Milo Pankros

Scientific Trainer, Optibac

Safe, well-researched supplements containing ‘friendly’ bacteria can be a simple and effective way to support children’s gut and immune health.

“Every part of our body has a microbiome — a community of microorganisms or microbes that influences our whole body, not just the gut,” explains Milo Pankros, Scientific Trainer at friendly bacteria supplement brand, Optibac.

“The microbiome in our gut is the most densely populated of them all, and like any ecosystem, harmony is key, so we should look after it,” he says. Researchers have linked the microbes in our guts to immune and digestive function, energy, skin health and more.  

Gut health is particularly important for babies and children, whose microbiome is still developing. Unfortunately, up to 70% of children globally receive an antibiotic in the first few years of life, which can significantly alter their microbiome development.

In addition to a healthy, varied diet, parents can introduce live culture supplements into children’s daily routine, especially during antibiotics, to add specialist-friendly bacteria to the microbiome and increase beneficial gut bacteria.

Safe, well-researched supplements for children

Friendly bacteria supplements can be useful because it’s not always easy to get children to eat high-fibre foods, such as vegetables and whole grains, that naturally feed a good microbiome. Plus, the right supplements can often have easier ‘delivery systems’ than regular food products. “Choose a high-quality friendly bacteria supplement, which has been shown to reach the gut alive,” says Pankros.

Chris Tunks, Brand Manager at Optibac, notes that “parents should look for safe supplements, designed specifically for children and include highly researched strains for individual needs.”

“It should be made easy for parents to introduce supplements into their children’s diet,” he says. “For instance, our children’s range includes a flavourless liquid with an easy-to-use dropper, flavourless powders that can be mixed in water or sprinkled on non-acidic foods and tasty gummies made with natural ingredients suitable for children aged three and over. It’s about supporting parents and making it easier for them to be more proactive, rather than reactive, in terms of their children’s gut health.”

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One of the major risk factors for heart disease and stroke is high cholesterol. Encouragingly, research shows that 80% of premature heart disease and stroke is preventable through lifestyle. 

When it comes to diet, the focus should be on eating patterns rather than single foods or food groups.

Reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease

The Mediterranean-style eating pattern has a large body of evidence to support reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. This pattern of eating is beneficial because it is naturally rich in fibre, phytochemicals, plant sterols, unsaturated fats such as omega-3s, which, when combined, help to lower cholesterol, regulate blood pressure and support healthy blood glucose levels.

maintaining heart health is about making healthy food choices
that are realistic and sustainable in the long term.

Eating well for heart health

• Include a variety of fruit and vegetables (minimum of five to seven servings per day).
• Eat heart-healthy fats: olive or rapeseed oils, nuts, seeds and oily fish
• Limit intake of saturated fats like full-fat dairy, fatty meats and meat products, cakes, biscuits and pastries.
• Choose wholegrain versions of bread, rice and pasta. Include cereals like oats and barley.
• Eat fish at least twice per week, with one being oily fish.
• Limit salt intake from processed red meats and ready-made meals. Choose lower salt versions of everyday foods such as bread and breakfast cereals. Use herbs and spices instead of salt to flavour food.
• Alcohol: there is no completely safe level. If you drink alcohol, it is important to keep within the low-risk guidelines.

Heart-healthy food swaps

Fats and oils: Butter on bread can be substituted with hummus, nut butter, low-fat soft cheese, pesto or olive tapenade.

Salty foods: Instead of processed meats (like bacon, sausages, ham), have fresh meat, poultry, fish and eggs.

Wholegrains: White bread can be swapped out for high-fibre wholegrain or whole-wheat bread.

Breakfast cereal: Instead of high salt or sugar cereals, have some porridge, overnight oats or shredded wheat.

Realistic and sustainable food choices

Ultimately, maintaining heart health is about making healthy food choices that are realistic and sustainable in the long term. Focus on one small change at a time.

For more information on nutrition and heart health How to manage cholesterol – INDI

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Flu can cause serious illness in children. The best protection is the flu vaccine. The vaccine is safe, effective, and available free of charge for all children aged two to 17.

Flu is more than a cold

Each year, flu season runs from October to April. This winter, all children aged two to 17 in Ireland will be offered the flu vaccine free of charge. Flu is not the same as a cold; it is a serious and highly infectious illness that can cause severe illness in children. Children who get flu can experience complications such as pneumonia or bronchitis, and those with long-term conditions are at even greater risk. In the last decade in Ireland, over 9,000 children were admitted to hospital with flu, and over 200 required treatment in an intensive care unit.

