HealthStyle issue 2

ISSUE 2 ÂŁ2.95

HOLMES IS WHERE THE HEART IS Eamonn talks to Health Style

H2 Kids health insurance from just 50p a day!

Hear all about Michael Deane

Private casualty saved my life

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FIRST-CLASS HEALTH INSURANCE, BECAUSE LIFE MATTERS

CONTENTS

Michael Deane: Hearing the roar of success!

FEATURES Holmes is where the heart is Beloved Breakfast Television anchorman and Belfast favourite, Eamonn Holmes returns to his hometown to talk to HealthStyle about fame, his family and the debilitating hip problem he can’t ignore.

Private casualty saved my life

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Ear-ly Development

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During his new solo tour, Westlife’s Shane Filan called on the 3fivetwo Group when a health issue threatened to curtail his performance.

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We find out about the new technology that’s making a difference to babies across Northern Ireland.

Adrian’s Farm

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H3 Kids Insurance Takes the ‘Wait’ off Parents Minds

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It’s the Good Life for Dentist Adrian Stewart, looking after root canals at the office and a sheep farm at home.

When Sarah Jane Woods went to Kingsbridge Private Casualty for stitches, she never dreamt that her life would be saved. HealthStyle caught up with her to find out more.

Kingsbridge saves the music

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Michael Deane tells HealthStyle how his hearing aids help keep him on top of his Restaurant Empire.

Your children are in safe hands with H3 Kids Insurance giving your children access to top medical care – fast.

Fertility Technology Gives New Hope

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HealthStyle discovers how new cameras used in Fertility Treatments are giving hope to prospective parents in NI.

A Sporting Chance

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Hear about the new National Sports Clinic at Kingsbridge Private Hospital, where sporting injuries are assessed and treated by the best in the business.

Welcome to the second edition of HealthStyle!

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elcome to the second edition of HealthStyle, packed with celebrity stories, essential advice and fascinating revelations!

The last time Eamonn Holmes and I were photographed together, we were 18 and studying Journalism at the College of Business Studies. We were both a lot skinnier in those days but whenever we meet, he’s always the same, funny, full of chat and delighted to be home. Talking about health and family in our 50’s, along with his fears of having a hip replacement will strike a chord with many of you.

We also heard Sarah Jane Woods’ story of her visit to Private Casualty, which actually saved her life; Michelin Star Chef Michael Deane told us how

he ended up with hearing aids and seeing the ground-breaking results of infant ear-splints was heart-warming.

With so much to entertain and inform, we hope you have as much fun reading HealthStyle as we had in bringing it to you.

Healthy, happy reading!

Sheila Davidson Editor EDITORIAL TEAM Cliodhna Mulhern – Design and Editorial Supervisor Louise Davidson – Editorial Manager Calvin Forbes – Editorial Assistant Zarah Akilagun – Marketing Joanne McNeill – Editorial Contributor

Published by The 3fivetwo Group, 21 Old Channel Road, Titanic Quarter, Belfast BT3 9DE • Tel: 0845 6006 352 • Advertising: 028 90474490 • Design: hexagondesign.com

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HEALTH STYLE

About The 3FIVETWO GROUP Because Life Matters.

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he 3FIVETWO GROUP is a local organisation of trusted healthcare professionals, clinics and hospitals, providing excellence and choice in the diagnosis, education and treatment of all your health and well-being needs.

Our mission is to become a world-class provider

of healthcare solutions by putting our patients to the forefront of everything we do. Our aim is to make the 3FIVETWO GROUP the preferred choice for both patients and healthcare professionals. We believe that our comprehensive services provide choice for the people of Northern Ireland

The 3FIVETWO GROUP includes: The group begins with our medical consulting rooms at 352 Lisburn Road. 3fivetwo Healthcare now hosts 3 clinics along the Lisburn Road offering everything from consultations across all the main specialties to 4D baby scanning, CT scans and an impressive cardiac and imaging centre offering a full range of cardiac tests.

H3 Health Insurance is our own in-house private medical insurance company. Competitively priced and locally based, our team of experienced insurance professionals ensure that you get the best private healthcare available and will co-ordinate your costs from right here in Northern Ireland.

H3 also offers unique private casualty cover.

With the luxurious Kingsbridge Private Hospital on the Lisburn Road in Belfast, the 3FIVETWO GROUP can offer complete healthcare provision from initial consultation through to surgery and rehabilitation.

Kingsbridge Private Hospital is also home to Northern Ireland’s first Private GP and Private Casualty service.

Optique, located on the Lisburn Road, is a leading care provider for sight and hearing, with the most up to date technology and latest fashions. A family-run business, Optique ensures that you have access to top Opticians and Audiologists at a time that suits you.

Origin Fertility Care, a wholly owned part of the 3FIVETWO GROUP, has some of the best success figures for pregnancy in the UK and Ireland with pioneering egg freezing technology and a full range of IVF services.

Located in London, Chelsea Private Clinic is a new addition to the 3FIVETWO GROUP. With a range of treatments from Urban Cleanses and Reflexology to Nutritional Consultations and non-surgical cosmetic procedures, Chelsea Private Clinic is a little taste of 3fivetwo excellence in one of the biggest cities in the world.

Dental Excellence Group consists of Foyle Dental Spa in Derry/Londonderry, Specialist Dental Clinic in Holywood and a full NHS and private practice combined in Belfast and Portadown providing the most comprehensive and sophisticated dental treatments guaranteed to transform your look and give you confidence.

Whatever your needs we have access to the best professionals in every field. With these excellent facilities to choose from, we at the 3FIVETWO GROUP are confident of meeting your medical needs to a standard that is nothing short of five star.

Cosmetech based at our Maypole Clinic in Holywood, provides an oasis of calm and confidentiality for all non-surgical cosmetic treatments and consulting rooms to discuss our full range of surgical cosmetic treatments carried out at Kingsbridge Private Hospital.

HealthStyle is about the group; what we do, where, when and how but most importantly, it’s about YOU – the patient. This magazine aims to keep you informed, entertained and up to date with what’s happening in the world of health, helping you to make the best decision for you and your family.

Our Training Academy based at the Titanic Quarter in Belfast facilitates and promotes training across all levels of the healthcare, education and corporate sectors. Our medical/dental interview skills courses for school-leavers have been especially successful.

If you would like more information about the 3FIVETWO GROUP, please visit www.3fivetwo. com. Alternatively, if you would like to speak to a member of our dedicated booking team, please call us on 0845 6006 352 or email info@3fivetwo.com

SNORING SHOULD BE YOUR WAKEUP CALL Although snoring is often considered to be little more than an inconvenience and perhaps the source of a degree of social embarrassment, it is a condition which can mask an altogether more serious and potentially life threatening condition known as Sleep Apnoea.

BOOK YOUR SLEEP ASSESSMENT TODAY T: 0845 6006 352

E: info@3fivetwo.com

www.3fivetwosleepclinic.com

BECAUSE LIFE MATTERS

HEALTH STYLE

We’re Onto a Winner!

The staff from the 3fivetwo Group collect the highly coveted Company of the Year Award. Receiving the award is CEO of Kingsbridge Hospital Mark Regan (centre). Also pictured are Simon Lilley, Director of Marketing of overall sponsor Flybe (centre left) Andrea Hayes, General Manager for Market Development, Flybe (left) and Brenda Buckley, Commercial Director of Business Eye (right).

The 3FIVETWO GROUP Scoop Business Eye Company of the Year Award

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embers of the 3fivetwo Group, Northern Ireland’s largest private healthcare provider, celebrated at the 2013 UTV Business Eye Awards, where they picked up the top title of ‘Company of the Year’ and HealthStyle was there to capture it all!

The awards, now in their seventh year, were presented during a gala event held at the Culloden Estate & Spa in October 2013 and the 3fivetwo Group were out in style with their Business Development Director, Mark Regan, having been nominated for three awards.

The 3fivetwo Group started out with a single clinic on the glamorous Lisburn Road ten years ago and has since grown into a multi-million pound turnover operation with 16 sites, over 240 employees and provides the ultimate in private 6

medical care to patients both locally and internationally.

Flybe’s General Manager for Market Development, Andrea Hayes, a member of the judging panel, commented that the entries for the 2013 awards were stronger than ever.

“We were delighted with the allround quality of the entries, and the Awards once again produced some excellent winners, both individuals and organisations.”

Michael Wilson, Managing Director of UTV Television, said: “The calibre of entries for this year’s awards show that there are plenty of ambitious, confident and well led companies operating in Northern Ireland. UTV is delighted once again to recognise and celebrate these top achievers and organisations in such a positive way. These awards represent all that is good about business in Northern Ireland and it is great to see growth and success in so many sectors in spite of the tough times.”

Speaking at the event, Mark Regan said, “This is ten years in the making and it’s not just me. It’s all of the

team behind me. The Directors, the Marketing Team, the Nurses, the Radiographers, all of the Doctors that work with us throughout Northern Ireland – it is most definitely a team effort on all accounts!”

Mark Regan was also highly commended in the ‘Business Personality of the Year’ category and the 3fivetwo Group highly commended in the ‘Employer of the Year’ category.

UT Style

STEP INTO SUMMER

HOLIDAY HEALTH

Think individual, think unique, think Cubana Boutique

HealthStyle Tells You How to Stay Tip Top When Travelling

Do you ever think about a change in your wardrobe and fashion?

This summer at McKillens of Church Street, Ballymena you will be able to find all you want in the latest fashion and style for men, ladies, and kids in both footwear and fashions.

McKillens of Church Street, Ballymena is famous for getting it right. Right for footwear – right for fashion and right for fit. This summer the store has the most beautiful collection of shoes and the with manyEnsure you’re insured.

Insurance sandals forhen allplanning the family well known brands from all trip and of a lifetime, to cover emergencies while abroad is over Europe, for theit’s very fashion conscious brands like Fly important to Escape be prepared. essential. Companies likeright H3 Health London, Everybody, and Skechers tick all the boxes.

Whether you’re exploring Insurance can advise you onfitting how best All of this fashion andThailand, style is complemented by expert relaxing in Mexico oris discovering toto ensure medical while travelling. and trained staff always available help with help fit problems.

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India, your holiday health should

For anyone seeking advice or guidance,

be a primary concern.

So when itMcKillens the Travel Clinic atStreet, Kingsbridge When it comes to fashion, of Church comes to ensuring healthy collection happy Private Hospital a fullfor range Ballymena has aa super of brands andoffers styles ladies holiday, we say play it SAFE! of travel inoculations and vaccines, and kids. The palette of colours for this summer is bright and Seek advice GP or Travel will anti-malarial medication andof travel cheerful andfrom theyour range ofafashion cater for a variety needs Medicine at least six weeks advice as well as help with any and ages,Specialist from mother-of-the-bride to everyday wear.

Hats are before your trip about any necessary also available to match most of thepersonal styles.medical In thecircumstances.

‘Kidstore’ at precautions and healthy.

Kingsbridgeshop Hospital is also a registered McKillens is astaying superb in-store Lego clothing with styles for Ask boys about and any necessary vaccines withof highly-qualified girls. There are also Yellow someFever newCentre brands kids both for specific destinations. Remember clothes at very affordable prices. Nurses who are all specially trained

some courses take several weeks in providing travel health information so enquire well in advance and be and preventing disease or infection.

Even men think it’s time for change and at McKillens there is a aware of any medication you’ll need Wherever you’re going and whatever brilliant selection of shoes and sandals for the fashion conscious during your trip, e.g. malaria tablets. you’re doing, don’t let health worries gent. In fact there are 15 shops under one roof at McKillens so if First aid and medical kits are mar your travel plans. Plan ahead, be you are looking for a change why not call into McKillens of essential – put one together when safe and enjoy your holiday adventure!

Church Street, Ballymena and find what you have been looking packing and store it securely with for – even if it is only a ‘Latte’ in the Fern Room! liquids and sharp items in your hold For more information about the Travel luggage with everything else easily Clinic, please visit www.3fivetwo.com Tel: 028 2565 6169 accessible in your hand luggage. or call 0845 60 06 352.

ANOTHER NEW AND EXCLUSIVE COLLECTION HAS ARRIVED IN CUBANA Exclusive, individual, beautiful & affordable designer womenswear Stunning selection of costume jewellery and luxurious cashmere wraps Striking selection of accessories from luxurious silk scarves to glitzy belts

All in the ambience of a sleek & spacious boutique on Lisburn Road, Belfast

637 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7GT Tel: 02890 66 44 00 www.CubanaBoutique.com www.facebook.com/pages/Cubana-Boutique/127976917242374

UlsterTatler 77

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HEALTH STYLE

Holmes Is Where The Heart Is! “Hey Eamonn when is the wedding?”

“How many times do you want me to get married?” he laughs.

“You and Ruth were brilliant on Ant and Dec!”

H

e wanders off from the photo-shoot to have a bit of banter with the woman in the car who just rolled down her window. You would think he knew her but it’s just another exchange with a complete stranger for Eamonn Holmes.

This happens all morning, in and out of the hospital at Kingsbridge, into Deane and Decano for a coffee down the Lisburn Road, people talk to him and ask for photographs.

He talks to everyone with real interest and humour and everyone leaves feeling he’s their friend.

What no-one would have guessed is that he is in constant pain with hips that desperately need to be replaced.

His condition is genetic, diagnosed for certain at the age of 27 just as his career in television was taking off.

“I knew the day would come when I would have to really do something about it and that day is very soon,” he muses with uncustomary resignation.

“I hate the idea of operations and I could count on the fingers of one hand the number of days sick I have taken in the last thirty years. Self-employment is the biggest cure for sickness I know but I’m only 54 and getting hips replaced is for old people!”

He may be laughing but this time it’s tinged with apprehension and we talk about the impact it is having on his everyday life and health.

“I’m in pain all the time, it takes me a while to get up off a comfortable sofa and I can’t do the things I would love to, like go for a game of golf with my youngest son Jack. I can’t bend down to pick a ball out of the hole or put it on a tee.

“Standing for any length of time is a real challenge and I’m always looking for something to lean against to take the pressure off my back.

The doctors are telling me that I am getting to the stage where surgery is essential, but more to the point I know myself that the pain and the restriction on my movements has to be tackled.

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“Over the years I have heard so many stories about things going wrong that I always put it off.

I also told myself I had so many responsibilities for my family that I needed to keep working. But ironically I’m at the point now where I need to do it for the sake of my family and a more active life.”

Talking about health always leads to the inevitable question for someone who has spent almost 25 years getting up early for breakfast television, how do you sleep?

“Badly! If I had a reset clock I would love to reset my time to sleep! I don’t drink so that obviously helps when you are out at night and still have to get up for 3.45am. But nothing can make up for the chronic lack of sleep.

“I really believe that it affects your health in so many other ways and thankfully I don’t have sleep apnoea but I am very conscious of the fact that no-one should have to live on four or five hours sleep a night.

I ask if he at least has a driver to take the pressure off the need to concentrate on getting to work.

“I do a lot of driving myself but I have a driver to collect me to go to the Sky studio and take me to work commitments throughout the day and cope with traffic and parking.

“When I leave home I have to bring at least three different changes of clothes depending on what I am filming that day.

The secret is preparation and no matter how tired I am at night I always get my bag packed and my briefcase ready.”

Eamonn’s professional approach to his work is evident and you can easily see how this combined with his easy manner and gruelling work ethic has made him one of the most successful presenters on UK television today.

But is he still essentially a boy from North Belfast who grew up in ‘the troubles’? How does he cope with the constant recognition and the demand for autographs or photographs and chat when he is simply going about his own business?

“I still go into the local chippy for my mum occasionally and when the inevitable “what are you doing in here?” question comes I just laugh and say I’m in for a haircut. Of course I do ordinary things like going to the supermarket or getting petrol in the car but I never forget that I am so lucky to do what I do.

HEALTH STYLE

“ Like everyone else I love the NHS but I don’t think it should have to do everything for everybody. I believe we have a social responsibility to look after ourselves and pay for what we can.

Photography by Brian Morrison. www.brianmorrison.co.uk

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HEALTH STYLE

“When anyone works up the courage to ask me to have a photo taken with them I always say yes if I can. I remember someone very close to me asking Alex Higgins for an autograph and he said no with very little grace. I could see the hurt that caused and I would never want to do that to anyone.”

It’s when he talks about his mother and his children that you see how fiercely protective Eamonn is about his family. His father died of a heart attack many years before he should and his wife Ruth is on record as saying how concerned she is that he takes care of his health.

“Everybody worries about their children or their parents and I know the indiscriminate nature of serious illness and the pain it visits on families.

Ruth and I try to do as much work as we can for charities 10

whether it is cancer, meningitis or Alzheimer’s to help other people in the knowledge that it is inevitable that it will visit our door some time.

In taking care of his family’s health he is very clear that the hard work and luck that allows him a very comfortable way of life extends to having private healthcare.

“Like everyone else I love the NHS but I don’t think it should have to do everything for everybody. I believe we have a social responsibility to look after ourselves and pay for what we can.

“I can pay for treatment so I should take that burden off the state. I know I am in the lucky position to afford to do it and it also gives me choices. When it comes to finally organising my hip replacements I can at least plan it around work and know exactly when it is happening,

that it won’t be cancelled for an emergency and that I can assure my employers of when I will be back at work.”

