Function First Care

Dinuli Senaratne
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Function First Care Podcast is where meaningful conversations meet practical healthcare insights. Hosted by Occupational Therapist and Founder Dinuli Senaratne, this podcast features expert guests, inspiring stories, and evidence-based discussions on occupational therapy, disability support, wellbeing, leadership, and inclusive healthcare. Each episode is designed to empower healthcare professionals, individuals, families, and communities to live healthier, more independent lives.

Episodes

  1. 1d ago

    Brain Injury, Neurodiversity & Finding Your Way Back to Work | Dr. Aine O'Dea

    Dr. Áine O'Dea is a researcher, clinical supervisor, educator, and practising Occupational Therapist with extensive expertise in neurodevelopmental conditions, self-regulation, executive functioning, coaching and family-centred practice. Dr. O’Dea has authored several peer-reviewed research papers on Developmental Coordination Disorder (Dyspraxia) and School-Based Occupational Therapy. She has also contributed to the Occupational Performance Coaching (OPC) Manual, supporting the advancement of coaching as an evidence-based, participation-focused approach in clinical practice. She is an Occupational Performance Coach Trainer and regularly provides training in Ireland and the UK. As an OPC presenter, she brings a unique integration of clinical expertise, research insights, and practical application, helping clinicians build high-trust partnerships with clients to embed coaching approaches into everyday practice.Dr O’Dea is a clinical supervisor and has authored several chapters in Supervision for Occupational Therapy: Practical Guidance for Supervisors and Supervisees. She has extensive experience and continues to provide clinical supervision for practitioners in Independent Practice and Leadership roles. She has an upcoming Online Supervision Course “Become a Sensational Supervisor”📅 Live online course dates 2026: November 3rd, 10th and 17th ⌚ 9am -12.30pmCoursesSupervision Training https://radianceconsultinghub.com/supervision-training/Best Practice Towards Assessment and Intervention of DCD https://radianceconsultinghub.com/online-learning-on-demand/ResourcesPodcast: Co-host of Inside The Mind Beyond The Desk Spotify Link https://open.spotify.com/show/53paPZMCX8GULllD6HY0FH?si=a5ab8293bf994dcfLots of Free downloadable evidence summaries on Developmental Coordination Disorder viahttps://radianceconsultinghub.thinkific.com/manage/products/digital_downloads

  2. Sep 10

    The Future of Work and Health: Occupational Health, WellBeing and Meaningful Work | Dr. Lara Shemtob

    Dr. Lara Shemtob, an occupational and family medicine physician and academic interested in the relationship between work, health and productivity. Her research and policy focus centers on how organizations and indivdiuals can adapt to changing patterns of work, including changes catalyzed by new technology. She write and speak about these issues through research, policy commentary and professional education. What she can do:1) Research and PolicyResearching how individuals and organizations can adapt to modern working environments. Using this evidence to inform policy at organizational level and beyond.2) Coaching and Professional Development Supporting professionals and young people navigating career transitions, leadership roles and evolving work environments. Building out and delivering accredited CPD.3) Writing and Medical Communications Publishing policy, analysis and guidelines on work and health. Supporting organizations to communicate about health and productivity with their stakeholders. https://www.larashemtob.comhttps://workandhealth.substack.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/lara-shem...https://profiles.imperial.ac.uk/l.she...https://www.insightworkplacehealth.co...https://scholar.google.com/citations?...https://www.milbank.org/author/lara-s...https://www.researchgate.net/scientif...