Safe and easy protection

The good news is that we can protect children. The flu vaccine is safe, effective and easy to give. It is a nasal spray vaccine, administered as a quick, painless spray up each nostril. No needles are needed. The vaccine helps your child’s immune system to fight off the flu virus if they come into contact with it and gives them the best available protection against flu infection its complications.

Protecting families and communities

Vaccination protects your child. It also helps to stop flu spreading to others, including siblings, parents and grandparents. It can also reduce time away from school and other activities.

Parents can book the vaccine with their GP or local pharmacist

A proven vaccine, free of charge

The children’s flu vaccine used in Ireland has been safely given to children for many years in the US and the UK, and since 2020 in Ireland. Most children can get the nasal spray flu vaccine; although a small number with certain medical conditions may need an alternative flu vaccine given by injection.

Side effects, if they occur, are usually mild, such as a runny nose, headache or mild fever. However, they often pass quickly. Serious side effects are very rare.

Parents can book the vaccine with their GP or local pharmacist. In some cases, it may also be offered in schools. Both the consultation and the vaccine are completely free.

For more information, speak to your GP or Pharmacist or visit www.hse.ie/flu

The post How to protect your child from flu appeared first on Health News.

For many living with chronic pain, cold weather increases stiffness, fatigue and isolation. With the right tools, people can protect their wellbeing and avoid worsening symptoms.

Winter presents challenges for the one in three people in Ireland living with chronic pain. Shorter days affect sleep, mood and energy — factors closely linked to how strongly pain is experienced. When stress, isolation or exhaustion rise, symptoms often become harder to manage.

Protecting physical and mental wellbeing

For many, the instinct is to “hibernate”, retreating indoors and reducing activity. Yet, long periods of inactivity can intensify pain rather than ease it. Gentle, consistent movement — short walks, stretching and pacing daily tasks — helps keep joints mobile and supports overall wellbeing. Small, achievable steps are more effective than trying to power through or stopping activity altogether.

Mental wellbeing is equally important since chronic pain affects it more than the body, and influences thought patterns, emotional balance and confidence. Winter can deepen feelings of loneliness or low mood, so it’s essential to stay connected. Speaking with family, friends or peer-support groups can make a difference. Techniques such as breathing exercises, grounding or guided relaxation can help calm the nervous system and reduce the stress-pain cycle.

.Winter can deepen feelings of loneliness or low mood, so it’s essential to stay connected

Self-management tools

Self-management strategies in getting through winter include maintaining regular routines and sleep patterns; using heat safely to ease stiffness; pacing activities and taking scheduled breaks; preparing for busy or stressful periods in advance; and staying hydrated and nourished.

Digital supports (eg. podcasts, online workshops or short guided exercises) can also be helpful on difficult days.

Chronic pain is a long-term condition that changes daily. No one should feel they have to manage it alone, especially during winter when challenges increase. Reaching out for support, whether through healthcare providers, community organisations or charities such as Chronic Pain Ireland, can provide reassurance, practical tools and a sense of connection.

With the right supports and a compassionate approach to self-care, winter doesn’t have to mean withdrawal or worsening symptoms. People living with chronic pain can maintain mobility, preserve wellbeing and stay engaged in life — even in the coldest months of the year.

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The festive season is, unfortunately, also the herald of the flu season. Dr Eoghan de Barra explains how we can prepare, protect and be proactive against viral infection.

With flu season in full swing, peaking approximately six weeks either side of Christmas, households must be prepared. “These illnesses will circulate, and preparation is key,” says Dr Eoghan de Barra, Consultant of Infectious Diseases.

Prepare

Many viruses circulate year-round but become more active in winter. Viruses survive longer in cold conditions, and people generally spend more time together inside, making it easier to spread. Alongside this, COVID-19, adds de Barra, “breaks all the usual rules, appearing in waves every 12-16 weeks”, which can create a “perfect storm” if it overlaps with flu and RSV.

He advises stocking up on the basics — paracetamol, ibuprofen, fluids, a thermometer and over-the-counter medications, as most viral infections can be managed with self-care.

Protect

Simple measures such as good hand hygiene, effective ventilation and staying at home to avoid the spread of symptoms can help reduce the risk of transmission. For some vulnerable populations, these measures are more important than ever.

Vaccination is one of the most proactive ways to protect yourself, giving you the ability
to enjoy a normal winter season, socialise and meaningfully reduce your risk

“There are certain groups who are at greater risk from illness over winter, including those with chronic health conditions, such as asthma and chronic lung disease; those aged over 65 or under 2; and people with weakened immune systems,” explains de Barra. Checking in on people to make sure they’re eating and drinking is important, but should be balanced with limiting their exposure to anyone unwell with a cough or a bad cold. 