He is obviously talking himself into the inevitable but there is an underlying sense of dread at the seriousness of the operation and apprehension about being away from work for any extended period of time.

“I have been talking to Craig Revel Horwood about his hip replacement and he was back on set in a wheelchair. I was there on his first night back and I have to say it was reassuring to see someone who had a good experience and was able to get back to work quickly!”

A workaholic, Eamonn does not cut himself any slack and takes his football hobby of supporting Manchester United just as seriously. When I ask him how he thinks David Moyes is doing he visibly slumped.

“If anything is going to put me in hospital it’s David Moyes,” he quipped. “Actually I have been re-evaluating the time I spend on travelling to football matches and sitting for hours in the car on motorways when I could watch it on tele.”

I suggest it’s a good way of spending time with his 12 year old son Jack and he laughs out loud.

“I’d love to say that the paternal instincts in me are the reason I go, but I have to be honest and say I’d go anyway, whether he was with me or not.

Any man who loves football is automatically re-living what it’s like to be a ten year old again.

Full of dreams, kicking a ball around, doing all the moves.

It turns us into children…..”

We both burst out laughing at the idea that it’s only football that can turn men into boys!

HEALTH STYLE

THE KNOWLEDGE

Getting to Know...

Phlebotomy This Issue we’re talking to Paul Gormley, Clinical Tutor at 3fivetwo’s Training Academy to learn all we can about Phlebotomy.

SO PAUL, WHAT EXACTLY IS PHLEBOTOMY? Phlebotomy is simply making an incision in a vein with a needle and then taking blood without harming the patient or disturbing the nursing care that they may be receiving at the time. Once the blood is taken, Phlebotomists are also responsible for making sure the blood is put into the correct container for analysis in the laboratory.

AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT? Trained Phlebotomists collect blood from patients specifically for examination in laboratories.

The results of these tests can provide valuable H E A LT H C A R E information PROFESSIONALS which is often Paul Gormley really necessary Clinical Tutor for diagnosing illnesses and looking after patients. For Laura Blair this same Chief Cardiac Clinical reason, they Physiologist and Clinical Tutor also need to be sure that the blood

is taken correctly as, if specimens are harmed during collection, test results may be unobtainable or worthless.

HOW DO YOU BECOME A PHLEBOTOMIST? Due to the Phlebotomist’s role in the diagnostic process, learning the right skills sometimes means going to a special course. That is why at 3fivetwo Training Academy, we provide Basic Phlebotomy courses throughout the year and are based at our purpose-built training facility in Belfast. These courses are delivered by qualified health professionals who have been involved in Phlebotomy/ Venepuncture for many years.

WHO ATTENDS THESE COURSES? We get a really good mix of healthcare staff and students attending these courses, but it’s mainly Nurses, Medical Students, Allied Health Professionals and health centre Receptionists.

It’s helpful for them all for a number of reasons as the courses cover a range of issues

such as Legal and Professional Responsibilities, Vascular Anatomy, Vein Selection, Infection Prevention and Control as well as Sharps Disposal and Needle Stick Injuries and Reasons for and Complications of Phlebotomy.

SO WHY ARE THESE COURSES SO IMPORTANT? Courses like these provide a great theoretical and practical introduction to phlebotomy, which can be invaluable if you’re working in the health sector. This starts the process of training healthcare staff to become competent Phlebotomists, which

also has a knock on effect for patients. The more well-trained Phlebotomists there are, the more patients will have a better experience of blood sampling. In addition, the blood samples will be of good quality, which means the test results are more likely to be accurate, and patients will receive effective treatment faster.

A crucial part of the on-going training is that participants are directed to carry out at least ten supervised, satisfactory phlebotomy procedures before starting to practise independently.

This means they have the time and space to get comfortable with the procedure, which isn’t always possible in larger classes of students, or when performing under pressure.

FINALLY, FOR YOU, WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING ASPECT OF GIVING THESE COURSES? Mainly it’s seeing the participants’ confidence grow during the course. The fact that they feel able to attempt phlebotomy on a real person by the end of the training really says a lot for what courses like these can provide. It’s great to know that they’re leaving to move forward in their career with a set of skills that are going to benefit both themselves and their patients.

For more information on Phlebotomy and other courses, please visit www.3fivetwotraining.com or call 02890 735 273.

FAC T F I L E • The 3fivetwo Training Academy offers a wide range of training courses suitable for medical professionals and members of the public.

• Courses available at the 3fivetwo Training Academy include interview skills, educational evenings, basic life support and many more.

• The academy is a purpose built training facility in the Titanic Quarter on Old Channel Road.

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HEALTH STYLE

Optique Eye Care…

Where Fashion Meets Function Most Advanced 4D Eye Scans in Ireland Thank goodness the days of the unsightly glasses are a thing of the past. Today we even co-ordinate our clothes with colourful and stylish designer frames that don’t need to cost the earth.

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ore importantly, the renaissance of glasses as a fashionable accessory has been surpassed by an extraordinary leap in the quality and detail of the examination.

Advanced diagnosis and treatment plan for many eye related problems is now available and can be offered

by Optique using the latest in technology and expertise.

Richard Sweeney MCOptom, the new Director of Optique Eye and Ear Care, based on the Lisburn Road, has joined the 3fivetwo Group after 12 years in independent practice.

“What makes us unique at Optique is our specialist

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clinical knowledge combined with the most advanced eye test technology in the world.

Optique is proud to offer the latest 4D eye scanning technology which provides an unrivalled examination experience to the patient and a superior clinical outcome.

“All clients at Optique can benefit from our 4D eye scan using the only machine of its kind in high street practice anywhere in Ireland. The scan is similar to a CAT scan and can detect eye conditions up to four years ahead of traditional examination techniques.

“The scan, whilst noninvasive, sees deep into the retina and is extremely sensitive to small changes.

This is especially useful when detecting conditions such as Diabetes, Macular Degeneration and Glaucoma.

“Early detection is the key as this can have a dramatic impact on the progression of eye disease. So if we find something amiss patients will benefit from a seamless referral pathway to our team of eminent eye and ear Specialists located at our sister company, Kingsbridge Private Hospital.

“Using the latest technology also ensures that our prescription lenses are highly accurate. Our team will walk our clients through a bespoke fitting service and will be sure to provide an enjoyable journey from the examination through to frame selection.

Enhanced services from Optique also include a “sore eye clinic” where patients are invited to attend as a Specialist alternative to their GP and our own resident Senior Hearing Aid Audiologist offers a superb ear wax removal service.

Optique also specialises in domiciliary care and home visits. Should you or a relative be unable to attend the practice, the practice will come to you. This is a free service if you are physically unable to attend the practice.

Free eye examinations and glasses are available FREE to all NHS patients who qualify for these services. Everyone is most welcome at Optique!

CONTACT US Optique, 573 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7GS T: 028 9066 7030 E: info@optiquecare.com W: www.optiquecare.com OPENING HOURS Mon-Fri: 9.30am-5.15pm Sat: 10.00am-5.00pm

FAC T F I L E Fast Lens Service Optique have three in house glazing laboratories who are geared to supply the majority of frames and lenses within 48 from order and most single vision the next day.

With our advanced lens partners we provide a range of tailor made advanced single vision and varifocals, unparalleled in today’s market. Call in to discuss the latest lens variations to enhance your optical experience.

Special Optique package for HealthStyle readers – £50 Full eye examination and 4-D scan

www.optiquecare.com

HOME TO IRELAND’S ONLY 4D EYE SCANNER Avoid sight loss with the early detection of eye disease: ü Glaucoma ü Diabetic related eye disease ü Macular Degeneration Contact Us

Optique Eye & Ear Care 573 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7GS

T: 028 9066 7030 info@optiquecare.com www.optiquecare.com www.3fivetwo.com BECAUSE LIFE MATTERS

HEALTH STYLE

Michael Deane: Hearing the Roar of Success!

No-one wants to admit they have a hearing problem and wearing hearing aids is surely only something for the elderly and infirm?

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ell, given the experience of Northern Ireland’s top restaurateur, Michael Deane, there is nothing to be afraid of and he takes a real delight in the fact that his hearing aids have transformed his life.

Recognising that you are losing your hearing can be a gradual realisation and as in Michael’s case, you can be in your thirties when the penny drops.

“I was on a flight to London and thought the constant noise in my head was just the engine roar. The problem was it didn’t go away when I got off the plane and that’s when I realised I had tinnitus.

“I put it down to the constant noise of the ventilation turbines in the kitchens I worked in for years. The volume comes and goes but I have to say that the noise in my head is so bad at times that if it was constantly at that rate I would literally go mad.”

Michael realised he had to get his hearing tested and his father recommended Optique Ear Care on the Lisburn Road.

According to Lindsay Gillespie, Hearing Aid Audiologist at Optique, Michael’s hearing loss was moderate to severe and he needed hearing devices for both ears.

“There are extremely high-tech and effective instruments available now that are virtually invisible when in the ear. These can quite literally have a life-changing effect on a client like Michael. With ‘wireless technology’ we can now send audio signals from phones and television directly into the hearing aids. This has helped Michael significantly in the noisy restaurant environment.

“Most importantly, at Optique Hearing Care we provide a lifetime of care with every hearing aid, so a follow-up appointment is offered 4 weeks after all hearing aid fittings to ensure that you are getting the maximum benefit. If attention is required at any time after the follow-up appointment we see you again at no additional charge. If you prefer a home visit we are happy to arrange this for you as well.

“Like Michael, most people will normally get most benefit with two hearing aids. Hearing in a balanced way is greatly enhanced with two instruments, particularly in noisy environments.

“I have to admit I am very hard on my hearing aids and I’m constantly breaking the wires but I just pop in to Lindsay and he sorts me out,” laughs Michael.

The hearing aids have also helped with the tinnitus and I use a noise machine at night to help me sleep.”

Running six highly successful restaurants means that Michael is in meetings more often than in the kitchen and he readily admits that his hearing aids make the difference in being able to engage effectively with both his business advisors and his staff.

“So many people disguise the fact that they can’t hear and pretend that they have understood what is being said by nodding and hoping that they will catch on later in the conversation.

When you are at a meeting with the bank or the Accountant you have to be on top of what is going on. Nodding agreement to a bad deal is not an option!”

The Deane empire has had a major investment recently with Michael Deane and Kate Smith opening their fabulous new Eipic Restaurant in Howard Street with an extended Love Fish Restaurant which is open 7 Days a week and the new concept Meat Locker flame grill.

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FAC T F I L E • One in 10 adults in the UK would benefit from wearing hearing aids – that’s four million people - yet only one person in 30 does.

• The majority of individuals suffering from hearing loss are under the age of 65. Hearing aids can help give you back confidence and independence.

• Optique Eye and Ear Care fit hearing aids from the world’s leading suppliers including Starkey, Phonak, Widex and Oticon.

FITTED BEDROOM FURNITURE AND SLIDING ROBES NOW AVAILABLE

Established for over 25 years as one of Northern Irelands premier kitchen manufacturers and having developed a successful bathroom division over the past decade Abbey kitchens and bathrooms, featuring The Stove Store are pleased to be able to showcase their latest expansions.

Following the blossoming success of the Stove Store since its launch in 2011, we are delighted to announce the arrival of both the Chesney’s and Faber portfolio of fireplaces, fires and stoves to the already impressive range of products from leading manufactures such as Stovax and Morso. With numerous displays including three “Live” models at the Stove Store you are guaranteed a Warm welcome.

Building on our considerable history of manufacturing our own kitchens and bathrooms we are pleased to offer fitted bedroom units, sliding robes and customised dressing rooms to our tailored range of products offering you enviable quality at a competitive price. With an extensive range of showrooms and pleasant, knowledgeable staff on hand to assist you with your project, be sure to visit our websites or contact us to arrange a consultation today.

Managing Director Stuart Barnett says “Whether it is a cutting edge minimalist style in a range of glossy colours or the timeless elegance of a painted finish, it doesn’t matter whether you are refurbishing your existing home or building a new one, at Abbey we will be able to cater for your every need and come in on time, on budget.”

Abbey Kitchens and Bathrooms: 46B Old Carrick Road, Newtownabbey • Tel: 028 9085 3277 www.abbeykitchensandbathrooms.co.uk • www.thestovestoreni.com

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CO AN FFEE D L NO GIFT OUN G W OP SHOP E EN

your one stop shop when kitting out your home Basil Knipe Electrics Ltd No two homes are the same. Every person has different tastes and needs, so why when it comes to buying electrical appliances for your home, do most retailers treat you like a number? Basil Knipe has been selling domestic appliances for more than 30 years, and he understands that every customer is unique.

Unlike some larger corporations, Basil Knipe Electrics Limited strives to cater for the individual.

Based in Ballymoney County Antrim, their massive showroom is bound to impress you. Featuring more than 70 different models of television, over 140 built-in appliances, 30 range cookers, and a plethora of washing machines, U.S.A. fridge freezers, small kitchen appliances, vacuum cleaners, tablets and laptops, you will be spoilt for choice. With free delivery throughout Northern Ireland, as well as the option for installation by a qualified electrician, convenience is guaranteed. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, their expert sales staff will go to great lengths to source the items that cater to your specific needs. With the sales staff

having over 100 years combined experience, you can be reassured that you are in capable hands.

Despite the wide array of choice, the showroom never feels sterile. It maintains a homely atmosphere due to its working fireplace and friendly staff. It even has its own coffee lounge and giftware department where you can sit down, relax, and take a moment to spoil yourself with a warm beverage and a tasty traybake. They offer a personalised wedding-list service, which you and your guests can track securely on their website, helping remove the hassle from your big day.

Basil Knipe Electrics has managed to keep up to date with the most

current technologies. They feature the latest 4k definition TVs, Curved OLED TVs, and the world’s first 84” 3D Ultra HD TV. They are the only independent retailer in Northern Ireland that deals direct with all of the five big television manufacturers – LG, Panasonic, Samsung, Sharp, and Sony which allows them to bring you better deals.

At the heart of it, the company believes in putting the customer first and giving helpful advice in a non-pressured sales environment.

The service does not end when the customer has left the door, as the aftersales team is always on-hand to help advise you on the usage of your machine, and can even help you source spare parts or accessories. It is this dedication to customer service that keeps their customers coming back.

Basil Knipe Electrics 41 Ballymena Road, Ballymoney Tel: 028 2764 9222 Email: sales@basilknipe.com www.basilknipe.com

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AVAILABLE NOW IN STORE Samsung 55” 3D Smart TV • 4K Ultra High Definition • LED Backlit

• 1080p • Freeview Enabled

• 1920 x 1080

Basil Knipe Electrics 41 Ballymena Road, Ballymoney Tel: 028 2764 9222 Fax: 028 9764 9223 Email: sales@basilknipe.com www.basilknipe.com Opening hours: 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday

Basil Knipe Electrics Ltd

028 2764 9222

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Antenatal

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Bundle Of Joy

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Has the development of technology affected the service?

Of course, technological developments will always have an impact but what is amazing to see is the emotional effect progress can have. Take for instance the 4D scans. Through this technology, we can now see the baby in-situ more clearly than ever, meaning parents can identify facial features and expressions, little habits and watch behavioural patterns develop in the womb as the pregnancy advances.

This changes the experience of a scan from a technical endeavour for the Consultant to an extremely personal moment for parents to view stunning real life images of their little baby throughout the pregnancy.

Dr David Glenn talks Babies, Budgeting and 4D Scans For many expectant parents, pregnancy is a time of preparation. Whether you’re readying for your first born or preparing for Baby Number 2, there’s a lot to do and for some, making way for baby can be a time of anxiety due to financial or emotional worry.

Thankfully, help is at hand. Dr David Glenn, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, offers a complete private antenatal care package and has recently introduced a special payment-plan option for would-be patients in order to open access to this service. HealthStyle caught up with him to learn more…

David, what does your Private Antenatal Package offer?

The key word is reassurance.

This service means that parents have consistent access to an individuallyappointed Consultant on a one-to-one basis at their antenatal assessment visits.

This, combined with repeated scanning, showing the progress of the baby’s growth allows H E A LT H C A R E parents to PROFESSIONALS enjoy the Dr David Glenn pregnancy Consultant journey.

Obstetrician & Gynaecologist

Dr Ayman Morsy Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist

Dr Samina Dornan Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist

That sounds great.

Who avails of these packages?

I see a whole range of people but sometimes you can see a pattern emerging.

Some women may have been warned about potential complications or encountered issues in the past and want to make sure that they know exactly what’s going on. Others may have experienced fertility problems or previous miscarriage and simply want their pregnancy more closely monitored. I also see a number of older mothers who, whilst perfectly healthy, may need a bit more care.

Do you find the care they receive eases their worries?

Oh definitely but it’s not just about the scans. The antenatal package continues to care for your family after the baby is born by providing follow up consultations with a Consultant Paediatrician to ensure that the new born baby is healthy, happy and developing.

With someone to look after Baby, I can look after Mum.

What kind of support can you give mothers?

With my special interest in pelvic floor surgery, mothers who may have suffered trauma while giving birth, can come along for assessment, reassurance and if necessary corrective surgery. Future pregnancies can then also be advised accordingly.

