Inflammation Nation
Inflammation Nation is a podcast from Arthritis Ireland that aims to raise awareness and understanding of arthritis and related conditions. It offers information and perspectives for people living with arthritis, their families, and anyone interested in inflammatory conditions. The series is supported by Pfizer. More information is available at arthritisireland.ie.
Episodes
S5 E8: Unravelling Connective Tissue Diseases
In this episode of Inflammation Nation, Gráinne O’Leary meets Dr Eoghan McCarthy, consultant rheumatologist who runs the lupus and connective tissue disease clinic in Beaumont hospital. During their discussion, Gráinne and Eoghan discuss common symptoms of connective tissue diseases, diagnosis challenges, differentiation and overlap, management and treatment, lifestyle and self-management. They al
S5 E7: Everyday Strategies for Hand Arthritis
In this episode of Inflammation Nation, Maebh Coyle meets occupational therapist and accredited hand therapist Paula Minchin who currently serves as a Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist in the rheumatology outpatient service at Naas General Hospital. During their discussion, Maebh and Paula cover a broad range of topics, including how to recognise the signs and symptoms of hand arthritis,
S5 E6: Identity and Reinvention after Diagnosis
In this episode of Inflammation Nation, Tara Regan meets Dr Rosemary Keane, Principal Specialist Clinical Psychologist, specialising in pain management, neurodiversity, and chronic conditions and Anne Burke, who lives with fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis and osteoporosis and had breast cancer in her 40’s.
During their interview, they discuss why chronic illness can trigger a deep identity crisis in
S5 E5: Men’s Health in Focus
In this episode of Inflammation Nation, Gráinne O’Leary meets with Dr Noel Richardson. Noel has worked in men's health for over 20 years at a research, policy and advocacy level and he is director of the National Centre for Men's Health at South East Technological University in Carlow.
During the interview Noel and Gráinne discuss some of the common barriers that prevent men from seeking help, h
S5 E4: Validating the lived experience of fibromyalgia
In episode four of Inflammation Nation, Consultant Rheumatologist, Dr John Stack, chats with Peter Boyd about the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of fibromyalgia. This podcast explores the evolving understanding of fibromyalgia, highlighting a shift toward validating the very real experiences of those affected.
The discussion includes a focus on the fact that treatment is not always straightfo
S5 E3: How to deal with a postpartum flare
Arthritis Ireland CEO, Gráinne O'Leary, talks with Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Louise Moore, and Clinical Midwife Specialist, Celine O'Brien, about the challenges of a postpartum flare, and some practical tips that can help ease the burden.
This includes a mix of self-care, lifestyle adjustments and working closely with your healthcare team to decide on appropriate medications that are compatib
S5 E2: Where Loneliness and Chronic Disease Intersect
In this episode of Inflammation Nation, Tara Regan speaks with associate professor of psychology, Dr Joanna McHugh Power, about loneliness, particularly for those living with chronic conditions like arthritis.
With Ireland recently named the ‘loneliest country in the EU,’ this is a timely discussion. Dr McHugh Power shares insights from her research and explores solutions to loneliness, highligh
S5 E1: Discovering the Benefits of Daily Meditation
In our first episode of series five of Inflammation Nation, Maebh Coyle meets with lecturer, researcher, psychologist and meditation teacher, Dr Pádraic Dunne to discuss the potential benefits of regular meditation for anyone living with a chronic condition like arthritis or a related condition.
Dr Dunne, himself, lives with axSpA and has seen, first-hand, the extraordinary effects of regular me
10-Minute Meditation Episode with Dr Pádraic Dunne
Calm your body, calm your mind: 10-minute meditation
This 10-minute body scan meditation, guided by Dr. Pádraic Dunne, psychologist and meditation teacher at RCSI, is designed for people living with arthritis and related conditions.
By gently bringing attention to different parts of the body, it should help you relax, reduce stress, and activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which may supp
S4 Ep 8: Arthritis and Remission
In this episode of Inflammation Nation, Gráinne O’Leary engages in an insightful conversation with Dr Carmel Silke, Honorary Personal Professor of Medicine at the University of Galway and consultant rheumatologist at the North-West Rheumatology Unit based in Sligo and Manorhamilton.
