Real Health with Karl Henry

On the Real Health podcast this week, Karl is joined by founder of The Positive Habit, bestselling author of ‘Sleep Well: 8 Habits to help you fall asleep, stay asleep and wake up refreshed,’ clinical hypnotherapist, Fiona Brennan.

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On the Real Health podcast today, Karl is joined by Yoga with Maura founder, Maura Rath.

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This week on the Real Health podcast Karl was joined by qualified nutritional health coach, Edel Owens also known as the Wholefood Hero.

For more from the Wholefood Hero, check out Edel’s website at www.thewholefoodhero.com.

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How do we create a habit? Why are bad habits so catchy? And how do we make it easier to stick with good ones?

In this bonus episode, we look back at Karl’s conversation with American author of Atomic Habits, James Clear.

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Should you use mouthwash? Is water flossing a fad? And which foods stain our teeth? 

Karl is joined on the Real Health podcast this week by dentist, Dr Bronagh Keane, AKA Ireland’s Tooth Fairy. 

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On today’s episode of the Real Health podcast, Karl Henry speaks to weight loss expert and bariatric surgeon, Dr Andrew Jenkinson, on his new book ‘How to eat (and still lose weight): a science-backed guide to nutrition and health.

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On the Real Health podcast this week, Karl is joined by broadcaster, author and All-Ireland camogie winner Anna Geary to discuss her new book ‘Anna’s Game Plan.’

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Are you sick of penny pinching till payday? Does securing a mortgage feel like a personal Everest? And where do you start if you want to begin saving? On the Real Health podcast this week, Karl chats to Eoin McGee, financial planner and presenter of the tv show, “the complaints bureau,” which premieres on RTÉ One this Thursday.

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On this episode of the Real Health podcast, we go to the vault with clips from previous conversations with Professor Donal O’Shea, registered dietician Sarah Keogh and Professor Carel le Roux.

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On this week’s episode of the Real Health podcast, Karl chats with self-development expert, high performance coach, mentor, and now author, Mark Fennell.

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On this week’s episode of the Real Health podcast, Karl chats with cancer coach, Karen Kruger on navigating life after diagnosis.

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On this week’s episode of the Real Health podcast, Karl Henry talks to Greg Xavier, a licensed Wim Hof-method instructor, on the mental health benefits of deep-breathing and cold-water therapy.

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What is ageing? How do we slow it down? And what is the difference between chronological age and biological age? Karl is joined on the Real Health podcast this week by Head of the ageing research program at Trinity College, Regius Professor Rose Anne Kenny, to discuss the latest research in ageing and how science can slow the process?

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What is Languishing? Why are so many people suffering from burnout? And what are the ways to feel alive in a world that wears us down? Karl is joined on the Real Health podcast this week by Professor Corey Keyes, to discuss his new book ‘Languishing: How to Feel Alive Again in a World That Wears Us Down’.

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What are the misconceptions about weight loss? What works? And why severe calorie restriction does not work? On the Real Health podcast this week, Karl chats to the author of ‘Eat Your Way to a Six Pack: The Ultimate 75 Day Transformation Plan,’ Scott Harrison, on eating your way to fitness.

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On the Real Health podcast this week, Karl speaks with author, Dr Beth Mosley MBE, on her new book ‘Happy Families: How to Support Your Child’s Mental Health’.

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Do you need a declutter this new year? Has your home become messy? And what are the steps to return to an organised space? To help with all things clutter, Karl was joined on the Real Health podcast this week by author and founder of Organised Chaos, Sarah Reynolds.

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On today’s episode of Real Health, Karl walks through some tips on how to get back into the swing of things after the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

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On Real Health this week, Karl spoke to global Fitness influencer and founder of the Queens don’t quit community, Maeve Madden. Karl discusses nutrition, past relationships and starting a fitness empire with the Instagram star.

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What are the best ways to walk? How fast should you walk for maximum benefit? And is walking healthier when done alone or in groups? On the Real Health podcast this week, Karl is joined by author of ‘52 ways to walk: The surprising science of walking for wellness and joy, one week at a time’ Annabel Streets.

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How should you deal with lower back pain? Is it fixable? And what are the main causes? On the Real Health Podcast this week, Karl is joined by chartered physio and Ph.D. in Biomechanics, Eoin Everard.

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This week on Real Health, Karl walks through his top tips for surviving the Christmas period in a healthy way. From planning to accountability, Karl looks at what will help you navigate the festive period.

