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9 Health and Nutrition Benefits of Apricots
9 Health and Nutrition Benefits of ApricotsApricots (Prunus armeniaca) are stone fruits also known as Armenian plums. Round and yellow, they look like a smaller version of a peach but share the tartness of purple plums. They’re extremely nutritious and have many health benefits, such as impr... Read more →
Why You’ll Eat More If Your Diet Consists of Ultra-Processed Foods
Why you'll eat more if your diet consists of Ultra-Processed Foods If you eat a diet high in ultra-processed foods, odds are you’re eating more than you would with an unprocessed diet. Researchers have long suspected a link between ultra-processed foods and the obesity epidemic. Now, in a r... Read more →
CAO points race 'putting children's health at risk' amid fall in fitness levels
CAO points race 'putting children's health at risk' amid fall in fitness levels The long-term health of teenagers is being put at risk by the race for CAO points, according to health and fitness expert Professor Niall Moyna. His warning comes as a new study shows a sharp fall in fitness leve... Read more →
How to keep calm and make it a habit
How to keep calm and make it a habit Which one of these six super positive emotions would you like to wake up feeling every morning? Love? Calmness? Confidence? Gratitude? Hope? or Happiness? All of them are of course appealing, but which one resonates most with you? If it is calmness, then ... Read more →
Treating healthcare as a human right
Counting down the minutes to medical attention while waiting on a hospital trolley in the wee small hours, one may have many thoughts: but not necessarily about the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Yet, under Article 12 of this treaty, Ireland has committed itself to ... Read more →
Top foods to boost your mental health, according to this performance nutritionist
Ireland has one of the highest rates of mental health problems in Europe, ranking joint third (along with France) out of the 36 countries surveyed in the annual Health at a Glance report. The last few years have seen a big increase in both awareness and support for people experiencing mental illness... Read more →
Foods to boost mental health
Ireland has one of the highest rates of mental health problems in Europe, ranking joint third (along with France) out of the 36 countries surveyed in the annual Health at a Glance report. The last few years have seen a big increase in both awareness and support for people experiencing mental illness... Read more →
Seven small tweaks for a healthier you: these micro-changes can deliver big results
Do your radical New Year lifestyle goals already seem a bridge too far? Joel Snape has the perfect micro-changes that will deliver big results January! Month of four-week fixes and eight-minute abs, six-hour social media windows and 30-day booze-fasts. The season where it's impossible to look at ... Read more →
New year, new you: thinking big and starting small
Opinion: when it comes to improving our health and wellbeing, we need to maintain behavioural changes and establish new habits Get fit, lose weight Spend more time in nature and less time on screens Drink less, move more Worry less, meditate more Spend less, save more It's that time of yea... Read more →
The coolest new fitness trend is exercising in the cold, but does it actually work?
As any regular gym-goer knows, getting hot and sweaty is part and parcel of a good workout. In fact, most of us are of the opinion that the hotter, the better, as it shows that you’re really pushing your body to the limit. Well, a new boutique fitness studio in New York is turning this conven... Read more →
Pea milk and mushroom porridge - the new superfoods hitting Ireland
For fashionable foodies, 2017 was the year of coconut oil, smashed avocado and chia seeds - but what will the on-trend kitchen whizzes be eating this year? From veggie teas to meaty fruits, there's a shopping basket full of new flavours to try out. We spoke to some of Ireland's leading foodies t... Read more →
Achoo! How to survive hay fever season
For anyone celebrating the arrival of spring by stockpiling over-the-counter hay fever treatments, news of a new vaccine may come as blessed relief. The treatment, developed in Vienna, involves synthetic grass pollen being injected into the sufferer's system, reducing the classic wheezi... Read more →
Exam season advice for parents: 'Their mental health is far more important than chasing points'
As the exam season looms, revisions are in full swing, tensions are running high and the heat is on for the estimated 120,000 students preparing to sit this year's Junior and Leaving Cert from June 6. For parents it can be an equally anxious time, set to be even more challenging this ye... Read more →
Treats are no way to reward our children
Last week, the results of a survey conducted by Safefood, the HSE and Healthy Ireland found that families with children spent 19pc of the average weekly food shop on what are classified as "treat" foods. In a survey of 500 households, they found that on average over a year, a family wou... Read more →
What effect is our protein obsession having on our health?
A courier arrived at my front door recently, requesting my signature for the delivery of some large boxes. The cartons, which were addressed to my 20-year-old son, held, I discovered on investigation, two giant containers of protein powder. I expressed my disapproval and concern to... Read more →
15 Ways to boost your immune system
Áilín Quinlan asked the experts for their top tips to restore your sparkle. Leftover foods like re-cooked potato and re-heated rice are good for you. 1 There is no magic pill There's no easy solution to revitalising a flu-battered immune system, says dietitian Paula M... Read more →
Forever young: the secret to ageing well
Researchers spent years studying a group of people over 80 to find out what sets them apart. As their findings are published this week, Guy Kelly unlocks the mystery to a long, happy life. It's a question that's vexed humans since the Early Dynastic Period, but now it turns out Eric Idle gave u... Read more →
Getting more movement into your workday
To be honest, it is something I have been saying and thinking for years - if you spend your days trying to clock up 10,000 steps, you might want to pause and have a rethink. People have been following the catchy fitness goal of 10,000 steps to gauge their activity levels for a while now, but it'... Read more →
The rise of alternative water
The idea has been batted around for a while now, but the so-called 'sugar tax' on fizzy drinks will officially come into effect on April 6. The date was announced last week and will see a tax of 30c per litre added on to sweetened drinks with over 8g of sugar per 100ml in a bid to fight rising obe... Read more →
How much are we really drinking?
