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WonderCare Family Health

Dear Minister for Health - Medicine or Make up? The future of Pharmacy is in your hands.

Season 11, Ep. 1

A Plea to Support Community Pharmacy: Ensuring Fair Compensation and Sustainable Health Services


Sheena, a third-generation pharmacist, addresses the new Minister for Health, expressing concerns over the future of community pharmacy. She recounts the integral role of pharmacies in communities and shares personal anecdotes about growing up with a pharmacist father. Sheena highlights the discrepancy between government promises and the current inadequate compensation for pharmacists, which threatens the viability of local pharmacies. She emphasises that proper remuneration is essential for pharmacies to continue providing crucial health services without reducing hours or closing. She calls for streamlined administrative procedures, fair fees, and meaningful governmental support to sustain community pharmacies and maintain accessible healthcare for all.


00:00 Introduction to the Future of Pharmacy

00:16 Growing Up in a Pharmacy Family

01:54 The Role of Community Pharmacists

02:18 Challenges Facing Community Pharmacies

04:00 Financial Struggles and Pay Discrepancies

05:48 The Call for Fair Compensation

06:41 Impact on Services and Community Health

08:10 The Need for Policy Changes

10:48 Conclusion and Call to Action

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  • 2. The Blue Print for Hate with Tomi Reichental

    01:00:14||Season 11, Ep. 2
    In this episode, Sheena interviews Tomi Reichental, a Holocaust survivor, who shares his harrowing story of being incarcerated at the Bergen Belsen concentration camp at the age of nine. Tomi recounts the persecution inflicted upon Jewish families in Slovakia under President Josef Tiso's regime, the dehumanising experiences faced by Jews, and the horrors of life in the concentration camps. Despite the immense suffering, Tomi represents hope, teaching valuable lessons on humanity, empathy, and the importance of remembering history to prevent future atrocities. His conversation with Sheena highlights the dangers of propaganda and the critical need for kindness in a world filled with conflict and hate.00:00 Introduction and Trigger Warning00:20 Meeting Tomi and His Story Begins02:18 Life in Slovakia Before the War02:49 The Rise of Anti-Semitism and Persecution05:49 Impact of the Jewish Codex11:06 The Role of Propaganda and Community Response16:43 Family's Struggle and Acts of Bravery26:28 Tomi's Father's Arrest and Escape28:02 The Family's Attempt to Escape31:18 Arrest and Detention32:54 Transport to Extermination Camp33:45 Life in the Cattle Cart36:00 Arrival at Bergen Belsen37:12 Life in Bergen Belsen40:31 Memories of Loss43:25 Speaking Out About the Holocaust49:32 The Importance of Remembering53:23 Reflections on Modern Conflicts58:10 Final Thoughts and GratitudeTomi's book is available here - https://obrien.ie/tomiMany thanks to DW Classical Music for snippets of music.More information about the Holocaust is available from the Irish Jewish Museum - https://jewishmuseum.ie/jews-of-ireland/ireland-the-holocaust/
  • 13. Ultra-processed food chat with the kids!

    30:04||Season 10, Ep. 13
    In this episode, Sheena introduces the concept of ultra processed foods and their impact on health. Aimed at parents and children, the discussion covers what ultra processed foods are, examples of such foods, and reasons why they are detrimental. She emphasises the importance of enjoying food while maintaining a balanced diet, explaining the nutritional benefits of natural foods and the drawbacks of ultra processed variants. The episode also includes conversations with her children to highlight their perspectives and ends with practical tips for reducing ultra processed foods in everyday diets.00:00 Introduction to Ultra Processed Foods00:30 The Importance of Natural Foods02:35 Understanding Food Processing05:56 The Problem with Ultra Processed Foods09:15 Discussing Food with Kids10:38 Healthy Eating Tips and Swaps15:28 Unveiling Ultra-Processed Foods15:58 The Hidden Ingredients in Your Food17:04 Nutritional Deficiencies and Health Impacts18:32 Recognising Ultra-Processed Foods19:19 Making Healthier Food Choices20:03 Understanding Food Processing Levels21:55 The Deceptive Nature of Ultra-Processed Foods25:59 Balancing Your Diet with the 80/20 Rule28:47 Taking Control of Your Food Choices29:31 Conclusion and Call to Action#ultraprocessedfoods #upf #family #familyfood #ultraprocessed #familyhealth #healthydiet #healthyfood #ireland #irishpodcast #healthpodcast
  • 12. Women are dying unnecessarily, why?

    32:25||Season 10, Ep. 12
    In this episode of the Wonder Care podcast, Sheena Mitchell discusses the critical issue of cardiovascular health in women, particularly focusing on high blood pressure. She highlights the increased risks for women, especially around menopause, and emphasizes the importance of regular blood pressure checks. Sheena talks about natural ways to manage and prevent high blood pressure, including dietary changes, exercise, and lifestyle adjustments. She also addresses the gender disparities in medical research and treatment related to cardiovascular disease. Practical tips such as adopting the DASH diet, increasing fiber intake, and moderate exercise are provided to help women take proactive steps towards better heart health.00:00 Introduction to Women's Health00:39 Understanding Cardiovascular Risks01:28 The Silent Killer: High Blood Pressure02:18 Proactive Health Measures02:38 Gender Inequality in Medical Research03:24 Improving Blood Pressure Naturally08:04 Exercise: The Key to Heart Health12:19 The Role of Diet in Blood Pressure Control14:29 The Impact of Salt and Processed Foods20:41 The Benefits of Potassium and Reducing Sugar24:51 Alcohol, Caffeine, and Other Nutrients30:45 Conclusion and Call to Action#hypertension #womenshealth #medical #hearthealth #cardiovasculardisease #CVD #CHD #bloodpressure #saltintake #cardiovascularrisk
  • 11. Do, and Should, Perfect Parents Exist? With Dr Mary O'Kane (re-release)