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Stress is bad? Some stress is good? What is stress? and does it have an image problem? This week on Real Health, Karl was joined by Lifestyle medicine physician and longevity expert, Dr Alka Patel.

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Overcoming depression, managing a business and most important, baking for others. This week on Real Health, Karl was joined by celebrity baker, owner of 2210 Patisserie and best-selling author of ‘Sweet Therapy,’ Una Leonard.

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Darina Allen joins Karl on the Real Health podcast this week to share why she wrote a book about bread, the importance of cooking from scratch and why its healthier to cook for yourself. 

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This week on Real Health, Karl is joined by musician, frontman of Bell X1 and music therapist, Paul Noonan, to discuss the healing power of music therapy.

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This week on Real Health, Karl is joined by award winning chef, TV host and now author Mark Moriarity to discuss his new book ‘Flavour: Every Day Food Made Exceptional'.

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Using food as medicine is a central feature of Jess Redden’s work and in her new book ‘’The Food Pharmacy’’ she dives into how food can be utilised in treating common ailments as well as over 100 delicious recipes. On Real Health today, Karl was joined by the author and pharmacist, Jess Redden.

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Fractures and falls are a leading cause of older people losing independence, requiring homecare or having to live in a nursing home.  With one in three people aged over 65 and one in two over 75 having had a fall in the past year. On Real Health this week we speak to Geriatrician at Beaumont Hospital, Professor Frances Dockery, on the importance of calcium and protein for older people. 

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This Sunday, bright and early some 20,000 runners will take to the streets of the capital for the Dublin Marathon. On his own Marathon journey is the Irish Independent’s own Group Head of visuals in media house, Dave Conachy, who is chasing Everest in a sub-three-hour time. Karl was joined on The Real Health Podcast by both Dave and his trainer, Irish Olympian and former winner of the London, Berlin and Amsterdam Marathons, Catherina McKiernan.

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The stars in the sky, Dinosaurs and vaccines can all be understood through science. Science can be our friend, it's a very messy world out there. There's all kinds of worries and concerns and uncertainties that can be simplified. On Real Health this week Karl sits down with the Science teacher we all wish we had, Professor Luke O’Neill to chat about his new book ‘’ To Boldly Go Where No Book Has Gone Before’.

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On this weeks episode of The Real Health Podcast Karl dives into the world of open-water swimming. The extreme situations offered by ice swimming allowed Nuala Moore an escape of kinds and a chance to find her true north. She's a fearless, open water swimmer, an adventurer. She spent decades as a scuba diving professional and helped shape the standards for ice and channel swimming. And she holds not one, but two Guinness World Records for extreme cold water swimming. Karl is joined by Sea adventurer and Cold Specialist, Nuala Moore, who details what goes through her mind when she’s in freezing water in her memoir ‘’Limitless’’.

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What are the biggest mistakes we make when we exercise? Is there any merit in the internet-led idea of ‘’Carbo-phobia'’? Can healthy eating harm an athlete with a strict training program? Are energy drinks useful or to be avoided altogether? Processed foods, yay or nay? These are just some of the areas Karl Henry covers on today's episode, alongside dietician and sports nutritionist Evan Lynch.

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This week Karl is joined by hotelier and presenter Francis Brennan for some simple tips on how to get older with grace and live by the idea that age is truly just a number.

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Nutrition can be complicated. Not because it has to be, but because the volume of information available to us can be overwhelming. This week Karl is joined by registered dietician Orla Walsh to cut through the jargon and fad diets and bring you the basics of nutrition and what you really need to know.

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Summer is great for so many reasons, but those few months can wreak havoc on our routines. Holidays abroad in particular, see us throw our schedules and usual exercise and meal plans out the window. This week Karl goes through some of his top tips for getting our health and wellness back on track.

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Change. Do you love it? Are you afraid of it? It’s a natural and constant part of life, but it can be overwhelming. Clinical psychologist Dr Claire Hayes explains why embracing change can lead to exciting new opportunities.

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We have all heard of dementia, many of us will have a loved one who has the disease. It can be a health topic that some of us shy away from, out of fear of what it entails. This week, Karl is joined by neuroscientist Dr Sabina Brennan to tell us exactly what we need to know about dementia and how to keep our brains healthy.