Be proactive

“Utilise the tools at your disposal. Vaccination is one of the most proactive ways to protect yourself, giving you the ability to enjoy a normal winter season, socialise and meaningfully reduce your risk. While vaccination doesn’t completely prevent infection, data shows a significant reduction¹ in the risk of hospitalisation and risk of mortality, particularly when people are vaccinated against flu, COVID-19 and RSV,” implores de Barra.

And while there are added pressures on the healthcare system, that shouldn’t deter you from seeking professional assessment when needed. “If you’re in a high-risk group or have chronic health conditions, you should contact your healthcare provider sooner rather than later,” says de Barra. “If symptoms are more than the usual fever, aches and pains, including difficulty breathing or if you’re getting worse or not improving after 48 to 72 hours, it’s time to reach out for medical advice.”

[1] Scott, J. et al. (2025). Updated Evidence for Covid-19, RSV, and Influenza Vaccines for 2025–2026. New England Journal of Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmsa2514268

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With winter at its height, thoughts turn to guarding our health against the elements. Do we take the same care with our mental health?

A reasonable response might be: “What are the signs to watch for when it comes to mental health, and where can I find support?” The answers are central to MyMind’s existence as a charity providing accessible talk therapy for everyday mental health challenges.

Minding the signs

Life happens, bringing with it worries over money, family, work and the innumerable concerns of 21^st-century living. Low mood, irritability and lingering tiredness are some of the warning signs to watch out for when it comes to mental health. These are the mental health equivalents of a scratchy throat and sinus pain signalling an oncoming cold.

Low mood, irritability and lingering tiredness are some of the warning
signs to watch out for when it comes to mental health.

Support is here

At MyMind, we believe that common, everyday mental health challenges are fully deserving of professional therapeutic support. Issues like burnout, relationship struggles and bereavement are some examples that, left untreated, can lead to more serious mental health challenges down the line. This is why we advocate for early intervention, knowing that engaging in counselling or psychotherapy early yields results sooner — and with lasting effect. 

Making our services accessible is absolutely fundamental to successful early intervention, and we achieve this on several fronts. We provide appointments without waiting lists or the need for referral and aim to always have sessions available to book within 72 hours of registration. Appointments are held face-to-face from 11 locations across Ireland, and online, in over 20 languages.

We are not-for-profit, with a fee structure tied to employment status. This facilitates a low Standard Rate of €60 per session, while funding from the HSE makes it possible to offer €30 appointments to anyone earning less than €25,000 annually, including retirees and full-time third-level students.

MyMind’s message for winter is one of hope. Support is here, it is accessible, and just as we’re wrapping up against the elements, we should also be mindful of our mental health over the darker months.

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With the right steps and support, people with COPD and asthma can live well. Discover the resources that can help manage these lung conditions.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma are chronic lung conditions very common in the Irish population.They can influence quality of life and mental health, and increase the risk of heart disease and death. In Ireland, over 380,000 people are living with COPD, and 1 in 10 people is living with asthma.

Empowering people to live well with COPD and asthma

There’s no single ‘fix’ to COPD and asthma, but there are everyday steps that can support health and wellbeing.

• Know your triggers
• Take inhalers correctly
• Quit smoking/vaping – it’s never too late to stop
• Eat well: enjoy a mix of foods, guided by the healthy eating guidelines and food pyramid
• Be active, ‘use it or lose it’: choose activities you enjoy
• Pace yourself, prioritise daily tasks
• Check in with GP: regular reviews help identify issues early
• Protect yourself with vaccination

Aside from these steps, the following support is also available.

Chronic disease management

Started in 2020, GPs see COPD and asthma patients (with a medical or doctor visit card) twice per year when they are well to optimise care and prevent flare-ups. Contact your GP for further details.

There’s no single ‘fix’ to COPD and asthma, but there are
everyday steps that can support health and wellbeing.

Integrated hubs

There are 26 hubs providing consultant-led specialist multidisciplinary services for COPD and asthma in the community. They provide pulmonary rehabilitation, an exercise and education programme. Referral is through your physician.

Asthma Adviceline

This multidisciplinary service supports patients by providing care beyond clinic appointments. Healthcare professionals can refer patients directly, while patients can self-refer, to the Asthma Adviceline.

WhatsApp service

This service is a confidential way of asking questions about your asthma and receiving guidance from trained nurses. Videos on inhaler technique, infographics and webinars are shared on WhatsApp (086 059 0132).