So how can parents access this service?

Well, of course with this being a privately provided service, it costs money and sometimes, with all the preparation for the big arrival parents feel less able to invest though they may want to. It was with this in mind that we devised and introduced the new payment plans to help prospective parents gain access to the service.

There are a range of options including a discounted amount that is paid in total up front or the option to pay in instalments. This is proving to be the most popular method as parents can decide how long they would like to repay the amount over. Most prefer to repay over 12 months which typically works out around £199* a month. (*Terms and conditions apply)

FAC T F I L E • Payment options are available for Dr Glenn’s private antenatal packages at 3fivetwo Healthcare, Maypole Clinic.

• For more information or to book an antenatal appointment with Dr Glenn, please visit www.3fivetwo.com or call 0845 6006 352.

• Private Antenatal Care offers a personalised service for you and your baby.

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EAR-LY DEVELOPMENT The Innovative New Technology for Tomorrow’s Children

When most people retire, they bid goodbye to the world of work and look forward to investing in some serious relaxation. Not so for David Thompson, Manager of the Maxillofacial Laboratory and Department of Reconstructive Science at the Ulster Hospital. After more than 40 years working in the health service, David is using his retirement to work with his business partner, Brian Bigmore on their latest development, customised splints to correct ear deformities in new born babies.

H E A LT H C A R E PROFESSIONALS Mr Brian Bigmore

“B

etween 4 and 6% of children in the UK are born with ear deformities Mr David every year, Thompson research has Consultant & Director of E.A.R. Splints Ltd shown. “In 2011, that would have been just over a thousand babies just in Northern Ireland, says David. A lot of these cases would have been referred to me during my time as a Consultant at the Ulster Hospital, but I was seeing children at about 6 months old, which unfortunately was too late, as the optimum time to take action is between 0-7 weeks.

The only choice was for the child to have a corrective procedure Principal Maxillofacial Prosthetist

around the age of 7 but this didn’t account for any potential problems in the intervening years.”

The ears develop during the early stages of a baby’s growth in the womb, along with many other important internal organs.

Whilst ear abnormalities can sometimes be a sign of related internal issues, many cases are totally benign and cause no harm to the baby or its hearing. The main concern is the appearance!

“My concern was the psychological impact,” says David.

“What may seem inconsequential at first can be a genuine source of distress for an older child, due to teasing or insecurity about their appearance. Many opt to have surgery later on, which can be both frightening and costly but I knew all this could be avoided.

That’s why Brian and I dedicated ourselves to providing a solution.”

The ear splint, which is

both painless and practical, was developed by David and his colleague, Brian Bigmore, following their realisation that the knowledge and treatment available for ear deformities was both limited and basic.

“For those children that were in the right age bracket, we had to resort to wire and surgical tape which, whilst effective, was not practical. We developed the ear splint instead, which is fitted after a primary consultation where the ear is appraised. The splint is then worn for 23 hours a day over a series of weeks and usually, the baby is completely unaware of it,” says David.

Originally, David ran a regional service for prosthetic appliances based in the Ulster Hospital and Brian researched the use of the splints over 3 years. This lead to an MSc degree and proof of concept of the treatment and they eventually considered bringing the concept to the public. Having decided to retire, David made the connection with the 3fivetwo Group through talks

with group co-founder, Mr Ashok Songra. Consultations for having these custom splints fitted can now be accessed through 3fivetwo Healthcare at the Maypole Clinic in Holywood and the therapy is also covered by H3 Health Insurance. “20 couples have purchased the splints so far and our continued research has shown that we have a 100% success rate when use of the splints is fully compliant with instructions, which is wonderful,” says David.

“The feedback so far has been extremely positive with parents seeing a change in as little as 3 days. Of course, at such a short stage, this change isn’t permanent but it does help to reinforce that the treatment works. We can even do both ears at the same time to ensure they’re a perfect match!”

Now that’s something parents will be delighted to hear!

For more information on Ear Splints or to book a consultation, please visit www.3fivetwo.com or call 0845 60 06 352

FAC T F I L E Ear Splints are only available through 3fivetwo Healthcare at the Maypole Clinic in Holywood.

The complete Ear Splint service includes consultations, a custom-made ear splint and follow up. This service is now covered by H3 Health Insurance.

Before

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After

Knowing what makes your clients tick is only half of the story.

For investment expertise that completes the picture, talk to us.

For personal recommendations to make your clients’ money work harder. For stability and the reassurance you get from a consistent service.

For the confidence you get from a powerfullyresourced team. See how we earn your trust.

For more information, please contact Hal Catherwood on 028 9044 6000 or email hal.catherwood@brewin.co.uk brewin.co.uk/belfast

The value of investments can fall and you may get back less than you invested.

Brewin Dolphin Limited is a member of the London Stock Exchange, and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Financial Services Register reference number: 124444).

HEALTH STYLE

Adrian’s Farm

Dentist Adrian Stewart talks about looking after molars, canines and sheep…

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The hard life of a small livestock farmer may seem far removed from the clinical world of dentistry but for Dr Adrian Stewart, it’s all in a day’s work.

A

highly experienced Dentist with a special interest in Endodontics, once Adrian leaves the modernity of the private Holywood dental practice, he can be found down on the farm at Ballyward, just outside Castlewellan, Co Down.

It’s a happy but busy life that he shares with his wife Joanne and daughters Emma (4) and Olivia (3) and during the week, Adrian can concentrate of root canals, safe in the knowledge that farmer’s daughter Joanne and his 80-year-old father James are more than capable of keeping things going in his absence.

However, there are downsides to this country idyll. Just over a year ago Adrian, like many others, experienced the harsh reality of livestock farming when the freak heavy snowfall resulted in the death of ten of his sheep.

“Up until then I had kept 30 sheep. I lost 10 as well as an entire crop of lamps as a lot of ewes got into poor condition due to the winter being so bad,” said Adrian.

“I normally sell 50 lambs at the end of the season but last year, I only sold 5. That’s pretty bad but when you consider the knock-on effect of this year’s lambing season

due to the loss of ewes, you see how far-reaching the problem is.

“I was very lucky in that I wasn’t counting on it but there are farmers around here who lost well over a 100 heads and lost their livelihood. It was a big loss for sure but not compared to others,” he says.

Adrian chose dentistry as his profession much in the same way that some of his patients find him today – he was in pain with a toothache and just wanted it to go away. A former Irish U21 rugby player, he was playing a match in Dublin when he developed a severe toothache.

“I was literally walking the floor with the pain of it all night. Before the game I was sent to a Dentist in Blackrock used by the IRFU,” explains Adrian. “It was amazing how simple it was. I went to this man in pain and he took it away.

It may sound run-of-the-mill to some but it really struck a chord with me. I decided there and then that I was going to be a Dentist.

I’ve never looked back. I love my work and it’s given me so many exciting opportunities like my time spent working in Australia. I enjoy the processes themselves, the team I work with and looking after my patients, ensuring that any issues they encounter can be dealt with as quickly and comfortably as possible. Also, I won’t lie, my team are definitely more fun to work with than sheep!”

Adrian comes from a “long line of small farmers” and is proud of continuing the farming tradition, even though he readily acknowledges that it’s hard work.

At the height of lambing season, he can often find himself in high field until late at night, only to get up again at first light to check

if any other ewes need help before attending to his day job.

“I love my job and it comes first,” says Adrian. “Because of that I suppose the farming is now more like a hobby except that the demands of keeping livestock means that you can’t really do it as a hobby. It’s not like you can say it just doesn’t suit you when ewes are lambing. Maybe it’s all about finding a balance, which I’m sure everyone can relate to. I hope I can keep the farm as long as possible as the girls love it and it’s great for keeping you grounded.

I’m not sure what the future holds but for now – I’d definitely say I’m living the good life!”

For more information on the services available at the Dental Excellence Group and Dr Stewart, please visit www.wearedentalexcellence.com

FAC T F I L E • Dr Adrian Stewart is a highly experienced Dentist with a special interest in Endodontics at Dental Excellence Holywood.

• Dental Excellence, part of the 3fivetwo Group, have practices in Belfast, Holywood, Portadown and Derry-Londonderry.

• Dental Excellence offer patients six month smile treatments and a range of cosmetic procedures including: Cosmetic veneers, Cosmetic crowns, White fillings, Metal free bridges, Cosmetic dentures, Teeth whitening and many more.

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Professional Space Planning and 3D Design is a major benefit to Belfast’s leading business centre.

“S

cottish Provident Building’s purpose is to deliver exclusive, fully serviced, premium offices for high end business clients in the centre of Belfast City Centre. It has always been imperative that we align ourselves with like-minded suppliers to help ensure our brand values remain consistently high throughout everything we do.

We have worked with Innov8 Office Interiors from the outset and they have been instrumental in achieving clear set goals inline with our vision.

We have enjoyed the expert advice, co-ordination and procurement that Innov8 bring. We pride ourselves on the flexibility we offer within our building and we find Innov8’s professional space planning and 3D design service to be a major benefit when advising our clients on the possibilities that best suit their needs, providing the visual reference that 24

ensures we get it right first time.” – Colin Rimmer, Scottish Provident Building Innov8 Office Interiors use the latest in commercial design trends and technologies to keep clients, like Scottish Provident Building on the front foot when it comes to their office design. In an ever changing office environment, Innov8’s design team are always on hand to provide Scottish Provident Building and their potential clients with a realized layout, bespoke to them and their companies needs. Innov8 consistently “go beyond the necessary to implement the extraordinary”.

For more information why not visit give Innov8 a call on 02890 238180

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Going beyond the necessary to implement the extraordinary The workplace sends out constant messages about a company and it’s values. It is therefore important to use your environment to it’s full potential to create the right impression for staff and visitors.

Whether you’re looking to refurbish an existing office, make more of your existing space, reduce space and occupancy costs or are relocating to new premises, Innov8 Office Interiors can help.

For more information you can find us at www.innov8officeinteriors.com t. 02890238180 Or Why not visit us at our showroom?

1-3 glenmachan Street Belfast, BT12 6JB

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H3 Insurance is a trading name of Insure I Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

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H3 Kids Insurance Takes the ‘Wait’ off Parents’ Minds Your children can now have immediate access to top-class medical care!

Having a child who is sick or needs medical treatment can be one of the most stressful aspects of being a parent. Whether it’s a broken arm or a few stitches, a trip to the Doctor is inevitable – as local mother, Fiona found out when her son Connor fell whilst playing with friends and had to be taken to Casualty with a broken wrist.

“A

s the mother of three boisterous boys; I’m lucky to get through the day without seeing to some kind of bump or scrape. They’re all sports-mad!

I’m glad they’re active but it does mean that they’re more at risk when it comes to hurting themselves – Connor’s wrist is a great example,” said Fiona.

“He’d fallen when he was playing football with a friend and landed awkwardly, damaging his wrist. Bless him, he was trying to be all brave and grown up but by the time he got home it was starting to swell and was obviously quite sore. My partner works nights so I was going to have to take Connor and my two other boys down to A&E to get the wrist looked at, which – believe me – is a nightmare with two other young children to look after and Connor in pain.”

However, Fiona and her sons

were not destined for a long wait to be seen by a Doctor.

“Of course, as a parent, you hope that your children will always be healthy but you need to plan for anything that can happen in the future,” said Fiona. “My partner and I had heard about H3’s new Kids Insurance and thought that it would be a worthwhile investment. This meant that we were able to visit the Private Casualty at Kingsbridge Private Hospital on the Lisburn Road.

Connor was seen straight away and was treated within an hour! I was delighted that he’d received such great care so quickly – but I think he was more excited about McDonalds on the way home!”

“The wonderful thing was how simple it all was. We just let reception know that Connor was a member of H3 and then all we had to do was call H3 the next day to report the claim. Knowing that we’re covered by a company based right here in Northern Ireland, speaking to local people and being treated in a nearby hospital, really goes a long way to giving us peace of mind and for only £199– which is less than the latest gaming console – it’s worth every penny!”

But it’s not just broken bones that receive first-class treatment. H3’s insurance

for kids covers a range of treatments and consultations from diagnostic tests to nursing at home. By calling their friendly local Claims Team, they can provide a same-day specialist referral service enabling your child to be seen much quicker, eliminating stress for you and anxiety for them.

Jim Livingstone, Sales & Business Development Manager for H3 Health Insurance, feels strongly about the company’s new initiative to help provide top medical care for sick or injured children and to give their families peace of mind.

“When your child is sick, it feels as though nothing can happen quickly enough and you don’t want to be away from them for a second. Sometimes that’s not always possible but at H3, we’re dedicated to alleviating anxiety in any way we can. We offer full coverage for your child if they are an in-patient or receiving a long term treatment for illnesses.”

To find out more about H3 Kids Insurance, please visit www.h3insurance.com, call 02890 469990 or email info@h3insurance.com

FAC T F I L E H3 Kids Insurance plans include: • Access to a walk-in private casualty service • Fast Track Claims Management • 5-star treatment in 5-star surroundings • Unique Kids-only cover Enquires for multiple coverage such as schools, children’s activity groups, nurseries and sports clubs are welcomed. Bespoke schemes for groups may result in additional savings.

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Alison Allen’s Compelling Journey to Motherhood “After three years together, my husband Andrew and I started trying for a baby, but a year later, nothing had happened so we went to see the Doctor and were referred for a course of IVF treatment through the NHS.

“L

ooking back, I realise that I was a bit naïve.

I thought that I’d be pregnant after one treatment but not everyone reacts the same way to fertility drugs. It can take one go to see what dosage you’re going to need so your first time is almost a trial run. The course failed and I was devastated. We had to decide whether we wanted 28

to take on the expense of further courses and, of course, we did.

“This time we went to Origin Fertility Care, where they were able to extract 12 healthy embryos.

My experience with Origin was just what I needed at that time.

I still felt vulnerable but Origin understood my worries and were very supportive, opening my eyes to the different possibilities

that were available to us. They did a full set of diagnostic blood tests to try and find the best and most effective way to help me and came up with a few options I’d never heard of before. I learned a lot between my first and second round.

“Andrew and I had agreed that we’d only do three rounds of IVF as it was having a massive effect

on our finances, our emotional and mental wellbeing and my own physical health. The first three rounds hadn’t worked but I knew I had two eggs left in storage so we decided to have just one more go because otherwise, we’d always wonder.

“The fourth time differed from the others because it was quite soon after my third. With all the

Photograph by Bella Bee Photography

A Mother’s Joy

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others, we’d put a bit of time in between the cycles to help me recuperate and prepare to try again but this time I didn’t want to wait. I couldn’t have dealt with the anticipation, I was happy to just try our luck and move on. By that point, I was growing used to disappointment so I thought I could handle it.

“My Consultant Dr Tang suggested trying Endometrial Scratching. We’d discovered that implanting the egg was the main issue and he thought it might help. The idea is that a tiny amount of damage is made to the inner lining of the womb, which stimulates fresh blood and helps eggs to fertilise. It’s only given once about two weeks before treatment and it was no fun, let me tell you! It was a huge risk as we were using my last two eggs but I thought, if ever I was going to take a chance, now’s the time.

“After the treatment, Andrew and I went away to Portugal for two weeks. We just couldn’t stand the idea of waiting around for the results but whilst out there, I took a pregnancy test. It was positive.

“I took another. In the end I took about 14 pregnancy tests and once the Doctor confirmed it – there was just no way to describe it.

After all that time, all that effort and pain and hoping, it was happening. We were having a baby!

“When you realise you’ll need fertility treatment, everything you’d expected about pregnancy vanishes. I suppose that’s a good thing as every pregnancy is different and the idea that there’s a ‘perfect’ one can really put pressure on women, especially new mothers like myself.

“The biggest surprise occurred quite early on when I started to bleed. We went straight to the hospital, terrified that we were going to lose the pregnancy but the Doctor came back and told us that, no, both sacs were still intact and they could fix the bleeding. I just remember thinking… both? I’d never imagined that I was having twins.

“Even then, we were warned that one didn’t look ‘viable’ so we tried not to think of it too much but they kept growing.

Eventually, we were told at our

12 week scan that both babies were thriving. It was amazing – instead of one, we now had two!

“I’m only 5’1” so carrying the twins was difficult because of the size I got to! I went into early labour from about 28 weeks and had one or two scares along the way so I spent most of the pregnancy

quite anxious. Even once the twins were born, we were in and out of hospital for a few weeks as Jack had some breathing problems and my body, after the effort of treatments, pregnancy and stress, finally gave out but now we’re home and we’re a little family.

“Living with the twins is a military operation! You have to be organised with two babies. We make sure that they run on the same timetable because there’s twice as much to organise; if Jack’s asleep but Indie’s awake, it can offset the whole timetable. You can’t really go with the flow but I’m constantly counting my blessings.

“I’m always asked if I’ve got any words of advice. If I had to venture anything, it would be to relax. I was always told to avoid stress, which I thought was ridiculous considering the circumstances but once I was able to relieve some of the tension, I felt better.

I swore by acupuncture, Reiki and generally being proactive about the situation - if I was practical, I felt in control. Find your coping mechanism. It will help.

“Also, don’t be afraid to talk to your loved ones. Andrew has been amazing through everything and I’m so lucky to have my mum.

