Flourish Issue 7 2019
advice and information for Seniors
Win
a 2-night hotel break in Dooley’s Hotel Waterford
Ovarian Cancer Awareness
Miriam O’Callaghan Patron of Ovacare Addiction Treatment Give Recovery a Voice Great Lighthouses of Ireland
rLine volunteers a Senio re th ere t o
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SeniorLine is a national confidential listening service for older people delivered by trained older volunteers. An opportunity to talk to someone your own age.
d sup
port.
SeniorLine is open every day of the year, including Christmas Day from 10am to 10pm. We are here to listen if you have a problem you wish to share or if you just need to talk.
Phone us today 1800 80 45 91 We are always there to listen
Pictured are Jim Daly, Minister of State for Older People, Aine Brady, CEO of Third Age, and Damian Leneghan, Programme manager SeniorLine at the launch of our new Freefone number 1800 80 45 91 ii
Flourish Issue 7
Contents Health & Wellbeing
WELCOME to magazine! In this issue we look at health and lifestyle issues relevant to seniors, ranging from ovarian cancer to organ donor awareness and from staying engaged in life to protecting your skin. We hope you enjoy the read!
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02 Ovarian Cancer – Deirdre’s Story 11 The Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
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Organ Donor Awareness Give Recovery A Voice Protecting Your Skin Radiotherapy Services & Cyberknife at the Hermitage Medical Clinic
Lifestyle & Living
04 Mobility Friendly Homes 06 Stairlifts – Your Questions Answered
08 Are You Struggling With Debt? 17 Staying Engaged In Life As We Grow Older
Leisure
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Container Gardening Great Lighthouses of Ireland Afternoon Tea Crossword
Competition Time
28 Win a 2-night hotel break in
Dooley’s Hotel Waterford in association with Select Hotels of Ireland
Flourish magazine is distributed to GP surgery and health centre waiting rooms nationwide by INFORM Display Systems Ltd. We welcome your feedback on Flourish magazine. Email enquiries@informireland.com Advertising enquiries call: 061 338580
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Ovarian Cancer Deirdre’s Story CASTLEBAR woman Deirdre Kelly has written about her experience with an ovarian cancer diagnosis. When going through treatment she promised herself she would do something afterward to try and increase awareness of ovarian cancer. Deirdre has a key message for women: be conscious of the symptoms and get to your GP as early diagnosis is the key when treating ovarian cancer successfully. Here is Deirdre’s story, in her own words.
The joyful irony of cancer
On September 22, 2015, at 45, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Called the silent killer, I was incredibly lucky to be diagnosed at stage one and that was down to an amazing GP and my own sense that something just wasn’t right.
I didn’t have any very pronounced symptoms, they were all very vague and attributable to other day to day ailments to the point that when I went to the GP it wasn’t for anything to do with them at all but the little voice inside my head that told me to talk to the GP ‘just in case’. The GP felt a mass in my abdomen and I was in A&E about an hour later. The weeks 2
following were full of tests and appointments that brought me to the consultant’s office on September 22 to be told that I had cancer. There are many words that automatically come to mind when faced with a cancer diagnosis but joy is not one of them! Words including fear, terror, anxiety, sadness, anger, are to name just a few. When you hear the word cancer it’s like you are instantly cast as the lead role in your own tragedy that you never auditioned for and have no desire to be part of. You can't quite get your head around the fact that you are now a cancer patient and you have lost control over your own body. The sense of fear that descends on you is truly beyond anything that words can adequately describe and you start the treatment process facing your own mortality and truly believing that your days are well and truly numbered. It’s only when you are nearing the end of treatment and you dare to let yourself believe that you will survive, that you begin to realise that cancer has actually done you a favour and allowed you to see life in a completely different way. I'm not saying that I would have chosen to be a cancer patient, chosen to put my body through hell by allowing it to be pumped full of poison, but the process has truly opened my eyes to what is really important and as a result filled my life full of joy, and believe it or not for that I am truly grateful. Flourish Issue 7
