As days grow shorter and the weather colder, our mood can naturally dip. Winter invites us to slow down, yet our busy lives keep urging us to go.

With less sunlight during winter, our bodies produce lower levels of serotonin and melatonin — the hormones that help regulate mood and sleep. We also get less vitamin D, which helps keep energy levels up. It’s completely natural to feel a little more tired during the darker months.

The power of the outdoors

Another reason we might not feel our best in winter is that we tend to move less and spend less time outdoors. With colder weather and shorter days, it’s easy to skip walks or time in nature, but those moments outside are important.] Fresh air, daylight and the natural sights and sounds around us can lift our mood, boost energy and help us feel more grounded. 

With colder weather and shorter days, it’s easy to skip walks or
time in nature, but those moments outside are important.

Balance in the festive season

Christmas can be a time that can bring as much pressure as it does joy. The expectations to spend, socialise and make everything ‘perfect’ can feel overwhelming. Balancing festive commitments, family dynamics and financial strain can be exhausting. Remember, it’s just another day in the year. Try not to have too high expectations, and make sure to build in plenty of time to rest and recharge over the holiday season.

Natural light is your friend

Try to get as much natural daylight as possible, especially first thing in the morning; it can really help lift your mood and energy. Many find light therapy lamps helpful, and some local libraries even lend them. There’s plenty of science to support their benefits, but even sitting near a window during the day can make a difference in how you feel. 

Stay active

Even gentle movement like yoga, stretching or walking can give your mood a real lift. Moving your body helps release tension, boost energy and support overall wellbeing. When you combine it with time outdoors, the benefits are even greater; fresh air and natural light can amplify that feel-good effect. Remember that small winter habits can boost wellbeing.

The post Ways to keep your spark this winter appeared first on Health News.

Obesity is often misunderstood to be about body size, but in reality, it is a chronic disease that can affect health in many ways.

From increasing the risk of diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers to impacting mental wellbeing, obesity can affect quality of life in various ways.

In Ireland, almost 60% of adults have excess weight, although not everyone with excess weight is unhealthy. Obesity develops when excess weight begins to affect health — for example, through breathing problems, joint pain, high blood pressure or low mood.

How does obesity develop?

The main drivers are genetics and the world around us. Some people are biologically more likely to gain weight. Meanwhile, easy access to cheap, high-calorie foods and fewer chances for physical activity make it harder to stay healthy.

Social circumstances also play a big role. Many people in Ireland today live in areas that have barriers to accessing healthy food and safe spaces for exercise. These are structural challenges, not personal failings. No one should be blamed for developing obesity — instead, government and society must reduce these barriers and provide fairer access to support.

There is no single ‘fix,’ but there
are everyday steps that support
health and wellbeing.

Tackling obesity stigma

Despite the evidence, many people with excess weight still face stigma and blame. This can stop them from asking for help or receiving the right care. Obesity should be treated just like diabetes or heart disease — with compassion, understanding and proper access to treatment.

Prevention and self-management

There is no single ‘fix,’ but there are everyday steps that support health and wellbeing:

• Eat well: enjoy a mix of foods, guided by the healthy eating guidelines and the food pyramid.
• Be active: choose activities you enjoy, from walking to dancing or sports.
• Look after sleep and stress: both strongly influence health and wellbeing.
• Check in with your GP: regular reviews help identify issues early.

For people already living with obesity, these steps protect health, but lifestyle alone is not always enough. Treatments such as support from healthcare professionals, medication or surgery can be just as important as those for other long-term illnesses like diabetes and heart disease.

Getting support

Talk to your GP or other healthcare professional if you are concerned. Trusted resources are also available from the HSE website.

• Obesity Information
• Living Well Programme
• Healthy Eating
• Physical Activity
• Sleep and Stress

The post Living well with obesity: prevention and self-management appeared first on Health News.

In Ireland, one in five people lives with a disability. For people who are blind or vision impaired, this can bring emotional and mental health challenges that are often overlooked.

Inaccessible spaces, communication barriers and changes in daily routines can make it harder to maintain relationships, meet new people or feel truly part of a community.