She’s been there through it all and now helps us out at home. If all this has taught me anything at all, it’s that family is so important.

Now I have a little family of my own and every day just keeps getting better and better!”

FAC T F I L E • Origin Fertility Care have recently invested in new technology to improve on their already solid pregnancy rates. These include Primo Vision Time Lapse and Birefringence Testing, both of which help in the selection of a healthy embryo.

• 1 in 6 couples in Northern Ireland are currently struggling to have a baby and many are afraid to seek help or advice.

• Origin Fertility Care now offer a free Doctor Consultation for couples seeking advice and information about Private Fertility Treatment.

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FERTILITY TECHNOLOGY This year Origin Fertility Care has taken one huge step further in giving Northern Ireland couples the best chance of a successful pregnancy by introducing cutting edge technology that aims to increase the chances of pregnancy through monitoring egg quality.

A

s Head Embryologist at Origin Fertility Care, Dr Steve Green is excited and understandably so about these innovative advances.

The Doctor credited with the birth of the UK’s first test-tube twins and triplets is once more standing at the forefront of a revolutionary scientific advance to assist where nature has failed in the conception of babies.

The combination of science, technology and human skill in doing what should normally take place hidden within a man’s and woman’s body is fascinating.

Situated in the leafy suburbs of east Belfast, Origin recently announced outstanding results from two new fertility procedures new to Ireland - Physiological Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (PICSI) and Primo Vision Time Lapse Imaging of embryos.

The PICSI method affords the Embryologist the opportunity of selecting only mature sperm that have been reported in the literature as having less abnormalities and DNA damage and therefore are more likely to create a better quality embryo.

The Primo Vision Time Lapse Imaging takes place in a large super-environment controlled cabinet that literally photographs the cell development of a fertilised egg over the critical six day period and allows the Embryologist to check that the embryo is developing normally.

But now Dr Green has recently began to work with a new camera which allows the Embryologist the most in-depth look at the inside of an egg. Never before has the human eye had such a window into the complex and fraught biological journey from the sperm and egg, to fertilisation and embryo development.

Perhaps the term human 30

eye here is misleading. In fact, Dr Green’s skilled eye will be massively assisted by a microscope and camera technology that allows him to check the quality of a harvested egg before it is judged good enough for fertilisation.

“It’s a jigsaw to try and develop the best possible embryos and give the patient back the most viable embryo that will get her pregnant,” says Dr Green.

Dr Green has just began to work with the new machine that bounces highly polarised light through a special filter through the collected egg – which is much smaller in size than a pen dot on a page.

The speed by which the light goes through the egg indicates both the existence and quality of the chromosome spindle in the mother’s egg.

It assigns a reference quality to the spindle which Dr Green can then decide whether it can be considered for fertilisation or not. In the case of possibly using thawed frozen eggs, the polarised light can also indicate whether the spindle has survived and the egg can be used.

“This is brand new, stateof-the-art equipment and we are the only clinic in the UK, in fact we think in Europe that has got this system with this technology and using it for IVF,” says Dr Green. “It will be several weeks before we complete the validation process and actually begin to use it clinically. Potentially what this new technology is going to do for us in the clinic is amazing as the eggs are the biggest mystery.

We just don’t know what’s inside the egg, but we do know through various other more invasive tests that actually a lot of eggs are abnormal and this is

a non-invasive way of checking the quality of the eggs. I actually think that this is the next big thing that will take up my very best efforts in the future.”

Every assistance that can be possibly given to a man’s sperm and a women’s egg to fertilise and develop normally is offered at Origin Fertility Care.

There’s even very expensive ‘glue’ that the embryos are soaked in before giving back to the

patient that contains an important receptor molecule called hyaluronan – to help the embryo embed in the optimum spot in the uterus lining.

For more fascinating insights and videos into the technology used at Origin Fertility Care or to make an appointment with a Fertility Specialist, please visit www.originfertilitycare.com or call 02890 761713.

FAC T F I L E • The new birefringence test lets Embryologists at Origin view a female egg at far greater depths than currently available using special polarised light techniques. This helps evaluate and improve the success rates for pregnancy.

• Primo Vision offers time-lapse recording of an egg’s development once fertilised. This technology allows Origin to track the eggs development and see if there are any abnormal changes.

• Origin are currently offering a free initial Doctor Consultation worth £250.

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GIVES NEW HOPE...

“ This is brand new, state-of-the-art equipment and we are the only clinic in the UK, in fact we think in Europe that has got this system with this technology and using it for IVF.”

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Taking Care Of You...

No matter what the issue, the 3fivetwo Group is dedicated to helping keep you healthy, happy and living the Life that Matters to you...

Lens Surgery Ophthalmic Surgeons at Kingsbridge Private Hospital

Hearing Aids Audiologists at Optique Eye and Ear Care

Back and Spinal Problems Orthopaedic and Neurosurgery Consultants at Kingsbridge Private Hospital

Cancer Screening Private GPs at Kingsbridge Private Hospital

Arthritis Rheumatology Consultants at 3fivetwo Healthcare

Knee Replacement Orthopaedic Consultants at Kingsbridge Private Hospital

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Dental Implants Implantologists at Dental Excellence

Endoscopy General Surgeons at Kingsbridge Private Hospital

Physiotherapy Physiotherapists at 3fivetwo Healthcare

Gynaecology Gynaecologists at 3fivetwo Healthcare

Hip Surgery Orthopaedic Consultants at Kingsbridge Private Hospital

Broken Ankle Emergency Medicine Nurses and Consultants at Kingsbridge Private Casualty

For information or enquiries, call us on: 0845 6006 352 or visit www.3fivetwo.com

HEALTH STYLE

From Mental Health Psychologists and Psychiatrists at 3fivetwo Healthcare

Rhinoplasty ENT Consultants at Kingsbridge Private Hospital

Healthy Heart Check Clinical Physiologists and GPs at 3fivetwo Healthcare

Gallbladder Surgery General Surgeons at Kingsbridge Private Hospital

Male Infertility Fertility Consultants at Origin Fertility Care

Sports Injuries Sports Medicine Consultants at the National Sports Clinic, Kingsbridge Private Hospital

Top To Toe Botox Maxillofacial Consultants at Cosmetech

4D Eye scan Opticians at Optique Eye and Ear Care

Teeth Whitening Cosmetic Dentists at Dental Excellence

Breast Implants/ Reduction Plastic Surgeons at Kingsbridge Private Hospital

Female Infertility Fertility Consultants at Origin Fertility Care

Varicose Veins Vascular Surgeons at Kingsbridge Private Hospital

For information or enquiries, call us on: 0845 6006 352 or visit www.3fivetwo.com

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HEALTH STYLE

Straight From The Dentist’s Mouth

Preserving your teeth is a challenge at any time but old age can present certain challenges, particularly for denture wearers. Prosthodontist, Dr James Hall discusses the latest techniques.

“R

ecently, a patient told me that ‘Growing Dr James Hall old is not for wimps.’

Prosthodontist They had been wearing full dentures for many years and were finding them increasingly difficult. Often people will say that they have been without teeth for over 20 years and that whilst their first or even second set of teeth gave them good, comfortable service, their last set, usually made from five years to six months ago, just don’t work as well as they expected dentures to. Why? It may be true that the art of making dentures has been lost to the general Dentist as their focus is now more on preserving teeth. However, many problems often lie in age-related changes in the mouth as well as the general well-being of the denture wearer. Over time the gums shrink back where teeth have been removed and this leaves increasingly less area for a denture to successfully rest on. So it is usually a combination of factors that added together can make the wearing of full dentures an uncomfortable experience for some people.

However, there are many options available

H E A LT H C A R E PROFESSIONALS

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to mitigate these undesirable changes.

For about 60% of people who are already experienced at wearing dentures, a wellmade set of new teeth made by a Specialist Prosthodontist will be very satisfactory and they can be made comfortable once more.

For those whom the changes have made it impossible for even a new set of specialist dentures to be satisfactory, there are modern options to alleviate their problems.

Often top teeth can be made retentive and comfortable but not the opposing lower teeth. In these situations I recommend at least two titanium teeth roots (dental implants) to be put back into the lower jaw.

After a short healing period, clips can be attached to these that click into the lower denture. This leaves you able to remove the lower denture for cleaning but stabilises the lower teeth so you can eat and smile with confidence without breaking the bank!

For those who want to be able to feel extra secure in their dental work, more titanium teeth roots can be put in place, enabling fixed teeth to be fitted. These are the closest you can get to your own original teeth and are fixed in as your teeth once were.

With options and prices to suit everyone, worrying about your smile should soon be a thing of the past as you find the difference made to your confidence will be no laughing matter!”

James Hall BDS MDS (Credit) Prosthodontist, The Specialist Dental Clinic

CASE STUDY:

Last year, reformed smoker James McKenzie found out that getting the perfect smile was still possible when he finally got the teeth he always wanted.

The 81-year-old former shipyard worker from Dundonald had been a lifelong smoker but once he put his mind to quitting, that was it. While giving up smoking was relatively easy for James, he found getting the right kind of dental care was not.

“To tell the truth, I was just fed up with my teeth and I really wanted new ones,” said James. “While I had only a few left on the top and the bottom I was advised not to have them removed but they were beginning to give me trouble and I knew that getting new dentures was something that I wanted and knew would make me happy.”

He spent several months researching his options before he finally made an appointment for a consultation with The Specialist Dental Clinic, Holywood.

And while he joked with his Dentist, Dr James Hall and all the staff about the cost of his new teeth, (“at least Dick Turpin wore a mask!”), he readily admits that it was the right move for him.

“I can’t speak too highly of all the staff, they were professional and attentive and looked after me really well.

I’m at a stage in my life where I didn’t think it was possible but I’ve at last got the teeth that I wanted for years!”

If you would like to find out more information or make an appointment, please visit www.dentalexcellencebelfast.com or call 02890 425552 for The Specialist Dental Clinic at Holywood

Before

After

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R E T I R E M E N T A PAT H Y W I L L C O ST YOU D E A R LY

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here is much to be said for living for the moment and, for people coping with the economic downturn, getting through the week is understandably the major consideration.

Yet many people risk a life of poverty in retirement because they are significantly underfunding their retirement savings.

People should seriously consider joining their company scheme, particularly if the employer is contributing to the fund as well, or if it is based on final salary. Remember that an employer contribution to a pension is effectively deferred salary, so failure to join a company scheme is akin to taking a pay cut.

We are all expected to live longer and there is a good chance that many of us will live almost a third of our lives in retirement so you would do well not to underestimate the size of the retirement fund you will need to live comfortably.

However, if your employer offers a pension scheme this alone may not be sufficient for your needs.

Increasing your retirement provision through a private pension, is a highly tax-efficient way of boosting retirement provision and it is worth seeking advice on maximising this opportunity to meet your personal goals. Even if your employer doesn’t make contributions, having a fixed sum transferred from your salary each month is a relatively pain-free way to start the savings habit.

A pension fund today of £200,000 may sound a decent sum, but after taking 25% as a Pension Commencement Lump Sum (PCLS), the remainder will buy you an annual income of a little more than £6,400*, which is why you need to get to grips with your retirement plans long before you pick up your gold watch.

The difference between starting to contribute towards a pension at 35 and starting at 45 is staggering. It can be even worse for women - they live longer than men on average and many will take career breaks to have children, leaving gaps in their contributions.

A 35 year-old male who wants to retire on £30,000** a year when he gets to 65, will have to put aside £1,015 a month for the next 30 years. If he waits until he is 40, he would have to save £1,395 a month.

The monthly sum will rise to more than £1,987 a month, if the same man delayed saving until he was 45 so it is important to start your retirement planning early.

The longer you leave it, the harder it is to catch up on missed time.

Retirement planning is not just about investing into a pension – Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) can come into the mix, for instance.

Indeed, younger workers who expect to be higher-rate taxpayers later in their career could consider saving via an ISA first and then moving those savings into a pension when they become higher-rate taxpayers to benefit from the higher tax relief.

It should be noted that the levels and bases of taxation and reliefs from taxation can change at any time as they are subject to changes in legislation. The value of any tax reliefs depends on individual circumstances.

As you get older and move into your forties and fifties, you need to work out whether the plans you had in place are on track. Firstly, establish what your likely state pension entitlement would be. You should also contact the pension trustees of your current and previous employers, who will be able to provide pension forecasts, as will the companies managing any private pension plans.

Given the volatility of stock markets there is a chance that what you are currently on target to receive is less than you’d ideally like, or perhaps even need. It makes sense to seek advice about how you can bridge this gap. You might need to consider whether options such as retiring later or working part-time beyond your retirement date may be a more realistic way of meeting your retirement goals.

As you get even closer to your chosen retirement age, you may need to consider reducing the risk of your investments to protect the fund you have built up over the years. Many experts suggest that this risk reduction should start at least five years before you wave goodbye to the working world for good.

Retirement planning may not be the hot topic of conversation at dinner parties and social gatherings but that does not mean it should be ignored. Plan ahead and get your strategies in place early will mean that your dreams of a happy retirement have a greater chance of coming to fruition. Failure to act will mean that they are nothing but pipe dreams.

To receive a complimentary guide covering Wealth Management, Retirement Planning or Inheritance Tax Planning, produced by St. James’s Place Wealth Management, contact Jonathan Finlay of Finlay Wealth Management on 02890 672359 or email jonathan.finlay@sjpp.co.uk

FINLAY WEALTH MANAGEMENT LLP *Source, Money Advice Service website 23 December 2013. This figure assumes that a pension commencement lump sum of 25% is taken and the resulting annuity is on a single life basis, with no guarantees, payable monthly in advance and increases each year in line with 3%. The figures shown are only examples and are not guaranteed. 26/11/2013 **These figures assume an investment growth of 7% pa. The calculation assumes that no tax free cash is taken at retirement and that the resulting annuity is on a single life basis, with no guarantees, payable monthly in advance and increases each year in line with 3%. The figures shown are only examples and are not guaranteed - they are not minimum or maximum amounts.

What you will get back depends on how your investment grows and on the tax treatment of the investment. You could get back more or less than this. Investor Pulse Survey, October 2013

HEALTH STYLE

Kathleen’s Kitchen Kathleen McAleavey reveals the secret ingredients that make Kingsbridge Private Hospital HHHHH

Photography by Jan Lowry

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A

fter years of working in fine dining, Kingsbridge Private Hospital Catering Manager, Kathleen McAleavey tells us why she thinks hospital food is so vital to our health.

Blackened Salmon with curried Aubergine and crispy Sweet potato wedges

Kathleen, how did you come to work at Kingsbridge Private Hospital?

I first became interested in food when I worked in a bistro in Chelsea in the 80s. After ten years in London, I came home; Paul and Jeanne Rankin opened Roscoff and I started working there, moving up to Duty Manager. When Roscoff became Cayenne, I was made General Manager, serving up to 150 people per evening. However, eventually I moved 30 miles out of Belfast. My job meant late finishes (about 2am most nights) and the distance was too much so I realised that I had to leave. I wanted a job where I could use my creativity and expertise to create something special that people would really appreciate. When the job came up at Kingsbridge, I went for it!

It’s been said that good hospital food speeds recovery. Do you think there’s anything to this?

Oh yes, absolutely. Having healthy fresh food, which is full of vitamins and nutrition can only be good for you, unlike processed food with all the goodness cooked out or unnecessary additives. I think it relaxes patients, knowing that a delicious hot meal is coming whenever they’re ready. I learned long ago that great food and good service can make all the difference to any experience.

What makes you passionate about what you do?

Ensuring that patients and staff have tasty, healthy food is very important to me. I never use processed food at home and see no reason to serve it at work. I use local suppliers who produce bread, fish, vegetables and jams on a small scale and the feedback from patients is always important as it lets me know whether I’m hitting the mark. Patients should feel they are important and individuals and that their tastes and opinions are being given proper attention. If I can ensure that, despite having had a procedure, they feel pampered, relaxed and can forget they are in hospital, I’ve done my job.

What difference do you think this approach to catering and hospitality makes to a patient’s stay?

We offer a personal touch to the food service, engaging with each patient valuing them as individuals. Often patients say the service they received while at the hospital is better than any hotel they have stayed in! We also aim to look after their loved ones while they’re with us – providing refreshments and snacks on request. It’s the attention paid to detail, it’s all the little things being in the right place giving more than they would expect that make all the difference to the patient and their family’s experience and it’s really worth doing.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

The patients’ surprise by the way they are served by my team. Going the extra mile has such a big impact on them, their family and their general wellbeing. When an elderly couple look delighted because you can bring them tea and sandwiches or a child looks pleased because he knows he can have something they like, that’s when I know that my job is really worthwhile. Patients may come to the hospital for a procedure but it’s my job to ensure that they receive so much more in the way of quality food and service.

This recipe will serve 4 people.

This dish is both healthy and tasty, and perfect for any one on a low GI diet.

Use one nice fillet of salmon per person and a half a sweet potato per person.