From the outside I look normal, apart from the crew cut that is still evident as I wait patiently for my hair to grow back, but inside I couldn’t be more different. From waking up in the morning and looking out the window, even when it’s raining, to making Peppa Pig jigsaws with my two-year-old niece, I embrace the joy of every minute now with a vigour that I have not experienced before. Realising how incredibly lucky you are to have many wonderful people around you, family, friends and work colleagues who go out of their way to support and encourage you, is a truly humbling experience that presents you with a new understanding of real gratitude. On my ‘Cancerversary’ I just want to encourage all women out there (and indeed men) to listen to their bodies. If you feel that something is not right Ovarian cancer is often referred to as the ‘silent killer’ because the early signs can be confused as symptoms of other illnesses, which can lead to late stage diagnosis. However, there are symptoms to look out for and the key difference is that these symptoms are persistent and do not come and go. The BEAT Ovarian Cancer campaign summarises these potential signs in the handy acronym ‘BEAT’:
Bloating that is persistent and doesn’t come and go Eating less and feeling full more quickly Abdominal and pelvic pain you feel most days Toilet change in urination or bowel habits So - Know the Signs, Know the Symptoms and help BEAT Ovarian Cancer For more information visit www.ovarian-cancer.ie For more information on World Ovarian Cancer Day visit: www.ovariancancerday.org
then don’t give up until you are happy it is being fully investigated. This is especially important with ovarian cancer as its symptoms are so vague and are often attributed to other causes which result in late diagnosis when the cancer is more advanced and more difficult to treat. The key with ovarian cancer is to catch it early. If caught early and treated promptly the prognosis is good. In conclusion, hearing the word cancer is not something I had in my five-year plan and it’s not something I would wish on anyone. However, with modern medical techniques and more than a pinch of positivity many people live to tell the tale. I don’t know what the future holds but in telling my tale I hope that some women at least will think twice about discounting their vague symptoms as I did, go to their GP and talk to them about their symptoms. In the vast majority of cases it will not be anything serious but sometimes it might just save your life. Miriam O’Callaghan is the Patron of OvaCare. OvaCare is one of a number of Irish charities (including Supporting Ovarian Cancer Knowledge SOCK, Emer Casey Foundation, Karen Fenton Fund, Breakthrough Cancer Research, Irish Cancer Society, Marie Keating Foundation and GynaeCancerCare) who are promoting awareness of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer in advance of World Ovarian Cancer Day on May 8th. SOCK information leaflets, highlighting the symptoms of ovarian cancer, are available on all INFORM Yourself display racks in doctors waiting rooms nationwide. 3
Mobility Friendly Homes Limited mobility can result in a need to make some changes to your home. Here are some simple tips to make life easier when you have limited mobility. Accessing your home
A handrail or ramp could help if there are steps up to your front door, and an outdoor light is also helpful to make your way inside. If you need to use a wheelchair, driveways should be extra wide to allow for wheelchair loading and unloading to vehicles. The entrance to your home should be wide enough for wheelchair access and paths should be levelled to match the driveway level.
Inside your home
If it’s difficult to get to the front door, think about installing a system that lets you speak to visitors and manage who you let in. You could get: • a door-entry intercom so you can find out who’s there • an easy-to-fit wireless doorbell that comes with a mobile entry phone • a video entry phone, which allows you to open the door from your seat Make sure your home is well lit. Install motionsensor lights that switch on automatically when you get out of bed or enter a room. Widen door frames and change the direction of how doors open to help you get about – particularly if you use a wheelchair.
Stairs
Stairs can prove difficult for people with limited mobility. A solution may be to install a stair lift or a ramp in areas with steps. 4
Bathroom
The most challenging area for people with limited mobility is often the bathroom. A walk-in bath or shower is the ideal solution with enough room to accommodate a wheelchair or other types of mobility aids. Grab bars can also help.
Living/Kitchen areas
Living rooms and bedrooms should have sufficient space to manoeuvre, with easy access to wardrobes and shelves. Create more space by removing large pieces of furniture. Remove any visible cords, wires or potential trip hazards. Make the kitchen sink accessible from a seated position, creating leg space underneath.
If you need a bit of help while cooking or making a hot drink, try: • a perching stool which supports you in a near-standing position • a kettle tipper to help you tilt the kettle • a spike board which lets you cut or peel vegetables one-handed.
As the cooker is one of the most important parts of the kitchen, ensure that the controls are on the front. Heavy cooking utensils, canned foods and dishes should be stored on low shelves. Items that are not in frequent use can be stored on higher shelves. Easy-reach grabbers can help you pick up items, rather than reaching and bending down.
