Latest news with #Feelgood
Irish Examiner
a day ago
- Health
- Irish Examiner
The Mick Clifford Podcast: What have Irish women been saying about their health?
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Irish Examiner's Feelgood supplement, a major survey of women's health in Ireland was undertaken by the newspaper. Some of the results were surprising, some worrying, and a couple were quite shocking.
Irish Examiner
a day ago
- Health
- Irish Examiner
What is the current state of women's health in Ireland? We found out
The majority of Irish women feel they are in good physical and mental shape, exercise regularly, and want to drink less. The snapshot of women's health was captured by an Irish Examiner Ipsos B&A nationwide opinion poll. Among the main findings are: Two out of three have children — the average is 2.29 — but there are signs that family size will continue to fall (less than half of mums with a single child would like to have a second); Some 4% of the 1,000 women surveyed are pregnant; Three out of four women over age 35 have experienced menopause, but only half of women in perimenopause or menopause seek medical/healthcare professional advice or support; Evidence of differences in treatment related to the gender of a GP, with women who saw a male GP three times as critical (17% vs 6%) of quality of care as opposed to those who saw a female GP; There is large support for State-funded hormone replacement therapy programme, but 48% of women in menopause have used it (38% of women currently in menopause); 38% have been to a healthcare professional about mental health in recent years, and there are difficulties accessing qualified professionals; One in three feel positively about Ozempic and a quarter would consider using it. 41% feel it is difficult to get a GP appointment. Some 65% said they felt prenatal care access was good or very good, with just 33% saying the same about breastfeeding supports. Women entering menopause now are far more likely to get medical advice than those over age 60 were. Almost half the 1,078 women surveyed said it is easier to talk about mental health struggles now, but 13% said access to help was very good in their experience. Learnings So what can we learn from the overall findings? Analysing the results by age shows the positive impact of better information, better education, and women feeling empowered to ask more about their own health. While 31% of women who answered on experiences of postpartum care in pregnancy described their experience as poor or very poor, the Ipsos analysis showed this was 'more so for women in their 50s and 60s'. It is very sad those women still carry that trauma with them, and that is remains vivid enough to be shared during a survey undertaken only last month. Feelgood editor Irene Feighan reflected on the findings, noting the mix of positive and negative areas. She said: 'The survey revealed that some healthcare developments are reaching younger women, including easier access to lactation consultations and breastfeeding support services. I hope such improvements will continue to expand to a point where women in Ireland will experience the world-class healthcare they deserve. She welcomed the evidence that 'the majority are taking responsibility for their health and actively seeking solutions' for themselves. However, she also said the responses highlight what is missing from services for many women. 'Three in 10 said information provided about postpartum recovery and self care was either poor or very poor, while almost 25% said support received for infant care was lacking,' she said. Other less health-focused questions revealed changing attitudes to ageing and to family. One in 10 said their GP offers cosmetic treatments and one in seven said that their dentist does. Looking at treatment, 10% has had Botox, and one in 16 had lip fillers, with Ipsos finding one in eight have had either treatment. Interestingly, more women think their peers are having work done than the data shows is really the case. However, 43% said they would not use the popular weight-loss drug Ozempic, and only 11% said they would really think about taking the drug. The data also shows a continuing decline in alcohol-use, with 36% of women aged 25 to 34 saying they want to reduce the amount of alcohol they drink. Only 5% of women of all ages said they drink everyday or nearly every day. Family When Feelgood launched 25 years ago, the fertility rate in Ireland was 1.9 births per woman. It is now 1.5. This was reflected in women's answers, with the average family size reported at 2.29 children per family. Struggles with infertility were reflected throughout the survey, between women talking about the cost of treatment — only 9% said it is reasonable in Ireland — as well as limited access to care. Some 76% said they were in favour of the State funding fertility treatment. Many people will have seen the excellent Housewife of the Year documentary recently in cinemas or on RTÉ. Today, just one in eight of the women who answered described themselves as working full time in the home. Some 60% are in workplaces, with the overall figures showing 36% working full time and 21% working part time. Only 2% of the overall numbers said they were self employed and this figure included farmers. Students made up 6% of those who answered overall, and accounted for 41% of women aged 18 to 24 years old. The survey does not delve into reasons why some areas of women's health have seen so many changes in recent years, but there are hints. Analysis of the data on whether women had a good or poor experience in seeking perimenopause treatment shows 24% who felt their treatment was poor had seen a male GP versus 15% who had been to a female GP or healthcare professional. It is not to suggest all male doctors are indifferent to these symptoms, but it clearly has made a difference to many patients that the majority of GPs are women, according to the Medical Council of Ireland. It is noteworthy many services women want more of — mental health care, post-natal hubs, fertility clinics — are non-hospital services. Access to these services is changing, as the HSE creates essentially a second healthcare system in parallel to hospitals under Sláintecare. New mothers living near Listowel, Kerry, can get post-natal care in a clinic there without going to Tralee maternity unit. Older women living near Nenagh, Tipperary can benefit from menopausal and other women's health care from the clinic. If you are giving birth in a small number of counties including Cork, Kerry, and Waterford, you can opt for home birth under schemes such as community midwifery or integrated hospital system. What this survey shows is how localised some of these improvements are, with women in a number of areas not seeing the changes on the ground yet. The survey was carried out by Ipsos B+A for Feelgood, with a nationally representative sample of 1,078 women aged over 16.