For the Curried Aubergine: • 2 medium sized aubergines (cut into 1 inch cubes) • 1 medium onion(cut finely) • 1 fresh red chilli (chopped very small) • 1 inch cube of fresh ginger (grated) • half teaspoon tumeric • half teaspoon cayenne pepper • one teaspoon cumin powder • 1 small clove of garlic • 6 fresh tomatoes (quartered) • 100g of fresh baby spinach • 4 tablespoons of olive oil • Small handful of fresh coriander To make the curried aubergine, heat the oil in a pan and add the onion, aubergine, fresh ginger and chilli, gently cook for 10 minutes. Then add the clove of garlic and the quartered tomatoes, cook for a further 10 minutes or more if necessary (don’t overcook, everything should be shiny and soft). Now add the dried herbs and stir well for a few minutes. If the mixture dries out to much add a little oil, and now you can add all the spinach and cook until the leaves are just wilted. Finally take of the heat and stir in the coriander saving a little to garnish the salmon.

For the blackened salmon: • 4 salmon fillets • 1 teaspoon of salt • Half teaspoon of dried thyme • Half teaspoon of oregano • Quarter teaspoon of black pepper • Quarter teaspoon of white pepper • Quarter teaspoon of garlic powder • Quarter teaspoon of cayenne pepper • Quarter teaspoon of paprika To cook the salmon, first mix all the dried ingredients together, rub each salmon fillet with the dried mixture on both the skin side and bottom. Heat a pan with a little oil and sear each fillet skin side down first for 4 minutes then turn over and cook the other side for 3 minutes of or more if you prefer.

For the sweet potato wedges: • 2 Sweet potatoes • Olive oil • Salt • Pepper The sweet potato wedges couldn’t be easier, simply cut each potato length ways so you get 8 wedges.

Rub with olive oil and a little salt and pepper and cook in a pre-heated oven at 180 for half an hour.

To serve: First put the curried aubergine on a plate and place the salmon fillet on top. Serve the wedges on the side.

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HEALTH STYLE

A SPORTING CHANCE

Northern Ireland’s new National Sports Clinic will help keep local athletes fighting fit

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From hosting world class events like the World Police and Fire Games and the Giro d’Italia to having over 201 rugby union clubs, sport remains key to Northern Ireland, which has produced top sporting names such as Rory McIlroy, Aimee Fuller, Joey Dunlop, Jonathan Rea, Mary Peters and of course, George Best.

To treat a sporting injury at home, you can follow the PRICE method below:

• Protect the affected area from further injury either by using a support to take strain off it or covering it with clean bandage dressing.

• Rest is important. Avoid exercise, reduce your daily physical activity and take pressure off injuries by using a crutch or walking stick.

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here is no doubt that many of our local athletes still count Northern Ireland as home, returning regularly to visit friends, family and possibly get in a bit of practice while they’re at it, so it’s reassuring to know that whilst world-class athletes are on our doorstep, so is the new worldclass National Sports Clinic.

A local specialist service, the National Sports Clinic combines assessment, surgery and rehabilitation with a team of Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Consultants, boasting an extensive network of clinical facilities with over 400 Specialists in Northern Ireland through its base at Kingsbridge Private Hospital.

“Northern Ireland is definitely a sporting nation,” says Kingsbridge CEO, Mark Regan. “But injuries can and do occur so it seemed that a specialised clinic was the best way forward. We see a lot of injuries from contact sports – it’s a highly charged atmosphere – but most of what we see is easily remedied.”

On entering the National Sports Clinic at Kingsbridge Private Hospital, patients will be seen by a triage Nurse, who then assigns them to a Private Casualty Consultant or for diagnostics if required. Some injuries may require specialist assessment and so there are several teams of Consultants on hand to provide consultations.

“We offer assessment and treatment for a range of issues such as sprains and strains, minor breaks, hamstring repairs and even emergency dental treatment,” says Mark Regan. “However, for issues such as breathing difficulties, chest pain or serious head injuries, we would highly recommend visiting A&E at your nearest NHS hospital.”

Sporting injuries can happen for a number of reasons, from failure to warm-up to inadequate training or overtraining. Whilst most common in professional athletes, overtraining injuries can also develop in children so they should play a variety of

sports to vary the use of muscles and strengthen their stamina, monitored by a qualified coach.

If you sustain an injury whilst playing sport, stop! Continuing to play can cause further damage and slow recovery time. Some injuries can be treated at home but if the pain continues or there are visible symptoms such as swelling, bruising, bleeding or an irregular shape, then seek advice immediately. The key to full recovery is to get the right help. The sooner you have the issue addressed, the sooner you can get back to playing.

• Ice packs should be applied to the affected area for 10–30 minutes at a time.

If you don’t have ice packs, a bag of frozen peas will also work. However, remember to wrap the pack in a towel before applying to the skin to avoid ice burn.

• Compression limits swelling so use elastic compression bandages.

FAC T F I L E • The National Sports Clinic at Kingsbridge Private Hospital is a complimentary service to the already established Private Casualty.

• The clinic offers quick same day appointments and a walk-in service.

• Kingsbridge Private Hospital has dedicated Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Consultants on-hand.

• To find out more about The National Sports Clinic, visit www.thenationalsportsclinic.com

• Elevation is key. Keep the injured leg, knee, arm, elbow or wrist raised above the level of the heart to ensure blood flow and help reduce swelling.

PRICE therapy should be followed for 48 hours. If, during or after this time, your symptoms worsen, please seek medical advice.

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HEALTH STYLE

KINGSBRIDGE PRIVATE CASUALTY

Saved My Life Imagine going to casualty with a simple injury that just needs some stiches only to be alerted that you might have a totally unrelated life threatening condition.

Photography by Brian Morrison. www.brianmorrison.co.uk

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HEALTH STYLE

T

hat is exactly what happened to Sarah Jane Woods, who is a living example of why we should all be grateful for the vigilance and professionalism of our health professionals, and Sarah Jane is convinced she owes her life to Barbara Cosbey, Nurse at Kingsbridge Private Casualty.

The story of how she came to Kingsbridge goes back a little while though.

Her little two year old girl Catherine had managed to push six raisins into her ear, as ingenious toddlers do, and Sarah Jane ended up in the children’s casualty at the RVH. “It was a particularly busy day,” admits Sarah Jane. “The casualty was heaving with so many sick and injured children that we ended up waiting for almost six hours before my Dad called me and told me to get down to the Private Casualty at Kingsbridge Hospital.

“I had been there before as an obstetric patient but had forgotten they had a private casualty. When I asked about the additional wait time at the RVH I was told they didn’t know as Catherine’s case was not urgent. She was only two and the wait had already been horrendous, so I packed her up and headed to Kingsbridge.”

Once she got to the hospital she was seen immediately and

inside 45 minutes little Catherine had every raisin extracted, was examined by a Paediatric ENT Consultant and was heading home.

“It was such an easy experience and for the £160 it cost, I wish I had gone right away and saved my poor mite hours and hours of waiting.”

No surprise then that when Sarah Jane, who is a swimming instructor, had a pool injury that she went immediately to Kingsbridge.

“A little boy lifted his head suddenly in the pool hitting my face and pushing my lip through my teeth. I needed stiches and phoned the RVH to check on the waiting time.

“Again I was told it would be up to six hours so I just headed up to Kingsbridge. I was taken into the consulting room by Barbara who gave me a full assessment, sutured by lip and I was good to go after about half an hour.

“She told me that the stitches would simply melt away but if I had any problem at all I was just to call in again and she would sort me out. Then as we were finishing up she told me that she was a bit concerned that my heart rate was very high, and that while I had been injured and was a bit stressed it didn’t necessarily account for the rate she was registering.

“Barbara had noticed a swelling on my throat when

“ Sarah Jane presented with a very minor wound which was easy to sort out but the whole time I kept thinking, this poor girl looks worn out. It’s our job to work out what is wrong with people and you have to look at the whole picture. So when I completed her full history, took her blood pressure and monitored her heart rate I knew there was something more. It is difficult to broach that subject especially when someone has presented with something completely different.

H E A LT H C A R E PROFESSIONALS Barbara Cosbey Emergency Nurse Practitioner

Triona Kelly Emergency Nurse Practitioner

“ In any case I just told her of my concerns and she promised she would see her GP. I am delighted that it worked out so well for her, but I didn’t do anything more than any of my colleagues here at Kingsbridge would have done in my place. We are a real team and take pride in our standard of care for every single patient.”

she was stitching my lip and said she was worried it might be a thyroid problem and that I should see my GP. I made an appointment the next day.

“When I saw my GP she monitored my heart rate, examined the lump and said I was highly tachycardic and could be in danger of having a heart attack. She referred me immediately to a Thyroid Consultant, who eventually told me and wrote to my GP to say that it was the vigilance of the Nurse that literally saved my life.

“I realised then that this had been going on for almost three years, feeling tired and breathless,

not knowing why but struggling on with my busy everyday life of looking after my daughter and working in a very active job.

“I cannot sing the praises of Barbara and Kingsbridge Private Casualty enough. She didn’t just see me as simple injury she saw me as a whole person, told me what she observed, gave me excellent advice and quite literally saved my life.

“From here on in I will be going to Kingsbridge Private Casualty as my first choice and I am telling everyone I know because that is the kind of vigilance that restores my faith in our hard pressed health professionals.”

FAC T F I L E • The Private Casualty at Kingsbridge Private Hospital is open MondayFriday 9-8pm and Saturday 9-5pm.

• A wide range of minor injuries can be treated at the clinic including Sprains and Strains, Minor breaks and dislocations, minor burns, cuts and wounds, minor ear, nose and throat conditions, sports injuries and minor head injuries.

• A Triage with one of the Emergency Nurses at Kingsbridge Private Casualty is only £25.

• Private Casualty also offers complimentary services at the hospital including a Private GP Clinic and The National Sports Clinic.

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HEALTH STYLE

Kingsbridge Saves the Music

Westlife’s Shane Filan visited Kingsbridge Private Hospital when he needed seen quickly on his solo tour.

W

hen illness threatened during his solo tour earlier this year, Westlife’s Shane Filan immediately visited Kingsbridge Private Hospital. Originally from County Sligo and now based in Surrey, Shane rose to fame as part of the internationally-acclaimed boy band, gaining 14 UK number-one singles, over 20 music awards and selling 50 million records sold worldwide.[1] Now embarking on a solo career, he was visiting Belfast in preparation for his concert at the Waterfront Hall.

“Often on tour I need to see a Doctor for minor complaints such as a sore throat, but after a few days’ rest, it usually heals quickly,” Shane said. “This time, I’d had a cold for a few days and it wasn’t going away – in fact, it was getting worse and I was starting to worry that I was getting the flu. Usually you can battle on if you’re unwell – that’s the job, after all – but a bad flu can mean bed rest and cancelled tour dates, which is disappointing both for the fans and the artist. I was keen to avoid 42

this if I could so I suggested to my Manager that I see a Doctor, just in case. Thankfully, the hotel concierge recommended Kingsbridge Private Hospital, so we made an appointment and I went down to speak to the GP.” Located on the Lisburn Road, Kingsbridge Private Hospital is part of the 3fivetwo Group and boasts a comprehensive private GP service and private casualty unit. Whilst their private GPs have catered to stars of the stage and sports field before, they had never looked after an international musician before.

Could they rise to the challenge?

“The experience was great,” Shane said. “I was seen very quickly, even though it was short notice and all the staff were lovely. My Doctor was Dr Aileen McPhillips who gave me an anti-biotic and advised me to get some rest, which was a real help as it took away a lot of the worry. Hopefully, I won’t have a reason to see a Doctor again anytime soon but it’s good to know

Dr Aileen McPhillips helped to explain the secret.

“The Staff,” she said. “It’s really that simple. My colleagues at Kingsbridge are incredibly dedicated and talented individuals who are committed to ensuring that the patient is looked after the way they would want their own family to be cared for.

They’re highly trained, have a wealth of experience and are genuinely kind and friendly people.

A lot of the patients I see through Kingsbridge will comment on how lovely the atmosphere is and how well they’re treated, which can really help to ease a patient’s worries – even if they’re just in for a quick appointment.”

The Private GP and Private Casualty service at Kingsbridge Private Hospital is the only one of its kind in Northern Ireland.

H E A LT H C A R E PROFESSIONALS Dr Lisa Nelligan Private GP

Dr Roger Brown Private GP

The unique combination means patients can get urgent medical attention quickly and avail of same day GP appointments at a time convenient to them.

Kingsbridge Private Hospital prides itself on its patient care approach which aims at all times to try and exceed their patients’ expectations.

FAC T F I L E • These services operate Monday-Friday 9-8pm and Saturday 9-5pm at Kingsbridge Private Hospital.

• Private Casualty is suitable for a wide range of medical conditions including sprains and strains, minor breaks and dislocations, minor burns, cuts and wounds, minor ear, nose and throat conditions, sports injuries, minor head injuries and dental injuries or emergencies.

Dr Aileen McPhillips

that if it happens again, I’ll know exactly where to go as I’d definitely use Kingsbridge again if the need arises when I’m in Belfast!”

When asked about the success of the hospital in providing on-the-spot, efficient care,

• The Private GP service based at the hospital covers all typical GP related queries including sexual health, family planning and other medical conditions which may require a prescription or referral to a Consultant or Specialist.

• For more information about Kingsbridge Private Hospital or to make an appointment, please call 0845 60 06 352 or visit www.3fivetwo.com/kingsbridge

HEALTH STYLE

LAGAN CONSTRUCTION GROUP: Building A Healthy Happy Workplace With H3 Insurance Local Company, Lagan Construction Group, has launched a new initiative to improve the health of their collective staff with the help of H3 Insurance and The 3fivetwo Group.

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stablished in Northern Ireland in 1962, Lagan Construction Group is a family-owned civil engineering business and works across the UK and Ireland on infrastructure, capital and maintenance projects.

Now they have introduced on-site medical evaluations for all employees from office managers to construction workers in order to promote a healthy, happy workplace all with the help of H3 Insurance and The 3fivetwo Group.

“Lagan Construction Group is proud of our business ethos, which puts both clients and employees at the heart of the business and led us to receive the Gold Status at the Investors in People Awards so, we undertook a three-year-initiative to introduce new well-being strategies for all our employees,” explains Head of Human Resources, Tracey McCabe.

“At the time, we weren’t totally happy with our Health Insurance providers so I did some research to see what else we could provide and discovered H3. We loved that they were

local and the knowledge that they were readily-accessible was a big decider.”

Through H3 Insurance, Lagan Construction Group employees and executives now have full coverage for a number of treatments, procedures and consultations. Not only that but their partners and their children are also covered, which has given rise to increasingly positive feedback.

“The insurance covers access to facilities like private A&E, which is helpful for employees with small children or our site workers who need fast medical attention,” says Tracey. “It’s also really made employees more proactive about their health. Things that previously would have ignored are now being addressed much quicker. Combine that with access to things like cosmetic dentistry and you can see that employees’ overall well-being and general health is boosted.”

The Health Checks, which occur onsite at the Lagan Construction Group offices and sites throughout the year, are tailored to specific employee functions. Those based in the office receive the basic package of BMI, blood and cholesterol testing whilst workers on site receive specialised medicals that include things like hearing and eye testing to ensure safety.

“The initiative is like the company; it’s committed to building a workforce that’s fit for today and fit for tomorrow.

If you value your employees and the work that they do then they will value the company.

Absenteeism will reduce, productivity and quality will increase and you will have a happier work environment which is beneficial to everyone. We’re just delighted that we’ve found a company who also values that and can help us to look after our workforce so comprehensively.”

“We believe that we have an obligation to consistently look after the health of our staff – for instance, our canteen serves a healthy breakfast and a healthy lunch for all employees, we

provide free tea, coffee and water all day and we even have an initiative in place where employees receive free fruit from the canteen to encourage everyone to get their 5-a-day. A healthy workplace is a happy workplace and that is definitely something we want!”

For more information about how H3 Insurance can help you look after your business, please visit www.H3Insurance.com or call 02890 469990

FAC T F I L E • H3 Health Insurance is Northern Ireland’s only local health insurance provider with a local based claims department.

• Kids’ Health Insurance is available with Private Casualty cover from only 50p a day.

• With H3 Health Insurance you can get cover from as low as £20 a month.

• To enquire about H3 Health Insurance for you, your family or your business please call 028 90 46 9990.

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Celebrating 11 years of teaching your tots to swim!

PARENT & CHILD CLASSES 2 months to 6 years

PRIVATE LESSONS 3-12 years old

CHEETAH CLUB

Intermediate & advanced swim session Classes run at Methodist College, Victoria College, Campbell College & Robinson Centre Tel: 028 9068 3333 E-mail: info@watertots.co.uk

www.watertots.co.uk

I AVOIDED A HEART ATTACK AT 60, THANKS TO AN ASSESSMENT AT 53.

HEALTHY HEART ASSESSMENTS

0845 6006 352 3fivetwo.com

6 Lisburn Road Belfast BT9 6AA

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9/11/10 13:42:41

Belfast’s newest Conference Suite Conference and meeting room facilities for 2 to 250 people State of the art equipment Complimentary parking

www.m a lon elodgehot elb e l fa s t . c o m

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HEALTH STYLE

CAROL CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW! Carol O’Malley is a high powered business woman, mother of two and glamorous grandmother to Ben, Jessica, Lucy and Charlie. She loves to shop and may be known for her fabulous handbag collection but she had a major decision to make in relation to her health recently.