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Having a house full of plants has become very trendy in recent years. While they look great, surrounding ourselves with nature has more than just aesthetic benefits. Karl speaks to Professor Ross Cameron about why plants improve our health and wellbeing.

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Conversations are a part of our daily life. We probably underestimate how many conversations we have every day. But how important is conversation and what is going on in our brains when we are chatting to someone? This week Karl is joined by neuroscientist Shane O’Mara to discuss.

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Dairy has become somewhat of a controversial food group. With plenty of myths around about dairy, this week on Real Health we are chatting about what you need to know and what some of the alternatives out there are.

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Over the course of the last few years, diabetes is something that has come up time and time again on the podcast. While it can be a scary thing to face when diagnosed, here on Real Health we are all about giving you the information you need. This week, we will discuss both the prevention and management of diabetes with GP, Dr Sumi Dunne.

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We are in the middle of a busy season of triathlons, ultra swims and 10Ks. Of course, marathons and half marathons are in full swing across the country with the Dublin marathon fast approaching. What is the best training for these events and what do you need to know about fueling our bodies for both the events and the weeks leading up to it?

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Returning to the gym can be a serious commitment to take on but if you make some of the common mistakes, like under fuelling or not sleeping enough, it can be a lot harder. This week Karl discusses some of his top tips for getting back to the gym.

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Going to a GP when you are concerned about your health is a normal thing to do. But what about going to the doctor for a checkup when you feel fine? This week on Real Health, Karl is joined by Dr Brian Higgins to discuss the full health checks you can get and why you should consider them.

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Families are messy and complicated and can be difficult to navigate when you’re an adult. But understanding our family history could help us to become the best version of ourself. This week Karl is joined by psychotherapist Richard Hogan to take a look at how our families shape who we are.

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Taking that fear out of cancer and getting crucial information out there is something I am really passionate about. The more we all know about cancer, the more we are equipped to deal with the disease and the potential treatments to follow. To help me do this. I'm joined by Bernie Carter, assistant director of nursing at the Marie Keating Foundation.

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We all want to be happier, but it can be a tricky emotion to pin down. Do we need the new car to achieve it or is it learning to appreciate that joke with a friend or cup of coffee in the morning that will get us there? This week on Real Health, Karl is joined by Professor Ian Robertson to discuss the science behind happiness and how we can have more happiness in our lives.

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Being average isn’t really something any of us strive for. In today’s world, average is almost considered to be a negative thing. Realistically though, we can’t all be the best at everything so should we feel shame or guilt for not being so? This week Karl is joined by psychotherapist Colman Noctor to discuss why being average can be a superpower.

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With summer in full swing, let's be honest, we’re all thinking about a summer holiday. Be that home or abroad. While some are planning a relaxing sun holiday, many of us are looking for a bit more adventure. We mightn’t want to hit the gym every day we are away but being active on holiday has its own appeal. This week Karl is joined by the Irish Independent’s travel editor Pól Ó Conghaile to chat about some of the best active holiday options out there.

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On Real Health, we are all about making life long healthy changes. That said, sometimes we need extra motivation or that push to get started and for many, the summer is that starting point. This week Rory McInerney from FFS gym, joins Karl to bring his top tips for getting the most out of your gym workouts.

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This week on Real Health, It's an episode from our Life Lessons series. My guest is one of the three Dancing with the Stars judges, Arthur Gourounlain is a new Dad and has had a career that has seen him performing with some of the best in the business, from Beyonce, to Pussycat Dolls to Kylie Minogue.

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We all know people who are childish and no, I don’t mean the actual children in our lives. It can be frustrating working with or have a friendship or relationship with someone who doesn’t want to stand on their own two feet. This week, Karl is joined by best selling author Sarah Knight to discuss how to act more like an adult and get treated like one.

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Acceptance can be tricky. We mightn’t like a situation or an experience we’ve had so trying to accept it can seem near impossible. But what if we learned to master acceptance and stop the usual cycle of dwelling and ranting? This week on Real Health, Karl is joined by psychotherapist Padraig O'Morain to chat about the power of acceptance and how it can change our lives for the better.

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What makes a good conversation? Is it a topic everyone involved is interested in? Or is it about being a good listener and knowing what to say and how to say it? This week on Real Health Karl is joined by Dr Harry Barry to chat about the best ways to beat social anxiety and build better relationships.