Irish Examiner
2 days ago
- Health
- Irish Examiner
Women putting off having children until they feel they can afford it
A quarter of women surveyed will delay having children until they've reached certain financial or career goals. This jumps to 65% of women aged between 18-24. An Irish Examiner Ipsos B+A survey also found that just under half of mums would like to have more children. Younger mums and those from less affluent backgrounds were most keen to extend their families. Some 70% of women aged over 35 were not keen to have more children. The survey of 1,000 women also found differences in experience for pregnant women between pre-natal services and care after they have their baby. It found attitudes to pregnancy services were broadly positive, with good information and accessibility. However, feedback on postnatal care was more mixed, with one in three saying they had inadequate access to breastfeeding help, for example. Pre-natal care includes GP visits, hospital or community clinic care, and other supports. Some 65% of women said access to these supports was good or very good in their local area, with women from across Ireland surveyed. Similarly, 59% said the information they received was good or very good. However, some women raised concerns about limited options in terms of giving birth, referring to homebirths or birth doulas. Some 36% of women questioned said access to those alternatives, including delivery without pain medication was poor or very poor. In answering questions about birth, 68% of women who have given birth rated support and guidance given throughout labour as very good or good. Communication, however, was raised as a concern, with 10% of women rating communication at this time as poor or very poor, and only 20% saying this was very good. Gaps were reported in care after pregnancy, despite changes in how these services were offered now. While 60% of women said care in hospitals just after birth was good or very good, this dropped to 33% when asked about access to breastfeeding or lactation consultant services after returning home. Some 39% of women said the quality of follow-up care at home from any healthcare worker was fair, poor or very poor. Just under half (45%) of women aged 25-34 reported concerns about postpartum care, compared to 55% of this age group having positive experiences. Poor or very poor care after birth was more likely to be reported by women in their 50s and 60s now looking back, the survey showed. These findings reflect those in the National Maternity Experience Survey in 2020, which identified gaps nationally in postnatal care. The HSE set up a pilot scheme of post-natal hubs, including in Listowel, Co Kerry, in response to that survey. The Irish Examiner's Feelgood supplement celebrates 25 years this year. The survey was carried out by Ipsos B+A for Feelgood, with a nationally representative sample of 1,078 women aged over 16. Read More Financial constraints and housing putting people off having children, survey finds
Irish Examiner
02-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Examiner
Top 8: Low-caffeine hot drinks that taste good and may have health benefits
AS Feelgood celebrates its 25th anniversary, I am proud to say I have been part of it from the first edition. From the start, I've sought out products with minimal processing and outstanding flavour. This week, I am exploring unusual and intriguing hot beverages that are low in caffeine but offer an interesting experience. We have looked for drinks that taste good and may have health benefits. Cheerful Buddha Lion's Mane Mushroom Green tea (15 bags €6.49) is an example. Said to be good for the brain, increasing serotonin and dopamine, which can reduce anxiety and depression, but we found it lacked taste. We liked Yerba Mate CBSé Frutos de Bosque (a good value at €6.50 for 500g) from Three Spoons in Market Parade, Cork—an example of a good, tea-free fruit tisane. We can make delicious tisanes economically at home. Add a few branches of fresh thyme to a teapot, then add boiling water and infuse for 5 minutes. Drink as it is (it has savoury, almost meaty flavours) or add a slice of lemon, lime, or honey. Do the same with Scots Pine needles, which are available to buy (€2.50/bag) from the Robinson Farm stall on Cornmarket Street, Cork, every Saturday — a refreshing, warming drink that may help with spring colds and coughs. Clearpring Organic Japanese Kukicha 90g €5.97 Pictures: Chani Anderson. Organically grown roasted green tea twigs, stems, and leaves are first steamed, rolled, dried and aged before being roasted to reduce the caffeine content. Simmer with water in a saucepan for three minutes for a smooth, slightly rich, nutty flavour and aroma with none of the tannic edge of black tea. Delicious. Also available in teabags. We bought in Quay Co-op, Cork. Score: 9.5 Daffee Date Beans coffee 125g €5.99 Made from 'upcycled date beans', this drink contains nothing else and is caffeine-free. Already ground, it's suitable for coffee plungers and drip machines. We used a plunger and tried it black and as a frothy cappuccino. Both worked well, though the milk seemed to bring