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A

fter twenty years of wearing glasses with an ever increasing prescription to bifocal lenses, she took the plunge to go for Refractive Lens Exchange surgery and is now wondering why she left it so long!

“I was tired of wearing glasses and had the experience of going for days without them when I was on holiday and broke my only pair. It was such a hassle that I decided to see Consultant Ophthalmologist, Mr Gerry

Kervick to discuss my options for getting rid of glasses altogether.

“Not only was my sight deteriorating but it turned out I had the start of cataracts and after going through all my options we decided that Refractive Lens Exchange was the best solution for me. This involves removing the natural lens and replacing it with a multifocal lens that allows me to see both near and far without the need for glasses.

“I have to be honest, I was apprehensive of any surgery

and getting it on my eyes was a real concern. Mr Kervick explained the whole process and gave me plenty of time to consider what I wanted to do.

“When I turned up for the day procedure I didn’t realise that it would be all done and dusted in just 11 minutes. I didn’t feel as much as a pinprick of pain.

The surgery is performed under topical anaesthesia, that is drops only, no needles or injections, hence the rapid recovery.

“Three weeks later I went back

HEALTH STYLE

to get my second eye treated and that took just nine minutes.

I wore a gel patch over each eye at night for a week after the surgery just to protect the eye but otherwise there were no restrictions following surgery and I was able to resume normal activity almost immediately. I would recommend it to anyone!

“My sight is perfect now for both near and distance without any glasses and they tell me it should not deteriorate following the surgery as the natural lens has been replaced by an artificial one which does not change.”

The Refractive Lens Exchange surgery Carol had at Kingsbridge Private Hospital is one of the most popular eye procedures but according to Mr Kervick FRCOphth like any surgery it has to be considered against the less invasive options.

“Years ago successful cataract surgery resulted in patients wearing ‘bottle top’ glasses as there were no implants available to replace the natural lens when it was removed. Over the past 50 years however, implant technology has improved and has been continuously refined to such a degree that it now allows the surgeon to replace the natural lens with a multifocal one with very predictable results.

This ensures that, for most patients, there is the option of eliminating glasses altogether and permanently with this surgery.”

For more information about this procedure or to make an appointment, please contact the 3fivetwo Group on 0845 60 06 352 or visit www.3fivetwo.com

H E A LT H C A R E PROFESSIONAL Mr Gerry Kervick Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon

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HEALTH STYLE

BUILDING BLOCKS WITH BITE Investigating the New Source of Stem Cells

S

tem cells are the building blocks of life. Adaptable and resilient, they assimilate themselves into the body depending on necessity and instruction, giving us the opportunity to potentially grow new skin, new teeth or even a new organ. Stem cells also allow us to treat illnesses such as Lymphoma and Sickle Cell Anaemia, creating a major impact on the world of modern medicine. Until now, the main sources for harvesting stem cells have been placenta and bone marrow but recently, research has uncovered a staggering new source that could make a difference to the lives of 1000s of people across the UK – your teeth!

“Research has shown that stem cells can be extracted from the pulp of the tooth,” explains Dr Khalid Hussain, Director, Dental Excellence Group, “meaning that when your child is losing their milk teeth or you need a wisdom tooth extracted, we can arrange for your stem cells to be harvested

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and stored for later use.”

Amazingly, accessing these new treatments has never been easier - all thanks to the Dental Excellence Group and Precious Cells Biobank, a leading Stem Cell collection and storage facility in the UK. In conjunction with Precious Cells Biobank, the Dental Excellence Group now offer the revolutionary Stem Cell Collection service at their practices throughout Northern Ireland.

“The reaction from dental practices has been overwhelming, especially in the last 12 months,” says Precious Cells Biobank’s Business Development Manager, Kimberley Lewis. “Not much was known about stem cell harvesting in the beginning so we felt that our first step was to educate dental practices to make their patients aware of the service and its possibilities. Now we have dental practices contacting us to say that patients have been asking about the service and they want to know more.”

“Tooth extraction is usually a very straightforward process,” says Dr Khalid Hussain. “The key to this service is that the tooth is then properly contained and transported, to ensure that your sample arrives at the labs in the best possible condition, giving you a greater chance of viability.

Precious Cells Biobank provides special training sessions for

Dentists in the best way to deal with stem cell tooth extraction, which ensures that your sample gets the best start and your Dentist has all the information they need to help you.”

The key moment comes after extraction, when a Dentist will check the health of the tooth before storing it in a special medium that ensures the cells stay alive. Any damage to the sample usually occurs during this point in the process so it is vital that

the dental professional knows exactly how to handle and store the tooth in order to preserve the integrity of the stem cells. Once stored, it is then sent to Precious Cells Biobank via express courier in a sealed and sterile container.

“When the tooth arrives at Precious Cells Biobank and the sample has been quality tested, we freeze it to -20 degrees using liquid nitrogen,” explains Kimberley.

“The sample will then be stored underground in our cryogenic banks. Cells can be stored in 30 year increments, which you can renew as you see fit.”

Once stored, the stem cells can be retrieved at any time to aid in the treatment of various blood diseases and even cancer. So far, Precious Cells BioBank has stored in excess of 50 samples of this new service, and feedback for the service has been positive.

“When you release a sample, confidentiality forbids any further information so you don’t always know what happens next,” says Kimberley. “The only way to find out is if the client tells you, directly.

However, I’m pleased to say that we’ve had a number of clients and clients’ family members come back to us to say that the stem cell treatment is proving successful; that their cousin, their mother, their sister or their son is fighting the illness and they’re winning.”

FAC T F I L E • Stem cells can be extracted from loose milk teeth in children and those teeth that may need extracted in adults. The younger the patient, the better the stem cells.

• The Dental Excellence Group in N.I. have partnered up with Precious Cells in London to provide a seamless stem cell collection and storage facility for the people of Northern Ireland. The cost of this service and storage for 30 years is £1685.

• For more information about Stem Cell Collection or to book an appointment, please contact the Dental Excellence Group on 02890 743709 or visit www.dentalexcellence.com

HEALTH STYLE

ALL IN VEIN New Technology Takes the Pain out of Varicose Veins

By Mr Colin Weir

“I

got a letter a while back from a patient saying she was delighted with her ‘new pins’. That says it all,” says Mr Colin Weir, Vascular Consultant and General Surgeon.

A full-time NHS Consultant, Colin has also been working with The 3fivetwo Group for the past five years, specialising in treating varicose veins.

With recent technological advances, new industry guidelines and a host of different treatment options, the prognosis for this painful issue is now looking better than ever.

“We’re still not sure of the cause but it tends to run in families and there are certain exacerbating factors like pregnancy, age or general fitness. It’s also very common. I host 2 weekly clinics for varicose veins and I usually have between 10 and 15 new patients every time. What’s interesting is that whilst women are more commonly affected, we’re also seeing a lot of men, particularly young men with quite severe varicose veins in one leg.”

Varicose veins usually appear on the legs in the form of enlarged, swollen veins that are blue or dark purple in colour. They may be bulging or twisted in appearance and can be a source of itching, aching and embarrassment for many. With up to 3 in 10 adults affected

every year, Consultants like Colin are finding that significant advances in treatments are more essential than ever.

“Most Vascular Consultants are now skilled in ultrasound assessment, which is important for determining a patient’s treatment,” says Colin. “It means we’re able to provide a 1-stopshop, where the patient can be assessed and treated all in the one place.

A very small percentage of patients experience complications like ulceration, bleeding or rashes from varicose eczema but the irony is that, most of the time, Varicose Veins are not a long term health threat. Many just find them painful and unsightly. However if you’re pain-free but hate the appearance, your options become somewhat limited.

That’s why I devote time to Kingsbridge – it gives people access to treatment that they wouldn’t normally get.”

Common treatments include Endo Venous Ablation, also known as either Radio Frequency Ablation or Laser Ablation, the new treatment of choice for those whose main veins are contributing to the issue. The main advantage is that the entire procedure is done through a tiny wound in the leg as opposed to open surgery. It can be done under local anaesthetic and patients can walk straight out afterwards.

“It can be a challenge deciding what the right treatment is for some patients,” says Colin. “Our first recourse would usually be the Foam Sclerotherapy, which is a technique that’s been around for years. It uses ultrasound to direct a special foam into veins in order to seal the vein off.

It’s quick, simple and can be repeated and combined with other treatments so it’s a really useful go-to technique.”

However, Colin is clear that there is no miracle catch-all cure and that measures should be taken to look after yourself.

“Conventional surgery remains a valid treatment and some may still need it. Nothing will make varicose veins disappear totally, however, treatment can alleviate the discomfort and make them much less visible. Exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight can help to lower the chances of varicose veins occurring as well as avoiding sitting or standing in one position for extended periods.”

H E A LT H C A R E PROFESSIONAL Mr Colin Weir Vascular Consultant and General Surgeon

Mr Alastair Lewis Vascular Consultant and General Surgeon

“Recurrence can remain an issue despite treatment but with new technologies available, many patients experience a vast amount of improvement. They feel the difference physically and can see it for themselves.”

If you would like to know more about our Vascular Clinics or treatments for Varicose Veins, please visit www.3fivetwo.com or call 0845 60 06 352

FAC T F I L E • Varicose veins are swollen and enlarged veins, usually blue or dark purple in colour. They may also be lumpy, bulging or twisted in appearance.

• 3 in 10 adults are affected by varicose veins each year with women tending to be more affected than men.

• Varicose veins can result in symptoms such as aching, heavy and uncomfortable legs, swollen feet and ankles and muscle cramp in your legs.

• Radio Frequency Ablation, Endo Venous and Foam Sclerotherpy are some of the techniques that are used at Kingsbridge Private Hospital to treat varicose veins.

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HEALTH STYLE

Body Shock Top Five Amazing Human Body Facts

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t has to be said, our bodies are amazing things. Not only can they perform feats of great prowess, strength and beauty in the form of ballet, gymnastics and acrobatics but they can fight disease, create life and even heal themselves. Here are some new things for you to know about YOUR body!

1.) An adult human is made up of around 7,000,000,000,000, 000,000,000,000,000 atoms.

2.) Humans have the same number of hairs on our bodies as a chimpanzee. We can’t see them because our hairs are so fine they are almost invisible.

3.) T he largest possible cell in the human body is the female egg. While you can’t see skin cells or muscle cells, the ovum is typically large enough to be seen with the naked eye, with a diameter of about a millimeter.

4.) Your heart beats around 100,000 times a day, 36,500,000 times a year and over a billion times over the course of a lifetime.

5.) Adult lungs have a surface area of around 70 square metres - roughly the same size as one side of a tennis court!

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HEALTH STYLE

THE BIG SCREEN

Studies Suggest Early Detection Can Help Beat Cancer Eleanor still remembers the day when, at just 29, her sister Maura was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer.

By Dr Frances Stewart

“I

remember thinking, she’s too young,” says Eleanor. “Like being in your twenties makes you immune. She went to the Doctor because she hadn’t been feeling well, she was tired, had lost her appetite and was losing weight.

We thought it was a stomach bug but – as it turned out – it was much more than that.”

Ovarian Cancer affects more than 6,000 women in the UK each year. 60% of women whose disease spreads beyond the ovaries, die within 5 years of diagnosis but thankfully, Maura was not one of these women.

Early detection meant that she received treatment and is now in remission but cases like hers have led to more concentrated efforts to try and detect cancer earlier.

“We were told that symptoms of ovarian cancer can be harder to recognise because they seem so general.

Thankfully, H E A LT H C A R E Maura PROFESSIONALS mentioned an Dr Frances Stewart aunt of ours Consultant Obstetrician who had it and and Gynaecologist the Doctor decided to look into it, Dr Ayman Morsy just in case.

Consultant Obstetrician It’s amazing and Gynaecologist to think that a throwaway comment David Glenn might have Consultant Obstetrician saved her life.” and Gynaecologist Dr Frances Stewart, a Consultant Dr Samina Dornan Obstetrician Consultant Obstetrician and and Gynaecologist Gynaecologist, has been working with

the 3fivetwo Group to provide health screening for women and is keen to explain that early detection can be key when it comes to beating cancer.

“Methods of ovarian cancer screening exist but have yet to be fully tested and are mainly available to women who have an inherited risk or family history.

However, screening has proved to be incredibly effective for detecting cervical cancer and we have seen evidence to suggest that early detection and treatment can prevent about 75% of cancers developing.

“Regular cervical screening can detect changes in the cervix before cancer fully develops. Treatment is more effective earlier in the cancer’s progression so screening can really make a big difference, hence the NHS’s endeavour to invite women between the ages of 25 and 49 to have regular cervical screening tests.

However, whilst most women are aware of cervical screens, they don’t realise that these cannot detect ovarian cancer.”

Clinical trials are currently underway in the UK to explore the role regular gynaecological health screening can have when it comes to beating cancer. The United Kingdom Collaborative Trial of Ovarian Cancer Screening (UKCTOCS) began in 2001 with over 1.2 million women invited to take part in the study, including over 200,000 women aged 50 and above from across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The participants were split into two groups – those who received regular checks and those who didn’t. Their progress has been followed up for health outcomes and the trial’s main findings will be analysed in 2015 but preliminary results gathered so far have shown that screening has increased participants’ sensitivity and awareness of the dangers of ovarian cancer.

“Public statistics show a lot to support regular screening,” says Frances. “Depending on the aggressiveness of the cancer, survival rates can drop to less than 30% if discovered in the later stages. However, if caught early, they can be as high as 90%. Cervical cancer rates have halved since the 1980s due to an increase in regular cervical screening and research suggests that screening can save up to

4,500 lives each year in England alone! Who knows what possibilities current clinical trials will present next year.”

“Maura keeps joking she’ll go for monthly checks – never mind annual ones,” says Eleanor. “But we’re all now very careful about being having regular screens. We’re so lucky to have Maura still with us but we’re not leaving anything else to chance!”

FAC T F I L E • It is recommended that women between the ages of 25 and 49 have regular cervical screening tests.

• Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer in females in the UK and it is the second most common gynaecological cancer after uterus.

• Ovarian cancer is more common in women who have been through the menopause: more than 8 in 10 new cases are diagnosed in women aged 50 years and over.

• A full gynaecological check at the 3fivetwo Group can help detect cancers and other gynaecological related issues.

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HEALTH STYLE

THE BACK BONE OF CARE Why Neurosurgery Shouldn’t Send Shivers up Your Spine “Some people are surprised when they see Thank You cards on my desk,” chuckles Dr Ashraf Abouharb. “I don’t think it’s what they’d expect; especially since, for many, seeing a Neurosurgeon can seem frightening because it sounds so serious. I’ve treated patients who’ve been in pain for over a year but refused to seek help because they didn’t want to find out they have irrevocable damage. Fortunately, this is often not the case.”

By Mr Ashraf Abouharb

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Back and Spinal Consultant and Neurosurgeon, Ashraf operates both within the NHS and as a private Consultant at the 3fivetwo Group. As a Specialist in Spinal Injury and Brain Surgery, he has a wealth of experience in dealing with some of the most delicate parts of the body and wants everyone 52

to know why Neurosurgery is not as scary as it sounds.

“As our foremost link to the brain, the spine can present somewhat extreme symptoms for very basic issues,” says Ashraf. “Many patients experience intense neck and back pain whilst others find that their movement, co-ordination and eyesight

H E A LT H C A R E PROFESSIONALS Mr Ashraf Abouharb Consultant Neurosurgeon

Mr Jabir Nagaria Consultant Neurosurgeon

are affected. Usually, these issues are caused by things like displaced disks pushing on the spinal cord and can be corrected with a simple procedure. Whilst problems like these can be very painful, they will not have the devastating effects patients imagine.”

According to Ashraf, the last 25 years have seen major advances in techniques that have made treatments more routine. With new technologies such as microsurgical facilities, neuro-navigation and improved imaging facilities now widely available, many neurological procedures are now considered relatively straightforward, requiring only 1 or 2 days in hospital and with the majority of patients feeling an immediate relief and recovering in up to 6 weeks. Ashraf was keen to explain how these growing incidences in Neurosurgery are affecting the type of care given to patients every day.

“It’s clear that a lot of patients’ anxieties comes from a lack of knowledge about their issue and

HEALTH STYLE

Mr Abouharb’s Top Three Tips: • Evaluate your lifestyle and your health on a continual basis – take steps to prevent illness and injury such as getting enough exercise and eating right.

• Don’t ignore your symptoms – most people will keep going despite being in pain but this can actually do more damage.

• If you have an injury or suspected trauma – seek advice ASAP!

treatment,” says Ashraf. “They need to have full understanding of what the problem is and what the suggested procedure entails to ensure they can make an informed decision on what they would like to happen. It is this engagement that will facilitate their recovery as they will spend less energy worrying and more time recuperating and it is also this engagement that will encourage others to come forward with future problems. As a Specialist, I feel very strongly it is my job to facilitate this process.”

Recuperation is always a factor with any procedure and for Consultants like Ashraf, when a patient is discharged, it’s not the end of the road. Recovering patients are furnished with a specific program of exercises to help them heal and are invited

to two post-procedural reviews to ensure total recovery.