    45:22||Season 10, Ep. 11
    Embracing Imperfect Parenting: A Conversation with Dr. Mary O'KaneIn this episode of the Wonder Care Podcast, Sheena Mitchell, a pharmacist and mum of three, discusses positive parenting with Dr. Mary O'Kane, a lecturer in psychology and author of 'Perfectly Imperfect Parenting' and 'Anxious Children in an Anxious World.' They explore societal pressures on parents, the importance of allowing children to experience minor risks, and the impact of parental anxiety on children. The conversation highlights the benefits of 'good enough' parenting, understanding and validating children's emotions, and fostering resilience by stepping back and letting children navigate challenges. Dr. O'Kane shares insights into balancing parenting imperfections and encouraging kids' independence and bravery.00:00 Welcome to the Wonder Care Podcast00:19 Introducing Dr. Mary O'Kane01:07 The Pressure of Perfect Parenting02:27 Judgment and Control in Parenting04:56 The Impact of Overprotective Parenting07:06 Encouraging Independence in Children11:46 The Role of Media in Parenting Anxiety15:20 Safe Risk-Taking and Building Confidence17:27 Practical Tips for Encouraging Independence23:54 Overprotectiveness and Parenting Challenges24:21 Impact of Parental Mood on Children25:50 COVID-19 and Children's Anxiety26:48 The Importance of Parental Calmness27:48 Supporting Anxious Children28:03 The Second Chicken Experiment30:15 Validating Children's Feelings35:42 Rupture and Repair in Parenting38:23 The Myth of Perfect Parenting42:39 Embracing Imperfection and Learning from Mistakes44:41 Conclusion and Final Thoughts#parenting #perfectparenting #imperfectparenting #irishpodcast #healthpodcast #childhoodanxiety #anxiouschildren
  • 10. RSV - Update - Is the Immunisation Working?!

    18:54||Season 10, Ep. 10
    Understanding RSV and the Impact of NursivMab ImmunizationIn this week's episode, Sheena discusses Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and provides an update on the current RSV season. She explains the effects of Nirsevimab, the new RSV immunisation introduced through a Pathfinder program for babies born between September 1st and February 28th. She also reads a letter she wrote to Dr. Colm Henry and Minister Stephen Donnelly, urging them to extend the immunization to more babies. She provides insights into how RSV affects different age groups, the success of the Pathfinder program, and encourages listeners to advocate for better immunisation policies. She ends by offering advice for parents of August-born babies on how to reduce their child’s risk of contracting RSV.00:00 Introduction to This Week's Episode01:23 Understanding RSV: Symptoms and Risks02:49 NursivMab: The New RSV Immunization05:18 Pathfinder Programme: Impact and Analysis12:24 Addressing Concerns and Future Steps17:38 Conclusion and Call to ActionSeason 10 Partnership – Salin Plus (available here!)I am so thrilled to be partnering with Salin plus  This 100% natural salt therapy device is suitable for both adults and children! Tune in to learn more!Support this PodcastSimply following and reviewing this podcast can make a huge difference! If you enjoy this episode I would be so grateful if you could follow or subscribe to the show!#handfootandmouthdisease #handfootandmouth #irishhealth #irishhealthcare #pharmacist #patientadvocate #pharmacyireland #pharmacist #healthpodcast
  • 9. Hand foot and mouth disease is doing the rounds!

    13:05||Season 10, Ep. 9
    Understanding Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and TreatmentIn this episode of the WonderCare podcast, Sheena, a pharmacist and mother of three, explores hand, foot, and mouth disease. She covers its causes, symptoms, and how it spreads, and offers tips on reducing transmission, treating symptoms, and when to see a doctor. Sheena also discusses a lesser-known aftermath of the disease—nail damage in children. In this episode!00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:57 Understanding Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease01:41 Symptoms and Complications03:40 How Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Spreads04:30 Tips to Reduce the Spread05:35 Treatment Options07:39 When to See a Doctor09:55 Aftermath and Nail CareSeason 10 Partnership – Salin Plus (available here!)I am so thrilled to be partnering with Salin plus  This 100% natural salt therapy device is suitable for both adults and children! Tune in to learn more!Support this PodcastSimply following and reviewing this podcast can make a huge difference! If you enjoy this episode I would be so grateful if you could follow or subscribe to the show!#handfootandmouthdisease #handfootandmouth #irishhealth #irishhealthcare #pharmacist #patientadvocate #pharmacyireland #pharmacist #healthpodcast
  • 8. Menopause and HRT Ireland #NOTfreeHRT

    15:57||Season 10, Ep. 8
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  • 7. Antimicrobial Resistance – What happens when antibiotics won’t work? (Re-Release)

    17:45||Season 10, Ep. 7
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