On Monday afternoon, Portlaoise Library hosted a health discussion organised by the Laois and Offaly Regional Literacy Coalition.

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The event brought together a panel of health experts to support older adults in understanding and engaging with their
health.

The central theme was Health Literacy – helping people feel more confident when navigating health information and services.

The event was warmly opened by Anna May McHugh, Age Friendly Ambassador and Managing Director of the National Ploughing Association.

Anna May shared powerful insights on staying active, staying connected in your community, and using your voice when
it comes to your health. Her message set the tone for the afternoon and was echoed by the panel throughout the discussion.

The panel featured professionals from public health medicine, pharmacy, social work, health literacy, and social prescribing.

Each speaker shared practical advice and key information they believe patients should know when speaking with healthcare professionals.

Shauna Williams explained how social prescribing links people to community supports, with a focus on mental wellbeing. Domhnall McGlacken gave advice on communicating with healthcare providers and managing personal health.

Paula Murphy stressed the importance of keeping an up-to-date medication list and how pharmacists can help with safe medication use. Pearse Murphy spoke about the role of social work in primary care, including support for carers. 

Sharon Butler shared her personal experience with heart health and offered prevention tips for older adults. Talent Nyamakope provided tools for improving health literacy and understanding online health information.

The panel was facilitated by Orlaith O’Reilly, Health Literacy Tutor with LOETB.

Tamara Latham, Regional Literacy Coordinator for LOETB, highlighted the importance of the event.

“In Ireland, nearly one million people struggle to understand health information. Many are unsure about what their healthcare professionals are telling them.

"Often, people feel embarrassed to ask questions, which can affect their health. This event was a direct action by our regional coalition to help communities feel more confident about their health – and to know it’s okay to say, ‘I’m sorry, can you explain that again?’” Ms Latham said.

The event also featured information stands from the HSE, Age Friendly Ireland, Age Friendly Homes, LOETB Community Education, MABS, An Garda Síochána, Citizens Information, Laois Sports Partnership, and more.

Organisers say that feedback from attendees was 'overwhelmingly positive', and that health screenings provided by the Irish Heart Foundation and Hidden Hearing were especially popular and well-attended throughout the day.

The event will be mirrored in Offaly on Monday, 17 November in the The Charleville Centre from 11.00am to 1.00pm with light refreshments.

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