  3. Sep 3

    Beyond the Case: Serious Injury, Rehabilitation & the Human Story | Warren Collins

    Warren Collins is an award-winning catastrophic injury lawyer and Solicitor-Advocate at Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP. He has specialised in catastrophic injury cases arising from accidents, medical malpractice, assaults and product liability for more than 30 years.His practice has a particular focus on serious brain injury and spinal cord injury, and he has personally recovered more than £100 million in damages for seriously injured clients. He has acted on complex cases both in the UK and internationally across Europe, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean and the United States.Warren is a Fellow of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) and is involved with APIL's specialist brain and spinal injury work. He is also involved with BABICM – the British Association of Brain Injury and Complex Case Management, where he sits on its Council and Magazine Advisory Group.His interest in brain injury is not purely professional. Warren has personal experience of brain injury affecting someone close to him and previously served for approximately 13 years as a trustee and Chair of Trustees of Brain Injury is BIG, a charity supporting families affected by brain injury.He has received numerous awards for his work, including Catastrophic Injury Lawyer of the Year, Claimant Injury Lawyer of the Year, the UKABIF Award for Inspiration in Brain Injury, and the Spinal Injuries Association Rebuilding Lives Award in Legal Excellence. He was most recently named Catastrophic Injury Lawyer of the Year again in 2025.A major theme throughout Warren's work is that excellent personal injury representation is about far more than understanding law and medicine. His approach focuses on understanding the individual, their family and their life story so that their needs and experiences are properly represented.Useful linksPenningtons Manches Cooper profile:https://www.penningtonslaw.com/people/warren-collins/BABICM profile / Council:https://www.babicm.org/babicm-council/Penningtons Manches Cooper:https://www.penningtonslaw.com/Penningtons Manches Cooper LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/penningtons-solicitors-llp/New Law Journal author profile:https://www.newlawjournal.co.uk/biographies/warren-collinsLinkedIn – Warren Collins:https://www.linkedin.com/in/warren-a-collins-0944a14/ Potential organisations/accounts to tag where appropriate - I am checking with Warren - please wait until I confirm:Penningtons Manches CooperBABICMAPIL – Association of Personal Injury LawyersUKABIF – United Kingdom Acquired Brain Injury ForumSpinal Injuries Association

  4. Aug 27

    Women’s Health, Menopause, Pelvic Health & Nervous System Regulation (Part 03) | Tracey Allport