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Carl Mullan’s life has been non-stop. He is flat out with presenting the 2FM breakfast show, being a dad, creating content for social and just the small matter of competing and winning this year’s Dancing with the Stars. This week Carl joins me to talk about life, career and family.  

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We all know parenting is complicated and new challenges crop up all the time. There are some issues that are more common than others though, like picky eating or helping a child to be more confident. This week, Clinical Psychologist Dr David Coleman joins Karl to chat about parenting and give some of his advice.

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Breathing is getting more and more attention, mainly in the meditation and mindfulness space. While it can be beneficial to focus on the breath during those moments, what about the rest of the time? This week Karl is joined by breathing expert, Patrick McKeown to tell us how one simple change to our breathing can improve our health and wellness.

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Parenting is hard and every milestone in a child's life brings its own challenges. Though there is something special about the teenage years that can awaken a sense of dread in many parents. Is there a knack to it? This week, psychotherapist Stella O’Malley joins Karl to discuss her best advice for communicating with your teen.

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Modern life is full of distractions, so sitting down and being present in the moment can take a huge amount of effort. This week on Real Health, Karl is joined by Niall Breslin, aka Bressie, to tell us why being mindful can help us become more self-aware and at peace in a world that wants us to be anything but.

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We might think that transforming our health warrants an all or nothing approach. Can improving your wellbeing be done with one simple change a week? This week on Real Health Karl goes through some of the easiest and often overlooked changes that can impact our health for the better.

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Most will have heard the phrase ‘you can’t out train a bad diet’. How true is it and will it hold you back when starting a new exercise regime? Karl Henry is joined by registered dietitian Sophie Pratt to discuss.

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It’s an inevitable part of life for half of the world’s population but menopause symptoms can vary enormously. This week on Real Health, Dr Deirdre Lundy joins Karl to discuss her new book and how to manage the many physical and mental challenges that come with menopause.

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In this episode of Real Health, Karl Henry is joined by British psychologist, Kimberley Wilson, to hear about her new book on feeding the mind to help fight our current mental health crisis.

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This week on Real Health, Karl is joined by his 'Operation Transformation' buddy, Dr Eddie Murphy, to look at how we can feel more confident in ourselves, and build on self-esteem.

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This week on Real Health, Karl is bringing his top tips for running every distance. From 5k to ultra marathons, Karl discusses the things you need to do for each type of run and how to progress and run for longer.

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If you were asked what the most important emotion is, what would you say? Happiness? Love? Empathy? This week on Real Health, author Dacher Keltner says there is a case to be made for awe. Host: Karl Henry. Guest: Dacher Keltner.

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This week on Real Health with Karl Henry, as part of our Life Lessons series, Karl is joined by broadcaster and Rose of Tralee presenter Dáithí Ó Sé, to chat about his varied career, work-life balance and why looking after his health is so important to him.

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As part of cervical cancer prevention week, Karl is joined by Dr Sarah Fitzgibbon to bring you everything you need to know, from screenings to symptoms and HPV. 

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There are loads of positive changes people try to embrace this time of year. Instead of looking at all the things you should be doing for your health, this week Karl is going through the top ten things to avoid in 2023, from crash diets to unachievable goals.

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We know the usual new year's resolutions that people make. This year though, instead of tackling things in your personal life, you look at your work life and how you can improve it so that everything else can thrive? This week Karl is joined by career psychologist Sinead Brady to discuss how to achieve a work life balance in 2023.

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January is the month where many people start hitting the gym as part of their new year's resolutions. Life can get busy though, so finding time to get to the gym can be difficult. This is where at-home workouts really come into their own, as they often fit easier into our hectic days. This week Karl is joined by personal trainer John Belton to bring us his top tips for maximising home workouts.

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As we come to the end of 2022 and the new year is fast approaching, many people will look to 2023 as an opportunity to wipe the slate clean and leave behind bad habits, in favour of new ones. This week, Karl is joined by Gerry Hussey, to bringing us his advice on how we can try to reach our full potential and achieve the goals we want to achieve.

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Sonya Lennon is a woman who wears many hats. Mother of twins, broadcaster, stylist, fashion designer and an entrepreneur. Sonya joins Karl as part of Real Health’s Life Lessons series.

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This week on the Real Health podcast, Karl discusses easy health swaps you can make to improve your health. Making changes doesn’t have to be dramatic, causing hassle and taking up lots of energy. Instead, these simple changes will get you on the right track.