As we settle in to the second month of a new year and resolve to be the best and healthiest version of ourselves that we can be, now is probably a good time to ask ourselves how much we drink and to look at our alcohol consumption in terms of our overall health and wellbeing. Be honest ... Read more →
Dining with danger... The worrying rise in food allergies
Food sensitivities have never been more common, and the effects are obvious everywhere from our kids' lunchboxes to restaurant menus. But what's behind this increase? In a special report, Chrissie Russell asks the experts for the most up-to-date advice, meets the families coping with serious allergi... Read more →
16 ways to hit 10,000 steps
Getting in your 10,000 steps, the distance we should all be walking every day for improved health, can seem daunting. It sounds like a lot. And between the commute, the nine hours most of us spend sitting at a desk, and that precious hour or two of spent in front of the television at the end of ... Read more →
How to protect your bones as you age
Winter can be a treacherous time of year, with cold and ice and this year, snow, writes Dr Miriam F. Delaney. A fall on slippy ground resulting in a fractured (broken) wrist or hip is termed a fragility fracture. This occurs as a result of weakened bone, usually from osteoporosis but sometimes f... Read more →
Veg out in January
December's excess makes January a perfect breeding ground for fad diets, the majority of which are abandoned before the month is out. But this year, one New Year, New Me trend is going mainstream and with the capacity to effect more long-term change than most. This month, the Veganuary ... Read more →
Siobhan Byrne: Take the first steps to a leaner, fitter, stronger you
Welcome to week one of our eight-week fitness challenge. For the next eight weeks we are going to be looking at how to create a sustainable fitness routine that you can adapt to your lifestyle to help get you fitter and leaner but, most importantly, to give you focus to challenge yourself and to... Read more →
Children consume 'three times more sugar' than recommended - Nutritionist has simple tip to stop this
Half the sugar consumed by children comes from unhealthy snacks and sugary drinks, according to a health watchdog. On average, children are consuming at least three unhealthy snacks and sugary drinks a day, with around a third consuming four or more. This means that children can easily ... Read more →
Stay on track for Christmas: Stop the excuses — make the most of the daylight hours by fitting in your exercise
Light, glorious light! Every year I am fascinated by just how dark it gets in autumn and winter. It seems to get darker earlier every year, though I am fairly sure this is only in my mind. Over the coming weeks, I'll be bringing you my health survival plan to help you stay on track for ... Read more →
'Drinking is part of Irish culture - from a lack of knowing what else to do' - Irish woman (22) on mental health
It's a truth universally acknowledged that the relationship between young people and technology is complicated. Amid the headlines about selfie culture, cyberbullying and social media, a simple truism gets lost: when it comes to managing one's mental health, technology can be friend as well as f... Read more →
Dear Dr Nina: Do I really need all these vaccines while pregnant?
I am pregnant and about to have my vaccination for pertussis.My GP recommended that I have the flu vaccine also while I am there. I am not afraid of vaccines but before I do, I have a couple of questions. Firstly, is it true that the flu vaccine is not very accurate as there are so many differen... Read more →
Protein diet to help in obesity fight by making us less hungry
High-protein diets have led scientists to a new hunger suppressant that could help fight obesity. Phenylalanine, a component of dietary protein, reduces food intake by affecting the release of appetite-regulating hormones in the gut, research has shown. It may be the reason why die... Read more →
Strict 'five-a-day' rule sidelined in new bid to fight child obesity
Strict healthy living rules like aiming for 'five a day' have been sidelined in a new campaign to tackle child obesity. Families instead are being encouraged to take small steps to improve their dietary and exercise habits. Previous campaigns have spotlighted goals which may be unreachable, includin... Read more →
10 ways to banish the winter blues
It's that time of year again -the mornings suddenly seem chilly, the trees are changing colour and leaves are falling to the ground. I'm lucky, I enjoy autumn, but I know that there are many who do not. I usually look forward to the winter months too, but this year I notice myself being more inf... Read more →
Understanding arthritis just how vital is diet?
When you have arthritis, it's important to have a good knowledge of what foods to include and avoid. Our resident dietitian has the answers, and explains the two most common types of the condition. According to Arthritis Ireland nearly one million people in Ireland live with arthritis. Osteoarthrit... Read more →
Fit after 50: One of the biggest challenges of ageing is getting weaker, but exercising can change this
Welcome to my new six-part series, Fit after 50. My goal over the next six weeks is to show you just how important health and exercise are as you get older. This might be a time when you are facing increasing age-related challenges in your own life, but I'm here to help you do what you ... Read more →
These 'healthy' food brands are actually saltier than seawater, dietitian warns
The average Irish diet is very high in salt, which may be contributing to the worrying levels of obesity in both children and adults, independent of calorie intake, writes dietitian Orla Walsh. A new survey has revealed certain brands of pesto are saltier than seawater. Although a popular choic... Read more →
Health budget almost €15.3B in 2018
The Department of Health will have a budget of almost €15.3 billion next year, however doctors have described Budget 2018 as ‘deeply disappointing and regressive' from a health perspective. According to the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO), the health budget for next year will not be abl... Read more →
Working out at home
Hopefully everyone is starting to settle back into a routine after the summer holidays. For some this will be easier than others but, remember, structure and a little discipline can go a long way to making life easier. This week will see our final home workout before we move on to gym w... Read more →
Everything you need to know about soy products and how they impact your health
Soy bean products are growing more and more popular - from milk to tofu, there is an entire spectrum of foods available. However, there are still some controversies over soy. So just how safe is it? And how much should you be eating? Dietitian Orla Walsh separates truth and fiction. Soy comes from ... Read more →
Low fat, high fat? ...make your mind up
A study published in the Lancet journal made the front cover of many newspapers worldwide. The data is from the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study and was led by researchers at McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences. It followed more than 135,000 people from 18 low-incom... Read more →
Time to hit the gym
Over the next four weeks, I'll be going through some of my favourite exercises to do at the gym. Bodyweight exercises always have a place in my fitness routine, and are especially good if you are tight on time or stuck for someone to mind the kids so you can get to the gym. Strengt... Read more →
Seven days, seven changes: A week’s worth of easy tweaks to kickstart a healthier life
Health can be so scary, daunting, and unattainable that sometimes you can't see how to start, what to do first or where to go next. That feeling of helplessness is a common thing. I see it all the time with clients when they come in for their initial meeting. That fear is stopping ... Read more →
Drinking tea or coffee can reduce the risk of premature death - but which is best for you?
