Inflammation Nation

In episode four of Inflammation Nation, Consultant Rheumatologist, Dr John Stack, chats with Peter Boyd about the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of fibromyalgia. This podcast explores the evolving understanding of fibromyalgia, highlighting a shift toward validating the very real experiences of those affected. The discussion includes a focus on the fact that treatment is not always straightforw...

Arthritis Ireland CEO, Gráinne O'Leary, talks with Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Louise Moore, and Clinical Midwife Specialist, Celine O'Brien, about the challenges of a postpartum flare, and some practical tips that can help ease the burden. This includes a mix of self-care, lifestyle adjustments and working closely with your healthcare team to decide on appropriate medications that are compatible...

In this episode of Inflammation Nation, Tara Regan speaks with associate professor of psychology, Dr Joanna McHugh Power, about loneliness, particularly for those living with chronic conditions like arthritis. With Ireland recently named the ‘loneliest country in the EU,’ this is a timely discussion. Dr McHugh Power shares insights from her research and explores solutions to loneliness, highlighti...

In our first episode of series five of Inflammation Nation, Maebh Coyle meets with lecturer, researcher, psychologist and meditation teacher, Dr Pádraic Dunne to discuss the potential benefits of regular meditation for anyone living with a chronic condition like arthritis or a related condition. Dr Dunne, himself, lives with axSpA and has seen, first-hand, the extraordinary effects of regular medi...

Calm your body, calm your mind: 10-minute meditation This 10-minute body scan meditation, guided by Dr. Pádraic Dunne, psychologist and meditation teacher at RCSI, is designed for people living with arthritis and related conditions. By gently bringing attention to different parts of the body, it should help you relax, reduce stress, and activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which may suppor...

In this episode of Inflammation Nation, Gráinne O’Leary engages in an insightful conversation with Dr Carmel Silke, Honorary Personal Professor of Medicine at the University of Galway and consultant rheumatologist at the North-West Rheumatology Unit based in Sligo and Manorhamilton. Together they explore the multifaceted concept of remission in arthritis, and how advancements in drug treatments ha...

In this episode of Inflammation Nation, Maebh Coyle meets Dr Jo Kitchen, a consultant rheumatologist from the Mater Hospital, Dublin, to discuss the ins and outs of medications typically used to treat arthritis. In this interview, Dr Kitchen discusses how biologics and other new drugs have changed the landscape for those living with inflammatory forms of arthritis, the various factors that can imp...

In this episode of Inflammation Nation, Gráinne O’Leary meets Dr Ruth Usher, lecturer in occupational therapy in University College Cork to discuss the Advanced Healthcare Directive. They discuss the steps involved in creating one, including the legal formalities, the role of healthcare professionals, and the significance of appointing a designated healthcare representative.   They also have an in...

In this episode of Inflammation Nation, Peter Boyd meets Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist, Sandra Caulfield and Clinical Specialist MSK Podiatrist, Yvonne Buckley to discuss foot health and arthritis. This episode is a must listen for anyone seeking to gain insights into how arthritis impacts foot health and daily activities, learn about daily routines and practices to keep your feet in optimal...

In this episode of Inflammation Nation, Gráinne O’Leary meets with occupational therapist Linda Horgan to discuss the concept of future-proofing your home. Together, they explore practical strategies, ensuring you can continue to enjoy the sanctuary of your home for years to come. From installing grab bars and handrails to enhancing lighting and eliminating tripping hazards, we'll cover the essent...

In this episode of Inflammation Nation, Gráinne O’Leary meets Dr Kathy Gallagher, consultant paediatric rheumatologist. They discuss the different sub-types of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), the symptoms of these subtypes, the path to diagnosis and treatment options. They delve into the daily challenges, the importance of validating the young person’s feelings and encouraging them to enjoy c...

In this episode of Inflammation Nation, Tara Regan meets Dr Joan Ní Gabhann-Dromgoole, Senior Lecturer, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences (PBS), RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences and Gráinne Tynan, senior occupational therapist and patient researcher in RCSI, who lives with Sjӧgrens disease. Gráinne shares her journey from diagnosis to day-to-day life, offering invaluable...