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This week on the Real Health podcast, Karl is joined by writer and broadcaster Keith Walsh, discussing what it's like to be diagnosed with ADHD as an adult and how to learn to live with the symptoms.

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Now that we’re in the run up to Christmas, this week on Real Health, we’re bringing you our festive gift guide. From the best of Irish athletic wear to the top books and journals, we have something for everyone. Host: Karl Henry. Guest: Derval O’Rourke.

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Being mindful about what we eat brings lots of health benefits and knowing where our food comes from is a big part of that. But have you ever considered growing your own food? This week, Karl is joined by the founder of GIY, Michael Kelly, to discuss how we can grow food that tastes better than anything you can find in the shops.

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There are loads of factors that contribute to our mood, but have you ever considered what role food has to play? This week Karl is joined by registered dietician Sarah Keogh to discuss what types of food and vitamins can have a positive impact on how we feel.

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There is no escaping the cost-of-living crisis. Not only are we living it but news reports also remind us how much more expensive our bills are. While the reasons are out of our control, there are some simply tips we can adopt in our lives that can help keep costs down. This week Karl is joined by Home Economist, Agnes Bouchier Hayes.

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You know the basics of a good diet, but how can you take your food game to the next level? This week Karl Henry is joined by performance nutritionist, Daniel Davey to tell us why prioritising food can help with our fitness goals, performance and injury prevention.

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How much do you really know about strokes? With World Stroke Day taking place this Saturday, we are bringing you everything you need to know about strokes, from prevention to signs and symptoms. Host: Karl Henry. Guest: Dr John McCabe.

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This week on Real Health Karl is joined by Dr Phil Kieran to discuss all the things that impact our life expectancy. From body fat to cholesterol, we’re covering it all and giving you some tips that can help you live longer and better.

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It might be considered the most basic form of exercise, but walking can be the ultimate workout. This week I’m bringing you my top tips on how to take walking to the next level. Host: Karl Henry

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Getting older comes with plenty of health concerns and things we need to be aware of. But how conscious are we about our muscles as we age? Is it a big deal if we lose some muscle mass? This week it’s all about why looking after our muscles as we get older is so important. Host: Karl Henry Guest: Dr Brendan Egan.

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This week on Real Health, it’s episode two from the National Ploughing Championships 2022. I’m bringing you my four pillars for lifelong wellness. From sleep to measuring progress with health, I’m telling you what you need to know. Host: Karl Henry.

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This week on Real Health, I’m coming to you live from the National Ploughing Championships 2022. I was delighted to be joined by Mairead McGuiness EU Commissioner for financial services, financial stability and Capital Markets Union. Mairead joined me for one of our Life Lessons episodes. Host: Karl Henry. Guest: Mairead McGuinness.

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We all want to live our best lives, get as much out of our time as possible. That, however, can be easier said than done.  Life can sometimes get in the way, from work to finances and everything in between. But what if you were told you had a life limiting illness? What would you do differently?  This week, I’m delighted to be joined by John Wall, who was diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer in 2017.  While he had to come to terms with this, his approach to life is all about seizing the day. As part of palliative care week that is taking place this week, John tells me about his experience with palliative care. It can be a scary thing to talk about, but for John it helped him gain back a quality of life he never thought he’d get back.  “Palliative for me at the time was pain control...One introduction to a palliative consultant changed everything. [They] found a drug that worked for me, that is still working for me and given me a quality of life that I once thought was gone.” We also talk about how to live life to the full and not sweat the small stuff, something John decided to do when he was diagnosed with cancer.  “To put it very simply, the day I was told I was going to die was the day I started to live...you only get one shot at life and that’s applicable to all of us. Whether you’re in good health or not, we get one life.”  We also chat about the role genetics play when it comes to coronary heart disease and links abdominal obesity has to it too.  For more episodes, tips and advice from the show just click here. And you can get in touch - I’m @KarlHenryPT on Instagram and realhealth@independent.ie. Don’t forget to rate, review and follow on Apple and Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts from. The Real Health podcast is in association with Laya Healthcare. 

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September is heart month, so we decided to take a look at the things you need to do to keep your heart healthy and protect against heart disease, from exercise to lifestyle changes. Host: Karl Henry. Guest: Dr Paddy Barrett, preventative cardiologist.

