Recently I read an article from 2020 which noted that colo-rectal cancer diagnosis in young adults was on the increase and has been for some time. So, in this episode we are taking a deeper dive into bowel health, from discussing the health of our cells right through to the importance of bowel screening and what is involved in that. My guest is Thanasie Kaldanis, who has been a qualified nurse for 20 years. He initially worked in acute and emergency settings and for the last 12 years he has worked as a cancer data registrar, with National Cancer Registry Ireland. Thanasie is also the Health 7 Wellbeing Officer with local GAA Club Cornafean in Cavan. He is passionate about bringing people together to create a healthy and thriving community for everyone, In addition to bowel health, we discuss the importance of younger generations attitude to food, challenges to changing habits and how we can encourage a healthier lifestyle at community level. Towards the end, he explains how bowel screening in Ireland is carried out, what is involved and why not to fear it. The store cupboard staple for this episode is Yoghurt and natural 9dairy or soya) is best. If you think you don't like the taste, listen in for some simple ideas to incorporate it in everyday ways. Resources HSE Website Bowel Screening https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/bowel-screening/ Yale Medicine Report https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/colorectal-cancer-in-young-people Pubmed Report https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8371519/#:~:text=This%20systematic%20review%20demonstrates%20the%20increasing%20incidence%20of,a%20young%20adult%20who%20presents%20with%20gastrointestinal%20symptoms. The Encylopaedia of Healing Foods by Dr Michael Murray, Dr Joseph Pizzorno with Lara Pizzorno MA, LMT Recipes https://www.lynsharkeynutrition.ie/2024/07/05/choccy-chia-treat-pot/ https://www.lynsharkeynutrition.ie/2025/01/03/oat-egg-berry-pancakes/ https://www.lynsharkeynutrition.ie/2021/10/01/oat-bread/ Music composed by cascreativearts, copyright Lyn Sharkey Nutrition. Lyn's website www.lynsharkeynutrition.ie

In this episode of Alimentary! I am delighted to welcome Penny Sharkey (and yes we are related!) to discuss how Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can be used either by itself or with other therapeutic tools in therapy to support mental health and wellbeing. Penny is a professional counsellor and psychotherapist, and a member of the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP). She holds a First-Class Honours Degree in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy, a Degree in Social Studies, and a master’s Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Currently, she works in a private practice in Celbridge and Maynooth, in Co. Kildare.

From an early age, Penny developed a curiosity in how the power of human connection and the resilience of the human spirit worked. This passion was sparked by witnessing a friend struggle with severe anxiety and depression and seeing how effective therapy was in transforming their life. That experience motivated her to help others navigate their own challenges and find healing. In her practice, she strives to create a warm, accepting, and honest environment where clients feel safe to explore their feelings. Her therapeutic approach is flexible and client-centered, emphasizing empathy and tailored interventions to meet each person’s unique needs. She believes in the power of active listening, congruence, and guidance to help clients discover meaning, build resilience, and achieve personal growth.

She primarily works with Person-Centred Therapy, Choice Theory/Reality Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to support clients on their journey towards well-being. She said that it has been so fulfilling to work in supporting those who are seeking support, helping them find their own strength and clarity in times of distress. Other Resources Penny Sharkey Linkedin https://ie.linkedin.com/in/penny-sharkey-a4205527a Penny Sharkey Private Practice website https://www.thelisteningco.ie/ IACP List of Therapists https://iacp.ie/page/therapists?co=6&cat=11 HSE National Counselling Service https://www2.hse.ie/mental-health/services-support/ncs/ Mental Health Ireland https://www.mentalhealthireland.ie/get-support/ Aware https://www.aware.ie/ Youth Mental Health https://jigsaw.ie/ The Encylopaedia of Healing Foods by Dr Michael Murray, Dr Joseph Pizzorno with Lara Pizzorno MA, LMT Recipes for Kale https://www.jamieoliver.com/inspiration/killer-kale-recipes/ https://www.loveandlemons.com/kale-recipes/ Music composed by cascreativearts, copyright Lyn Sharkey Nutrition. www.lynsharkeynutrition.ie

In this follow up to the previous episode with Kasia O'Reilly, I dive deeper into the foods and other habits which support the health of our skin and nourish it from the inside out. Our skin is made up of cells, like all of our other organs and we need to consume the nutrients they need to be healthy, or else whatever we apply to the outside won't work as well as it could.

Listen in to find out why we also need to take care with what we apply to our skin. Our daily habits and the anti-oxidants that we eat are more powerful than any anti-ageing cream so good healthcare starts in our shopping trolley,

The store cupboard staple is a recipe for a skin healthy smoothie incorporating some of the foods mentioned in the episode and is below in case it is handier for you to copy and paste it. Other Resources: Link to Omega 3 Episode https://youtu.be/aOkq0CqsJrQ Link to Liver episode https://youtu.be/EJOuPdzDtKo Link to blog about sunscreen https://www.lynsharkeynutrition.ie/2024/04/30/sun-cream-stay-safe-in-the-sun/ https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/educational-resources/health-lesson-learning-about-skin Sign up for my newsletter www.lynsharkeynutrition.ie Music composed by cascreativearts, copyright Lyn Sharkey Nutrition. Environmentally Friendly Cleaning Products https://www.nancybirtwhistle.co.uk/my-books/https://www.lynsharkeynutrition.ie/2024/04/29/epsom-salts/https://www.bodyauratherapies.com/shop/https://www.kinvaraskincare.com/pages/clean-beautyhttps://thegloss.ie/the-best-sustainable-irish-beauty-brands/ https://www.greenangel.com/

Recipe for Smoothie 1 handful of frozen or fresh spinach (or kale) 1 handful of frozen mango chunks (or fresh) 1/2 Lemon Juiced 1 teaspoon of grated ginger 1/2 teaspoon of grated turmeric (or 1/4 teaspoon of powdered) 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 2 tablespoons Natural Yoghurt (or greek yoghurt if dairy ok for you) Cover with water and blitz (add more water if too thick)