Reading this with a mug of coffee in your hand? Then you have permission to feel smug. The latest pan-European research, led by epidemiologist Dr Marc Gunter of Imperial College, London - following a study of more than half a million people over 16 years - has shown that those who drank the most... Read more →
Mindful moment… Coping with criticism
There's a saying that goes: to avoid criticism, do nothing, say nothing and be nothing. The idea being that no matter what you do, somebody is going to find fault with it, and if you want to do anything in life you're going to have to find a way to deal with criticism. But it's hard, is... Read more →
Exercising as a family
Exercise in one form or another is beneficial for everyone, and if you have been keeping up with our training programme you should be feeling more energised and fitter as the weeks have gone on. Whether you're a mom, a dad or one of the kids there are great long-term benefits to trainin... Read more →
Feeling out of shape after the holidays? Here's how you can get back on track
After what has been the quietest July since the height of the boom, our clients and gym members are beginning to return from their holidays. We are heading towards one of our busiest times of the year, with new clients coming in to get in shape after a summer of excess and a holiday experience... Read more →
'You’re following filters and false photographs' - Karl Henry on why you should be wary of Snapchat and Instagram stars
Karl Henry has urged people to be cautious when following the health advice of their favourite social media stars on Snapchat and Instagram and said many do not have the qualifications or experience to offer responsible guidance. The Operation Transformation trainer said it is important... Read more →
The secret about meals that is 'key to losing weight'
Those in search of a new weight loss plan are in luck. A major new study has revealed that eating a big breakfast, medium lunch and small dinner is the key to lowering your BMI. In one of the largest analyses of its kind, data from more than 50,000 adults was collected by researches at ... Read more →
Better mental health services for homeless needed
Homeless people with mental health problems face a major struggle to get the help that they need, a new report has highlighted. The research report, Homelessness and Mental Health: Voices of Experience, looks at the personal stories of people with mental health issues who are also homeless. "... Read more →
Men being reminded to look after health
Men are being reminded that even small changes to their lifestyle could result in major health improvements. Men's Health Week runs from June 12 - 18 and the theme of this year's event is ‘It's all about HIM'. This marks the 18th year this event has run. It aims to increase awareness of the ... Read more →
Heart failure risk for premature babies
Babies born prematurely may have an increased risk of developing heart failure during childhood and adolescence, a new study has found. Babies who are born early are much more likely to survive nowadays, even those born very prematurely. As a result, scientists have become particularly interested i... Read more →
Concern over oral health of older people
Over half of older people in Ireland have not visited a dentist in at least three years, despite the fact that good oral health is essential for overall wellbeing, a new study has found. According to researchers in Tallaght Hospital and Trinity College Dublin (TCD), there is growing concern among h... Read more →
Over-50s face range of health issues
People over the age of 50 often face a range of health issues, such as depression, pain and obesity, however despite this, they continue to make significant contributions to their families and communities, a new report has shown. According to the latest findings from the Irish Longitudinal Study on... Read more →
Oral health of nursing home patients at risk
The oral health of thousands of nursing home patients nationwide is at major risk, a senior dentist has warned. According to Dr Anne Twomey, who is vice president of the Irish Dental Association (IDA), patients who have kept their teeth into old age can lose them within three months in a nursing ho... Read more →
Cancer has big impact on mental health
Cancer has a major impact on the mental health of patients, with as many as four in five survivors suffering with anxiety and/or depression a year after their diagnosis, a new study has found. Researchers in Malaysia looked at 1,362 patients, almost a third of whom had breast cancer. The participan... Read more →
New food pyramid launched
A new food pyramid has been launched, which highlights the importance of eating more fruit and vegetables. According to the Department of Health, research over the last decade has shown that eating habits in Ireland ‘are not consistent with optimal health'. In an effort to tackle this, it has... Read more →
Handful of nuts daily reduces disease risk
Consuming a handful of nuts every day could reduce a person's risk of developing a number of diseases, including cancer and heart disease, a new study has found. UK and Norwegian researchers analysed 29 studies on nuts from around the world, involving some 819,000 people. They found that eating 20g... Read more →
Being a Scout benefits mental health
Being a Scout or Guide may benefit a child's mental health later in life, a new study has found. The results are based on a lifelong study of almost 10,000 people who were born in the UK in 1959. Scottish researchers found that those who had been active members of the Scouts or Guides tended to hav... Read more →
Being a Scout benefits mental health
Being a Scout or Guide may benefit a child's mental health later in life, a new study has found. The results are based on a lifelong study of almost 10,000 people who were born in the UK in 1959. Scottish researchers found that those who had been active members of the Scouts or Guides tended to hav... Read more →
Health workers face higher risk of violence
People working in the health sector are three times more likely to experience work-related violence than other employees, a major international conference held in Dublin has been told. According to research highlighted at the conference, violence and aggression in the workplace can pose significant... Read more →
Shift work can have big impact on health
Almost 70% of people who work shifts regularly skip meals, while almost 80% do not get enough sleep, a new report into the habits of Irish shift workers has revealed. The report by Safefood found that shift workers face many barriers when it comes to leading a healthy lifestyle, including poor avai... Read more →
Concern over health budget
The highest health budget ever was announced as part of Budget 2017 on Tuesday, however concern has been expressed that this is still not enough to tackle waiting lists and deal with increased patient demand. A total of €14.6 billion has been secured for the health budget next year, an increas... Read more →
Pop-up radio station to focus on mental health
A mental health awareness campaign is aiming to set a Guinness World Record by holding the world's largest mindfulness lesson next week. Walk In My Shoes (WIMS) is a mental health awareness and education campaign run by St Patrick's Mental Health Services. As part of this campaign, WIMS Radio will ... Read more →
Protect your health at Electric Picnic
People attending this weekend's Electric Picnic music and arts festival are being urged to look after their health. According to pharmacists, some of the main risks to the health and safety of festival goers include unprotected sex, dehydration and diarrhoea. "We are advising people to plan ahead ... Read more →
Health budgets 'completely unrealistic' - IHCA
Health budgets have ‘consistently been set at completely unrealistic levels' in recent years, hospital consultants have claimed. According to the Irish Hospital Consultants Association (IHCA), hospital and mental health services have not been provided with adequate funding, which has resulted... Read more →
More education benefits heart health
People with a higher level of education have a reduced risk of developing heart failure after a heart attack, a new study has found. Heart failure is a potentially life-threatening condition which leads to the heart being unable to pump enough blood around the body. Symptoms include tiredness, shor... Read more →
Lots of TV in childhood affects bone health
Watching a lot of television during childhood and adolescence may affect bone health later in life, a new study has found. Until now, the effects of watching television on skeletal health have been unclear, but according to these findings, those who consistently watched television in early life had... Read more →
