In The Doctor's Chair

Find more episodes and helpful content on www.drmarkrowe.com. Gifting yourself some short periods of stillness throughout your day is a wonderful way to recharge from stress, rebalance your emotional equilibrium, and restore a greater sense of balance.

Find more episodes and helpful content on www.drmarkrowe.com. Do you feel irritable, isolated or withdrawn? Do you find yourself working all the time? Drinking too much alcohol?

Find more episodes and helpful content on www.drmarkrowe.com.I am a big advocate for gratitude, not just the emotion of experiencing gratitude, which like all positive emotions is fleeting and transient, but more importantly the habit of regularly expressing gratitude. Gratitude is a powerful habit to bring perspective to the past, peace to the present moment and hope for a brighter future.

Find more episodes and helpful content on www.drmarkrowe.com.Wisdom asks the right questions whereas knowledge provides answers. Looking back to learn from great wisdom of the past can inform the present moment and inspire a brighter, better future too.

Find more episodes and helpful content on www.drmarkrowe.com. In recent times, I have become fascinated with this concept of future you. This concept is something I use conversationally on many occasions in my medical practice when I see someone who attends.

Find more episodes and helpful content on www.drmarkrowe.com.This personal (non political) interview was with Minister Mary Butler as I took my podcast ‘In The Doctors Chair’ live for the first time where our conversation explored life lessons, wellbeing, personal reflections, and the meaning of life.

Find more episodes and helpful content on www.drmarkrowe.com. This personal (non political) interview was with Sinn Féin Health Spokesperson David Cullinane TD, as I took my podcast In The Doctors Chair live as a fundraiser for the Waterford Hospice Movement, who provide valuable support to patients and their families at a critical time in their lives...

Find more episodes and helpful content on www.drmarkrowe.com. Jason Gootman is a Mayo Clinic Certified Wellness Coach. His passion is in supporting people to make positive sustainable lifestyle changes that enhance health span. As I say in supporting people to close the ‘intention gap’ between where they are right now in terms of their wellbeing and a healthier version of themselves.

Find more episodes and helpful content on www.drmarkrowe.com. In this episode of my wellbeing podcast, ‘In The Doctors Chair’, I talk to Lorraine Cooney, a specialist gastroenterology dietician at Dublin’s Blackrock Clinic about her new book ‘Why You Can’t Go’. Her book is a gut health ‘bible’ that delves into all the relevant factors contributing to constipation and excess bloating, empowering people to find their own personal solution to digestive relief.

Find more episodes and helpful content on www.drmarkrowe.com.Firstly there’s no real way to prepare for grief. It’s part and parcel of life. While to love and be loved beings great joy and meaning to life, it also equates with loss. Kahlil Gibran, the Persian writer, put it well when he wrote that the depth of your loss is a mirror image to the depth of your love. In his words, ‘you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.’

Grief is a ubiquitous experience that befalls everyone during life. To live and to love as a human being has its polar opposite of death, loss and suffering. Sometimes this loss can lead in time to a sense of posttraumatic growth with a renewed of purpose and meaning.Find more episodes and helpful content on www.drmarkrowe.com.

Just like Groundhog Day, each day that we wake up our brains are hardwired for fear, for anxiety, and for survival. Gratitude as a practice is a powerful way to attune your thinking and way of being in the direction of a more positive mindset.Find more episodes and helpful content on www.drmarkrowe.com.

Find more episodes and helpful content on www.drmarkrowe.com.Recently I interviewed Professor Ciaran O’Boyle, a pioneering leader the area of psychology, leadership and positive health. As Professor of Psychology at the RCSI he is the Founding Director of the RCSI Centre for Positive Health Sciences (formerly the Centre for Positive Psychology and Health).

Find more episodes and helpful content on www.drmarkrowe.com.Alana James is an artist, author, and academic whose artwork expresses the love of the intricacies of life as a human being. She obtained her degree in Fine Arts from the University of Colorado in 1971 and exhibited her art in galleries and competitive shows in the US during the 80s.

