Health

‘It’s not too big a phrase to call it a lifeline’: Game of Thrones actor Ian McElhinney on getting older and staying connected

The Game of Thrones and Derry Girls star tells Sophie Clarke about the importance of human connection, the challenges of growing older and why something as simple as a phone call can make all the difference

‘I didn’t know I had a hole in my heart until I had a stroke at 39’: Co Down mum-of-two on the evening that changed her life

Claire Stewart was a former Ulster rugby player with no obvious risk factors when a stroke changed her life in March 2024. Now, on World Stroke Day, she is sharing her experience to raise awareness of the condition, particularly among younger people

The hidden cost of Turkey teeth: Patients left facing painful complications and huge bills

Patients returning from Turkey with dental implants, crowns and other extensive treatment are struggling to find dentists in Northern Ireland willing to help when complications arise. Dentist Lucy Stock warns that cheap smile makeovers can carry a hefty long-term price

Health Check: NI economy minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald on running, reading and daily chocolate

Coleraine-born Dr Caoimhe Archibald tells Kirsty King why family health scares have shaped her approach to wellbeing, and why she wishes she had started running sooner

Health Check: NI soprano Margaret Keys on music, wellbeing and life’s little pleasures

Derry-born soprano Margaret Keys reveals the simple habits that keep her healthy

‘Breast screening saved my life’: West Belfast mum’s message to others

Shauna Benson, 46, had no symptoms or family history of breast cancer when a routine Action Cancer screening detected a small tumour. Now, after surgery and radiotherapy, she is urging women not to delay getting checked

‘Over half of women who play Camogie and Gaelic football experience pelvic floor dysfunction - it’s time to break the taboo’

In a special four-part series, The Irish News is speaking to members of the team at Kingsbridge Private Hospital Group who are deeply passionate about GAA on a wide range of topics. This week, Laura Forker discusses the prevalence of pelvic floor dysfunction in the women's game, and its debilitating impact

‘It’s making a real difference’: how parents coping with miscarriage now benefit from paid leave while grieving

To mark Baby Loss Awareness Week, Kirsty King speaks to Northern Ireland economy minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald about how changes to Statutory Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay have helped parents coping with miscarriage

‘Women get gaslit, but if something is wrong your body will tell you’ - Belfast businesswoman now battling cancer on how GP dismissed her breast lump

Kirsty King speaks to Belfast business owner Ariba Karim about how she had to fight to have her breast lump taken seriously, her battle with Stage One breast cancer and why she's now urging women to check their breasts regularly

‘Gain a child, lose a tooth’ - why this old wives’ tale has real implications for pregnant women

Lucy explains how having children can affect your gums, and vice versa