Zinc lozenges cut colds by days
Zinc lozenges could help reduce the duration of the common cold by almost three days, a new study has found. Previous research has suggested that zinc lozenges can reduce the length of a cold, but that this is more apparent in people with allergies. Researchers from Finland and the US decided to lo... Read more →
Make sure kids get 60 mins exercise per day
Physiotherapists are reminding parents of the importance of making sure their children get at least 60 minutes of exercise per day. According to Nicola Lyden, a senior physiotherapist at Our Lady's Children's Hospital Crumlin, summer is the perfect time of the year to introduce physical activity to... Read more →
Replace saturated fat with unsaturated
A large study appears to confirm the long-held view that eating high amounts of saturated fat increases the risk of premature death. This US study is the most detailed investigation into the impact of dietary fats on health ever undertaken. According to the researchers, in recent years, there has b... Read more →
30 mins in a park each week benefits health
People living in urban areas who visit parks for at least 30 minutes each week are less likely to have high blood pressure or depression, a new study has found. According to Australian researchers, urbanisation ‘is emerging as one of the most important global health issues of the 21st century... Read more →
Alcohol has major impact on health and economy
Three people died every day in 2013 as a result of alcohol consumption, a new report has revealed. According to the findings, the number of people discharged from hospital that year whose condition was totally attributable to alcohol use, was 17,120. This marks an 82% increase when compared to 1995... Read more →
Additional funding for health announced
The Government has announced that an additional €500 million is to be spent on the health service this year. Welcoming the revised estimate for 2016, the Minister for Health, Simon Harris, said that the money would address financial pressures in the service, while also allowing commitments mad... Read more →
Students urged to look after health
With the Leaving and Junior Cert examinations just days away, students are being urged to look after their physical and mental health. This year's State examinations run from June 8-24, and according to pharmacists, exam stress can have a negative impact on the health and wellbeing of young people.... Read more →
Over 45% have private health insurance
Almost 46% of the population now has private health insurance, the latest figures from the Health Insurance Authority (HIA) have shown. According to the HIA, at the end of March 2016, 2.126 million people had inpatient health insurance plans - that is 45.9% of the population. At its peak in 2008, j... Read more →
More people using web to research health
The number of Irish people using the internet to research health problems is on the increase and around 70,000 people have purchased medicines online, a new survey has revealed. According to the findings, 43% of adults use the internet to look up health matters, while 24% use it to source informati... Read more →
Gluten-free diet not a healthy option for all
There are no proven health benefits to switching to a gluten-free diet unless a person has coeliac disease or an allergy to wheat, researchers have said. People with coeliac disease are unable to digest gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. Symptoms can include weight loss, abdominal pa... Read more →
Lack of commitment to mental health funding
The new Programme for Government does not contain a detailed commitment to mental health funding, it has been claimed. According to Mental Health Reform, while the programme does state that the mental health budget ‘will be increased annually during the lifetime of this new Government', there... Read more →
Diversion of mental health funds 'unacceptable'
It is unacceptable that mental health funds are being used to ‘prop up' other parts of the health service, Mental Health Reform (MHR) has said. This week, it emerged that €12 million of this year's mental health budget is being diverted to other parts of the health service. MHR promotes... Read more →
Health service 'not working' - former HSE CEO
The former head of the HSE has said that the current health system ‘is just not working'. However, according to Prof Brendan Drumm, who is professor of paediatrics at UCD, major investment in primary care could solve many of the problems within the Irish health service. Prof Drumm was appoin... Read more →
Eviction has major impact on health
People who are facing eviction from their homes are up to 13 times more likely to suffer noticeably poorer health, a new study has found. Spanish researchers set out to assess the impact that eviction can have on physical and mental health. They monitored the progress of 205 people who were current... Read more →
Food labels should contain 'activity equivalent'
Foods should be labeled with information on how much activity is needed to burn off the calories contained within, it has been suggested. According to Shirley Cramer, chief executive of the Royal Society of Public Health in the UK, providing people with an immediate link between what they are consu... Read more →
Chinese exercises may benefit heart health
Chinese exercises, such as Tai Chi, may help improve the health and quality of life of people with heart disease and high blood pressure, a new study has found. Tai Chi is a traditional Chinese exercise that involves a series of gentle movements that are performed in a slow and focused manner. This... Read more →
New test may improve heart treatment
Irish scientists are working on a new test, which may improve the treatment of people at risk of suffering a heart attack. The test has already been trialled on 400 patients. It centres on the treatment of heart disease, which can increase the risk of a heart attack. With heart disease, platelets,... Read more →
Most smokers ignore lung health
The vast majority of smokers have never spoken to their doctor or pharmacist about lung health, a new survey has found. According to the findings from the Irish Cancer Society (ICS), just 15% of smokers have raised the topic with their GP, while only 4% have spoken to a pharmacist. Just 3% have sp... Read more →
Wicklow could lead way with 'no-fry zone'
Wicklow could lead the way for other counties in Ireland by creating a ‘no-fry zone' close to schools in order to protect children's health. The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland Policy Group on Obesity has made a submission as part of the public consultation process on the new Wicklow C... Read more →
Muscular dystrophy services need improvement
People with the muscle-wasting condition, muscular dystrophy, need better health and social care services, including more accessible accommodation, Muscular Dystrophy Ireland (MDI) has said. The charity has just launched its inaugural LOVEMDI awareness and fundraising campaign, which will take plac... Read more →
AF a bigger heart risk factor in women
Having an irregular heartbeat is known to increase the risk of stroke and heart disease. However, a new study has found that this is a stronger risk factor in women. Atrial fibrillation (AF) causes irregular and rapid heartbeats, which can make the heart less efficient at pumping blood around the b... Read more →
Health service to begin electronic patient referrals
The electronic referral of patient appointments by family doctors is to become standard within months as part of a rollout of “e-medicine” initiatives in the health service. All hospitals will be able to receive electronic referrals, and 95 per cent of GPs will be equipped to send them ... Read more →
Women urged not to fear smear tests
An estimated 110,000 women have never attended for a smear test despite the fact that it only takes about five minutes and is free of charge, the Marie Keating Foundation has said. It has launched a new campaign, ‘Don't Fear the Smear', with the aim of encouraging all those in the relevant ag... Read more →
New mental health service for Limerick
A new mental health service aimed at young people is to open in Limerick later this year, it has been announced. Jigsaw is a network of programmes across Ireland, which aims to make sure that every teenager and young adult has someone to talk to if they are having a mental health issue. It is aimed... Read more →
15 simple tips for happy feet