Find more episodes and helpful content on www.drmarkrowe.com.As a family doctor for over three decades, I have met many patients who materially may have very little, but actually have so much. I have also seen people who are materially very wealthy, but are very miserable.

Find more episodes and helpful content on www.drmarkrowe.com.Originally from Tramore Co. Waterford, John McCarthy is a champion surfer who has competed and has travelled all over the world – including to Hawaii, Australia, Africa, Central and South America and all over Asia – in search of what he calls the ‘perfect wave’.

Episode #93 see www.drmarkrowe.com for more episodes.Dr. Liana joins me again this episode to discuss adopting a strength-based approach to living our lives. We explain what individual character strengths are and discuss why we need to pay attention to and savor the moments when we’re at our best. We discuss how routinely using our character strengths to our advantage helps contribute to our overall sense of well-being and why many people are hesitant about embracing their character strengths.

Episode #144 see www.drmarkrowe.com for more episodes. In this episode, I explore different solutions and suggestions to support your mental health. I highlight the difference between mental health and mental illness. I present UK research that identified seven separate lifestyle factors that reduce the risk of developing depression. I discuss the role of making positive lifestyle choices in preventing and managing mental health issues and how mental health can benefit from movement and exercise.

Episode #21 see www.drmarkrowe.com for more episodes. In this episode, I talk about the different types of cholesterol, and I explain why some are good and some aren’t. I talk about what your numbers should look like in each category, and I talk about how to improve these numbers when they’re not where they should be. I talk about the different ways you can help and hurt your cholesterol numbers, and I go into specific diet changes you can make to improve these levels or keep them healthy.

Episode #26 see www.drmarkrowe.com for more episodes.Today, I talk about the Mediterranean lifestyle and diet. I explain why I do not like the term “diet” for its connotations, and I note that, over the course of ten years, you make 11,000 food choices. I explain what blue zones are and list the four healthy lifestyle factors. I note the importance of consistency and color in your food, and I explain what is included in the Mediterranean diet. I also note that it supports better telomeres. None of us can go back to the beginning and start again, but starting today, you can create a brand new ending.

Episode #70 see www.drmarkrowe.com for more episodes.In this episode, I discuss what Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is and why it’s not as uncommon as society typically believes. I discuss the connection between frequent erectile dysfunction issues and other, sometimes more serious, health concerns. I explain the common physical and psychological causes of ED and the connection between your psychological health and your physical wellbeing. I explain how certain health issues like diabetes, chronic pain, and anxiety as well as certain prescription medications can often lead to erectile dysfunction.

Dr. Liana Lianov is the President of Global Positive Health Institute (GPHI), a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the integration of positive psychology in the healthcare setting. She is an innovative global leader in lifestyle medicine who has led the development of its core competencies for physicians and healthcare professionals which, most recently, has been expanded to include positive psychology-based knowledge and skills.Episode #81 see www.drmarkrowe.com for more episodes.

Today, I talk about how to navigate this situation. I note that we’re hardwired for fear and that it doesn’t take much to trigger stress in us. I talk about how to be mindful of how you consume media, noting that you don’t need to unnecessarily stress yourself to stay informed. I note the power of differentiating between the things you can control and the things you can’t. I discuss the importance of self-care, pointing out that every environment you spend time in can be health-depleting or health-enhancing. I posit that you can control your level of stress to an extent and offer practical tips on how to do so. You have the power to choose how to respond in any given situation.Episode #58 see www.drmarkrowe.com for more episodes.

Today, I explain what acne is, some of the most common causes for acne breakouts, and the most common areas you may find blemishes develop. I highlight how chronic acne can sometimes lead to emotional distress, anxiety, and even depression for some people. I explain the difference between white-head and black-head pimples and how squeezing pimples can ultimately create scar tissue. I also discuss treatment options currently available, including home remedies, over-the-counter medications, and prescription medications, to treat acne breakouts and share a few basic skin care tips you can do each day to keep your skin looking and feeling healthy. The good news is – while acne may not be preventable, it’s really treatable. There are so many effective options out there.Episode #84 see www.drmarkrowe.com for more episodes.