Feel seen, heard and included

The desire for connection is something we all share. Across Ireland, loneliness is on the rise, for young people, older adults and everyone in between. The need to feel seen, heard and included is universal. At Vision Ireland, our work is grounded in that belief.

The Connection Network befriending service is one example. While it supports individuals who are blind or vision impaired, it speaks to a wider truth that regular, human contact — even a simple phone call — can have a profound impact. As one individual said: “The Connection Network has been my lifeline over the past couple of months, having a cup of tea and a chat brightens my day.”

At Vision Ireland, our work is grounded in that belief.

Reconnect with yourself and nature

Our Nature Connection programme offers forest bathing and mindful walks. These sessions help people slow down, breathe and reconnect with themselves and the world around them. The benefits include reduced stress, better sleep and a greater sense of wellbeing.

In a world that moves ever faster, everyone can benefit from pausing in nature. A regular participant expressed: “I feel so grateful that we have the opportunity to sit deep in the forest and focus on connecting to each other and to nature. Spaces like this are not accessible for me at all anymore, so this is such a joy.”

A community to relate to

Our peer support groups offer shared space for connection, humour and solidarity. Whether you’re navigating vision loss or simply looking for people who understand your journey, having a place to belong is crucial and relatable to anyone who has ever felt disconnected.

At Vision Ireland, our work centres on inclusion, empowerment and belonging — values that matter to everyone. That’s because feeling connected isn’t just good for your mental health; it’s essential to it.

The post Connection-driven services tackle loneliness and support wellbeing appeared first on Health News.

Register for free psychoeducation programmes in Ireland. Learn to manage depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder while connecting with others for support and shared understanding.

At Aware, one of our key priorities is empowering people to manage conditions including depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder through both information and practical, real-life skills. As part of this commitment, we’re delighted to announce that registration is now open for our September psychoeducation programmes.

Tools for improving wellbeing

These programmes are grounded in a cognitive behavioural approach, which explores the connection between what we think, what we do and how we feel — and how to use this understanding to break unhelpful cycles and make positive changes for better wellbeing.

Psychoeducation is not therapy, but it equips people with the knowledge and tools to better understand what they’re going through and why. It can also be a valuable resource for friends and family who want to support a loved one who is struggling.

We know people need support

Many people in Ireland are facing mental health challenges, yet investment in statutory mental health services has not kept pace with growing demand. As a result, far too many who could benefit from support are not receiving it.

Many people in Ireland are
facing mental health challenges.

Evidence-based programmes

Our programmes are free of charge, which helps us ensure finances will never be a barrier to getting help when needed. Our programmes are also evidence-based, meaning they can help people improve their mental health. This matters now more than ever, in a time when an overwhelming amount of mental health content — much of it from questionable or unreliable sources — can make it hard to know what truly works.

Connection with others

In nearly two decades of working in mental health, one piece of feedback about psychoeducation groups comes up time and again: the most powerful impact comes from connecting with others who have had similar experiences. Our education programmes create a space, whether in-person or online, where people can share, learn and support one another. That kind of human connection is powerful, and it’s something no algorithm or chatbot could ever replace.

The post Free mental health education programmes now open for registration appeared first on Health News.

People are increasingly focusing on self-improvement and optimising their health and wellbeing, looking to food and drink as an avenue to do so.

Bord Bia’s Cultivate consumer lifestyle trends programme reveals that consumers are seeking out more personalised and ‘perfect’ ways to be healthy, with growing interest in areas such as functional foods, protein and more life-stage specific nutrition. It is no longer a case of focusing specifically on one area, but a more holistic approach to health. This is represented by 48% of consumers in Ireland claiming that ensuring their body can function properly is a key motivation when making food choices.

Increased interest in more functional foods

Consumers are seeking out functional benefits from their food, with products that can meet physical, mental and cognitive health needs increasing in appeal. Younger generations in particular are exploring a diverse range of options with functional benefits, including products like mushroom coffee, gummies that improve cognitive capabilities or prebiotic drinks. More tailored functional products for women are also on the rise, plugging health gaps that traditional remedies may not address.

While protein has been a hot topic for some time,
it has seen a recent surge with innovative
products catering to evolving consumer needs.