    Tracey is an award-winning Women's Health Occupational Therapist, Complementary Therapist, Therapeutic and Leadership Coach, with over three decades of clinical experience. She holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Menopause Medicine and serves as the Royal College of Occupational Therapists Specialist Lead for Menopause. She uniquely blends her Occupational Therapy background with complementary therapies and high-level coaching to support purpose driven women to flourish.Known for her sprinkle of northern humour and deep empathy, Tracey is a passionate advocate for pelvic health and menopausal wellness - no topic is ever too taboo. She specialises in menopause education and enablement for organisations committed to empowering, nurturing, and retaining their employees, and supports individuals navigating the complexities of menopause and pelvic health through a whole-person lens, helping them thrive in every area of life, using her signature framework.An accomplished speaker and mentor, Tracey is passionate about sharing her knowledge and helping other Occupational Therapists to build their own women's health practices.To connect with Tracey or learn more about her work:Facebook: www.facebook.com/moththerapieslearningcoachingInstagram: www.instagram.com/moth_tlcLinkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/tracey-allport-a0919826Website: www.mothtlc.co.ukWebsite: www.moththerapies.co.uk Email: tracey@mothtlc.co.ukFind information on the MOTH Menopause MOThttps://mothtlc.co.uk/menopause_motDownload the ‘Menopause-symptom checklist’www.mothtlc.co.uk/menopause_symptomsDownload the ‘Employer’s essential menopause checklist’www.mothtlc.co.uk/checklistTo learn more about services for organisationswww.mothtlc.co.uk/proposal_brochureResources discussed in the podcastHormone repair manual – Lara Briden NDhttps://www.amazon.co.uk/Hormone-Repair-Manual-Healthy-Hormones/dp/0648352447/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2S1RSJTBBKHU4&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ZVXnxutrz80BX5yfp-rfHP1Tvj8Vj4bKl4pp0ebZpXWB1iPtSmh_B0MCFI7DSiVXHRMyPrnOhK6J20IGLlZ7hAGN47y4Gxl4EJ9o_R44vEQijGwFbNNBM_S2oJK0LRcUqnw7UiXatmsN22T0zJr8lcfNa4c7Zo0k7gzyRw4ZnXEHVhZo90bVLQcCw4xBz6HQd5221xZPngXJdZw_-X0Pm0jXi1YBILMapKu0zu7PXfI.FvYH4MgkJbljZpXDssBNh2ZwZPrpkUjxisxwD6T3vB4&dib_tag=se&keywords=lara+briden&qid=1786457856&sprefix=lara+briden%2Caps%2C113&sr=8-1Professor Prior’s website, Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research (CeMCOR): https://cemcor.ubc.ca/Metabolism repair for women – Lara Briden NDhttps://www.amazon.co.uk/Metabolism-Repair-Women-Compassionate-Science-Based/dp/1763569403/ref=pd_bxgy_thbs_d_sccl_1/262-7661752-0502210?pd_rd_w=iwPT2&content-id=amzn1.sym.ec630614-3f9e-4b7f-ba9a-fe89f8e4113f&pf_rd_p=ec630614-3f9e-4b7f-ba9a-fe89f8e4113f&pf_rd_r=JM5XH7JJY2BCGRQB7B7J&pd_rd_wg=pc7T5&pd_rd_r=68480156-b453-4705-af9c-e01efcd7d5c6&pd_rd_i=1763569403&psc=1Period repair manual – Lara Briden NDhttps://www.amazon.co.uk/Period-Repair-Manual-Treatment-Hormones/dp/1975926773/ref=pd_bxgy_thbs_d_sccl_2/262-7661752-0502210?pd_rd_w=iwPT2&content-id=amzn1.sym.ec630614-3f9e-4b7f-ba9a-fe89f8e4113f&pf_rd_p=ec630614-3f9e-4b7f-ba9a-fe89f8e4113f&pf_rd_r=JM5XH7JJY2BCGRQB7B7J&pd_rd_wg=pc7T5&pd_rd_r=68480156-b453-4705-af9c-e01efcd7d5c6&pd_rd_i=1975926773&psc=1Menopause and ADHD – Dr Helen Wallhttps://www.amazon.co.uk/Menopause-ADHD-neurodivergence-Vermilion-Empowered/dp/178504642X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2URI35I6XMU2W&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.noIG_yl2KbtHmaEt7rTAudgp0WocnSw8584l4P4HBVU.hKC5cwHwpw5BCh0CovQga9jDjcoL00vY8q69ikHgCts&dib_tag=se&keywords=Helen+Wall+ADHD&qid=1786458135&s=books&sprefix=helen+wall+adhd%2Cstripbooks%2C109&sr=1-1

  5. Aug 26

    Women’s Health, Menopause, Pelvic Health & Nervous System Regulation (Part 02) | Tracey Allport