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It’s September, which means back to school and a return to our routines. It’s the perfect time to embrace those healthier habits you’ve wanted to have, by making them a part of your day now that summer is behind us. This week, I’m bringing you my top tips on how to reset. From exercise to diet, I’m taking you through it all. Summer can cause havoc on our normal routines. There’s more food, more relaxing and this year we were able to go abroad, which for many people was the first time in a couple of years. While we’ve all enjoyed the great weather the last few months have brought, it can leave some people feeling guilty for not being as healthy as they may have wanted. This brings me to my number one tip and I think the best place to start when looking to reset. Drawing a line in the sand, accepting we can’t change what we did is a must if you are going to form new habits. Life is for living and being hard on yourself will get you nowhere. So, accept that you enjoyed your summer, but decide that now is the time to get out of holiday mode and into September mode. I also discuss how to get your eating back on track. There’s no need to go on fad diets or juice cleanses. Instead, make sure you are eating regularly, keeping your blood sugar nice and stable. For more episodes, tips and advice from the show just go to: www.independent.ie/podcasts/the-re…health-podcast/And you can get in touch - I’m @KarlHenryPT on Instagram and realhealth@independent.ie.Don’t forget to rate, review and follow on Apple and Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts from.The Real Health podcast is in association with Laya Healthcare.

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Breathing is something we do automatically and take little notice of throughout our day. In moments when you’re under pressure, you’ve probably told yourself to ‘just breathe’. We know in theory that breathing can control how we feel, but how much do we really understand about the power of breathwork? This weel I’m joined by breathing expert, peak performance coach and host of BBC Radio 1’s Decompression Session, Stuart Sandeman. Stuart’s new book Breathe In, Breathe Out, gives readers simple yet effective exercises that are guaranteed to charge you up, help you relax and improve your performance. Stuart says people often say they are too busy to improve their breathing, but he believes it is something we should make time for. “If you are doing something 20,000 times a day, would you not want to know if you’re doing it right? If you’re doing any other task that many times, surely, you’d like to know a bit more about that task Especially when it is linked to our energy levels, our stress levels, how we sleep, how we digest our food. All these things that are so important day to day.” Knowing how to breathe properly can also improve our fitness levels. Learning some good techniques isn’t just for Olympic athletes. Stuart says it can also help those trying to get into a new fitness regime but always find themselves breathless. “Our breathing has a direct correlation to our fitness levels. The two reasons you may not be able to go that extra round or extra mile would be either because you have muscle pain, lactic acid has built up, which is to do with breathing. Or, you have a feeling of breathlessness so much so you can’t carry on... Both of those are things we can fine tune and improve quite dramatically.” We also discuss if hormonal contraception can impact women when training and how female body composition differs from men. For more episodes, tips and advice from the show just go to: www.independent.ie/podcasts/the-re…health-podcast/ And you can get in touch - I’m @KarlHenryPT on Instagram and realhealth@independent.ie. Don’t forget to rate, review and follow on Apple and Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts from. The Real Health podcast is in association with Laya Healthcare.

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Here on Real Health, we have looked at the topic of female health, why women are different to men and how understanding those difference can help boost wellness. But when it comes specifically to exercise, should women train differently to men, to maximize performance and results? This week I’m delighted to be joined by sports scientist David Nolan to take us through what women should consider when exercising. David is a PhD Researcher at DCU and looks at sex differences in exercise. So, we thought he’d be the perfect person to bust some myths and tell us what we really need to know. David says while women may feel their menstrual cycle impacts their performance or how they feel when exercising, research doesn’t suggest women need to train differently, depending on where stage of their cycle they’re at. “We can’t give blanket recommendations. Anyone who says that you should train this way in the follicular phase and [another] in the luteal, you can’t say that. We don’t have the evidence in science to say that.” Instead, David says it's important for women to monitor how they are feeling, which can help them maximise their workouts. “The best thing you can do is track your menstrual cycle, preferably over a long period of time, three to six months minimum and try to identify patterns...then implement individual coping strategies.” We also discuss if hormonal contraception can impact women when training and how female body composition differs from men. For more episodes, tips and advice from the show just go to: www.independent.ie/podcasts/the-re…health-podcast/ And you can get in touch - I’m @KarlHenryPT on Instagram and realhealth@independent.ie. Don’t forget to rate, review and follow on Apple and Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts from. The Real Health podcast is in association with Laya Healthcare.