out the hint of date best. Otherwise, it tastes just like coffee. Score: 8 Sonnentor Turmeric Latte 60g €5.10 The blend of 53% organic turmeric, cinnamon, 15% ginger, cardamom and black pepper is delicious. A good mix of spices which have various health benefits. While it may seem expensive, a 2g level teaspoonful makes a full cup when added to your choice of milk. We bought in Quay Co-Op Cork. Score: 9 Cotswold Roasted dandelion coffee 100g €4.77 Just dandelion root here in branchy bits, which can be put into a coffee grinder to use in a percolator or coffee machine. We used an Aeropress and got a very good result when we added frothy milk. Black, it was less interesting, but tasters found little difference between it and regular coffee. From health food shops. Score: 9 Teapigs Lemon & ginger in fusion 15 bags 37.5g €4.95 No tea here, just 65% ginger, 25% lemongrass, 5% lemon peel, liquorice root. Deliciously fresh and vibrant with no sting from the ginger. A well-balanced product. Score: 8.5 Twinings Heartea 20 bags 40g €5.39 Nettle, hibiscus (24%), apple pieces, raspberry and other natural flavourings, rosemary, beetroot, honey, blackcurrant and thiamine make a pleasant, light drink (with no taste of nettles). Good as an iced tea in the months to come. Hopefully, it's good for the heart, too, as the name suggests. Score: 7.75 Chikko Not Coffee Organic Roasted Lupine 250g €6.99 These lupini beans are often salted and used as a snack with drinks. Here they are ground to make a caffeine-free drink, which is nutty and interesting. The lupin bean contains good fibre and protein, which could help lower cholesterol levels. We also liked the brand's Instant Chicory (150g €6.15), which, unusually for an instant coffee, has no additives, just ground chicory root. Good as cappuccino. From health food shops. Score: 9 M&S Defence 20 bags 40g €3.75 Warm flavours of orange and lemon, ginger, black pepper, with dried manuka honey added to help combat summer colds further. Of all the M&S offerings in this category, tasters liked this one best; the lemon and ginger version also went down well. This just edged out Niks Tea hemp chillout (15 bags, €5.75, Tesco), which contains rooibos, Tulsi herb, lemon balm, and more. Irish and worth trying. Score: 8.75
Irish Examiner
25-04-2025
- Health
- Irish Examiner
We still ‘Feelgood' after 25 years
Cherry trees are bursting out all over in blousy candy-pink blossoms. The exuberant seasonal display is a reminder of Feelgood's birthday, and even more so this year, as we celebrate 25 years around the sun. Much has changed in Feelgood since the first edition rolled off the presses. And while women have increasingly found their collective voice, our focus has shifted. More than 14,000 articles have been published, most reflecting the concerns and interests of their time. It would be overambitious to comment on each one, so, instead, I've decided to look at the standout themes and developments. Body politics Our early editions followed in the footsteps of popular women's magazines, so it was natural that weight loss was a recurring theme. Tabloid-style headlines, such as 'Hotpants diet' and 'Drop a dress size' and 'Get beach ready,' were commonplace. Gradually, the focus shifted to health and well-being, regardless of body size. Feelgood now has articles on building strength, improving flexibility, and eating well for overall health — not weight loss. A January 2020 cover story on intuitive eating, headlined, 'What diet? Eating what you want, when you want it', neatly captures our stance on body positivity. However, some sectors of society remain fixated on body size. The parade of super-thin female celebrities on the red carpet, for example, points to entrenched, oppressive standards. The arrival of the drug semaglutide, known as Ozempic, in 2017, has been a game-changer. It was first prescribed for type 2 diabetes, and quickly rolled out as a treatment for obesity, which is now regarded as a disease. Highly influential talk-show host Oprah Winfrey described how the drug turned down the volume on food noise and she acknowledged using it as a 'maintenance tool' in 2023. (She left the board of WeightWatchers a year later.) The interest in the drug shows no signs of diminishing. Nearly every time we publish an article about Ozempic, we see a spike in online interest. A recent one on the TikTok obsession with 'oatzempic' — a filling blend of oats, lime juice, and water — also drew a large readership. (You're welcome, Flavahans.) Let's talk about sex From the outset, Feelgood didn't shy away from sex. We aimed to open the discussion about what makes it good and satisfying. The lad culture of the '90s did little to encourage intimate communication between couples. But by the noughties, the ground was shifting, thanks to progressive writers who weren't afraid to talk about sexual organs, vibrators, and orgasms. In 2013, sex columnist Suzi Godson joined Feelgood. Her unique blend of psychology, research, and common sense encourages readers to embrace and enjoy sex for all its life-giving and joyful qualities. In 2013, sex columnist Suzi Godson joined Feelgood. Picture: David