In this episode of Inflammation Nation, Tara Regan meets Professor Oran Kennedy, Lecturer in the Department of Anatomy & Regenerative Medicine, at RCSI to discuss post traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA). PTOA is a sub-type of osteoarthritis, that typically develops after joint injury or a trauma.  PTOA commonly has a known “starting point,” which means that interventions could theoretically be initia...

In this episode of Inflammation Nation, Peter Boyd meets Professor Annie Curtis where they discuss our circadian rhythm, exposure to daylight and blue light, the impact of eating at specific times of the day and how this interacts with our sleep patterns. They also discuss the role of melatonin and cortisol and the connection between body clocks, inflammation and disease.

In this episode of Inflammation Nation, Gráinne O’Leary meets Dr Deirdre Lundy and Mary Gillespie to discuss joint health and menopause, overlapping symptoms and the role of HRT treatment. They also talk about a range of topics including the importance of sleep, managing stress, exercise and diet, reaching out for support and being an advocate for yourself.  

In this episode, Gráinne O’Leary meets Dr Conor Hearty. They discuss different categories of pain, the point at which people should seek help, assessing patients and treatment options.  They also cover the importance of self-management and a collaborative approach for pain management including the biopsychosocial model. We also hear about medications used, the vulnerability of those who live with...

In this episode of Inflammation Nation, Tara Regan meets Úna Martin and Dr Kate McCann to discuss the role of lifestyle medicine in making changes to your health and wellbeing. The interview breaks down the 6 pillars of lifestyle medicine, with advice on how to get started, check progress and celebrate milestones. A new booklet with a step-by-step guide to incorporating lifestyle medicine into you...

In this episode of Inflammation Nation, Gráinne O’Leary meets Andrew McCann to discuss the complex area of rights and entitlements.  This is an in-depth discussion that covers a multitude of topics, including, the importance of seeking expert help, completing applications correctly, medical and GP cards, the long-term illness scheme, disabled person’s parking cards, housing adaptation grants, cros...

In this episode of Inflammation Nation, Tara Regan meets occupational therapist Dr Yvonne Codd and Aoife McCoy who lives with rheumatoid arthritis and is a busy mum to her young son. Yvonne and Aoife discuss strategies for parenting with arthritis, planning, delegation of parenting tasks, asking for help and the importance of surrounding ourselves with family and friends that can be relied on in t...

In this episode of Inflammation Nation, Gráinne O’Leary meets Professor Helen French where they explore the important role of exercise in treating the symptoms of osteoarthritis.  They also discuss the risk factors for developing osteoarthritis and the importance of maintaining mobility and a healthy weight to reduce risk. They explore the types of exercise suitable for those living with osteoarth...

In this episode of Inflammation Nation, Peter Boyd meets Dr Jennifer Wilson O’Raghallaigh to discuss the difficulties of living with an invisible condition and how to effectively communicate needs and challenges to those around us.  They discuss the complexities that invisible illnesses can bring, especially when people appear to ‘look fine’.  They also explore how to recognise the signs and sympt...

In this episode of Inflammation Nation, Gráinne O’Leary meets Professor Gaye Cunnane where they discuss her journey of documenting the progress of rheumatology in Ireland. Gaye also discusses her inspiration and love for rheumatology, the importance of the doctor-patient relationship and how developments in rheumatology have made significant changes to outcomes for those living with arthritis. For...

In this episode of Inflammation Nation, Peter Boyd meets dietitian and Communications Manager at the INDI, Louise Reynolds. They discuss the importance of getting trustworthy, evidence-based advice from a registered dietitian. They also examine how to incorporate the Mediterranean diet into everyday life, the pitfalls of excluding food groups from your diet and tips and tricks for planning and coo...

Jane Brownlee, Senior Occupational Therapist at Naas General Hospital and Anna O’Laoghaire, Arthritis Ireland Helpline Volunteer Peter Boyd meets Arthritis Ireland Helpline volunteer Anna O’Laoghaire and Senior Occupational Therapist Jane Brownlee to discuss ways in which those with a chronic condition can navigate pain and fatigue while managing everyday tasks and the expectations of family, frie...

Professor Rose Anne Kenny, REGIS Professor and award-winning physician and researcher who has been head of the Department of Gerontology at Trinity College Dublin since 2006. She is the founding principal investigator of the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA).  Professor Rose Anne Kenny meets Gráinne O’Leary in this episode, dispelling the myth that genetics play the strongest role in agei...