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How much do you know about the relationship between our brains and our gut? While many of us may think we decide when and how much we eat, research now tells us that our brains have far more control over our eating habits than we might realise. So, what does this mean for our understanding obesity and what treatment is the best for those with the disease? Well, this week I’m delighted to be joined by Carel La Roux, an expert in metabolic medicine and Professor of Experimental Pathology, University College Dublin. Carel explains that when it comes to losing weight, it takes more than just willpower to help people to reach their goals. The main reason for this, is the power of the brain and its role in trying to retain bodyfat. “Anybody who has been on a diet will tell you that they’ve never been as obsessed with food as when they were on a diet. That is normal physiology. That’s exactly what the brain needs to do...that is normal.” Carel says that for people to lose weight, in particular those with obesity, the brain needs to be made feel comfortable at a lower weight. That, Carel says is where modern treatments like medicines and diets come in. We also discuss the signals that the gut sends to the brain and how some people find it easier to keep their bodyweight lower than others. For more episodes, tips and advice from the show just go to: www.independent.ie/podcasts/the-re…health-podcast/ And you can get in touch - I’m @KarlHenryPT on Instagram and realhealth@independent.ie. Don’t forget to rate, review and follow on Apple and Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts from. The Real Health podcast is in association with Laya Healthcare.

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This week on Real Health, we’re bringing you something a little different than usual, with another life lessons episode. I’m delighted to be joined by dairy farmer Louise Crowley, to tell us what life as a young farmer is like in Ireland and being a woman in the job. I have been following Louise on Instagram for a long time now and am excited she was able to take time out of her busy day to join me on the podcast. Ireland as we know has a long history with farming but how much do we know about the people who look after the farms that supply us with the food we eat every day? For Louise, no two days on the farm are the same but something that makes her standout, is her social media presence. Louise says she didn’t make a decision to document her life on her platform, but instead it grew from people’s curiosity about her life and how she does things. “People were asking me questions about my farm, how many cows, what do we do...and after a few messages I thought maybe there was a few more that were interested so I started posting the answers publicly. Then it spiralled from there.” We also chat about what a typical day in Louise’s life is like, her relationship with the animals on her farm and what challenges are facing farmers right now. For more episodes, tips and advice from the show just go to: www.independent.ie/podcasts/the-re…health-podcast/ And you can get in touch - I’m @KarlHenryPT on Instagram and realhealth@independent.ie. Don’t forget to rate, review and follow on Apple and Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts from. The Real Health podcast is in association with Laya Healthcare.

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Now that we are half way through the summer and the weather (for the most part) has improved, it’s the perfect time to give running a try. It can be a daunting hobby to pick up, with many people wishing they could run but feel they aren’t fit enough to get involved. So, this week on Real Health, I’m bringing you my top tips for running. I have advice for everyone, from complete beginners to those looking to improve their technique and make it more challenging. One of the first things I advise people to do before they get started is to go and get a gait analysis. That might sound complicated, but it's not. It is simply a check to see how your foot hits the ground when running. When you go to buy shoes, it's no longer about the look and colour. It’s about supporting your feet as you run. When you get your gait checked, it will be easier to select the right footwear for you. For beginners, I often have people telling me they get panicked while running. They’re out of breath and just can’t figure out that aspect of it. My advice, for the first two minutes of the run, slow the pace right down and focus on your breathing. Giving your body that time to adjust, will help you become more accustomed to the technique and you will settle into the pace in no time. I also talk about the importance of changing your route, how to prevent injury and the best way to track your process. For more episodes, tips and advice from the show just go to: www.independent.ie/podcasts/the-re…health-podcast/And you can get in touch - I’m @KarlHenryPT on Instagram and realhealth@independent.ie. Don’t forget to rate, review and follow on Apple and Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts from.The Real Health podcast is in association with Laya Healthcare.