    Tracey is an award-winning Women's Health Occupational Therapist, Complementary Therapist, Therapeutic and Leadership Coach, with over three decades of clinical experience. She holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Menopause Medicine and serves as the Royal College of Occupational Therapists Specialist Lead for Menopause. She uniquely blends her Occupational Therapy background with complementary therapies and high-level coaching to support purpose driven women to flourish.Known for her sprinkle of northern humour and deep empathy, Tracey is a passionate advocate for pelvic health and menopausal wellness - no topic is ever too taboo. She specialises in menopause education and enablement for organisations committed to empowering, nurturing, and retaining their employees, and supports individuals navigating the complexities of menopause and pelvic health through a whole-person lens, helping them thrive in every area of life, using her signature framework.An accomplished speaker and mentor, Tracey is passionate about sharing her knowledge and helping other Occupational Therapists to build their own women's health practices.To connect with Tracey or learn more about her work:Facebook: www.facebook.com/moththerapieslearningcoachingInstagram: www.instagram.com/moth_tlcLinkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/tracey-allport-a0919826Website: www.mothtlc.co.ukWebsite: www.moththerapies.co.uk Email: tracey@mothtlc.co.ukFind information on the MOTH Menopause MOThttps://mothtlc.co.uk/menopause_motDownload the ‘Menopause-symptom checklist’www.mothtlc.co.uk/menopause_symptomsDownload the ‘Employer’s essential menopause checklist’www.mothtlc.co.uk/checklistTo learn more about services for organisationswww.mothtlc.co.uk/proposal_brochureResources discussed in the podcastHormone repair manual – Lara Briden NDhttps://www.amazon.co.uk/Hormone-Repair-Manual-Healthy-Hormones/dp/0648352447/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2S1RSJTBBKHU4&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ZVXnxutrz80BX5yfp-rfHP1Tvj8Vj4bKl4pp0ebZpXWB1iPtSmh_B0MCFI7DSiVXHRMyPrnOhK6J20IGLlZ7hAGN47y4Gxl4EJ9o_R44vEQijGwFbNNBM_S2oJK0LRcUqnw7UiXatmsN22T0zJr8lcfNa4c7Zo0k7gzyRw4ZnXEHVhZo90bVLQcCw4xBz6HQd5221xZPngXJdZw_-X0Pm0jXi1YBILMapKu0zu7PXfI.FvYH4MgkJbljZpXDssBNh2ZwZPrpkUjxisxwD6T3vB4&dib_tag=se&keywords=lara+briden&qid=1786457856&sprefix=lara+briden%2Caps%2C113&sr=8-1Professor Prior’s website, Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research (CeMCOR): https://cemcor.ubc.ca/Metabolism repair for women – Lara Briden NDhttps://www.amazon.co.uk/Metabolism-Repair-Women-Compassionate-Science-Based/dp/1763569403/ref=pd_bxgy_thbs_d_sccl_1/262-7661752-0502210?pd_rd_w=iwPT2&content-id=amzn1.sym.ec630614-3f9e-4b7f-ba9a-fe89f8e4113f&pf_rd_p=ec630614-3f9e-4b7f-ba9a-fe89f8e4113f&pf_rd_r=JM5XH7JJY2BCGRQB7B7J&pd_rd_wg=pc7T5&pd_rd_r=68480156-b453-4705-af9c-e01efcd7d5c6&pd_rd_i=1763569403&psc=1Period repair manual – Lara Briden NDhttps://www.amazon.co.uk/Period-Repair-Manual-Treatment-Hormones/dp/1975926773/ref=pd_bxgy_thbs_d_sccl_2/262-7661752-0502210?pd_rd_w=iwPT2&content-id=amzn1.sym.ec630614-3f9e-4b7f-ba9a-fe89f8e4113f&pf_rd_p=ec630614-3f9e-4b7f-ba9a-fe89f8e4113f&pf_rd_r=JM5XH7JJY2BCGRQB7B7J&pd_rd_wg=pc7T5&pd_rd_r=68480156-b453-4705-af9c-e01efcd7d5c6&pd_rd_i=1975926773&psc=1Menopause and ADHD – Dr Helen Wallhttps://www.amazon.co.uk/Menopause-ADHD-neurodivergence-Vermilion-Empowered/dp/178504642X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2URI35I6XMU2W&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.noIG_yl2KbtHmaEt7rTAudgp0WocnSw8584l4P4HBVU.hKC5cwHwpw5BCh0CovQga9jDjcoL00vY8q69ikHgCts&dib_tag=se&keywords=Helen+Wall+ADHD&qid=1786458135&s=books&sprefix=helen+wall+adhd%2Cstripbooks%2C109&sr=1-1

  6. Aug 25

    Women’s Health, Menopause, Pelvic Health & Nervous System Regulation (Part 01) | Tracey Allport