The feet provide a foundation for the entire body structure, but nonetheless are often forgotten about and neglected. In her new book, nurse Isobel Guckian advises on how to best care for your precious tootsies. 1 Listen to your body We might love running, but pounding the pavements sends shock wa... Read more →
The trick to triumphing over your sweet tooth
Most of us admit to having sweet tooth - but there are ways of distracting ourselves from over-indulging. Remember you are more likely to indulge a sweet tooth if you're hungry, so always eat three well-balanced meals, spread evenly, and have healthy ingredients, such as fruit, nuts or low-fat yogu... Read more →
Herbal antidepressant St John's Wort returns
In 2000, there was a big fuss when St John's Wort, the popular herbal remedy for depression, was removed from over-the-counter sales in health-food shops. People asked, what is the problem with a natural remedy? Surely something so harmless, but so good, should continue to be available. It is widely... Read more →
Most Irish adults not exercising enough
Just one-third of Irish people get enough exercise and only one-quarter eat enough fruit and vegetables, a major new survey has found. According to the first national survey on the nation's health since the SLÁN survey in 2007, while overweight and obesity figures appear to have stabilised i... Read more →
€3B investment plan for health announced
Opposition describe it as a 'wish list' The Minister for Health has announced a €3 billion investment package for the health service as part of the Government's Capital Plan for the next six years. According to Minister Leo Varadkar, this investment will ‘support the transformation of h... Read more →
Fidgeting may be good for you
An increasing number of studies suggest that sitting for prolonged periods is bad for our health. However, a new study suggests that fidgeting movements may counteract some of these adverse health effects. UK researchers examined data from a study involving over 35,000 women aged between 35 and 69.... Read more →
The truth about superfoods
Certain foods have been assigned 'super' status and attributed mighty powers said to benefit our health dramatically. Dietitian Jennifer Sygo examines these so-called superfoods and debunks some of the myths surrounding them. Whole foods have literally hundreds, even thousands, of active compounds,... Read more →
Thousands unaware they have high BP
Hundreds of thousands of Irish adults are unaware they have high blood pressure, which increases the risk of a heart attack and stroke, the Irish Heart Foundation (IHF) has warned. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a major cause of heart attack, stroke, kidney failure and prematur... Read more →
15 simple steps to inner calm
We all feel comfortable noting our physical wellness, but we must learn to protect our emotional well-being too. Here are 15 steps to get through those mental health dips - which we all go through One of the most important things to understand and accept is that we all have mental health. In today'... Read more →
Look after your health at Electric Picnic
People attending this weekend's Electric Picnic music and arts festival are being urged to look after their health. According to the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU), dehydration, sunburn, diarrhoea and unprotected sex are the biggest threats to the health of festival goers. "We are advising people to p... Read more →
Kids catch up to eight colds a year
Risk increases at back-to-school time The average school child in Ireland can expect to catch up to eight colds and two to three bouts of viral gastroenteritis per year, pharmacists have warned. According to the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU), most common childhood illnesses are contagious and with ch... Read more →
Less protein, more carbs 'provides key to healthier, longer life'
Cutting down on protein and upping consumption of carbohydrates may be the key to living a longer, healthier life, new research suggests. In tests on mice, changing the mix of protein and carbs produced the same benefits as reducing calorie consumption by 40pc. Previous research has shown th... Read more →
Eat raw, living food to improve your body and mind
Anyone who is feeling unwell should first look at the foods they eat, writes Dr Brian Clement, who believes that cooked food compromises our capacity to heal I HAVE been director of Hippocrates Health Institute, located in West Palm Beach, Florida, USA, for the last 34 years. At our health institut... Read more →
Rude health... Hospital freebies
Holding his hands up as a supplier to Irish hospitals, there is no free lunch from Maurice Gueret or exotic caravan trips. Like most ordinary folk, my jaw dropped while watching the recent RTE Prime Time programme on disreputable practices in the hospital supply business. Only after the programme f... Read more →
Patients with epilepsy among first to trial health identifiers
Patients with epilepsy will be among the first to trial individual health identifiers, a unique number which will eventually be given to every person in the State to track them through the health and social care system for life. A new unit will be established within the Health Service Executive to ... Read more →
Spicy food may help you live longer
Eating spicy food regularly may help you live longer, a new study suggests. According to the findings, people who frequently consume spicy foods have a lower risk of death, including death from cancer. International researchers looked at over 487,000 men and women aged between 30 and 79 years. All... Read more →
All patients to get identifying number
Every person in the country who uses health and social care services is to be given an ‘Individual Health Identifier' (IHI) - a number that is unique to them and that will last their lifetime. According to the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA), the aim of the IHI is to accuratel... Read more →
Small amount of exercise benefits over-60s
People over the age of 60 who undertake even a very small amount of moderate to vigorous physical activity each week, reduce their risk of death, a new study has found. According to the findings, greater longevity is possible even if older people do not reach the recommended amount of exercise. Ad... Read more →
Laya Healthcare announces price hikes
Over half of Laya Healthcare policies are set to increase by an average of 4% from September, the health insurer has announced. Earlier this year, the company said that it had no plans to increase its premiums, however it has now confirmed that 55% of its policies will increase from September 1. I... Read more →
Mums wants more PE in schools
The vast majority of mothers in Ireland think schools need to dedicate more time to physical education (PE) and mental health, a new survey has found. According to the findings, 91% of mothers would like to see more emphasis on PE in school, while 96% would like children to be taught coping mechani... Read more →
Thousands unaware they have hepatitis C
Thousands of people in Ireland are unaware that they are infected with hepatitis C, the HSE has warned. It is calling on anyone who may be at risk to get tested, as effective treatments are available. Hepatitis C is a viral infection that affects the liver, causing it to become inflamed. As a resu... Read more →
Preterm births linked to withdrawn personality
Adults who were born very prematurely, or with a very low birth weight, are more likely to have a socially withdrawn personality and show signs of autism, a new study has found. UK researchers followed the progress of 200 adults who were either born very prematurely (before 32 weeks gestation), or ... Read more →
Exercise benefits brains of older people
Older adults can improve their brain function by exercising more, a new study has found. US researchers set out to determine the ideal amount of exercise required to experience benefits in the brain. They followed healthy adults aged 65 and older for a six-month period. None of the participants had... Read more →
Drinking during pregnancy common in Ireland
Drinking alcohol during pregnancy is very common in Ireland and women are much more likely to drink while pregnant if they smoke, a new study has found. UK researchers carried out of a study of almost 18,000 women in four countries - Ireland, the UK, Australia and New Zealand. They found that drink... Read more →
Recession has big impact on suicide rates
The impact of the recent recession on suicide and self-harm rates has been highlighted in a new Irish study. Researchers at University College Cork (UCC) and the National Suicide Research Foundation looked at the impact of the recession and austerity measures on the rates of suicide and self-harm i... Read more →