“As with technology, there have been significant improvements surrounding aftercare and a large part of this is down to a greater understanding of both the treatment process and holistic care of the patient. Sometimes, the security of knowing that trained professionals are on hand to advise and oversee your recovery can be very therapeutic,” says Ashraf. “Patients need to know that their Consultants will be there to help guide them through that. We’re here for your long term health and recovery.”

“The great thing about facilities like Kingsbridge Private Hospital is that it has a lot of resource in the form of aftercare Nurses, Physiotherapists and various Specialists. No matter what the patient needs, you can be sure

it’s there. It’s also very important to liaise with the patient’s GP afterwards to ensure that they have all the information they need to follow up.”

Of course, sometimes spinal injuries are unforeseen and unavoidable, whether through accident or hereditary issues but with 4 out of 5 people in Northern Ireland and the UK suffering from back and spinal problems at some point in their lifetime, is there anything that can be done to prevent long term injury?

“The spine doesn’t discriminate. It affects both men and women but what we’ve been noticing lately is that degenerative issues that would have been more common amongst the elderly are showing prevalence in younger people. There could be several reasons for this such

as today’s sedentary lifestyle, stress or constantly bending over computers but these problems can be helped by being active, staying at an appropriate weight and reacting to pains or injury when they happen.

If nothing else, I would always encourage people not to be afraid of seeing your Doctor if you think there’s a problem.”

“Many do and I’m delighted to say that a few patients have even donated to neurological research as a thank you for their care and – as I said - I do get the odd card. That’s partly why I keep them out on the desk – Neurology can’t be that bad if people are sending me cards!”

For more information on Back and Spinal conditions or to make an appointment, please visit www.3fivetwo.com or call 0845 60 06 352

FAC T F I L E • 1 in 4 people in Northern Ireland will have a problem with back pain during their life.

• Kingsbridge Private Hospital offers a comprehensive range of treatments for Orthopaedic related illnesses including foot & ankle, back and spine, shoulder and elbows, hip conditions, knee replacements and hand and wrist conditions.

• Sports Specialists are on hand for sports related Orthopaedic injuries including surgery for ACL treatment, rotator cuff repair and many more.

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HEALTH STYLE

STAR COURSES Interview Courses for Aspiring Medical and Dental Students at Training Academy Summer exams are right around the corner and for thousands of university applicants throughout Northern Ireland, it is the first step in securing a place at their university.

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laces for courses on Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences courses are more highly coveted than ever, with applications in 2012 rising by 2%, increasing the number of would-be doctors and dentists to 56,753 students.

Whilst top grades are standard criteria for all applicants, experience and interview skills are proving vital in securing a place on many university shortlists. It was with this in mind that local skills-centre, 3fivetwo Training Academy, set about creating a bespoke set of training courses, specifically aimed at equipping students with the confidence and experience to deal with an increasingly competitive interview process.

“We saw a chance to recognise the overwhelming struggle for young people working towards university places,” says Fiona Kerr, Business Development Manager at 3fivetwo Training Academy. “At Training Academy, we already provide courses on a number of skills for both healthcare professionals and 54

local businesses, so it was exciting for us to try something different. As part of the the 3fivetwo Group, we have access to Medical and Dental Specialists throughout the country who have a wealth of knowledge and experience and are happy to use that to help young people.”

The outcome of this collaboration was the adaptation of a highly successful interviewskills training course for aspiring medical and dental undergraduates, run at Training Academy headquarters in the Titanic Quarter, Belfast.

“We were keen to ensure that the course was highly interactive so that the participants would get a realistic idea of what to expect,” says Fiona. “It’s also hosted by a range of experienced NHS Consultant Physicians, Surgeons and Senior Lecturers like Mr Mark Taylor, who is a Consultant General Surgeon, Dr Steve Austin, a Consultant Anaesthetist and Dr Siobhan McEntee, who is a GP. “We even include some current medical students so participants get a recent perspective on the process,” says Fiona. “This means that a lot of our participants go into their interviews with a very clear understanding of the realities of life as a healthcare professional, which can put them head and shoulders above other applicants.”

The courses are a full day and teach interview skills not just to students but also to Nurses, junior Doctors and Consultants.

“There are always fellowships and programmes that may occur during your career, which you will have to interview for,” explains Fiona. “Sometimes you need to apply to receive a promotion or to specialise in a certain field so interview skills are always useful to have no matter what stage you are at.

Our medical entry interview courses mean that students can receive interview tips and also have real mock interviews with panels of experts, which last for over two hours so they really test mental endurance.”

Key topics covered for these courses include structuring and delivering answers clearly and convincingly, lateral thinking questions, interview techniques including personal attributes, body language and how to

use each question to promote yourself, studies on the NHS and medical environment as well as NHS issues such as Medical Ethics and what questions to ask at the end of the interview.

“We also cover things like the Application Process, UKCATs exams and the 9 MMI Scenarios,” says Fiona.

“Whilst most of the courses are full-day, we also provide mini in-house group sessions at schools across Northern Ireland for those who are thinking of applying for Medicine and Dentistry. These include Generic Interview Skills coaching & One to One Mock Interviews.

“3fivetwo Training Academy are Northern Ireland’s leading experts in Medical interviews; and we are passionate about providing top class training courses and giving hopeful university applicants the best possible chance to achieve their goals and follow their dreams.”

FAC T F I L E If you would like to find out more about the Interviews Skills courses available at 3fivetwo Training Academy please visit www.3fivetwotraining.com or contact at trainingacademy@3fivetwo.com/ 02890 735273

HEALTH STYLE

Charity Launches Campaign To Protect Children From Smoking In Cars

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orthern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke has launched an online campaign to persuade Stormont to bring in a law that would ban smoking in cars when children are present.

According to NICHS the people of Northern Ireland want the Assembly to ban smoking in cars carrying children with polling showing that 4 out of 5 people would support such a move.

Neil Johnston from NICHS explained: “Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke commissioned opinion polling in March relating to smoking in cars when children are present.

82% agreed when asked whether they THINK THAT THE NI ASSEMBLY SHOULD BAN SMOKING IN CARS CARRYING CHILDREN. We are urging people to get involved in reinforcing that message to elected representatives by signing our petition” In February 2014 MPs at Westminster backed legislation for a ban on

smoking in cars in England and Wales when children are passengers.

This legislation, unfortunately, did not extend to Northern Ireland.

In Scotland Scottish Liberal Democrat health spokesman Jim Hume has secured cross party support and he is hopeful that a Bill seeking to ban smoking in cars with children present will come before the Scottish Parliament in the next few months. In the Republic of Ireland legislation to ban smoking in cars where children are present will be ready in the “next number of weeks”, said Minister for Health James Reilly at the end of March.

Neil Johnston continued: “We need to act now to ensure that we are not left behind as the only part of these islands in which children are left exposed to tobacco smoke in vehicles.

We need to consider the implications on children’s health and well-being

because children are a vulnerable group who often cannot take responsibility for their own choices and rely on adults for their health and well-being.

Childhood exposure to second hand smoke is correlated with increased risk of cot death, glue ear, asthma and other respiratory diseases”.

In addition to the impact secondhand smoke impacts on children’s health and well-being, children whose parents are smokers are three times more likely to become smokers themselves. This is likely to lead to further health implications associated with smoking later in life.

Neil Johnston commented: “There is a large difference in health between in wealthy areas and economically deprived areas in Northern Ireland and we known smoking is a major factor in this so any measure which discourages smoking and additionally protects children from the dangers of second hand

smoke should be adopted by the NI Executive as a matter of urgency.”

Ventilation Those who think that opening the window removes the risk are mistaken accord to NICHS. Neil Johnston remarked: “A Canadian study found that when the driver’s window is open and the cigarette is held at the opening when the driver is not puffing, the level of secondhand smoke produced by a single cigarette is about two-thirds of the level of an average smoky bar”.[i] “NICHS hope that the overwhelmingly majority of Assembly Members will recognise the strength of public opinion on this issue and have written to them calling on each of them to publicly support our call for legislation on this subject. If people sign up to our campaign at www. nichs.org.uk they can help us get the message through to Stormont.”

NORTHERN IRELAND CHEST HEART & STROKE

82%

OF PEOPLE THINK SMOKING IN CARS CARRYING CHILDREN SHOULD BE BANNED BUT STORMONT ISN’T LISTENING… Add your voice and make a change to NI law Sign our petition now www.nichs.org.uk

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HEALTH STYLE

Pain Free Sometimes the pain of childbirth lasts beyond contractions but a simple procedure can change all of this for women in Northern Ireland.

By Dr Frances Stewart

J

ulia* from Dundonald had been suffering from severe pain and discomfort since the birth of her first son nine years ago. One short consultation helped her to realise that she did not have to put up with the pain anymore.

Julia now believes that more mothers should be made aware of the Blair Bell procedure and the work of the Gynae Team at Kingsbridge Private Hospital, which she credits for giving her life back to her.

“I had various problems after my first son who was born in 2005,” explains the mother of two. “Everything was going normally and then his heart rate dropped. They had to use suction to deliver him and I had a large episiotomy.

My problems started after that as it took quite a long time for everything to heal. I was H E A LT H C A R E PROFESSIONALS Dr Frances Stewart Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

Dr Ayman Morsy Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

David Glenn Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

Dr Samina Dornan Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

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IS POSSIBLE very, very uncomfortable, even just sitting down and every day activities such as driving were painful and difficult for me but I was left feeling that this was just the way a woman is after having a baby. I thought it was normal.”

“As time went on, everything was affected by the pain, even my relationship with my husband. I didn’t realise that I had internal scar tissue, which sometimes led to bleeding and made physical aspects of the relationship difficult. I genuinely thought my pain would mean I would never have another child but three years later, I did! This time it was elective section so I didn’t have any complications but the pain continued.”

Finally Julia decided that she had had enough. Last year, she made an appointment with a GP in Cherryvalley and was able to express her concerns.

The GP agreed and referred Julia to Consultant, Dr Frances Stewart, who recommended the Blair Bell procedure.

“The Blair Bell procedure is a simple treatment where excess scar tissue is removed,” explains Dr Stewart. “Sometimes after obstetric surgeries, like episiotomies, the body gets a bit zealous and over-repairs itself, creating more scar tissue than necessary that can rub and become sore. During the Blair Bell procedure, we simply make some small incisions to remove the excess scar tissue and then give the patient a small set of stitches. The effect is usually immediate and most patients enjoy a very short recovery time.”

“Dr Stewart was fabulous,” says Julia. “I had always avoided going to the Doctor because I was embarrassed and self-conscious about the issue but she put me at my ease and was incredibly supportive and sympathetic. I

felt I could open up to her and be very honest about my problem, which of course meant I received better treatment, quicker!”

“I was surprised at how simple it all was. I healed quickly and I’m very pleased with the result.

It’s changed my life and that’s no exaggeration! My husband and I can enjoy our relationship and I just feel better in general as I’m not in pain or fearing being in pain. I understand why women would ignore it for so long – after all, I did – but if I had known how quick and easy this whole process would be, I would have done something about it

years ago. I hope my story raises awareness of the problem and the procedure. Women need to know that it’s common, it’s fixable and they don’t have to live with it anymore.” *Names have been changed to protect confidentiality If you would like to book an appointment or require further information on the options available to you, please contact our private patient booking team on 0845 60 06 352, or visit www.3fivetwo.com

FAC T F I L E • Painful intercourse can affect many women following childbirth, although other gynaecological issues may be the underlying cause.

• The Blair Bell procedure is a simple treatment where scar tissue that has not healed properly is removed, easing discomfort.

• The 3fivetwo Group offer a comprehensive range of gynaecological services for women of any age in a private and comforting setting.

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HEALTH STYLE

Natural Beauty Without Surgery Cosmetech has perfected the art of the nonsurgical face-lift. Cosmetech’s Consultant Surgeon led team discuss the perceptions of beauty and why they refuse to go beyond what looks natural.

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osmetech has a reputation for creating some of the most natural-looking cosmetic work in the business.

They have a loyal following of people at their Holywood branch (www.cosmetech. co.uk) and in Chelsea (www. chelseaprivateclinic.com).

Their clients discreetly maintain their youthful looks. The clinics signature work is ‘the natural look’ — the treatment results are so good that people know you look good but they don’t know why!

Their dislike of expressionless, over-plumped faces has shaped the signature style.

“The techniques used are more advanced and focus on preventing the signs of ageing by maintaining the skin and supporting the underlying structures of the face,” says Consultant Surgeon Amanda Beresford. “We can now delay the ageing process and preserve a face as it is for the next 10 years.”

With so much awareness of cosmetic treatments, clients now come to us with a better understanding of cosmetic treatments than ever before. They don’t always want to go under the knife for many reasons — health, fear or simply social pressure. With 58

such a variety of non-invasive treatments available today, we’re now able to achieve an excellent natural-looking face-lift without surgery and have developed a combined therapy face-lift.

Symmetry and proportion are key to a natural, attractive look because as we age we lose natural volume in the face. Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, from a substance that occurs naturally in the body, gently replace what the skin has lost, lifting deep folds and halting ageing. For the best results, treat the face as a whole, lifting mid-face areas, then lifting the lower face and jaw line for a fresher and plumper look.”

Cosmetech’s Consultant Surgeon-led clinics specialises in non-surgical anti-aging solutions, Ipl hair removal, skin rejuvenation and semi-permanent make-up.

Our Consultant Surgeons have a background in head, neck and reconstructive surgery, plastic surgery, vascular surgery and maxillo- facial surgery. Their experience within the NHS and private sector includes managing facial trauma, facial deformity, cosmetic dermatology and scar revisions. The Consultant Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeons are

Q. What can anti-wrinkle injections do?

A. They can maintain the brow position and prevent the ingraining of lines.

Advanced anti- wrinkle injections also help prevent lower jowls developing.

Combined with dermal fillers they can prevent the need for surgery in later life. fully experienced in providing an extensive range of cosmetic surgery procedures. Our Principle, Mr Songra, Consultant Surgeon in head, neck and facial surgery, is on the UK’s anti-wrinkle validator panel, which assesses safety and the ability of practitioners in administering anti- wrinkle injections for cosmetic purposes.

Health Style Reader Offer For a complimentary non-surgical consultation please call: 028 90 423200 and quote reference HS2COS. Terms and conditions apply.

Q. How do they work?

A. Anti-wrinkle injections are a purified protein that’s injected in tiny quantities into face muscles to soften lines and wrinkles. You’ll see improvement three days to two weeks after treatment. It usually wears off in 3-4 months.

Q. Are anti-wrinkle injections safe?

A. Yes. They’re licenced for ages two and over. We have over 30 years of clinical data proving their safety.

Q. What is a hyaluronic acid dermal filler?

A. The acid occurs naturally in the body and helps to hydrate and add volume to skin.

Q. What do dermal fillers do?

A. They replace facial volume, smooth lines and restore skin elasticity, tone and texture

HEALTH STYLE

SAFE AND SUN-KISSED S ummer is on the horizon and here at HealthStyle, we couldn’t be more excited!

Whatever you’re doing this summer, whether you’re a sun worshipper or a water baby, it’s important to stay healthy and happy in the hotter months. HealthStyle has the information you need to stay safe and sun-kissed this summer.

Cool Down your Sunburn Everyone loves a bit of sunshine but too much of it can be harmful.

Overexposure to UV rays can leave your skin red and painful and can later lead to peeling or blistering.

Most sunburn will heal naturally over a couple of days but there are things you can do to help.

Sponge sore skin with cool water, then apply soothing After Sun lotion or Aloe Vera. You can keep

these lotions in the fridge before applying for an extra cooling effect.

Painkillers, such as ibuprofen, will also help to reduce the inflammation and pain. If you begin to feel unwell or the skin swells badly or blisters, seek medical help.

Tackle Eczema Anxiety Some sunscreens can aggravate eczema, leading to discomfort. It’s possible that you or your child could be allergic to some of the ingredients found in sunscreen so do some research as to what the main culprit could be and always check the label when buying. Test any new sunscreen on a small area of skin before applying it to the whole body. Remember to regularly reapply sun protection cream throughout the day. Swimming can also irritate eczema so be sure to apply emollient before getting into the pool.

Look Out For Heat Exhaustion Heat exhaustion is when a person experiences extreme tiredness due to a significant loss in bodily fluids and salts through overexposure to heat. If not treated quickly, it can lead to the more serious condition of heat stroke. Signs of heat exhaustion can include faintness, dizziness, nausea, headaches, tiredness, loss of appetite and confusion.

If someone is exhibiting these signs, get them to rest in a cool place and give them plenty of water. It’s important to bring their temperature down so use a cold shower or bath to cool their skin. You can also use wet face cloths. Loosen any

unnecessary clothing and make sure that the person gets plenty of air.

Avoid alcohol or caffeine as this can increase levels of dehydration.

Even Water Babies Need Sun Screen The cooling effect of the water can make you think you’re not getting burned but water washes off sunscreen and also reflects UV rays, increasing your exposure, so it’s very important to reapply sunscreen regularly throughout the day, even “waterproof” sunscreens. If you’re worried about your exposure in the water, it can sometimes be helpful to wear a light-coloured t-shirt during the hottest part of the day.

