Coping with mental health issues from early teenage years fuelled Marysia Pachowicz’s long-held dream of becoming a clinical psychologist. Until, halfway through doing a master’s, the Trinity College Dublin graduate realised it was the wrong career choice. “As a clinical psychologist, you kind of have two options. You work in public services or you work … Read more
In theory, I use social media solely to promote my work. In practice, I check it addictively. Even knowing it is a time-sink, I sit and scroll through aspirational interiors, influencers with filtered-to-perfection skin and occasionally interesting posts from people I like. I have ceded many hours, probably days, to these platforms that give so … Read more
For many people, staying in shape means getting in your car and driving to the gym. Movement is something on a to-do list, siloed off from the rest of daily life. However, there are other ways of approaching exercise. In many countries, movement is baked into everyday life – as a way to commute from … Read more
Archyde Helping Your Child Thrive: Navigating ADHD and dyslexia in School It’s heartbreaking to see your child struggle. Imagine your 15-year-old feeling trapped inside a system that doesn’t understand how his brain works. A diagnosis of ADHD and dyslexia can make school feel like an insurmountable challenge. This, unfortunately, is the reality for many students. … Read more
What is the leading risk factor for diet-related ill health? Ultra-processed food? Too much salt, sugar or fat? According to a systematic analysis published in 2022, it is our low intake of wholegrains. Wholegrains contain B vitamins, folic acid, omega-3 fats, protein, antioxidants and micronutrients. And, crucially, they are packed with fibre. “Fibre feels like … Read more
It is hard to ignore the increasing number of foodstuffs on supermarket shelves clamouring for attention with “protein” branding. From meat and dairy to ready-made meals and confectionery, the “P” word pops up more and more, in many cases alongside food that is well endowed with protein but does not shout about it. Clearly, “high … Read more
Often dubbed “the silent killer”, pancreatic cancer has one of the least successful outcomes of all types of the disease. With roughly 600 cases diagnosed in Ireland each year, it is not as common as other forms of cancer. It is Health Season in The Irish Times. We will be offering encouragement and inspiration to … Read more
Exercising is almost second nature for many who add a cardiovascular workout into their day, or for those who pound the pavement during their lunch hour. We know the benefits of a physical workout on both our bodies and minds, how it maintains good health and mental wellbeing – but how might we keep our … Read more
Galway nurse Aoife Commins believes that as a white, heterosexual woman who is knowledgeable about sexual health, she is an example of how becoming HIV-positive can happen to anyone. It is Health Season in The Irish Times. We will be offering encouragement and inspiration to help us all improve our physical and mental health in … Read more
Social media is alive with images of crowded hospitals in China being overrun with masked people. Inevitably, this has been accompanied with disinformation about another looming infectious disease pandemic, some five years since Covid-19 (Sars-CoV-2) took over our lives. It is Health Season in The Irish Times. We will be offering encouragement and inspiration to … Read more