Men urged to know early cancer signs
Irish men are being encouraged to make themselves aware of the early warning signs of cancer.According to the Irish Cancer Society (ICS), some 10,000 men are diagnosed with the disease every year in Ireland. However, the earlier cancer is diagnosed, the better the chance of survival."It's important ... Read more →
Weekend screen time bad for teen bones
Teenage boys who spend a lot of time at the weekend looking at various screens have poorer bone health, a new study has found. This finding does not seem to apply to teenage girls however. Researchers in Norway looked at almost 1,000 teenagers aged between 15 and 17. All of the participants were a... Read more →
102-year-old on trolley for 26 hours
A woman aged 102 years was left waiting on a trolley in Dublin's Tallaght Hospital for 26 hours, it has emerged. The woman was brought to hospital at 2pm last Monday afternoon. She was initially treated for heart problems before being placed on a trolley, where she was left until 5pm on Tuesday, wh... Read more →
300+ complaints about doctors in 2014
The Medical Council received 308 complaints about doctors in 2014. The Medical Council is the regulatory body for doctors working in Ireland. It maintains the register of all doctors who are legally permitted to work here and sets the standards for medical education and training. It is also where m... Read more →
Central Mental Hospital to be replaced
Permission has been granted by An Bord Pleanala to build a new hospital in Dublin, which will replace the existing Central Mental Hospital (CMH). The new facility will be built in Portrane in Co Dublin and will consist of a 120-bed National Forensic Hospital, which will replace the CMH, a 10-bed me... Read more →
Free health services for Magdalen survivors
Women who worked in the State's Magdalen Laundries are to receive free health services from July 1, the Government has announced. From that date, the HSE will provide a number of primary and community health services free of charge, including GP services, prescribed drugs, dental services, home nur... Read more →
Prognosis no worse with family breast cancer
Women with a family history of breast cancer who subsequently develop the disease, have the same prognosis as other women with the disease who have no family history, a new study has found. According to UK researchers, these findings should offer hope to women who are concerned about their future d... Read more →
1 in 5 will develop heart failure
One in every five people in developed countries is expected to develop heart failure despite the fact that this condition is largely preventable, experts have warned. Heart failure is a potentially life-threatening condition which leads to the heart being unable to pump enough blood around the body... Read more →
Smoking and angioplasty - a bad combination
Smokers undergoing angioplasty, a procedure used to treat narrowed or blocked coronary arteries, can expect a much better quality of life afterwards if they quit cigarettes, a new study has shown. Angioplasty involves placing a balloon in a narrowed or blocked artery. The balloon is blown up and th... Read more →
Outpatient waiting lists higher than ever
Over 412,000 people are waiting for outpatient appointments - the highest figure ever recorded.According to the National Treatment Purchase Fund, which collates waiting list data for public patients, at the end of April, there were 412,422 people waiting to be seen in outpatient clinics.Over 83,000 ... Read more →
'Incentives needed to attract nurses back'
The nurses union, the INMO, will be pressing for a gradual restoration of pay cuts, the reintroduction of a 37-hour working week and a major increase in nurse staffing, at its annual delegate meeting, which begins today.INMO General Secretary Liam Doran, speaking at the outset of the conference in T... Read more →
Depression increases risk of nightmares
People are most at risk of experiencing frequent nightmares if they are depressed or suffer with insomnia, a study has found.Researchers in Finland set out to identify risk factors for nightmares. They looked at almost 14,000 men and women aged between 25 and 74.The participants were asked how often... Read more →
Workers urged to talk about mental health
Over half of Irish people believe that being open about a mental health problem in work would negatively impact their job prospects, See Change has warned. See Change is an alliance of organisations working to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and it has just launched its annual Green Rib... Read more →
Traumatic events up women's heart risk
Women have a significantly increased risk of suffering a heart attack if they experience a traumatic life event such as the death of a loved one, a new study has found. It is already known that stress can affect heart health, however US researchers set out to assess the types of stress that can hav... Read more →
Bullying 'worse than maltreatment'
Children who are bullied by their peers suffer worse mental health problems in the long term than those who have been maltreated by adults, new findings suggest.UK researchers looked at over 4,000 people taking part in a UK study of parents and children, and more than 1,200 people taking part in a s... Read more →
Hormonal imbalance impacts fertility
Hormonal imbalance is a common cause of infertility in females, however many women attempting to get pregnant are unaware of this, a fertility doctor has warned.Currently in Ireland, as many as one in seven couples have fertility issues, and according to Dr Ahmed Omar, medical director at Beacon Car... Read more →
Higher insurance premiums fast approaching
Members of the public who do not have private health insurance are being reminded that from the start of next month, anyone aged 35 or older who takes out insurance will be charged extra. From May 1, private health insurers will be allowed to load premiums by 2% per annum from the age of 35, as par... Read more →
Problem drinking in women a major concern
Irish women are suffering an increasing number of health problems as a result of their consumption of alcohol, including liver cirrhosis, which in the past mainly affected older men, a leading doctor has warned. According to Dr Orla Crosbie, a consultant hepatologist at Cork University Hospital, 20... Read more →
Divorce increases heart attack risk
Women who get divorced are more likely to suffer a heart attack than women who remain continuously married, a new study has found. According to the findings, even if a divorced woman goes on to remarry, her risk of suffering a heart attack is still higher. "Divorce is a major stressor, and we have... Read more →
Low support for free GP care for under-6s
While most people are in favour of free healthcare, the vast majority do not believe that providing free GP care to all children aged five and under should be the first step towards this, a new survey has found. The survey of 1,000 adults was carried out last month on behalf of the National Associa... Read more →
Comparing on Facebook linked to depression
People who spend lots of time on Facebook comparing their lives to the lives of their friends may be at risk of developing symptoms of depression, new findings suggests. According to US researcher, Mai-ly Steers, of the University of Houston, while the idea of ‘social comparison' is nothing n... Read more →
Domestic abuse affects mental health
A new study has highlighted the impact domestic violence can have on the mental health of women. According to the findings, as well as their physical injuries, victims of domestic abuse are at an increased risk of developing mental health problems, including depression and psychotic symptoms. UK a... Read more →
€74M to tackle ED overcrowding
Additional funding of €74 million is being made available by the Government to tackle the ongoing issue of overcrowding in the country's Emergency Departments (EDs), the Health Minister has confirmed. Some €44 million is being allocated to the Fair Deal scheme, to help alleviate the probl... Read more →
Higher stroke death rate in women
Women in Ireland are much more likely to die from stroke than men, new figures have revealed.According to provisional figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO), in 2013, 42% more women died from stroke than men. In some counties, such as Sligo, Carlow and Clare, the number of women dying from... Read more →
The battle for our children's health
The Government is being urged to automatically grant medical cards to children with severe disabilities. The call comes from national campaign, Our Children's Health, which is working to ensure that any child diagnosed with a serious illness or congenital condition is entitled to a full medical car... Read more →