Together they explore the multifaceted concept of remission in arthritis, and how advancements in drug treatments
S4 Ep7: Drugs and arthritis unpacked
In this episode of Inflammation Nation, Maebh Coyle meets Dr Jo Kitchen, a consultant rheumatologist from the Mater Hospital, Dublin, to discuss the ins and outs of medications typically used to treat arthritis. In this interview, Dr Kitchen discusses how biologics and other new drugs have changed the landscape for those living with inflammatory forms of arthritis, the various factors that can imp
S4 Ep 6: Future focus – Decisions that matter
In this episode of Inflammation Nation, Gráinne O’Leary meets Dr Ruth Usher, lecturer in occupational therapy in University College Cork to discuss the Advanced Healthcare Directive. They discuss the steps involved in creating one, including the legal formalities, the role of healthcare professionals, and the significance of appointing a designated healthcare representative.
They also have an i
S4 Ep 5: Taking charge of foot health
In this episode of Inflammation Nation, Peter Boyd meets Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist, Sandra Caulfield and Clinical Specialist MSK Podiatrist, Yvonne Buckley to discuss foot health and arthritis.
This episode is a must listen for anyone seeking to gain insights into how arthritis impacts foot health and daily activities, learn about daily routines and practices to keep your feet in optim
S4 Ep 4: Future-proofing your home
In this episode of Inflammation Nation, Gráinne O’Leary meets with occupational therapist Linda Horgan to discuss the concept of future-proofing your home. Together, they explore practical strategies, ensuring you can continue to enjoy the sanctuary of your home for years to come. From installing grab bars and handrails to enhancing lighting and eliminating tripping hazards, we'll cover the essent
S4 Ep 3: JIA - Empowerment through knowledge
In this episode of Inflammation Nation, Gráinne O’Leary meets Dr Kathy Gallagher, consultant paediatric rheumatologist. They discuss the different sub-types of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), the symptoms of these subtypes, the path to diagnosis and treatment options. They delve into the daily challenges, the importance of validating the young person’s feelings and encouraging them to enjoy c
S4 Ep2: Spotlight on Sjögren's Disease
In this episode of Inflammation Nation, Tara Regan meets Dr Joan Ní Gabhann-Dromgoole, Senior Lecturer, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences (PBS), RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences and Gráinne Tynan, senior occupational therapist and patient researcher in RCSI, who lives with Sjӧgrens disease. Gráinne shares her journey from diagnosis to day-to-day life, offering invaluable
S4 Ep1: PTOA - Trauma to Treatment
In this episode of Inflammation Nation, Tara Regan meets Professor Oran Kennedy, Lecturer in the Department of Anatomy & Regenerative Medicine, at RCSI to discuss post traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA). PTOA is a sub-type of osteoarthritis, that typically develops after joint injury or a trauma.
PTOA commonly has a known “starting point,” which means that interventions could theoretically be initi
S3 Ep8: Harnessing the Body Clock to optimise Health
In this episode of Inflammation Nation, Peter Boyd meets Professor Annie Curtis where they discuss our circadian rhythm, exposure to daylight and blue light, the impact of eating at specific times of the day and how this interacts with our sleep patterns. They also discuss the role of melatonin and cortisol and the connection between body clocks, inflammation and disease.
S3 Ep7: Menopause & Joint Health - Exploring the Connection
In this episode of Inflammation Nation, Gráinne O’Leary meets Dr Deirdre Lundy and Mary Gillespie to discuss joint health and menopause, overlapping symptoms and the role of HRT treatment. They also talk about a range of topics including the importance of sleep, managing stress, exercise and diet, reaching out for support and being an advocate for yourself.
S3 Ep6: The Collaborative Approach to Pain Management
In this episode, Gráinne O’Leary meets Dr Conor Hearty. They discuss different categories of pain, the point at which people should seek help, assessing patients and treatment options.
They also cover the importance of self-management and a collaborative approach for pain management including the biopsychosocial model. We also hear about medications used, the vulnerability of those who live with
S3 Ep5: Lifestyle medicine and arthritis
In this episode of Inflammation Nation, Tara Regan meets Úna Martin and Dr Kate McCann to discuss the role of lifestyle medicine in making changes to your health and wellbeing. The interview breaks down the 6 pillars of lifestyle medicine, with advice on how to get started, check progress and celebrate milestones. A new booklet with a step-by-step guide to incorporating lifestyle medicine into you
S3 Ep4: Navigating the system
In this episode of Inflammation Nation, Gráinne O’Leary meets Andrew McCann to discuss the complex area of rights and entitlements.