Protein-fortified foods

While protein has been a hot topic for some time, it has seen a recent surge with innovative products catering to evolving consumer needs. Strength and resilience are becoming key wellbeing goals, which protein-fortified foods can help support thanks to protein’s role in strengthening the body. Irish consumers in particular place a high importance on protein, with 53% claiming being high in protein is important when making a food/drink choice, higher than consumers in the UK, Germany, France, the Netherlands and the US, according to Bord Bia’s Sustainable Nutrition research.

Healthy ageing is in the spotlight

Consumers are increasingly embracing the concept of ageing healthily as they take a more proactive approach to health from a younger age, accepting healthy ageing rather than attempting to defy it. Age-conscious consumers are therefore looking for food and drink options that speak to common concerns around general fitness, joint health and longevity. Alongside more functional benefits and protein-fortified foods, these will enable consumers to continue to self-improve through food and drink.

The post Optimising health and wellbeing through food and drink appeared first on Health News.

With advances in screening, earlier diagnosis and improved treatments for breast cancer, the five-year survival rates have improved to up to 87%. BreastCheck plays a vital role in cancer care in Ireland.

Around one-third of all breast cancer cases diagnosed each year are identified through BreastCheck. This invaluable national screening service is provided free to women aged 50–69 years. To avail of this screening service, women should check that they are registered on Registration – Breastcheck. If you are not registered, you will not receive an invitation to the screening service.

Examine your breasts and get checked

The risk of developing breast cancer increases with age and is more common in women aged 50 or older who have been through the menopause. However, cancer can occur at any age. Therefore, it is important that women and girls are aware of the signs and symptoms.

We encourage girls from the age of 18 years to carry out a monthly self-breast examination. Women should know what looks and feels normal for them and when changes occur. If changes occur between screening appointments, it is important to get checked. Find more information on how to check your breasts on cancer.ie/breast-cancer.

We encourage girls from the
age of 18 years to carry out a
monthly self-breast examination.

Signs and symptoms of breast cancer

The following are the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, and you should always consult your doctor to discuss these symptoms.

• A lump or thickening in your breast or armpit.
• A change in the size or shape of one breast.
• A change in the skin of your breast, like puckering or dimpling (the skin may look like orange peel).
• A breast abscess (infected boil); this may appear as a red, tender area on your breast.
• A change in your nipple, like a pulled-in (inverted), sunken or flattened nipple.
• An unusual discharge (liquid) from one or both of your nipples; the discharge may be blood-stained or watery.
• A change on or around the nipple, like a rash or flaky or crusted skin.
• Swelling in your armpit or around your collarbone.

If you are worried or have concerns about breast cancer or any cancer, call the Irish Cancer Society Support Line on Freephone 1800 200 700 or email supportline@irishcancer.ie

The post The importance of attending BreastCheck appointments appeared first on Health News.

Lorna Donlon

Artist and Tapestry Weaver

A research institute is finding creative ways to start meaningful conversations between scientists and patients that can deepen collaboration and improve health outcomes.

Biomedical research has given the world countless important advances in healthcare and medicine. For instance, the UCD Conway Institute unites 600+ researchers exploring cellular and molecular biology, translating discoveries into diagnostic tools and therapeutics.

Consulting patients and their families

Prof Helen Roche, Director of UCD Conway Institute and Professor of Nutrigenomics at University College Dublin, admits that researchers can sometimes be disconnected from the very people they try to help. “We can tend to work in a bubble,” she says.

“But at the Conway, we aim to change that by consulting and engaging more effectively with patients and their families. Finding out about their lived experience can better inform our work and help translate our research with greater efficiency.”

The Institute launched its Patient Voice in Health Research initiative in 2016, led by Prof Amanda McCann with Elaine Quinn. This brings scientists and patients together to improve the quality of research and positively impact health outcomes.

Minority communities
experience higher rates
of certain diseases.

Bringing together powerful personal stories

However, before collaboration begins, it’s important to build trust between scientists and patients with ‘conversation openers.’ For example, the Conway recently worked with artist and tapestry weaver Lorna Donlon — a UCD graduate with a degree in cell and molecular biology — on a unique public engagement project called Cut From the Same Cloth.