    Tracey is an award-winning Women's Health Occupational Therapist, Complementary Therapist, Therapeutic and Leadership Coach, with over three decades of clinical experience. She holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Menopause Medicine and serves as the Royal College of Occupational Therapists Specialist Lead for Menopause. She uniquely blends her Occupational Therapy background with complementary therapies and high-level coaching to support purpose driven women to flourish.Known for her sprinkle of northern humour and deep empathy, Tracey is a passionate advocate for pelvic health and menopausal wellness - no topic is ever too taboo. She specialises in menopause education and enablement for organisations committed to empowering, nurturing, and retaining their employees, and supports individuals navigating the complexities of menopause and pelvic health through a whole-person lens, helping them thrive in every area of life, using her signature framework.An accomplished speaker and mentor, Tracey is passionate about sharing her knowledge and helping other Occupational Therapists to build their own women's health practices.To connect with Tracey or learn more about her work:Facebook: www.facebook.com/moththerapieslearningcoachingInstagram: www.instagram.com/moth_tlcLinkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/tracey-allport-a0919826Website: www.mothtlc.co.ukWebsite: www.moththerapies.co.uk Email: tracey@mothtlc.co.ukFind information on the MOTH Menopause MOThttps://mothtlc.co.uk/menopause_motDownload the ‘Menopause-symptom checklist’www.mothtlc.co.uk/menopause_symptomsDownload the ‘Employer’s essential menopause checklist’www.mothtlc.co.uk/checklistTo learn more about services for organisationswww.mothtlc.co.uk/proposal_brochureResources discussed in the podcastHormone repair manual – Lara Briden NDhttps://www.amazon.co.uk/Hormone-Repair-Manual-Healthy-Hormones/dp/0648352447/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2S1RSJTBBKHU4&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ZVXnxutrz80BX5yfp-rfHP1Tvj8Vj4bKl4pp0ebZpXWB1iPtSmh_B0MCFI7DSiVXHRMyPrnOhK6J20IGLlZ7hAGN47y4Gxl4EJ9o_R44vEQijGwFbNNBM_S2oJK0LRcUqnw7UiXatmsN22T0zJr8lcfNa4c7Zo0k7gzyRw4ZnXEHVhZo90bVLQcCw4xBz6HQd5221xZPngXJdZw_-X0Pm0jXi1YBILMapKu0zu7PXfI.FvYH4MgkJbljZpXDssBNh2ZwZPrpkUjxisxwD6T3vB4&dib_tag=se&keywords=lara+briden&qid=1786457856&sprefix=lara+briden%2Caps%2C113&sr=8-1Professor Prior’s website, Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research (CeMCOR): https://cemcor.ubc.ca/Metabolism repair for women – Lara Briden NDhttps://www.amazon.co.uk/Metabolism-Repair-Women-Compassionate-Science-Based/dp/1763569403/ref=pd_bxgy_thbs_d_sccl_1/262-7661752-0502210?pd_rd_w=iwPT2&content-id=amzn1.sym.ec630614-3f9e-4b7f-ba9a-fe89f8e4113f&pf_rd_p=ec630614-3f9e-4b7f-ba9a-fe89f8e4113f&pf_rd_r=JM5XH7JJY2BCGRQB7B7J&pd_rd_wg=pc7T5&pd_rd_r=68480156-b453-4705-af9c-e01efcd7d5c6&pd_rd_i=1763569403&psc=1Period repair manual – Lara Briden NDhttps://www.amazon.co.uk/Period-Repair-Manual-Treatment-Hormones/dp/1975926773/ref=pd_bxgy_thbs_d_sccl_2/262-7661752-0502210?pd_rd_w=iwPT2&content-id=amzn1.sym.ec630614-3f9e-4b7f-ba9a-fe89f8e4113f&pf_rd_p=ec630614-3f9e-4b7f-ba9a-fe89f8e4113f&pf_rd_r=JM5XH7JJY2BCGRQB7B7J&pd_rd_wg=pc7T5&pd_rd_r=68480156-b453-4705-af9c-e01efcd7d5c6&pd_rd_i=1975926773&psc=1Menopause and ADHD – Dr Helen Wallhttps://www.amazon.co.uk/Menopause-ADHD-neurodivergence-Vermilion-Empowered/dp/178504642X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2URI35I6XMU2W&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.noIG_yl2KbtHmaEt7rTAudgp0WocnSw8584l4P4HBVU.hKC5cwHwpw5BCh0CovQga9jDjcoL00vY8q69ikHgCts&dib_tag=se&keywords=Helen+Wall+ADHD&qid=1786458135&s=books&sprefix=helen+wall+adhd%2Cstripbooks%2C109&sr=1-1Autistic Menopause – Dr Rachel Moseley and Prof Julie Gamble-Turnerhttps://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1805010972/?bestFormat=true&k=menopause%20and%20autism&ref_=nb_sb_ss_w_scx-ent-bk-ww_k0_1_20_de&crid=29EKNO4P3O7K2&sprefix=Menopause%20and%20autism