Wake Up to Make Up B

ring an end to smudged and smeared eyeliner with Semi-Permanent Make-Up by Yolanda Houston.

As we all know, bright and defined eye makeup can help to create a fresh and youthful appearance. What is more, our

eyes are the main focus in our body language as they show our human connection and expression.

For many women, applying eyeliner to create a defined look can be a tricky or time consuming task.

Many well-known makeup artists have often admitted to finding

themselves applying, removing and reapply their own eyeliner to remove wobbles, smudges or even fading at the end of the day.

If you wish for beautiful defined eyes then go to Cosmetech. They have created a range of bespoke treatments that add sparkle to

your eyes and add definition to your brows. Their fabulous Semi-permanent make-up treatments will allow you to wake up with brighter, younger eyes.

For more information, please visit www.cosmetech.co.uk

FAC T F I L E Yolanda Houston has pioneered the semi-permanent make up industry in Ireland for over 20 years and specialises only in semi-permanent make up. She has a celebrity list of clients and works closely with leading reconstructive Surgeons who refer clients post trauma. As an elite artist she can mix pigments to match your skin and hair tones to give a natural enhancement and create an individual look for you.

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HEALTH STYLE

MEN’S HEALTH

Prostate and Testicular Cancer and the Importance of Testing Every year, almost 41,000 UK men are diagnosed with Prostate Cancer, a further 2,000 are affected by Testicular Cancer and it is estimated that one in eight men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime. Leading cancer charities are now calling for better education when it comes to men and their health.

“R

ecognising symptoms is key when it comes to early diagnosis,” says Dr Roger Brown, a GP with The 3fivetwo Group. “Many men live with uncomfortable issues because they’re embarrassed to see their Doctor but these can be vital indicators. Be aware of things like changes in the testicles’ size, shape or feel, any swelling in the lymphnodes under your arms or in your neck and any urinary or ejaculatory problems.”

Patrick Cunningham’s Story In Oct 2012, Patrick found a lump in his testicle.

He ignored it but was always aware of it. A football injury in 2013 took him to his GP where he casually mentioned the lump.

“My GP referred me for a consultation. It was a four month wait but I wasn’t worried. Then when I got to the hospital last August, I knew immediately from the Urologist’s face that there was something wrong.

“Within days I was admitted for surgery and was told I would have to have chemotherapy for purely preventative purposes. I waited six weeks for the chemo but was then told the cancer had spread.

“I was admitted to hospital again for a week of intensive daily chemotherapy. Then discharged for a wait of three months before going back as an outpatient for five more day treatments.

“By ignoring it, even for a few months, I could have put myself at real risk. My message for all young men is check regularly. If you think anything is wrong, go straight to your Doctor.

“Thankfully, I got the all clear a few weeks ago and I’m going to be all right. I’m back at work now and I’ve told our HR department that I’m willing to talk to any fellow member of staff who has the same problem.”

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However, prostate cancer can develop without any symptoms at all and for that reason, regular screening and health checks are advised.

“It’s always good to have a certain level of awareness,” says Roger. “Even if you’re outside the age bracket that prostate cancer usually occurs at (70-74), it’s still worth getting checked out if you have a family history of cancer or if you are worried. Men should also be aware of testicular cancer, which can affect individuals mainly between the ages of 15 and 45.

Again, factors such as a family history can be cause for testing and research has shown that men with a history of cancer in one testicle are more likely to develop cancer in the other at some stage.

“It is also important to remember though that you can take steps towards preventing cancer through your diet and lifestyle. Make sure that you eat healthy, nutritionally-balanced meals and get plenty of sleep and take regular exercise.”

For those struggling with a diagnosis, help is at hand in the form of various Men’s Cancer charities and local health providers to ensure that those living with cancer have as many resources available to them as possible.

“Communication and education are vital,” says Roger. “Many find it helpful to learn as much as they can about their illness and available treatments. This can relieve some of the stress caused by diagnosis and can also help the patient to decide things like whether they want a second opinion and what questions to ask the Doctor. The support of family members and friends is also essential so make sure that you keep them involved

and informed. Get support, get checked and stay healthy!”

H E A LT H C A R E PROFESSIONAL Dr Roger Brown Private GP

If you would like to find out more about health screening or would like to make an appointment to speak to a Private GP, please visit www.3fivetwo.com or call 0845 60 06 352.

FAC T F I L E • Over 1,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year in Northern Ireland.

• 70% of prostate cancer cases occur in men over the age of 65 but checks are recommended for those over the age of 40.

• Symptoms can include having a sudden need to urinate, having pain during urination, frequent urination, especially during the night, the flow of your urine is weak and irregular, having problems beginning urination, feeling that your bladder is not empty after urination and blood in your urine.

• The Men’s Health Clinic at the 3fivetwo Group offer’s quick appointments with rapid access to our Consultant Urologists for further investigations.

Hugo Thomas

HEALTH STYLE

The Raid Was On To Save Lives Including Mine!

Consultant Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgeon, Mr Mark Taylor tells HealthStyle about his epic biking challenge for Bowel Cancer UK and how it got his weight under control.

Photography by Brian Morrison.

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HEALTH STYLE

W

hen it comes to your health, it can take the smallest of things to act as a wake-up call. For Mr Mark Taylor, it was a rugby ball.

“It can happen so easily,” says Mark. “You really mean to stay fit but things get in the way and before you know it, you’re on the verge of a serious problem. I realised I was at this point when I struggled to throw a rugby ball around with the kids.”

As a Consultant Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgeon at Kingsbridge Private Hospital, Mr Mark Taylor is no stranger to the inner workings of the body. Having treated everything from liver disease to cancer, Mark realised it was time to think about his own wellbeing.

“It’s amazing the variety of issues that I see when working,” he says. “It really makes you think about your own health. I realised that I was overweight and it was time I did something about it.”

This ‘something’ came in the form of Mark’s old bicycle, which had been gathering dust in the garage. Mark became an avid cyclist but soon realised after those first few miles of puffing and panting that he needed a challenge.

“When I discovered the Raid Alpine, I leapt at the opportunity,” he says.

The Raid Alpine, a cycling route for road bikers starts from Geneva and ends in Nice, takes place over the course of 10 days; all in aid of Bowel Cancer UK.

Mark decided to take on the mammoth trip, which covers 712km, including 31 mountain passes and 17, 485m of climbing, due to his own professional experience of working with those who have had bowel cancer spread to the liver.

As Northern Ireland’s second biggest cancer killer, over 1,100 people are diagnosed with Bowel Cancer every year and it is estimated to cause the deaths of over 400 people in Northern Ireland each year, despite the fact that it is very treatable if caught early. Bowel Cancer UK aims to save lives and improve the quality of life for all those affected by the disease.

“We have made significant progress over the last two decades in liver resection for people with colon cancer that has spread to the liver,” Mark says. “However, we need to continue to research, educate and develop new strategies in the management of bowel cancer, which is why I chose to raise money for Bowel Cancer UK. They have been instrumental in highlighting this disease in Northern Ireland with campaigns to raise awareness, campaigning for best treatment and care and providing practical support and advice.”

Mark completed the Raid Alpine alongside 18 of his colleagues including other Doctors and Nurses, raising a grand total of £10,500 for Bowel Cancer UK.

“I still have to pinch myself when thinking about the distances we travelled on the Raid. I can’t thank people enough for their generosity,” Mark says.

“I’m so pleased with the amount raised. There are too many people to name individually but my sincere thanks to everyone.

You’ll also be pleased to know that all the aches, pains and blisters have healed nicely!”

Thankfully, Mark had recovered sufficiently to present the cheque to Bernadette McKinley, Health Promotion and Outreach Officer for Bowel Cancer UK in Northern Ireland at Stormont along with First Minister Peter Robinson.

Bernadette said “Without

people like Mark doing amazing fundraising events like this, Bowel Cancer UK couldn’t continue to do the vital work it does to save lives and improve the quality of life for all those affected by bowel cancer.”

For more information on the screening services available for Bowel Cancer or to book a consultation with Mr Taylor, please visit www.3fivetwo.com or call us on 0845 60 06 352.

FAC T F I L E Don’t be caught unaware. Know the symptoms of Bowel Cancer. If you experience: • Rectal bleeding from the bottom and/or blood in stool.

• A change in your normal bowel habit lasting three weeks.

• Extreme tiredness for no obvious reason.

• Unexplained weight loss.

• A pain or lump in your tummy.

Please contact your local GP or call us on 0845 60 06 352 to make an appointment with one of our Consultants.

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HEALTH STYLE

3FIVETWO COMMUNITY

HELP IN THE COMMUNITY: Support the Sports

Kingsbridge Private Hospital, part of the 3fivetwo Group has throughout 2013-2014 helped to promote sport in Northern Ireland through its involvement with numerous community projects and sponsorships.

I

n 2013 the hospital provided over 30 Physiotherapists in the role of Official Medical Partner for the World Police and Fire Games (WPFG).

The event had over 7,000 athletes from 67 countries compete in 56 sports at 41 venues across Northern Ireland.

The 2013 WPFG was the first time a sporting event of this size has ever been hosted in Northern Ireland and the first time it has been held in the UK. The games are the third largest international multi-sport event in the world.

Olympic star Dame Mary Peters who was named Patron of the games earlier in 2013 attended Kingsbridge Private Hospital to officially open the new Diamond Lounge at the hospital which offers private patients a relaxing and catered waiting area while waiting for their appointment.

As part of the legacy of the WPFG, Kingsbridge Private Hospital committed itself to further outreach into local community schools and sports clubs, offering medical bags worth over £250 to help staff provide extra medical provision during games and training. In total over £7000 of medical equipment was donated to local clubs.

Local Physio, Michael Walsh, visited Kingsbridge Private Hospital with local club member Shane O’Hare to collect his medical kit bag recently.

“Proper medical equipment is expensive for any club,” Michael said.

“Whilst some have access to basic First Aid Kits, many lack anything more than plasters and ice packs. When suffering a sporting injury, it’s better to treat it sooner rather than later to avoid further damage so it’s really good to know that clubs will now have the right equipment on hand.

I know the club will really appreciate this donation, although we hope they won’t have to use it too often!”

Stuart Johnstone, Outpatient Manager, Kingsbridge Private Hospital, explained why the kits have proved so useful for the clubs and schools,“As the Official Medical Partner of the WPFG 2013, 64

we realised how important it was to have medical professionals, located pitch-side in case of injury. Whilst it isn’t always possible for clubs to have a fully-trained Physiotherapist standing by, they can at least feel reassured that they have the appropriate kit on hand to help treat anything from blood injuries to sprains until they can be seen by a qualified medical professional.”

Some of the clubs which medical kits have been donated to include Grosvenor RFC, Orange Grove Athletics Club, Belfast Harlequins, Portadown Rugby Club and Randalstown RFC. “We’re delighted to be able to make these donations to the various sports clubs, many of which are hubs of their community,” Stuart continues.“Obviously there is a level of risk with any sport, especially with contact sports like rugby, which can leave competitors with cuts, bruises or muscle strain. For anything more serious, athletes should consider our Sports Injury Clinic or Private Casualty at Kingsbridge Private Hospital.”

Kingsbridge Private Hospital’s latest support in the sporting community involved the sponsorship of the youth teams at Lurgan Rugby Club and the Irish News, GAA Club and Volunteer Awards.

Ryan Bailey of Randalstown RFC and Jonathan Acheson, Physiotherapist at 3fivetwo Group.

Physiotherapist, Declan Judge, Stuart Johnstone, Kingsbridge Private Hospital and Mark Neilly, Coach at Portadown Rugby Club.

HEALTH STYLE

BROWNIES HOSPITAL VISIT The Brownies from Moira got an inside look into hospital life after being invited for a special visit to Kingsbridge Private Hospital in Belfast!

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his initiative was the first educational hospital visit organised in Kingsbridge, in a bid to teach local children that being in the hospital isn’t always frightening or stressful.

The children were given a guided tour of the hospital’s four main departments and met various healthcare professionals within each area to learn more about hospital attendance and treatment.

In Kingsbridge’s Private Casualty, they were able to see the treatment area and learn about practical medical care as Nurse, Barbara demonstrated the application of bandages,

slings and paper stitches.

At the X-Ray department, Radiographer, Kelly introduced the children to the X-Ray machine and showed examples of different X-Rays.

Staff Nurse, Rebecca, showed the children a typical room on the Hospital Ward, explaining the process of the hospital admission and the necessity of important things such as Infection Control.

Finally the children visited the Theatre to see where surgical procedures are carried out and were taken through the stages of surgery prep by Consultant Anaesthetist, Dr Evi Koutsoumpi while

Theatre Sister, Tori Johnston, demonstrated theatre equipment and live Plaster of Paris application.

Dr Evi Koutsoumpi, the designer of this educational project said, “Introducing children to the hospital environment as observers is a well-established practice worldwide with recognised positive outcomes. Our project is unique in NI as it educates through interactive participation, introduces role models & reinforces other concepts such as safety, prevention, healthy lifestyles and teamwork.”

HEALTHY HAPPY HUMPTY A

s part of a schools project in partnership with the Grand Opera House and Arts and Business NI, Kingsbridge Private Hospital has been visiting local schools in Northern Ireland with their health mascot, Humpty Dumpty, to help teach young children about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

Primary one and two pupils from St Therese of Lisieux Primary School welcomed an egg-xtra special visitor earlier this year when Humpty, who also had a key role in the 2013 Sleeping Beauty Pantomime at the Grand Opera House, made his way to the Antrim Road School with two health professionals from the 3fivetwo Group to help promote healthy eating and dental hygiene.

Ashling Green, Staff Nurse, said, “Getting to visit the children with Humpty was a great experience. We’re delighted to

be involved with the community, talking to children about the basics of health including diet and dental hygiene.”

At a recent Investing in the Arts reception at Stormont Parliament Buildings, the 3fivetwo Group and the Grand Opera House were both recognised and congratulated by Arts & Business NI for their work with local schools in the community.

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HEALTH STYLE

EVOLUTION OF MAN 3fivetwo Physios Tackling the Pains of Modern Living

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t’s safe to say that these days, back pain is extremely common, with people of all ages suffering with varying degrees of pain.

According to recent studies, nearly 4 million people in Britain today can expect to suffer from chronic lower back pain at some point in their lives, while closer to home, 4 out of 5 people in Northern Ireland suffer from back and spinal problems. This prompts the question; why is that, despite significant advances in healthcare, issues like these are on the rise?

We spoke to 3fivetwo Physiotherapist, Jonathan Acheson to find out how our modern lifestyles are impacting our bodies and our health.

So, Jonathan, as a Physiotherapist what do you treat most often?

The most common things that I see are lower back pain and neck pain. That’s for both men and women. A lot of people put off getting help for these problems because it seems like they’re making a fuss but it’s always very important to get it checked out.

Are these due to injuries or are they chronic conditions?

Obviously it varies from case to case but there are a lot of chronic conditions, especially for posturerelated problems. Not many know this but posture is a big issue when it comes to back pain. It seems like a simple problem but it can be far-reaching and you don’t fix the pain immediately by sitting up straighter. It’s 66

not an overnight problem so there is no overnight fix.

What do you think causes these posture problems?

How we work today has a big effect. If you compare the way we worked 50 to 60 years ago, to today, the methods have all changed and this has had a distinct effect on our health.

These days, a lot of people work with computers, for example, and so spend a lot of their day crouched, bent or slumped over and not moving very much. This can seriously affect their posture and cause problems for their neck, back and the body in general.

Is weight a contributing factor?

Definitely, the more weight you’re carrying the more pressure gets put on joints and discs, which can wear over time and become damaged.

You can also strain your back as weight in the stomach pulls you forward, which forces your back to try and compensate. The worry is that people don’t exercise, become overweight and cause themselves knee or back problems, which then prevents them from getting active, meaning they gain more weight and it becomes a vicious cycle.

So what advice would you give to us going forward?

Postural awareness is a big factor in looking after your spine. Make sure your desk is at the right height, that your computer screen is at eye level and that you have a chair that gives you proper lumber support.

Your neck should be straight and your elbows and knees should be at 90 degrees to your body.

Also – get active! With a bit of effort, you can offset the effects of laptop living. Go for a walk, join a sports team or take up yoga. Your body was made for doing things and if you listen to it, you’ll really feel the benefits.

For more information about our physiotherapy services or to book an appointment, please visit www.3fivetwo. com or call 0845 60 06 352.

H E A LT H C A R E PROFESSIONALS

At Kingsbridge Private Hospital in Belfast, our expert Back and Spinal Consultants cater for all problems relating to the back, spine and neck areas of the body. Our team of healthcare professionals offer a complete care package covering everything from consultations to investigations, physiotherapy and surgical intervention if required.

Should surgery be required, our experienced Orthopaedic Consultants and Nurses are on hand to answer any queries you may have.

Jonathan Acheson Physiotherapist

Gillian Clarke Physiotherapist

Myrna Brown Physiotherapist

FAC T F I L E • 4 out of 5 people in Northern Ireland suffer from back and spinal problems during their lifetime.

• The 3fivetwo Group work with a network of over 400 Consultants and Physiotherapists in Northern Ireland.

• Orthopaedic related injuries and illnesses are a common problem in various age groups but many are easily treated.

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