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This week on Real Health, we’re discussing female health, not just the aspects traditionally associated with the topic, like reproductive health, but everything from sleep to mood and movement. I’m delighted to be joined on the podcast again by Dr Hazel Wallace, founder of The Food Medic and author to her latest (and third) book, The Female Factor. In it, Dr Hazel takes a deep dive into women’s health with this comprehensive guide that looks at every aspect of wellness for every stage of a woman’s life. Hazel says that most of the clinical research up until now has predominately been done in men and while there are similarities to the male physiology, women also have significant differences. “There are really important differences that mean that women are not being treated as well as they could be. The fluctuating hormones is one point of difference...and if we aren’t accounting for those differences then we’re missing a huge piece of the puzzle” she explains. When it comes to mood, those hormones can get blamed for a lot, but Hazel says there are other factors aside from hormones that can impact how a woman is feeling. “I think it's very easy to assume it’s because it's your time of the month, or you’re pregnant or going through the menopause, that must be why you’re feeling upset or angry or whatever. Actually, a lot of the research shows the most important thing when it comes to determining your mood and your mental health is your social support.” We also discuss some of the dietary requirements specific to women and how important body fat is to overall health. For more episodes, tips and advice from the show just go to: www.independent.ie/podcasts/the-re…health-podcast/ And you can get in touch - I’m @KarlHenryPT on Instagram and realhealth@independent.ie. Don’t forget to rate, review and follow on Apple and Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts from. The Real Health podcast is in association with Laya Healthcare.

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Many of us will have heard or be familiar with self-love. In theory we know what it is, but how hard is it to put it into practice and make it part of daily life? This week I’m delighted to be joined by Fiona Brennan, Clinical Hypnotherapist and author of the book The Self-Love habit, to tell us why we need to love ourselves a bit more and how it can improve so many aspects of our lives. Fiona explains that self-love isn’t the same as being cocky or overconfident, instead it is about self-acceptance. “Especially in Ireland we’re almost taught...that it is a negative thing to love yourself. This idea is that you could eat yourself if you were a bar of chocolate. “When you look at love, whether it's for yourself or for anybody else in this world, your family, any other creature or being, it is actually about compassion and compassion is love in action.” We also chat about negativity bias and how damaging a negative inner voice can be to your overall wellbeing. For more episodes, tips and advice from the show just go to: www.independent.ie/podcasts/the-re…health-podcast/ And you can get in touch - I’m @KarlHenryPT on Instagram and realhealth@independent.ie. Don’t forget to rate, review and follow on Apple and Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts from. The Real Health podcast is in association with Laya Healthcare.

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This week on Real Health, we’re talking about weight loss surgery. It’s a topic we have touched on before on the podcast, but this week we are taking a deeper dive and bringing you everything you need to know about the procedure. There’s now a general acceptance that the “eat less move more” approach to dealing with complex obesity isn’t suitable. That means treatments like bariatric surgery are getting more attention. But what exactly is involved, and what do people need to know before they decide to undergo the procedure? Joining me to discuss this, is Consultant Bariatric Surgeon at St. Vincent's University Hospital, Helen Heneghan. Helen says people should understand how difficult it can be to lose excess fat. “Your body is designed to prevent you losing weight...So everything is going against you to maintain weight loss. It’s important that people acknowledge that it isn’t their fault.” For those with obesity who have struggled to keep the weight they have lost off, Helen says there are other options people can explore. “Patients who come for surgery have lost weight [before]. They’ve lost stones and stones over and over again...if they haven’t managed to keep weight off that they’ve previously lost, there are medical treatments available.” For more episodes, tips and advice from the show just go to: www.independent.ie/podcasts/the-re…health-podcast/ And you can get in touch - I’m @KarlHenryPT on Instagram and realhealth@independent.ie. Don’t forget to rate, review and follow on Apple and Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts from. The Real Health podcast is in association with Laya Healthcare.

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Love can be complicated; it can be hard work, but it can also be amazing and life changing too. We’ve all heard the idea that if we wait just long enough and look hard enough, we’ll find the right person for us. But is love something we need to actively seek out? And do we really understand the meaning of what love is and what it looks like? Well today I’m joined by author and meditation teacher, Conor Creighton to talk to us about love, and how many of us don’t fully understand the power it can have. His new book, The Truth about love, shows us how to change ourselves and the world around us, by simply opening our hearts up. Conor says while loving others is important, a greater focus needs to be placed on the importance of self-love. “We all run around with this feeling of, if I can perfect myself. If I can just perform at a higher level, then I’ll be worthy of love...That’s where I think you can train this idea that hey, I’m actually enough.” We also discuss how to find your own tribe, learning to trust your instincts about people and how best to accept and own a breakup. For more episodes, tips and advice from the show just go to: www.independent.ie/podcasts/the-re…health-podcast/ And you can get in touch - I’m @KarlHenryPT on Instagram and realhealth@independent.ie. Don’t forget to rate, review and follow on Apple and Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts from. The Real Health podcast is in association with Laya Healthcare.

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