MyHealth RCSI

We are all aware that rising numbers of patients are travelling abroad for surgery for a variety of reasons. But, regardless of the reason, surgery always carries risk and travelling abroad for surgery adds additional layers of risk. In this conversation, we want to help patients ask the right questions and find trusted information to be fully informed before making the decision to travel. From pe...

Heart disease affects thousands of people in Ireland every year, but understanding your heart doesn’t have to be complicated.  We’ll be talking about everything from the early warning signs of heart trouble, to what happens during a cardiac event, to how you can live well with a long‑term heart condition. If you’ve ever wondered what symptoms you shouldn’t ignore, how treatments work, or what you...

We’re diving into the impact of air pollution on our health, our families, and our communities. Whether you live in a busy city, care about climate justice, or simply want to protect your loved ones, this is a conversation that matters.  You'll hear from experts who will help us understand how air pollution affects our bodies, and more importantly, what we can do about it. From small everyday chan...

We explore how movement and physical activity can boost brain health and improve everyday life for people living with neurological conditions like epilepsy and Parkinson’s. You’ll hear powerful personal stories and learn how movement can be a source of strength, confidence, and connection. Movement isn’t just good for the body, it’s great for the brain too.   Whether you're living with a neurologi...

We’re taking a fresh look at asthma and breaking down the latest research into simple, everyday tips that can make a difference. You’ll hear real stories from people living with asthma, learn practical advice from experts, and discover how to support someone you care about – whether it’s a child, an adult, or anyone managing asthma alongside other health challenges. This episode was recorded in fr...

If you’re caring for someone you love, whether it’s a child, an older adult, or someone with mental or physical health challenges, this episode is for you. We’ll hear real stories, share practical advice, and explore the supports that can help carers stay well while caring for others.     Dr Pádraic Dunne from the RCSI Centre for Positive Health Science hosts the discussion. Joining Pádraic for th...

he final episode of the RCSI MyHealth series 2024/25 explores the crucial role of sleep in our overall health, wellbeing and performance.  Despite its importance, many people struggle to achieve sufficient and restorative sleep. In this episode, we will delve into what happens to the brain and body during sleep, the key factors that influence sleep quality, and evidence-based tools to improve it....

The fifth episode of the RCSI MyHealth series 2024/25 explores the evolving landscape of diabetes, examining the latest trends in prevalence, causes, and impacts. The panel members highlight the advances in treatment and technology for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, while also offering personal insights and future directions for prevention, management, and support. This episode is chaired by Pro...

Listener Discretion Advised This audio contains content intended for adults and is not suitable for listeners under the age of 18. If you're looking for educational materials that are more suitable for younger audiences, please visit: https://johnnysambassadors.org/teachers/ This RCSI MyHealth Series event, focusing on the topic of cannabis and young minds, explores the latest research on how cann...

The third episode in the RCSI MyHealth series 2024/2025, focusing on emotional well-being following a cancer diagnosis, took place as an in-person event at RCSI’s St Stephen’s Green campus in Dublin city centre earlier this month. The event featured healthcare providers and patient advocates who shared personal insights and coping strategies for life with cancer. This episode is chaired by Dr Padr...

The second episode in the RCSI MyHealth series 2024/2025 will focus on the topic of understanding and managing chronic pain. This episode will explore the complex presentation of chronic pain. The panel will discuss the various management options, including the importance of therapeutic alliance and self-management to empower people living with chronic pain. This episode will be chaired by Profess...

As part of this discussion, the panel will discuss the emotional impact of a diagnosis from a patient advocate living with Lewy Body Dementia, raise awareness and share practical tools for maintaining brain health, as well as discuss developments in disease modifying treatments in this area.   This episode will be chaired by Professor Annie Curtis, Associate Professor, School of Pharmacy and Biomo...

As part of this discussion, the panel will raise awareness around the key risk factors for heart health, in particular, how menopause affects women’s risk of heart disease and stroke, the role of lifestyle medicine in prevention and specific supports available around maintaining cardiac health and preventing cardiovascular disease.  This episode will be chaired by Dr Sarah Barry, Director of Acade...