  7. Aug 25

    Beyond Therapy: Nature, Presence & the Power of Human Connection (Part 2) | Lily Vowles

    What if healing isn’t always about being “fixed”? 🌿In this episode of the Function First Care Podcast, I sit down with Occupational Therapists Lily Vowles for a deeply reflective conversation about mental health, trauma, nature, embodiment and the power of simply being present with another human being.We explore:🌿 Nature as a co-therapist🧠 Seeing the person beyond a diagnosis — or an offending history🤍 Trauma, connection and psychological safety🌱 Why therapists don’t always need to “rescue” people from discomfort🧘‍♀️ Embodiment, self-awareness and nervous system regulation✨ Spirituality, meaning and living more authentically💚 Protecting our own wellbeing when we spend our lives caring for others🌳 And whether approaches such as nature-based and complementary therapies deserve a greater place within mainstream healthcareOne of the themes I loved exploring with Lily was the idea that sometimes therapeutic work isn’t about doing more to someone.Sometimes it’s about creating the conditions where a person feels safe enough to reconnect with themselves.🎙️ Lily Vowles × Function First Care Podcast Full conversation on YouTube.Part 1: https://youtu.be/k99oVrYCxEI?si=O9J3i70QPm7T1sC_Part 2: https://youtu.be/N7J5Q810dGw#FunctionFirstCare #OccupationalTherapy #MentalHealth #TraumaInformedCare #NatureTherapy #WildTherapy #Embodiment #NervousSystemRegulation #MentalHealthRecovery #HolisticHealth #ComplementaryTherapies #OT #Healthcare

  8. Aug 20

    Beyond Therapy: Nature, Presence & the Power of Human Connection (Part 1) | Lily Vowles

    What if healing isn’t always about being “fixed”? In this episode of the Function First Care Podcast, I sit down with Occupational Therapists Lily Leopard for a deeply reflective conversation about mental health, trauma, nature, embodiment and the power of simply being present with another human being. We explore: Nature as a co-therapist Seeing the person beyond a diagnosis — or an offending history Trauma, connection and psychological safety Why therapists don’t always need to “rescue” people from discomfort Embodiment, self-awareness and nervous system regulation Spirituality, meaning and living more authentically Protecting our own wellbeing when we spend our lives caring for others And whether approaches such as nature-based and complementary therapies deserve a greater place within mainstream healthcare. One of the themes I loved exploring with Lily was the idea that sometimes therapeutic work isn’t about doing more to someone. Sometimes it’s about creating the conditions where a person feels safe enough to reconnect with themselves. Lily Leopard × Function First Care Podcast Dinuli Senaratne Full conversation on YouTube. Part 1: • Beyond Therapy: Nature, Presence & the Pow... https://youtu.be/k99oVrYCxEI?si=voNF0N_26pw_PsrL Part 2: • Beyond Therapy: Nature, Presence & the Pow... https://youtu.be/N7J5Q810dGw?si=nk90_idSms-QA2z3 #FunctionFirstCare #OccupationalTherapy #MentalHealth #TraumaInformedCare #NatureTherapy #WildTherapy #Embodiment #NervousSystemRegulation #MentalHealthRecovery #HolisticHealth #ComplementaryTherapies #OT #Healthcare

  9. Aug 13

    What Your Mouth Is Telling You: Oral Health, Prevention & Everyday Habits | Laura Timms