Getting up and dressed
If you find it difficult to get into bed or out of a chair, raisers can be fitted to make them higher so you’re not bending as far. Riser-recliner chairs and specialist beds can raise you into a position where it’s easier to stand, or lower you to sit or lie down. Flourish Issue 7
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Stair Lifts
Your Questions Answered A stair lift is a great solution if you are having trouble getting up and down the stairs, but would still like to stay in your own home as you age, enabling access to your upstairs. Stairlifts can be installed on a straight or curved staircase, providing a safe and easy way to get up and down stairs for those with limited mobility.
How is a stairlift operated?
The stairlift is controlled by holding a button down or pushing a switch that is located on the armrest of the chair, enabling the stairlift to travel up or down the stairs smoothly. Stairlifts are battery operated so will work even when there is a power outage.
How is a stairlift installed and will it damage walls?
Stairlifts are attached to the treads of the stairs, not the wall, so generally there are no structural changes needed for a stair lift to be installed. Stairlift installers will take time to help you learn how to operate your stairlift safely. When not in use, a stairlifts arms, seat and footrest can be folded away so that other people can still use the stairs.
How do you get on and off the stairlift safely?
At the top of the stairs, the stairflift seat will swivel onto the landing, or an optional rail overrun can be used to get on and off safely. At the bottom landing, the chair is always on the floor-level for a safe exit and entry.
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How much do stairlifts cost?
The cost of stairlift mainly depends on if you have a straight or curved staircase. The price of a straight stairlift is substantially less than a curved system, as the rail for a curved system must be custom-made. Other factors to be considered are: • the length of your stairs • the chair that’s right for your needs • if you want to go up more than one floor • If you need any additional features for extra comfort and safety • whether you are buying a new or reconditioned stairlift Most stairlift providers will arrange a home visit to discuss your requirements and do a home survey. They will provide you with a solution specific to your needs, and a quotation for the installation.
Is there any financial assistance available to purchase a stairlift?
VAT on stair lifts (at 13.5%) is fully refundable – your stair lift provider will assist you in completing the VAT refund claim. You may qualify for a grant for your stairlift (or other works) under the Mobility Aids Grant Scheme if you are over 65 with or without a disability, or if you are under 65, with a disability or a serious illness. The Mobility Aids Grant Scheme provides grants for works designed to address mobility problems in the home. More information on this scheme can be found on www.citizensinformation.ie, by calling 076 107 4000 or at your local Citizens Information Office Flourish Issue 7
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If you are struggling with debt you are not alone Debt problems can happen to anyone, for a variety of reasons. When you are in debt, it is hard to focus on anything else. You can feel stressed and frightened about the future. But you should not be ashamed of your debt or be tempted to bury your head in the sand – because the ISI is here to help. The ISI is an independent government body set up to help people with all levels of problem debt. Often people do not realise that they have serious debt problems; they are too busy coping with the problem and trying to make ends meet. You might not realise it but you could have serious debt problems if: • You are not able to pay your bills in full when they are due. • You are paying a little off each bill trying to keep creditors (the people you owe money to) at bay. • You are reluctant to set up direct debits to pay bills in case your money cannot stretch to meet them. • You are receiving calls and letters from creditors about missed payments and threats of repossession. • You have made personal sacrifices to pay your debts.
What help is available to you?
There is a solution to every debt problem and this is where the ISI can help you and give you protection from your creditors. Every situation is different and for that reason, the ISI has three debt solutions to help people struggling with debt.
DRN
• For people with few assets and low income who do not have mortgage debt. • Debts under €35,000. • Dealt with by an AI (Approved Intermediary).
DSA
• For people with unsecured debt such as credit cards, loans and overdrafts. • No limit on the level of debt. • Dealt with by a PIP (Personal Insolvency Practitioner).
PIA
• For people with secured debt such as a mortgage, and unsecured debt such as credit cards, personal loans and overdrafts. • No limit on the level of debt in the majority of instances. • Dealt with by a PIP (Personal Insolvency Practitioner). continued on page 10
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Flourish Issue 7
ISI
INSOLVENCY SERVICE OF IRELAND
ISI
INSOLVENCY SERVICE OF IRELAND
www.backontrack.ie
Debt can be overwhelming. We can help.