Bebber The explosion of the #MeToo movement in 2017 revealed the depth and breadth of sexual harassment in the entertainment business, with sex seen as an entitlement by some in positions of power. But sexual power politics also play out in our everyday lives. We've run numerous articles on consent in Feelgood to highlight what constitutes a good sexual experience. Sex educator Olivia Teahan put it eloquently, when she wrote last year: 'Knowing and owning our body is where the magic happens.' Consent education programmes are going a long way towards making sex safe and enjoyable for couples. Irish students' unions picked up the baton, running campaigns with catchy titles, such as SHAG and SHIFT, to highlight why consent cannot be assumed and why it's essential to keep checking in with your partner. (The sex scene between Connell and Marianne in Normal People in 2020 is a masterclass.) Menopause for thought When Feelgood first started running stories about menopause, it was difficult to get women to come forward and speak about what they were going through. The stigma went deep. However, some were determined to break the mould. In a 2012 article, author Sheila Flanagan, singer Mary Coughlan, and social entrepreneur Mary Davis discussed the impact of hormonal changes on their lives, including how it affected their sense of femininity. Six years later, we were keen to initiate a discussion about supporting women in the workplace who were experiencing menopause, but we struggled to find an HR expert to discuss it with us — one laughed at the suggestion. But all was about to change. On May 5, 2021, Sallyanne Brady, founder of the support group the Irish Menopause, spoke to RTÉ's Liveline about the 'living hell of menopause'. Her raw honesty opened the floodgates. Such was the response that a dedicated phone line was established. Davina McCall is on a mission to end the silent misery many women experience during perimenopause and menopause. Picture: TUI Blue/PA. A week later, Davina McCall stormed onto our screens in a Channel 4 documentary about menopause. She wanted to end the silent misery many women experience during perimenopause and menopause, and argued that HRT should be brought in from the cold. HRT was widely used in the US and Europe from the early 1970s. However, in 2002, the Women's Health Initiative, an American study of more than 16,000 women, reported that breast cancer rates rose in HRT users. The findings hit the headlines around the world, leading to millions of women stopping their hormonal treatment. However, the study was discredited years later. In October 2022, the Bank of Ireland introduced an extensive menopause support policy, leading the way for other companies to follow. The public debate continued to build with two national menopause summits held in Dublin (March) and Cork (October) in 2023, headlined by Davina McCall and Mariella Frostrup, respectively. I attended both events and was struck by the women's willingness to speak openly and honestly about the impact menopause had on their lives. They were no longer prepared to suffer silently. Laura Dowling — aka the Fabulous Pharmacist — is on a mission to educate women about their bodies, particularly their vulvas. Picture: Moya Nolan. Into this shame-free space stepped Dublin pharmacist Laura Dowling — aka the Fabulous Pharmacist — who is on a mission to educate women about their bodies, particularly their vulvas. Dowling was a Feelgood guest columnist in 2024, covering topics such as vaginal thrush, sex, and orgasms, her trademark directness bouncing off every line. Proving that women's health education could be fun, she hosted the Viva La Vulva roadshow — a sassy and entertaining event encouraging women to be proactive about their health and to get support when needed, be it for urinary incontinence or a flatlining libido. The Women's Health Taskforce, established in September 2019, deserves credit for the positive impact it has had across the country. We now have free contraception for females aged between 17 and 35, six regional fertility hubs, specialist menopause clinics, and community-based period poverty initiatives. While a new scheme to provide free HRT for women was scheduled to commence in January 2025, it has yet to be delivered. Covid and lockdown The first lockdown was announced in March 2020, and we switched from daily commutes and busy offices to working from home. The weather that April was glorious, and many took the opportunity to work on their gardens, repaint the house, or even build a new patio. Fitness instructors quickly pivoted to online platforms, offering live and recorded classes to their clients. For many, it was an ideal opportunity to increase their fitness in the comfort of their sitting room. Feelgood also played our part, featuring Greg O'Shea's workout advice, along with Maeve Madden, and Ray Lally, also known as the Happy Fitness Guy. However, fear of the virus was never far from the surface and was not unfounded. Some 1.7m cases were reported in Ireland and 9,791 deaths up to December 2024. Almost 90% of those who died were over 65. Those over 70 were told to cocoon at