This is an in-depth discussion that covers a multitude of topics, including, the importance of seeking expert help, completing applications correctly, medical and GP cards, the long-term illness scheme, disabled person’s parking cards, housing adaptation grants, cro
S3 Ep3: Strategies for Parenting with Arthritis
In this episode of Inflammation Nation, Tara Regan meets occupational therapist Dr Yvonne Codd and Aoife McCoy who lives with rheumatoid arthritis and is a busy mum to her young son. Yvonne and Aoife discuss strategies for parenting with arthritis, planning, delegation of parenting tasks, asking for help and the importance of surrounding ourselves with family and friends that can be relied on in t
S3 Ep2: Osteoarthritis - The Important Role of Exercise as a First Line Treatment
In this episode of Inflammation Nation, Gráinne O’Leary meets Professor Helen French where they explore the important role of exercise in treating the symptoms of osteoarthritis.
They also discuss the risk factors for developing osteoarthritis and the importance of maintaining mobility and a healthy weight to reduce risk. They explore the types of exercise suitable for those living with osteoart
S3 Ep1: The Invisible Condition Communication Toolkit
In this episode of Inflammation Nation, Peter Boyd meets Dr Jennifer Wilson O’Raghallaigh to discuss the difficulties of living with an invisible condition and how to effectively communicate needs and challenges to those around us.
They discuss the complexities that invisible illnesses can bring, especially when people appear to ‘look fine’.
They also explore how to recognise the signs and sym
S2 Ep8: Rheumatology – Past, Present and Future
In this episode of Inflammation Nation, Gráinne O’Leary meets Professor Gaye Cunnane where they discuss her journey of documenting the progress of rheumatology in Ireland. Gaye also discusses her inspiration and love for rheumatology, the importance of the doctor-patient relationship and how developments in rheumatology have made significant changes to outcomes for those living with arthritis.
Fo
S2 Ep7: What to Eat for Arthritis
In this episode of Inflammation Nation, Peter Boyd meets dietitian and Communications Manager at the INDI, Louise Reynolds. They discuss the importance of getting trustworthy, evidence-based advice from a registered dietitian. They also examine how to incorporate the Mediterranean diet into everyday life, the pitfalls of excluding food groups from your diet and tips and tricks for planning and coo
S2 Ep6: Outsmarting Arthritis
Jane Brownlee, Senior Occupational Therapist at Naas General Hospital and Anna O’Laoghaire, Arthritis Ireland Helpline Volunteer
Peter Boyd meets Arthritis Ireland Helpline volunteer Anna O’Laoghaire and Senior Occupational Therapist Jane Brownlee to discuss ways in which those with a chronic condition can navigate pain and fatigue while managing everyday tasks and the expectations of family, fri
S2 Ep5: Ageing Well with Arthritis
Professor Rose Anne Kenny, REGIS Professor and award-winning physician and researcher who has been head of the Department of Gerontology at Trinity College Dublin since 2006. She is the founding principal investigator of the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA).
Professor Rose Anne Kenny meets Gráinne O’Leary in this episode, dispelling the myth that genetics play the strongest role in age
S2 Ep4: A Day in the Life of a Researcher
Dr. Mary Canavan, Assistant Professor of Immunology in the School of Medicine & School of Biochemistry and Immunology in Trinity College Dublin and Dr. Viviana Marzaioli, Research Assistant Professor in the Molecular Rheumatology Group at in the School of Medicine at Trinity College Dublin.
In this episode, Dr. Mary Canavan and Dr. Viviana Marzaioli lift the lid on the mystery surrounding those
S2 Ep3: Planning a Family and Pregnancy with Arthritis
Professor Douglas Veale, Consultant Rheumatologist at St. Vincent’s University Hospital. and Louise Moore is an Advanced Nurse Practitioner based at the Rheumatic Musculoskeletal Disease Unit at Our Lady’s Hospice and Care Services Harold’s Cross.