Today, Kayleen joins me to share her story. She shares what’s behind her love for learning and she notes that you can transform your pain into something beautiful. She emphasises the power of gratitude, offering practices to cultivate it, and she points out that beauty is always woven into the darkness; you just have to shift your way of seeing. She talks about her heroes, sharing why each one makes the list, and she notes that goodness, truth, and beauty are all united. She talks about the power of pilgrimage and emphasises the importance of cultivating habits that contribute to your vitality.Episode #61 see www.drmarkrowe.com for more episodes.

In this episode, I discuss health beyond the absence of disease and how making lifestyle changes can significantly improve your health and well-being. I define lifestyle medicine and outline its six pillars. I share the Million Veteran Study and explain how it demonstrated the cumulative effects and age-specific benefits of adopting multiple healthy habits. I also suggest a few small, positive lifestyle changes and habits you can adopt today and underscore the interconnected nature of physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.Episode #138 see www.drmarkrowe.com for more episodes.

In this episode, Michelle and I discuss how self-care and self-compassion can help us show up for ourselves and others. We explore her background in sports, sports development, and her interest in psychology and personal development. We describe the power of hope and how faith allowed Michelle to navigate the most challenging chapters of her life. We also outline her daily gratitude practice, discuss her experience writing A Heart Full of Love, and highlight Michelle’s thoughts on the essence of life.

In this episode, I discuss how you can live better and longer through strength-based training and exercise. I share the story of John, an 84-year-old man whose biological age is decades behind his chronological age. I explain how our bodies lose lean muscles as we age—leading to eventual decline—and how the environments we spend our time in can be health-enhancing or health-depleting. I also outline the key benefits of strength training on aging, metabolism, mental health, and vitality and offer advice on starting strength training as a habit.

Eimear joins me today to share her fertility journey. She describes the IVF cycles she has been through, the challenges that she faced, and the lessons she learned from the adversities she overcame. She outlines the practices in her mental health toolkit—including mindfulness, journaling, and counseling—and how they helped her face the challenges of her IVF journey. Eimear also discusses how she helps others through Moments of Sparkle and shares her ideas for cultivating a resilient mind.

Having a Health IQ is important. A great way to start building it up is to keep track of your cholesterol numbers. This can seem like a daunting task, so today I talk all about cholesterol: what it is, why it matters, how to keep track of it and how to leverage lifestyle changes to keep it at healthy levels thereby reducing your risk of chronic illnesses.In this episode, I talk about the different types of cholesterol, and I explain why some are good and some aren’t. I talk about what your numbers should look like in each category, and I talk about how to improve these numbers when they’re not where they should be. I talk about the different ways you can help and hurt your cholesterol numbers, and I go into specific diet changes you can make to improve these levels or keep them healthy.

In this episode, Liana and I discuss how approaching life with your character and personal strengths can help you achieve long-lasting benefits to your health, well-being, and vitality. We discuss how individuals can find their character strengths amid a world that focuses on insecurities and imperfection. We explore different ways to discover your character and personal strengths. We describe how everyone can bring their character strengths into their daily lives and develop them. We also highlight the power of knowing yourself and underscore how knowing your personal strengths can help you navigate challenging circumstances.

In this episode, I discuss health being your wealth and outline key ideas to help, support, and improve your health span and enable you to live with vitality. I explain how having a positive view of aging impacts vitality and longevity. I share my G.L.A.D. and W.W.W. exercises to help build your emotional bank account. I also highlight how our interpersonal relationships impact our health, discuss how our daily lifestyles and habits determine our well-being, and underscore the power of gratitude on improving our vitality.

Dr. Akil joins me today to share his life before undergoing open-heart surgery and why he didn’t believe heart disease could happen to him. We discuss his experience with depression and how those negative thoughts and behaviors manifested into physical symptoms. We discuss how undergoing open-heart surgery became the pivotal moment he finally decided to transform his life and make healthier lifestyle choices. We discuss his physical, mental, and emotional state immediately following open-heart surgery and why he chose to avoid taking medication to reduce his post-surgery pain.

