• Advertise
  • Contact
  • Find a Retailer
  • eMagazine
Subscribe
IRISH COUNTRY MAGAZINE
  • Inside the issue
  • Irish Made
  • Style
  • Food
  • Sustainability
  • Beauty
    • BIAB Nails
    • Hair
    • Health & Fitness
    • Makeup
    • Skin Care
  • Interiors
  • Win
  • More
    • Culture
    • Family
    • Gardening
    • Health
    • Travel
No Result
View All Result
IRISH COUNTRY MAGAZINE
  • Inside the issue
  • Irish Made
  • Style
  • Food
  • Sustainability
  • Beauty
    • BIAB Nails
    • Hair
    • Health & Fitness
    • Makeup
    • Skin Care
  • Interiors
  • Win
  • More
    • Culture
    • Family
    • Gardening
    • Health
    • Travel
No Result
View All Result
Irish Country Magazine
No Result
View All Result

Being medically vulnerable in lockdown

Roisin Healy by Roisin Healy
April 7, 2021
Reading Time: 6 mins read
A A
Aoife Rafter poses with a purple rose to mark 65 Roses Day

Cancer survivor and CF patient Aoife Rafter opens up about the challenges of lockdown and how she stays well physically and mentally

Aoife Rafter poses with a purple rose to mark 65 Roses Day

Aoife Rafter is a cystic fibrosis and cervical cancer advocate, so is well aware of the importance of protecting your physical and mental wellbeing through challenging times. As she campaigns for vital funds for CF Ireland, as well as vaccines for the vulnerable, she shares some insight into what life is like as a medically vulnerable person in lockdown, and how she makes time for her physical and emotional wellbeing.

ADVERTISEMENT

Aoife, what has been most challenging for you this past year?

Being isolated from my loved ones and needing to ration my healthcare has been the most difficult. It has been too dangerous to attend some of my clinics due to the COVID numbers in hospitals at times so I have had to reduce my outpatient appointments. It has also been extremely difficult watching others on social media break regulations while so many vulnerable people like me are so fearful and isolated. Overall, it has been the most challenging year on mental health.

As someone who has faced significant health challenges, what is your advice for people who are struggling to cope in lockdown?

I would advise them to reach out to their GPs or a counsellor if they don’t have effective support from their loved ones. I think a lot of us have learned that we need to prioritise our mental health. I do this daily by meditating, eating well and making time for the things and people that make me feel good.

What do you wish the wider public knew about what it is like to be medically vulnerable?

Above all I wish that they didn’t take their health for granted. I’m actually surprised that more people haven’t realised this the past year. When I say ‘health’ I am referring to their own health and the health of the most medically vulnerable in our society. Health and life itself are blessings but, unfortunately, this doesn’t dawn on most people until they have lost one or the other.

It has been very disappointing to see how our most vulnerable in society have been treated the past year. Gandhi said that “The true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable”. I think that there has been a lot of regression in how we have treated ours at times during this pandemic.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Aoife P. Rafter (@aoife.p.r)

From your Instagram, it’s clear that you love fashion and beauty, and have shared posts about your self care and tanning routine when in hospital. What are your favourite tips for beauty and style when feeling unwell?

My true love is health and wellbeing with a prime focus on holistic therapies. I was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2019. Holistic therapies really helped me during and after my oncology treatment. I am now doing a diploma in reflexology. I am very much looking forward to teaching others with health conditions the benefits of reflexology and other therapies.

I focus a lot on self-care as I have also learned the importance of this at all times but especially at times that life is proving a little more challenging than usual. I am a big fan of yoga, mindfulness, self-help podcasts and books, as well as a good hot soak, and skin pampering.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Aoife P. Rafter (@aoife.p.r)

What are your favourite wellness practices in lockdown?

I have found great support through the Calm app. I really enjoy their guided meditations and Sleep Stories. I also love spending time in nature so I try to do this with one of our four dogs as often as I can. I have also just launched my own business called My Indoor Garden where I sell terrarium plant pots via @my_indoor.garden on Instagram.

Aoife Rafter is an ambassador for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland. Unfortunately, Cystic Fibrosis Ireland cannot proceed with their 65 Roses Day collections on Friday 9th April due to COVID-19. Please support people with cystic fibrosis on 65 Roses Day by donating online at 65rosesday.ie or taking part in a 65 Roses Challenge.

READ MORE

mammy
Family

The women we find most inspiring? “Mary Robinson and my mam”

March 16, 2023
hotel stay
Most popular

Stylish hotel breaks to enjoy this spring

March 16, 2023
st patrick's day parade
Culture

Here’s what’s happening around the country this St Patrick’s Day

March 15, 2023
beauty edition
Beauty

Beauty buys for Mother’s Day to suit all tastes

March 15, 2023
Siobhán McAuley
Beauty

Siobhán McAuley: What motherhood means to me

March 15, 2023
magic moments
Celebrity

The Irish at the Oscars: The magic moments behind the scenes

March 13, 2023
Load More
ADVERTISEMENT
IRISH COUNTRY MAGAZINE

© 2022 Irish Country Magazine

IRISH COUNTRY MAGAZINE

  • Terms of service
  • Privacy statement
  • Advertise
  • eMagazine
  • Download gift card
  • Contact
  • Cookie Settings
  • Find a Retailer

Follow Us

  • Inside the issue
  • Irish Made
  • Style
  • Food
  • Sustainability
  • Beauty
    • BIAB Nails
    • Hair
    • Health & Fitness
    • Makeup
    • Skin Care
  • Interiors
  • Win
  • More
    • Culture
    • Family
    • Gardening
    • Health
    • Travel
Subscribe
No Result
View All Result

© 2022 Irish Country Magazine