Tobacco-free world by 2040 'possible'
The sale of tobacco worldwide should be phased out by 2040, public health researchers have insisted. The international group of health and policy experts claim that with sufficient political support and increased action against the tobacco industry, a tobacco-free world - where less than 5% of adul... Read more →
Heart disease in women underestimated
Breast cancer is still commonly perceived as a bigger health issue for women than cardiovascular disease (CVD), despite the fact that CVD is the leading cause of death among women in Europe, the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) has said. According to the society, CVD kills over half of women in... Read more →
Public consulted on 'health identifiers'
Members of the public are being asked to give their views on individual health identifiers (IHI) - unique numbers that will be assigned to all people using health and social care services in this country. An IHI is a unique, non-transferable number that will last for a person's lifetime. According ... Read more →
Mental disorders common among young
More than half of young people in Ireland will meet the criteria for a mental health illness before they reach the age of 25, a study has found. Researchers from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) and Dublin's Mater Hospital traced 212 people from different schools in north Dublin who ... Read more →
Pro-vegetarian diet cuts heart risk
People who consume more plant-based foods than animal-based foods have a reduced risk of dying from heart disease, a new study has found. UK scientists looked at the diet and lifestyle habits of over 451,000 people from 10 European countries. All were aged between 35 and 70 and were monitored for a... Read more →
Being fit at 40 benefits the brain
People who are not physically fit in their 40s may experience accelerated ageing of the brain by the time they reach 60, a new study has found. "Many people don't start worrying about their brain health until later in life, but this study provides more evidence that certain behaviors and risk facto... Read more →
Teen stress increases heart risk
Teenagers who are prone to stress may have an increased risk of developing heart disease later in life even if they exercise regularly, a new study has found. Previous research has suggested a link between stress and some health problems, including coronary heart disease, so Swedish researchers dec... Read more →
Health insurance plan to be ready by summer, says Varadkar
It is possible to get to a point where more than half the population has voluntary health insurance, Minister for Health Leo Varadkar has said.Mr Varadkar said he intends to go to Government with a “roadmap” for health insurance by the summer.Many people consider health insurance as impo... Read more →
Coffee may cut clogged arteries risk
People who drink three to five cups of coffee each day may have a reduced risk of developing clogged arteries, which can lead to heart attacks, a new study has found. Research into the effects of coffee on cardiovascular health have been mixed. It was previously thought that coffee consumption incr... Read more →
Stress affects heart attack recovery in women
Young and middle-aged women who suffer a heart attack tend to have a worse recovery than men, and stress may be partially to blame for this, a new study has found. Until now, research into the recovery outcomes of young and middle-aged women who suffer a heart attack has been limited, so US researc... Read more →
Type 1 diabetes - higher death risk in women
Women with type 1 diabetes have a much higher risk of death than men with the same condition, a new study has found. According to the findings, women with type 1 diabetes have an almost 40% increased risk of death from all causes compared with men, and are also twice as likely to die from heart dis... Read more →
Big fall for Ireland in Euro health index
Ireland has fallen by eight places in a major European health index, coming in at 22nd place out of a possible 36. According to the 2014 Euro Health Consumer Index (EHCI), Ireland's ranking represents a ‘deep dive' from the 14th position it held in 2013. It scored just 644 points out of a po... Read more →
Even mild cholesterol ups heart risk
Having even mildly elevated cholesterol levels in your 30s can significantly raise your risk of heart disease later on, a new study has found. US researchers looked at almost 1,500 adults taking part in a long-term ongoing study. All of the participants were free of cardiovascular disease (CVD) at ... Read more →
Women urged to get smear tests
Irish women are being reminded of the importance of undergoing screening for cervical cancer - a disease that kills thousands of women elsewhere in Europe who do not have access to the high-quality screening that is available here. This week is European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week and in Irelan... Read more →
Too much TV linked to junk food consumption
People who watch excessive amounts of television tend to eat more junk food and have a poorer understanding of healthy nutrition, a study has found. According to US researchers, a number of previous studies have found a link between time spent in front of the TV and unhealthy food consumption. "In... Read more →
Moderate alcohol cuts heart failure risk
People who drink moderate amounts of alcohol may have a reduced risk of developing heart failure, a new study has found. According to US scientists, while previous research has already found that moderate alcohol consumption can lower the risk of some conditions, its role in relation to heart failu... Read more →
Rich, educated men drink more in later life
People often drink less alcohol as they get older, however a new study into the drinking habits of people over the age of 45 has revealed that single, rich, educated men appear to be the most likely to drink more alcohol later in life. The UK study, which took 10 years to complete, involved 4,500 m... Read more →
Polar bear evolution key to heart disease treatment
RESEARCH by Irish scientists into polar bears could help medics treat heart disease. The team looked at the bears' diet – plenty of fat and not drinking fresh water – and how it doesn't affect their bodies. "If you think about having a diet which is entirely animal fat-based, you'd be ... Read more →
One in four with heart failure wouldn't bother to get assistance
Fewer than one in 10 people in Ireland are able to spot the signs of heart failure – and a quarter of people experiencing symptoms would wait a week "or not bother at all" to get medical advice. A new survey has exposed a "staggering lack of awareness" among Irish people about heart disease, ... Read more →
Concern over lung cancer rates in women
Irish women have one of the highest lung cancer incidence and mortality rates in Europe, the Irish Cancer Society (ICS) has warned. According to the society, ‘significantly more Irish women are dying from lung cancer than in other European countries'. "We are concerned that lung cancer morta... Read more →
Employees who work more than 55 hours a week more likely to consume 'risky' levels of alcohol
People who work longer are more likely to seek solace in alcohol, new research finds, sparking calls for employers to use European limits on the length of the working week. It has long been accepted that long days can lead to exhaustion, mental health problems and even relationship breakdown, but t... Read more →
Acceptance of heart failure key to treatment
People with chronic heart failure who fail to accept their illness have a poorer quality of life, a new study has found.Heart failure is a potentially life-threatening condition which leads to the heart being unable to pump enough blood around the body. Around 20 million people are affected worldwid... Read more →
Simple test detects risk in heart failure patients
People who attend Emergency Departments (EDs) with acute heart failure should have their blood sugar levels checked immediately, as this could identify if they are at risk of further health problems or even death, a new study has found.Heart failure is a potentially life-threatening condition which ... Read more →
Irish people urged to walk more
A new health initiative is aiming to get Irish people off their sofas, as research shows that walking for just 30 minutes per day improves both physical and mental health. The initiative has been launched by Get Ireland Walking and the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) and it involves a ‘21 Day Walk... Read more →