    How much attention do we really pay to our oral health — until something goes wrong?In this episode of the Function First Care Podcast, I’m joined by dental hygienist Laura Timms for a practical conversation about oral health, prevention and the everyday habits that can make a difference over a lifetime.One of the most important messages from our conversation is that oral health problems can develop before we necessarily realise there is a problem.Laura explains the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis, why bleeding gums shouldn’t simply be ignored, and why prevention and early intervention can be so important.But we also take the conversation beyond dentistry.As an Occupational Therapist, I’m particularly interested in the gap between knowing what we’re supposed to do and actually managing to do it consistently.What happens when someone is exhausted, overwhelmed, forgetful, struggling with self-care, living with cognitive difficulties or simply can’t establish a routine?We explore: Laura’s journey into dental hygieneWhat a dental hygienist actually doesWhy people may not realise they have gum problemsGingivitis and periodontitisBleeding gums and what they can indicateThe relationship between smoking and oral healthDiabetes and gum healthOral health and people living with cognitive difficulties, including dementiaSugar, plaque and tooth decayWhy we get morning breathWhat saliva does for our mouthsCommon barriers to brushing and self-careBuilding oral healthcare into everyday routinesSupporting children to develop healthy brushing habitsSupporting people who need prompting or assistance with oral careElectric versus manual toothbrushesFluoride toothpasteInterdental brushes, flossing and water flossersWhen to use mouthwashWhether we should brush before or after breakfastWhy brushing harder isn’t necessarily brushing betterWhat Laura sees when people avoid dental care for too longSimple preventative habits we can introduce at home This episode also explores an important Function First Care question:Why do we so often wait until something becomes a problem before taking action?Prevention doesn’t always require something complicated. Sometimes it is the small occupations we repeat every day — brushing our teeth, eating, sleeping, moving and looking after ourselves — that have the greatest cumulative impact on our health.🎙️ Guest: Laura Timms, Dental HygienistFunction First Care Podcast explores health beyond individual diagnoses — looking at prevention, everyday function, routines, work, relationships, environment, physical and emotional wellbeing, and the practical things that help us live well.This podcast is for general education and does not replace individual dental or medical advice.#FunctionFirstCare #DentalHygienist #OralHealth #DentalHealth #GumDisease #PreventativeHealth #SelfCare #HealthyHabits #OccupationalTherapy #HealthEducation

    What Your Mouth Is Telling You: Oral Health, Prevention & Everyday Habits | Laura Timms

  10. Aug 1

    Finding Meaningful Work: Career Change & Sustainable Employment | Stuart Miller

    Stuart brings over 25 years of frontline, employability and vocational rehabilitation experience to his work supporting people to overcome barriers and build meaningful, sustainable careers. His approach combines practical employability expertise, coaching, behavioural insight and real-world experience to help individuals build confidence, identify their strengths, and successfully navigate career transitions.Throughout his career, Stuart has worked across the military, criminal justice, education, and vocational rehabilitation sectors, supporting thousands of people facing complex personal and professional challenges, including health conditions, military transition, criminal convictions, and long-term unemployment. As Director of SDM Training Services and recipient of the Vocational Rehabilitation Association's Practitioner of the Year Award, he works with individuals, employers, case managers and organisations to create tailored pathways back into work, empowering people to develop self-belief, recognise their transferable skills, and achieve lasting employment outcomes.Connect with Stuart Miller:www.sdmtraining.co.uk  / stuart-miller-65a108137    / sdmtrainingservicesuk   🎙️ Now Streaming on More Platforms! 🎉 The Function First Care Podcast is now available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music, making it even easier to listen wherever you enjoy your podcasts.

    Finding Meaningful Work: Career Change & Sustainable Employment | Stuart Miller
  • 10 Episodes

About

Function First Care Podcast is where meaningful conversations meet practical healthcare insights. Hosted by Occupational Therapist and Founder Dinuli Senaratne, this podcast features expert guests, inspiring stories, and evidence-based discussions on occupational therapy, disability support, wellbeing, leadership, and inclusive healthcare. Each episode is designed to empower healthcare professionals, individuals, families, and communities to live healthier, more independent lives.

Information

  • Creator
    Dinuli Senaratne
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dinuli Senaratne
  • Show Website
    Function First Care