home, and while it was intended to protect them, the cost was profound. Loneliness and lack of outdoor exercise proved crippling for many. In response, Feelgood ran a special report in May 2020, asking readers to describe their experience. A 67-year-old man from Galway bleakly reported that lockdown had 'robbed me of hugs from my adult children and grandchildren, all of whom I love dearly'. Young adults on the cusp of independence also felt the brunt of covid restrictions. In a joint project with youth charity SpunOut, Feelgood surveyed more than 1,400 third-level students. Some 70% said they were 'anxious', 60% felt 'uncertain', and 34% described themselves as 'sad'. Additionally, 28% were 'pessimistic' and 25% were 'fearful'. Few want to dwell on the pandemic. Yet, its impact lingers, from those who are still battling long covid to young children who missed key developmental opportunities afforded by family and social gatherings. Trailblazing women Cervical cancer campaigner Vicky Phelan sent shockwaves around the country in 2018, when she addressed a knot of reporters outside the High Court, after winning her case against Clinical Pathology Laboratories. She surrendered her privacy so other women would know that theirs was not an isolated case and would seek compensation for the laboratories' failure to identify their false negative smear tests. Vicky Phelan sent shockwaves around the country in 2018, when she addressed a knot of reporters outside the High Court, after winning her case against Clinical Pathology Laboratories. Picture: Naomi Gaffey. It was a privilege to work with her the following year, when she guest edited a special Feelgood edition to mark International Women's Day. One of the articles she was proudest of was on the impact of brachytherapy, internal radiation that, while killing off deadly cancer cells, can damage the vagina to the extent it makes sex impossible. No topic was off limits for this trailblazer. Phelan had plans to do more work around raising awareness about cervical cancer, but time was not on her side. To mark the first anniversary of her death, in November 2023, Feelgood realised her wish to promote cervical screening, with a hint of her trademark mischievous sense of humour. Our creative campaign, 'Read My Lips,' was supported by high-profile Irish women who wanted to drive home Vicky's critical message. It was rolled out across print, social media, video, and audio and received a record response from readers online. Last month, another woman on a mission collaborated on a special Feelgood edition on bowel cancer. Dr Sarah Fitzgibbon was working as a GP when she was diagnosed with stage-four bowel cancer in 2014. She responded well to treatment and returned to work. However, last summer, the mother of three was told the cancer had returned and that she needed further treatment. Dr Sarah Fitzgibbon collaborated on a special edition on bowel cancer. Although still under medical care, she played a central role in shaping the content, advising on the main themes, connecting us with experts, and giving feedback on submitted articles. While most would understandably retreat, Fitzgibbon has, instead, used her illness as a platform to educate us about bowel cancer. And for those who find it difficult to contemplate taking a sample of their poo to BowelScreen, she pointed out in an article: 'People happily stand in the middle of the street manhandling their dog's poo with a flimsy plastic bag, yet a potentially life-saving interaction with our waste product seems a step too far for some.' Challenging times We are now faced with other, troubling global challenges: The climate crisis that is gathering pace, grinding war in Gaza and Ukraine with no end in sight, and recent US trade tariffs that have left markets in a tailspin. These are matters over which ordinary citizens have little control. However, we do have agency over how we live our daily lives. I hope that the articles you find, and continue to find, in our Feelgood will help you live your best life. Your loyalty to us over the years is what brings us to our desks every day. In the push and pull to publish, week in, week out, somehow 25 years have passed. Each and every edition has been powered by a band of mostly freelance journalists who conduct interviews, carry out in-depth research, check facts, and weave all the strands together to make a coherent article. Their ongoing commitment deserves praise and recognition. Special appreciation goes to talented deputy production editor Jay Carcione, whose unique design stamp has been on every page since he joined our department. My colleagues recently organised a party to celebrate our milestone anniversary. Looking around the crowded room, I could only think of how Feelgood is possible because of the combined efforts of all departments, from advertising and marketing to graphics, picture desk, social media, page design, subbing, printing, and distribution. To quote a line from John Spillane's joyful The Dance of the Cherry Trees: 'Well done, everyone, well done.' Read More Workplace Wellbeing: Most of us benefit from connecting with colleagues in the office