Irish teens face heart disease and infertility as obesity crisis grows
Obesity in young girls could mean they will find it impossible to have a baby later in life. Being seriously overweight can bring on early puberty, as well as lead to a range of infertility problems. Complications with the reproductive system, as well as health problems affecting the liver and pan... Read more →
Maynooth scientists identify diabetes protein
Scientists at Maynooth University have identified a protein that has the potential to prevent the development of obesity-driven diabetes.Obesity is a key factor in Type 2 diabetes, because excess abdominal fat causes fat cells to release an inflammatory chemical, which can make the body less sensiti... Read more →
Free GP care for under sixes may be ready by Q2 next year
The HSE has said it hopes to implement free GP care for children under six years by the second quarter of next year.It also plans to have completed implementation of recommendations in the Keane Report on medical card eligibility by the final quarter of next year.The HSE 2015 national service plan w... Read more →
Many 'struggling to cope' - Samaritans
The Samaritans responded to over a half a million calls for help this year, making 2014 the organisation's busiest year to date.Samaritans Ireland is a volunteer-led organisation, which provides confidential, non-judgmental emotional support, 24 hours a day, for people who are experiencing feelings ... Read more →
Menstrual age linked to heart risks
The age at which a female begins menstruating may affect her risk of heart disease and stroke later in life, a new study suggests. According to the findings, females who begin menstruating at the age of 10 or younger, or at the age of 17 or older, appear to have an increased risk of developing hear... Read more →
Most drug-related deaths involve men
Over 600 people died as a result of drug use in 2012, the vast majority of whom were men, new figures have shown. According to the latest figures from the National Drug-Related Deaths Index, which is published by the Health Research Board (HRB), 633 died in 2012, a slight drop on 2011's figure of 6... Read more →
New ambulance transfer service for kids
A new critical-care ambulance service, which will transfer seriously ill children between hospitals, has been launched.The Paediatric Retrieval Service can transfer seriously ill children, up to the age of 16, from hospitals anywhere in Ireland to Dublin's Temple Street Children's Hospital and Our L... Read more →
Rush hour traffic is bad for the heart
People with heart disease should avoid being outside during rush hour traffic, experts have said.Over three million deaths worldwide are caused by air pollution every year and as many as one in three Europeans living in urban areas are exposed to air pollution levels that are considered above safe E... Read more →
Irish men 'have less healthy diets'
Irish men consume less healthy diets, are less aware of healthy eating guidelines and have a preference for larger portions than Irish women, a new report has found. According to the report, Men's Food Behaviour, which was published by Safefood, men's attitude to food is putting them at a disadvant... Read more →
Social groups protect mental health
People who strongly identify with social groups, such as sports clubs or choirs, may have a reduced risk of experiencing mental health problems, two studies have found.Scottish psychologists set out to investigate the link between group identification - a person's sense of belonging to a group - and... Read more →
Obesity cuts life expectancy by 8 years
Obesity may shorten a person's life expectancy by up to eight years and deprive them of almost two decades of healthy life, a new study has found.According to Canadian scientists, obesity-related type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease are to blame.They created a disease-stimulation model to esti... Read more →
HSE service plan to target waiting times and cancer care
Targeted measures to tackle waiting lists, the recruitment of hundreds of extra doctors and nurses and the expansion of cancer services are outlined in the HSE’s service plan, to be published today. The plan envisages savings totalling €130 million, to come from cuts in spending on drugs... Read more →
Self-test products 'not 100% reliable'
People are being reminded that self-test health products, such as pregnancy tests and blood sugar testing kits, are not 100% reliable. According to the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA), the availability of self-test health products is increasing, but it is important that people using suc... Read more →
Irish workers want to become healthier
Just 15% of workers are provided with healthy food choices in their company canteens or vending machines, a new survey has found. According to the findings by the Nutrition and Health Foundation (NHF), many of Ireland's workers want to become healthier and would like to see their employers playing ... Read more →
Insurance to be made 'affordable again'
A series of measures, which it is hoped will address the issue of rising private health insurance premiums, has been announced by the Health Minister, Leo Varadkar. According to Minister Varadkar, the Private Health Insurance Package is designed to ‘make private health insurance affordable ag... Read more →
Focus on mental health at Ploughing Championships
Almost one in four people believe that those with mental health problems are not trustworthy, while at least one in three people admit they would not treat someone with a mental health problem the same as they treat others, a survey has shown. The results were released by St Patrick's Mental Health... Read more →
Health service is at a 'critical point'
Patient safety is being compromised throughout the health service as a result of budget cuts in recent years, the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) has said. According to the organisation, there is now major concern among healthcare professionals that this situation is at a critical point. "We are ... Read more →
Desire to have kids affects mental health
Women who do not conceive following fertility treatment have poorer mental health in the long run if they are unable to let go of their desire to have a child, a study has found. Welsh and Dutch researchers looked at over 7,100 women who had undergone fertility treatment in 12 different hospitals b... Read more →
Health insurance figures still falling
The number of people with private health insurance is continuing to fall, new figures from the Health Insurance Authority (HIA) have shown. According to the latest figures, at the end of June 2014, 2,017,000 people held inpatient health insurance plans. This is 11,000 fewer people when compared to ... Read more →
Universal healthcare could take 10 yrs
The head of the GP group in the IMO had warned that it could take 10 years for universal healthcare to be fully introduced in Ireland. And Dr Ray Walley says GPs will have to be compensated for any loss of private practice earnings if GP care is to become free at the point of access. Interviewed b... Read more →
Over-35s taking out health insurance face penalty. First-time insurance subscribers to face 2% per year penalty after May 2015.
Customers over the age of 35 will pay a 2 per cent per year penalty on their health insurance following the introduction of a new loading by Minister for Health James Reilly. In a move designed to attract younger customers back into the market, Dr Reilly said health insurance premiums will rise mor... Read more →
Further drop in number of people with health insurance
The latest figures from the Health Insurance Authority show that 21,000 people dropped their inpatient health insurance during the first three months of this year. There are now just more than 2 million people with inpatient cover, compared with almost 2.3 million people when the market peaked at t... Read more →
21,000 drop health insurance in first quarter of year
PRESSURE on the public hospital system is set to intensify after new figures showed thousands more people have dropped their health insurance. Close to 50,000 people ditched their private health insurance last year, a move that will heap further pressure on Health Minister James Reilly. This is be... Read more →
Medical Card information
A Medical Card is a plastic card, about the size of a credit card, issued by the HSE. People who hold a Medical Card are entitled to a range of Health Services free of charge. What Health Services are available Free of Charge if I have a Medical Card? You are entitled to the following services if ... Read more →
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