In this episode, I discuss forest therapy and how it can improve your overall well-being, creativity, and connection to the world around you. I reveal how nature inspired me to write my book, The Vitality Mark. I explain how spending time in natural environments can help you lower your stress response, increase your relaxation response, and become more compassionate to yourself and the world around you. I also highlight how you can make the most out of your time being in nature to maximize its benefits.

Tony joins me today to share his story of battling drug and alcohol abuse. We discuss the misunderstandings and misconceptions society typically has around drug and alcohol addiction and why medical professionals and health organizations view addiction as a mental health issue. We discuss the struggles of trying to break addiction and what ‘emotional sobriety’ means.

Today, Caroline joins me to discuss where happiness comes from and the science behind goal-setting. She recounts her journey recovering from bulimia and addiction and how it led her to the field of positive psychology and coaching. She demonstrates the importance of positive psychology and provides instructions on using it to pursue difficult goals. She reminds us that it is never too late to start pursuing our goals and how novelty and zest for life can help us through challenges. We highlight how grit can be cultivated and how women in particular benefit from supporting each other in developing it. We also talk about the importance of healthy habits and Caroline’s favorite ways to find meaning in life.

In this episode, I discuss why it’s important to make time to keep your body moving, whether it’s through walking, yoga, or following an exercise routine. I discuss the benefits of walking and how all movement can be considered beneficial. I explain what brisk walking is and how it helps you maintain optimal health. I discuss how walking in nature helps boost your creativity and problem-solving skills and how walking with others improves your relationships. I also share a few simple ways you can add more healthy movement to your daily routine. Moving is medicine. Moving more can transform your health over time.

This episode, I discuss some of the life lessons we can learn from the great minds of ancient philosophers, like Epictetus. I share how he learned by choosing how he responded to different situations, it gave him an inner sense of freedom despite his circumstances.

Ibrahim Halawa, a 25-year-old Irishman, spent more than four years of his life in prison in Egypt after he was arrested while on a family holiday in 2013. Then aged 17, Ibrahim was detained by the Egyptian security forces after he and three of his sisters were caught up in a siege at a mosque in Cairo in August 2013.

This episode, I discuss the opportunity cost associated with an overthinking mind. I explain what the amygdala is, how it works, and how high worry and stress levels can impact your health and wellbeing. I explain how overthinking affects your ability to process emotions properly.

Today, Beth joins me to talk about the power of a healthy body, peaceful mind, and joyful heart. She shares how her story began and talks about the impact of her father’s heart attack and stroke on his life and hers. She notes that exercise can often act as an internal motivator and discusses the power of a growth mindset. She shares her own lifestyle health practices and discusses the power of movement. She notes the power of self-care and its effects on a person’s health and ability to take care of others well. She discusses the six pillars of lifestyle health and notes that they work best as a combination. Finally, she emphasises the power of a growth mindset, gratitude, and the ability to see beauty in everything.

Today, we discuss Domini’s passion for food as medicine. Domini shares how being a chef and entrepreneur-led her to embrace the power of food. She emphasizes the importance of real, unprocessed food and highlights the benefits of herbs and spices for their potential anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. She clarifies why her goal is not to make absolute claims but to promote the idea that small dietary choices can have a significant influence on our health. We discuss the role of food education and Domini’s frustrations with bureaucratic systems. We emphasize the importance of confidence, particularly for women, and how we can influence the healthcare system through food. We also stress the value of gratitude, self-kindness, and acceptance in navigating life’s challenges and how to find meaning in sharing meals with loved ones and bringing joy to others through food.