COPD Support Ireland

COPD Support Ireland delivers self-management services through education, resources and local support and exercise groups. These groups meet once a week for an exercise class and to share the lived experience of COPD in a social, peer support group setting. Healthcare professionals can refer patients to the local support and exercise group, or patients can self-refer on the COPD Support Ireland website.

Additional support

Learn more about living well with COPD and asthma with these additional resources:

• HSE Vaccinations
• Healthy Eating
• Physical Activity
• Singstrong or contact info@singstrong.ie 
• COPD Support Ireland
• Asthma Society of Ireland
• https://www.asthma.ie/patient-e-referral
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation Patient Exercise Booklet
• COPD Self-care Plan
• Suite of Integrated Respiratory Videos (2024)
• Nutrition in COPD
• AZ COPD
• Keeping Well with a Lung Condition Webinar
• My Asthma Action Plan
• AZ Asthma
• Living Well Programme

Learn more about COPD Support Ireland or self-refer by visiting www.copd.ie.

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

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.

Dr Sheraz Gondal

Online Doctor

Traditional, in-person doctor visits can be inconvenient and time-consuming. Online doctor services in Ireland revolutionise healthcare with convenience and accessibility, addressing the challenges of in-person visits.

Eirdoc Online Doctor stands out as a leading provider of online GP services in Ireland. With a team of experienced and qualified Irish Medical Council (IMC)-registered doctors, it offers a comprehensive range of services. This includes consultations for general health concerns, minor illnesses, allergies, skin conditions and chronic disease management.

Your gateway to convenient and personalised healthcare

Eirdoc provides patients with a wealth of benefits, including:

• Unparalleled convenience: access healthcare anytime, anywhere, through secure video or phone consultations.
• Streamlined appointment booking and shorter wait times: schedule appointments within 24–48 hours and enjoy significantly shorter wait times.
• Enhanced accessibility for mobility-challenged individuals: receive personalised medical advice and treatment from the comfort of your own home.
• Cost-effectiveness: enjoy affordable healthcare solutions that save you both time and money.
• Personalised care: receive treatment tailored to your unique needs through in-depth consultations with our experienced doctors.

We are breaking down geographical barriers
and providing equitable access to healthcare.

Embrace the future of healthcare, experience the benefits of online GP services

We are breaking down geographical barriers and providing equitable access to healthcare. Eirdoc Online Doctor offers streamlined, personalised healthcare for your physical and mental wellbeing. We are poised to become an integral part of your healthcare journey.

The post Online doctor services in Ireland: convenient, accessible and cost-effective appeared first on Health News.

A charity offering help and support to those having suicidal thoughts or self-harming is gearing up to meet the growing demand for its services over the holidays.

For some, the festive season can feel overwhelming. Many who struggle with their mental health or feelings of isolation may feel worse than at other times of the year.

Crisis helpline preventing self-harm and suicide

Pieta, a suicide and self-harm prevention charity 85% funded by public donations, is providing clinical support services across 20+ locations in Ireland. Around Christmas, it foresees over 1,500 engagements with its one-to-one therapy — with 600+ expected to be under 18, seeking professional help.

Clare McKim, National 24-hour Crisis Helpline and Therapy Service Line Manager, says: “Last year alone, we received 230 calls and texts to our crisis helpline on Christmas Day. We expect significant numbers of people who are struggling to reach out this year.”

Prioritising wellbeing through activities
like mindfulness, exercise and positive
connections can foster inner peace.

Call or text for professional support

The charity’s 2022 figures showed a total of 100,000 calls and texts made to the crisis helpline. Around 52,000 hours of therapy were completed with 7,000 clients across the country.

Apart from preventing and aiding individuals with suicidal thoughts or self-harm, services also support anyone bereaved by suicide. Last year, over 600 families received free support from Suicide Bereavement Liaison Service officers.

Tips for minding your mental health

Prioritising wellbeing through activities like mindfulness, exercise and positive connections can foster inner peace. Below are a few ways to invest in your mental health, better moods and fulfilment.

• Compare leads to despair. Comparing our lives to others can have a negative impact on our mental health and lead to intense feelings of inferiority. Try limiting your exposure to social media and consumer advertising.

• Connect with nature. Getting outside for fresh air or a change of scenery can induce better thoughts.

• Try to stick to your normal routines, as disruptions over the holiday season may cause an imbalance in your mental health.

• Feelings of isolation and loneliness can be heightened. Try to stay connected. Spend time with friends or family, or get involved in community groups and volunteering.

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