As part of this discussion, the panel will address the key concerns and worries that parents have around the topic of child nutrition and provide information and practical advice to support healthy growth and development.  This episode will be chaired by Professor Oran D. Kennedy, Associate Professor, Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, RCSI Panelists include: Dr Michael Riordan, Clin...

In this episode the panel will address some of the issues we are facing globally with the rise of antibiotic resistance, review new and developing research in this area, and look at prevention and control measures that can be taken to reduce the impact and limit the spread of resistance.  Chair: Dr Deirdre Fitzgerald Hughes, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Microbiology and Deputy Head of Scho...

In this episode, the panel will address some of the preventative measures, as well as focus on the recent developments in treatments, rehabilitation and the acute care of stroke patients, as well as sharing a personal journey with stroke. Chair: Professor Anne Hickey, Professor of Psychology and Deputy Dean for Positive Education, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences and Principal Inves...

In this episode, researchers from the RCSI Centre for Positive Health Sciences will discuss how parents and caregivers can make the start of the school year a positive experience for children and teenagers.  Chair: Professor Ciaran O'Boyle, Director, Centre for Positive Health Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences.   Speakers: Dr Jolanta Burke, Senior Lecturer, RCSI Centre for...

In this episode, our expert panel will discuss the existing and emerging evidence on vaping and what it means for our health. Chair Professor Anne Hickey, Professor of Psychology and Deputy Dean for Positive Education, RCSI Speakers Professor Gerry McElvaney, Professor of Medicine, Department of Medicine, RCSI Professor Donal F. O'Shea, Professor and Head of Department, Department of Chemistry, RC...

This episode explores 'Debunking the Myths: Talking to Teenagers About Sexual Health' – The RCSI led programme providing science based information on sexual and reproductive health to teenagers and their parents. In this episode, the panel will discuss how to find clear and reliable information about sexual and reproductive health that will help both teenagers and parents with this sometimes chall...

In this episode, our panel will continue a conversation started last year, with updates from new evidence and will provide practical ideas and resources to help navigate the menopause transition and post menopause phase of life, including how to manage this transition at work. In February 2022, RCSI aired a MyHealth episode on the menopause called ‘Living Well through Perimenopause and Menopause’....

In this episode, the panel will discuss the science behind obesity, as well as explore some of the common misconceptions around obesity and stigma, how we think and talk about obesity, and best practices in obesity care delivery. Chair: Dr Oran Kennedy, Lecturer at the Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences. Speakers: Dr Grace O’Malley, Sen...

This episode of the RCSI MyHealth Series is on the topic of ‘Positive ageing – retiring well’. As part of this discussion, the panel will explore the process of retirement from a psychological aspect and lifestyle medicine perspective, as well as sharing practical tools and strategies to prepare for a successful retirement.      Speakers:   Dr Trudy Meehan, Lecturer at the RCSI Centre for Positive...

In this MyHealth Series episode, our panel discuss the importance of prioritising young people’s mental health, identifying early warning signs and sharing supports and things we can do to help protect young people’s mental health. This episode is chaired by Professor Ciaran O’Boyle, Director of the RCSI Centre for Positive Psychology and Health. Panelists include: Professor Patrick McGorry AO, Ex...

In this RCSI MyHealth Series episode, our panel of experts provide a broad overview of cancer and address some of those most commonly asked questions about symptoms, risk factors and prevention measures, treatments and preparing for treatment, and the latest in cancer research. This episode is chaired by Professor Leonie Young, Scientific Director at Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre and Professor at th...

Learning to live well is the theme of the next two episodes in the MyHealth series. In part 1, a panel of RCSI experts review the lifestyle medicine pillars of physical activity and exercise, healthy relationships and sleep to explore the strategies and tools we can use to improve our physical and emotional health. This episode is chaired by Professor Ciaran O’Boyle, Director of the RCSI Centre fo...