In this episode, Gráinne O’Leary meets Professor Douglas Veale and advanced nurse practitioner, Louise Moore to discuss the challenges and considerat
S2 Ep2: Gout – Stigma and Solutions
Professor Geraldine McCarthy, Consultant Rheumatologist at the Mater Hospital.
In this episode, Professor Geraldine McCarthy explains to Peter Boyd what happens with a gout attack, why this happens and how gout is treated. The stigma associated with gout, and the misconception that eating and drinking too much can cause gout, means that some people are embarrassed to seek treatment. Professor M
S2 Ep1: New Horizons for Osteoarthritis Patients
Professor Frank Barry, Professor of Cellular Therapy and National University of Ireland Galway and a principal investigator at the Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI).
In this episode, Gráinne O’Leary meets Professor Frank Barry, to discuss a promising ongoing cell therapy trial for osteoarthritis. Professor Barry talks about his motivation for the trial which is driven by the significant
S1 Ep8: Newly diagnosed with arthritis
In the final episode of the current series of Inflammation Nation, award-winning novelist, Sinéad Moriarty, and IT contractor, Sean Lacey, speak with Brian Lynch about being newly diagnosed with arthritis. Sinéad was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 2015 and shared her experience in the book, My RA Story. Sean was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis in early 2020 during the first phase of the
S1 Ep7: Fibromyalgia, the arts and inclusion
Áine O Hara is an award-winning performance artist, theatre maker and facilitator who is based between Dublin and Mayo. Áine creates exciting and vulnerable work for and about people who are often left out of traditional art and theatre spaces. In this episode she discusses living with fibromyalgia and how she naturally gravitated towards art to help work through her diagnosis and connect with sim
S1 Ep6: Arthritis, autoimmune research and learnings from Covid-19
Prof Luke O'Neill is a world-renowned immunologist, science communicator par excellence, author and professor of biochemistry at Trinity College Dublin. In this episode he talks to Gráinne O'Leary about his own beginnings in immunology, what we've learned from the pandemic and some of the exciting developments taking place in arthritis and autoimmune disease research.
For further information visi
S1 Ep5: Self-management and arthritis
In this episode, Prof Kate Lorig talks to Gráinne O’Leary about self-management for people living with arthritis and other chronic conditions. Arthritis Ireland has delivered the Living Well with Arthritis programme since 2006, which has positively impacted thousands of people who have completed the course. Prof Lorig served as director of the Stanford Patient Education Research Center and profess
S1 Ep4: Arthritis, relationships and sexual health
In this episode, Iris Zink talks to Brian Lynch about the impact that arthritis can have on people’s relationships and sexual health. Iris Zink is a rheumatology nurse practitioner in Michigan and is the co-author of ‘Sex-Interrupted: Igniting intimacy while living with illness or disability’.
Also in this episode, Peter Boyd explores the relationship between foods, supplements and arthritis. He
S1 Ep3: Developments in arthritis research
In this episode, Prof Gerry Wilson and Prof Ursula Fearon talk to Gráinne O’Leary about some of the developments taking place in rheumatology research in Ireland and internationally. Prof Wilson and Prof Fearon hold the Arthritis Ireland chairs in rheumatology at UCD and TCD, respectively. They discuss what this investment has meant for arthritis research and for people living with arthritis, incl
S1 Ep2: Work and arthritis
In this episode, Dr Yvonne Codd talks to Brian Lynch about work and arthritis. They explore challenges and opportunities experienced by people with arthritis in the workplace, what supports and resources are available, disclosing your condition to your employer, your rights as an employee, as well as what we’ve learned from the pandemic about working from home.
Also in this episode, Andy Dunne ta
S1 Ep1: Psoriatic Arthritis and Hippocrates
In this first episode, Prof Oliver FitzGerald and Prof Stephen Pennington talk to Gráinne O’Leary about psoriatic arthritis, how it’s diagnosed, its symptoms and impact, and patients’ unmet needs. They also discuss Hippocrates, an international research project aiming to develop personalised treatment options for those affected by psoriatic arthritis.
Also in this episode, Prof Doug Veale talks to
Inflammation Nation: Trailer
Inflammation Nation is a podcast from Arthritis Ireland aimed at increasing awareness and understanding of arthritis and related conditions.
For further information visit www.arthritisireland.ie
Inflammation Nation is supported by Pfizer.
