2. The Year of Prevention: Dr. Sonja Bobart's Head-to-Toe Health Checklist

In this episode of The Wellness Script, Pharmacist and host Lauren O'Reilly sits down with Dr Sonja Bobart, GP and founder of D4 Medical, to unpack what it really means to prioritise prevention over cure. From building a simple annual "baseline" with your GP to understanding silent risks like high blood pressure, cholesterol changes, diabetes and kidney disease, Dr Sonja shares a practical roadmap for screening across life stages. The conversation also dives into metabolic syndrome, gut health, and the real-world role of GLP-1 weight-loss medications - including who they're for, how they're monitored, and why stigma has to go. You'll also hear Dr Sonja's clear, compassionate guidance on perimenopause and HRT, why blood tests can still matter, and how to advocate for yourself confidently in the consultation room. Season 1 Sponsor: This episode is proudly supported by Sona Vitamins, Ireland's longest-established nutritional supplement producer with over 40 years of science-led expertise. You can learn more and explore their full product range here: https://bit.ly/49nFkuv  Show Notes In this episode, we cover: Why prevention gives you autonomy - and can reduce long-term complications and costs The "silent" conditions worth checking regularly (BP, cholesterol, diabetes risk, kidney health/urine) Why trends matter: comparing results year-on-year, not just one-off "normal" ranges What a proper annual check-up can look like from 40+ (a head-to-toe approach) Metabolic syndrome explained: the cluster of markers to watch (including BP around 130/80, waist circumference, HDL, fasting sugars, triglycerides) "Know your numbers" - and why fasting measures can add context beyond longer-term averages GLP-1/GIP medications: how they come up in clinic, who they're suitable for, contraindications, and follow-up frequency Gut health: what "healthy gut" looks like, symptoms to listen to, and why food-first still matters The power of a symptom diary (and how it helps distinguish stress-driven patterns) Probiotics basics: strain variety, CFU ranges, and why it can get worse before it gets better Eye health after 40: sunlight risk, macular degeneration, and protective habits (including good sunglasses) Perimenopause: surprising symptoms (including joint pain/frozen shoulder) + why bloods can help rule out other causes HRT explained: body-identical oestrogen/progesterone, timeline to effect, Mirena as part of HRT + contraception Genitourinary syndrome & vaginal oestrogen: why systemic HRT may not solve local symptoms How to prep for a GP appointment: write a list, prioritise top 3, book a double appointment, take notes, and don't be embarrassed Links & resources (mentioned in the episode) D4 Medical: https://www.d4medical.net/  Dr Sonja Bobart: https://www.instagram.com/d4medgp/?hl=en  Cervical screening (Ireland): https://apps.cervicalcheck.ie/check-eligibility/check-eligibility.596.checkeligibilityv2.html  Sexual health screening (Ireland): SH:24 - https://sh24.ie/