UCD Conway’s researchers met with 164 women from minority communities — including members of the Venezuelan, Ukrainian, African, Bangladeshi, Indian, Pakistani, Kashmiri and Irish Traveller communities — aiming to foster trust and understanding between them.

“Minority communities experience higher rates of certain diseases, but don’t necessarily volunteer to get involved in research programmes because they don’t feel they can contribute,” explains Prof Roche. “Yet, it’s important for us to hear diverse voices.”

Science stitched with humanity

All women were invited to attend meetings with pieces of fabric and cloth that were personally relevant to them. “This was the springboard for them to tell extraordinary, real and emotional stories,” remembers Donlon. “Conway researchers also brought pieces of fabric that were important to them, along with imagery and patterns from their work, such as cancer cells and diabetic kidney cells. There were tears, but there was also a great sense of joy and enormous interest in the research.”

Donlon documented these personal stories and scientific images in an expansive tapestry, which has been exhibited to the public in various venues across Ireland. “The women who took part benefitted from this engagement,” says Prof Roche. “But our researchers did too because they were able to connect with the women.”

The post Weaving patient voices into the heart of groundbreaking medical research appeared first on Health News.

Mary-Anne Byrne from food and beverage distribution firm Richmond Marketing reveals how small Irish brand Fulfil grew to become a major player in the healthy snack market. 

Where did the idea for Fulfil Vitamin & Protein bar come from? 

Fulfil was created within Richmond Marketing 10 years ago after we spotted a gap in the market. Essentially, we felt the healthy snacks that existed in Ireland at that time just didn’t deliver on taste. They were all functionality — no indulgence. The idea was to create a snack that could cater to the needs of health-conscious consumers but also anyone who just wanted to eat something delicious. Now part of the Ferrero family, Fulfil continues to grow while staying true to its Irish roots and commitment to great taste and nutrition. 

When did it launch? 

Our first bar — chocolate, peanut and caramel — launched in 2016 and was immediately successful. I think the timing was right because people were moving towards a more health-focused snacking culture. They looked at the label and loved the ingredients. Then they tried it and loved the taste. 

What are the health benefits of Fulfil? 

Each bar is low in sugar, high in protein and contains nine essential vitamins, a combination that supports active and balanced lifestyles. High protein content is widely recognised to support muscle repair and maintenance,* while low sugar content supports steady energy without the crash. 

We’re all on the go these days, so the idea was to create a snack that could fit into busy lifestyles. It could be a post-workout snack or a convenient option that combines delicious taste with added benefits (International Society of Sports Nutrition, 2017). 

A key factor in its success is that it’s a healthy
snack that doesn’t compromise on taste.

How has the brand evolved over the past 10 years? 

From selling zero to over 1 million cases per year, it’s become the number one healthy bar brand and the number two single-serving confectionery bar brand in Ireland. There are now 11 different flavours, and they’re sold all over the world.* 

How did it disrupt the market and challenge the establishment? 

A key factor in its success is that it’s a healthy snack that doesn’t compromise on taste. Then there was our strategy of making it visible in stores with its distinctive yellow packaging, building cultural relevance, partnering with trade and driving great flavour innovation. All of that challenged the establishment and redefined standards for healthy snacking. 

The brand remains anchored in its Irish home and has some exciting plans, including a great innovation pipeline. Plus, an announcement is expected soon involving a partnership that promises to further strengthen Fulfil’s position in the market. 

*Source: Ranked by value sales from Collated EPOS of 1,608 outlets across eight leading multiple and convenience fascias in the 12-week period ending 7th Sep 2025. 

The post How Fulfil Vitamin & Protein bar hit the sweet spot for global success  appeared first on Health News.

Broadcaster, entrepreneur and The Hike Life creator Roz Purcell reveals why she loves hiking in the great outdoors — and shares some sound advice for hiking novices.

It’s no wonder that Roz Purcell has always loved the great outdoors. She grew up on a farm at the foot of Sliabh na mBan mountain in Tipperary, so countryside scenes were all around her. She remembers: “I started hiking when I was very young. It was just something we did as kids. We didn’t call it ‘hiking.’ We just explored.”

