In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, host Eamon Keogh discusses childhood obesity with Dr Grace O'Malley, Clinical Lead of the Children's Health Ireland, Child & Adolescent Complex Obesity Service. They talk about the definition, prevalence, and parental concerns regarding childhood obesity. Dr O'Malley emphasises a holistic approach to managing obesity, focusing on overall health rather than just weight loss. She highlights the importance of consulting healthcare professionals, fostering open communication and provides some top tips for parents on how to raise the topic with your child and healthcare professional. Dr O’Malley also discusses the care model and the societal support needed to address this growing health issue.

Where can parents get information?

• Information about children’s weight on the HSE A to Z website which includes information what to do if you are concerned, having the conversation with your child and advice on healthier habits as a family: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/childrens-weight/
• The HSE has a booklet called Talking to Your Child About Weight which is available on www.healthpromotion.ie
• A comprehensive list of up to date resources for parents and families available on www.childhoodobesity.ie
• Find more information about community based services here https://youtu.be/dtXHO8_aPJE
• Information for families on healthier lifestyles such as physical activity, healthy eating, screen time is available at www.mychild.ie
• Information for families on healthy eating including recipes is available at www.safefood.eu

Where can Healthcare Professionals get information?

• Healthcare professionals can get more information including policy documents, clinical guidelines, professional organisations, research and more by visiting www.childhoodobesity.ie
• The HSE Obesity Clinical Programme is available at https://www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/cspd/ncps/obesity/
• Find more information about community based services here: https://youtu.be/nmwxqIe1-qg

Please get in touch to find out more about our podcast series or the work of HSE Health and Wellbeing Healthandwellbeing.communications@hse.ie

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In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, host Fergal Fox discusses the mental health challenges faced by LGBTQI+ individuals in Ireland. Dr. Matt Kennedy from Belong To and Denise Croke from the HSE share insights from a recent research report revealing high rates of self-harm and suicidal thoughts among LGBTQI+ youth. They emphasise the importance of supportive environments, inclusive education, and the role of allies in fostering acceptance. The episode calls for collective action to create a society where LGBTQI+ individuals feel valued and supported.

Supports and services available from LGBTQI+ support organisations such as Belong To https://www.belongto.org/, LGBT Ireland https://lgbt.ie/, Transgender Equality Network Ireland https://teni.ie/.

Freephone Samaritans 116123

Text About It (text HELLO to 50808)

Visit the HSE website www.yourmentalhealth.ie for more information on mental health, supports and services.

Produced by GKMedia.ie

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, host Fergal Fox speaks with Dr. Eithne Hunt, an Occupational Therapist and Lecturer at University College Cork, about practical tips for students to support their health and wellbeing in third level education. This episode is full of useful information for students, parents and teachers or anyone working with young people wishing to advance to third level education. Key topics include the importance of social connections, self-compassion, time management, and sleep. They discuss the challenges students face transitioning to university life and introduce Dr. Hunt's "Everyday Matters" programme. This initiative helps students develop healthy habits and practical skills to enhance their wellbeing. Dr. Hunt shares practical tips and emphasises the value of play and leisure in maintaining mental health and preventing burnout.

For more information on the work underway by the Higher Education Authority in the area of Healthy Campus click here. To get in touch with the podcast email us at Healthandwellbeing.communications@hse.ie

Produced by GKMedia.ie