In This Episode: What are antibiotics? What do you mean by a...

Sheena was asked "Is Salin Plus a gimmick?" on her instagram this week - this is the answer! This episode focuses on the Salin Plus salt therapy device. Sheena addresses potential concerns about bias due to the sponsorship of the season by Salin Plus. As a pharmacist, Sheena revisits scientific evidence supporting halotherapy, which uses dry salt particles to improve respiratory health. Key points...

Understanding and Managing Croup in Children In this episode of the Wonder Care Podcast, Sheena Mitchell, a Pharmacist and mother of three, discusses winter viruses with a focus on croup, a condition affecting the upper airways primarily in children under six. She explains the symptoms, causes, and ways to manage croup, emphasizing the importance of staying calm and offering reassurance to the chi...

Understanding Human Meta Pneumovirus (HMPV): Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention In this episode, Sheena discusses Human Meta Pneumovirus (HMPV), a virus similar to RSV that was discovered in 2001 and is prevalent worldwide. Often spread through respiratory droplets, HMPV commonly affects children and can cause both upper and lower respiratory tract infections, including pneumonia and asthma flare...

Advocating for Vaccine Access: Navigating RSV Immunization Challenges In this special episode, Sheena is joined by Emma, a mother of two, who recounts her harrowing experience with her child's severe RSV infection and her tireless advocacy for broader vaccine availability. The discussion delves into the bureaucratic obstacles and frustrations with the healthcare system, touching on the lack of acc...

Comprehensive Guide to the New RSV Immunisation for Parents In this detailed episode, I provide an in-depth exploration of the new RSV immunisation, focusing on its importance, safety, and effectiveness. The discussion covers the basics and risks of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), the introduction and benefits of the Nirsevimab vaccine, and potential side effects. The episode compares Nirsevima...

Empowering Women's Health: The Case for Over-the-Counter Vaginal Estrogen In this episode, Laura passionately discusses her advocacy for making vaginal estrogen available over the counter, eliminating the need for a prescription. She explains the role of vaginal estrogen, particularly for women experiencing low estrogen levels due to menopause, perimenopause, and other conditions. The conversation...

I am so excited to dive straight into Season 10 of A WonderCare Podcast! Thank you all so much for staying tuned over the past couple of years - I quite literally could not do this without you. Let's find out what's coming up in Season 10! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The government has announced a new plan to include a two-dose chickenpox vaccine in the childhood immunization schedule for all babies born on or after October 1, 2024. The vaccine will be administered at 12 months and again when the child enters junior infants. There is no catch-up program for those born before this date, who will need to get vaccinated privately. Despite initial concerns about t...

In this weeks episode I discuss the anticipated health challenges for the upcoming winter season. I draws parallels to Australia's recent flu season, highlighting the prevalence of diseases like flu, whooping cough (pertussis), RSV, and COVID-19. I emphasise the importance of vaccinations, especially given the uptick in measles and pertussis cases due to missed vaccinations during the pandemic loc...

Head Lice Prevention and Treatment: Everything You Need to Know In this Wonder Care podcast episode, Sheena Mitchell, a pharmacist and mother of three, covers comprehensive information about head lice. She discusses how head lice spread, the best methods for detection, and effective products for treatment and prevention. The episode debunks common misconceptions and provides practical advice on ma...

In this episode, we are joined by Kim Wyse, a trustee of the Irish Sepsis Foundation, who shares her powerful and personal story of surviving sepsis. Kim talks about her life before sepsis as a busy mother of three and her diagnosis with Crohn's disease in 2015. She recounts the shock of an unexpected pregnancy while dealing with her autoimmune disease, the subsequent health complications, includi...

Understanding Ultra Processed Foods: A Family Discussion In this introductory episode, the host, Sheena, discusses the concept of ultra processed foods, aiming to educate parents, children, and anyone interested in healthier eating habits. The episode explores what ultra processed foods are, gives examples, and explains why they can be harmful. Sheena underscores the importance of a balanced diet...

Settling Back into School - Survival Guide! Now that the kids are back in school, it will become obvious that some children adapt better to the change in routine than others. As parents, we are often faced with significant challenges! In this Episode: 00:00 Welcome to Wonder Care Podcast 00:47 Understanding Childhood Anxiety 01:48 Recognizing Signs of Anxiety 03:58 Effective Co...

Mpox is making headlines - Want to know why? In this episode: What is Mpox Risk of Mpox in Ireland What do we need to do to stay safe We need to keep educating ourselves to be proactive about our health. I will continue to try to bring you the most evidence based, practical and reasonable health information I can! Season 9 Partnership –  Salin Plus (available here!) I am so thrilled to be par...

There is a different form of contraception available for every individual and every life stage! In this episode I chat about all of the pro's and cons of the various forms from pill, to patch, injection, to coil to make sure when you go to the GP you know what you want! The way things currently stand in Ireland you need a GP appointment to have contraception prescribed - I can see that changing in...

This weeks episode tells you all about tick bites and Lyme disease. Lyme disease awareness is a huge part of prevention. What are ticks and do they all cause Lyme disease? How to know if you've been bitten by a tick. What ticks are in Ireland. Signs and symptoms of Lyme disease Diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease How to prevent tick bites what animals carry ticks? Product Recommendations: Tick...

I chat with Conal Harpur all about ADHD. We discuss the merits of diagnosis and its role in supporting both children and adults. With ADHD being so widely recognised on social media and with more and more well known faces disclosing diagnosis I wanted to chat about how that diagnosis is given, where is best to get it, and what benefits it offers. You can find Conal Harpur and his team at CBT Solut...

I'm so excited to be back for Season 9 of A WonderCare podcast! I'll be chatting all things family health once more and keeping you up to date on all of your health news! Follow me on instagram here - https://www.instagram.com/wondercare_irl/?hl=en Check out my online pharmacy here - https://www.wondercare.ie/ Season 9 Partnership –  Salin Plus (available here!) I am so thrilled to be partner...

In this 'Living with' episode I chat with Ollie Hickey, age 9, all about living with Muscular Dystrophy. Ollie is a talented drummer and also now an advocate for himself and others with MD. Ollie has a form of Muscular Dystrophy called Bethlem Myopathy and his parents explain it to me and highlight the amazing Walk4Ollie Campaign! Claire and Paddy Hickey are beacons of positivity and encouragement...

Dr. Suzanne Crowe, a pediatric intensivist, discusses her role in intensive care medicine and the impact of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) on the health system. She emphasizes the need for vaccinating babies against RSV how crucial it is to expand the planned programme for this Winter. Dr. Crowe highlights the trauma that babies and their families experience when a baby is hospitalized with RSV...

A Gay Dads Journey From Childhood in Rural Ireland to Marraige and Family Life with Seamus Kearney Martone. I found this episode hugely insightful, to think we grew up in the same town but had such different experiences. Castlerea is a wonderful locality and community, but like any rural Irish town in the 1980's and 1990's, fear of anything other than a conventional relationship was an underlying...