Today, Rachel joins me to discuss the significance of willpower, seeking professional help, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle during menopause and beyond. Rachel explains the benefits of a nutrient-focused approach to eating during menopause, highlighting eight essential nutrients for women’s health, and emphasizes the challenges of overcoming sugar addiction. She shares her personal practices for healthy living and recounts how overcoming adversity in her own life led her to pursue nutritional therapy and lifestyle medicine. She shares advice she wished she received when she was younger, like exploring a different career options and taking care of her skin with SPF. We also discuss how focusing on a whole-food diet, regular physical activity, and quality sleep increases our quality of life.

Today, Dr. Paddy and I discuss preventive cardiology and the risk factors leading to cardiovascular disease, cancer, and dementia. Dr. Paddy highlights the need for lifestyle medicine and positive health practices and details how his work in preventive cardiology and medical innovation continues to significantly impact the field. We discuss how understanding metabolic syndrome and its role in chronic diseases can prevent the early onset of major illnesses. We explain why it’s never too late to make positive changes to our health. Dr. Patty also shares his insights on meditation and stoicism and details how those tools can improve emotional resilience and well-being.

Today, I guide you through a series of questions meant to help you develop a growth mindset and learn how to ask yourself the right questions to find your personal truth and foster your curiosity about the world around you. I help you identify your strengths and share some surprising traits that strong people have. I discuss the importance of gratitude and how focusing on abundance is more important than focusing on what you don’t have. I explain how you can incorporate these questions into your daily routine and how this practice can increase your well-being and relationships. I also discuss the benefits of incorporating appreciation into your life.

In this episode, I talk about why kindness is an essential part of a lifestyle of vitality. I share the concrete benefits of being kind and compassionate toward others, benefits which are mental, physical, and spiritual. I share research on why, when you’re kind, you actually make the world a better place. I explain why, contrary to being a sign of weakness, kindness increases your resilience. Finally, I share a poem on kindness.

Today, I discuss men’s health and why it’s important for men to work with their doctors on a partnership approach to healthcare. I highlight why men often delay seeking medical attention and neglect their health, which can have negative consequences. I emphasize the need for men to take action and be proactive in caring for their health. I explore the reasons behind men’s health issues, including biological factors and societal beliefs, and encourage men to overcome their fears and seek help when needed. I also provide tips on how to have a productive doctor-patient relationship and stress the importance of being informed about one’s own health, including knowing the numbers related to blood pressure, cholesterol, belly fat, and other health markers.

Today, Keith and I discuss gratitude, the importance of being curious and open-minded, and how to introduce children to different experiences and ways of thinking. Keith shares his experiences of working odd jobs before achieving success and encourages people to stop blaming others for their circumstances in life.We discuss the power of the subconscious mind and how it is often overlooked or misunderstood. Keith explains how he can help people make permanent changes within themselves and eliminate fear, anxiety, and other mental blocks. We also discuss how Keith’s technique can be used to help people build new habits and make healthier choices.

Today, Emilia Elisabet and I discuss the concept of sisu, how she found it helpful in healing and rebuilding after an abusive relationship, and how it can heal you. We discuss how sisu can help you overcome adversity and how to develop sisu in your own life. Emilia Elisabet shares how her Finnish heritage helped her find her own sisu and the courage to move forward. She discusses why sisu is not only a way to heal but also a way to give her gift to the world and find her own unique place to serve. She also explains how she learned that sisu is a life philosophy and has grown in her understanding of how to use it to overcome adversity and help others.

Today, Dr. Mary joins me to discuss the importance of taking care of yourself and how stress and lifestyle affect hormones. She shares the story of how she became a doctor and some of the professors who inspired her to become an endocrinologist. Dr. Mary explains the role of the pituitary gland and what happens when hormones become imbalanced. She shares her suggestions to help balance hormones, how to listen to your body, and how to recharge from stress in order to prevent burnout. We discuss the vicious cycle of stress that we see our patients get caught in, how education is the key to understanding how to take control of your health, and discuss how you can best educate yourself. We also discuss the writing process and the surprises Dr. Mary encountered while writing her book It’s Probably Your Hormones: From Appetite to Sleep, Periods to Sex Drive, Balance Your Hormones to Unlock Better Health.