Personal benefits of hiking

These days, Purcell does call it hiking. She now has a busy life as a broadcaster, entrepreneur, author and creator of The Hike Life, a social media platform dedicated to daily hiking inspiration and information, which has spawned a number of books. One thing hasn’t changed, however: the personal benefit she gets from hiking is still immense.

“All I can talk about is my own experience,” she admits. “I love hiking for my fitness. Being able to climb and scramble up mountains has kept me fit — and that carries into other sports that I do. I find being in the outdoors a nice break from my mind racing.”

You want to avoid making big mistakes
in the outdoors, so taking advice from those
who have been in it for a long time will help.

Hiking for mental clarity and physical fitness

On a hike, Purcell feels that she can leave the rest of the world behind. It also stops her from overthinking. “While it doesn’t sort my problems, it makes me feel more able to tackle them,” she says. “It’s kind of reassuring.” Because she isn’t a novice, she’s able to take on more challenging climbs. “That really helps me be fully present,” she says. “Being fully switched-on to every movement when taking on a hard section.”

Practice safe hiking with trusted information

For anyone who wants to take up hiking, Purcell recommends putting effort into researching and planning your hike ahead of time, plus joining a local walking group to become familiar with local trails in a safe environment. As a woman, she understands that it can feel scary to hike alone. “I know it can be intimidating to join a group, but it’s a fantastic way to learn from experienced hikers,” she says. “You want to avoid making big mistakes in the outdoors, so taking advice from those who have been in it for a long time will help.”

The post Why Roz has always championed hiking in the great outdoors appeared first on Health News.

A professional skincare consultant advises on products specifically formulated for the management of very dry, itchy and eczema-prone skin, including highly effective oat-based formulas.

Dry, itchy and eczema-prone skin can affect any age group and can be made even worse by extreme weather conditions, highly polluted areas and chemical irritants.

Chronic dry skin impacts wellbeing

According to Paula Moriarty, Professional Skincare Consultant with Kenvue, dry skin is typically caused by a lack of sebum, the natural oil that helps our skin to retain moisture. “When the skin doesn’t produce enough sebum, the outer layer loses water and becomes dry, tight, itchy and sometimes flaky,” she explains. “This can be extremely difficult to manage.” Although often not a sign of anything serious, chronic dry skin can affect a person’s sleep, confidence and quality of life. Finding the right products is essential for effective skin management.

Products to help manage dry skin

According to Moriarty, managing very dry skin is all about consistency, using gentle, effective products, which could be moisturisers, lotions, creams, ointments or soap substitutes. Products are typically tailored to the three main dry skin types: normal to dry skin; dry and tight skin; and very dry, itchy and eczema-prone skin.

Look for gentle, fragrance-free
products and avoid irritants
and detergents.

Eczema is an extremely common dry skin condition, which results in flare-ups of red and itchy skin, alongside periods of remission. “Emollients aren’t just moisturisers; they’re specially formulated to treat dry, eczema-prone skin by deeply hydrating and restoring the skin barrier and should be applied generously several times a day.” Look for gentle, fragrance-free products and avoid irritants and detergents. Products with ceramides are extremely beneficial for restoring the skin’s natural lipid composition, Moriarty recommends.

Oat-based moisturisers

Aveeno’s range of skin care products is specially formulated for very dry and eczema-prone skin, using oats as their key ingredient, a natural remedy rooted in traditional holistic medicine. Moriarty explains: “Oats help remove impurities, calm itching and protect the skin, restoring the natural pH while preserving skin barrier function.”

She adds: “Aveeno skin relief moisturising lotion with shea butter hydrates for up to 72 hours, using a unique triple oat complex to support the skin barrier.” For those with more severe skin complaints, Aveeno Dermexa isavailable exclusively in pharmacies, which helps to restore skin ceramides and offers deep and lasting relief. Don’t suffer in silence when there are products on the market designed specifically for very dry, itchy and eczema-prone skin.

The post Oat-based products to help manage very dry, itchy, eczema-prone skin appeared first on Health News.