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If none of these debt solutions suit, the ISI also deals with bankruptcy but you must first have tried to solve your debt problem using the alternatives above before you can seek to be made bankrupt. All of the debt solutions overseen by the ISI are designed to get a person back on track financially, keeping them in their home where possible. At the end of the process, the person will be solvent again and can start planning their future. The ISI has put in place a network of qualified professionals around the country – called PIPs (Personal Insolvency Practitioners) and AIs (Approved Intermediaries) – to provide you with debt advice and to work with your creditors on your behalf to work out a solution. If you are in arrears on your home mortgage, you could be eligible for a free PIP consultation under a new state-funded scheme, Abhaile.
Take control of your finances and get a fresh start
When you are worrying about debt problems, it can be tempting to ignore bills and letters from creditors and hope that the issue will go away. But the sooner you take action, the sooner you will be free of your debt and can move on with your life.
For more information
If you are experiencing problems with serious debt and this information strikes a chord with you, you will have more questions and will need more information. The ISI operates an information line at 076 106 4200, there is also a facility whereby you can free text GETHELP to 50015 and a staff member will call back to discuss the solutions available. Information is also available on the debtor-focussed website www.backontrack.ie. 10
Flourish Issue 7
Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy If you were running a fever or were feeling physically run-down you would probably visit a GP. So, if you were feeling depressed, anxious or just needed to talk through some issues it would stand to reason that you would also seek help. Your mental health should be of equal importance to your physical health, but in this increasingly fast-paced world we’re living in, people’s mental health often falls by the wayside. Many people searching for counselling or psychotherapy are unsure of where to find it. On our online register of our members, you can see what counsellors are in your area, what techniques they specialise in and their rates. When meeting with an IACP member you can be assured of meeting with an empathic and
non-judgmental professional who will work with you to reach solutions. Confidentiality and respect are the cornerstones of counselling and psychotherapy. The Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP) is the largest Irish register of professionally accredited Counsellors and Psychotherapists. With over 4400 members, you can access IACP trained and accredited members in every county in Ireland. These members have the power of helping you with issues such as Depression, Anxiety, OCD, Relationships, Bereavement and Loss, Sexuality and many more emotional issues. Whatever you may be feeling, IACP can help. Start your journey towards positive mental health today. Find us on www.iacp.ie.
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Organ Donor Awareness Campaign 2019 There are approximately 550 people in Ireland awaiting life-saving heart, lung, liver, kidney and pancreas transplants.
Thanks to the gift of organ donation almost 4,000 transplanted people in Ireland are enjoying extended life. Ray D’Arcy has taken on the voluntary role of ambassador for organ donor awareness 2019. Ray, the popular RTÉ TV and radio broadcaster, was also the ambassador for the campaign two decades ago. Since then he has continued to champion the life-saving cause on national airwaves. The focus of Organ Donor Awareness Organ Donor Week is to remind Awareness Week individuals to talk to their families 30th March about their organ 6th April 2019 donation wishes and keep the reminders of their decision visible by carrying the organ donor card and permitting Code 115 to be included on their driver’s license or downloading the ‘digital donor card’ APP to their smartphone. #HavetheChat Chief Executive of the Irish Kidney Association, Mr. Mark Murphy said, 12
“It’s wonderful to have Ray D’Arcy, lending his support once again to the Irish Kidney Association twenty-one years after first fronting the annual campaign.
A3_NEW ODAW POSTER 2019.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2019 12:39 Page 2
Ray has always demonstrated great empathy for people touched by organ failure. To have such a popular figure representing the Irish Kidney Association (IKA), a charity organisation of patients and carers, carries huge impetus to the work we have undertaken advocating and caring for our patients.” Ray said, “It’s such an honour to be asked to be ambassador for this year’s campaign. Organ donation is something that I feel very strongly about. Listening to people’s stories down through the years about organ transplantation, dialysis and organ donation, sometimes heart-warming and Flourish Issue 7
those patients fortunate enough to have received a kidney transplant. The Irish Kidney Association’s charitable activities include the provision of a 13-double bedroom, free accommodation facility for patients and their families in the grounds of Beaumont Hospital and plans for the development of a similar facility at Cork University Hospital are underway. at other times heart-wrenching, I honestly believe that there is no better gift in life than the gift of organ donation.” “I have also heard how people’s lives have been transformed through organ transplantation and I commend the donors who have made this possible. There are approximately 550 people in Ireland awaiting an organ transplant and hopefully these people’s lives will be saved through organ transplantation. I would encourage everyone to discuss organ donation with their family members as I have done with mine. It doesn’t have to be a long conversation, but it is such a vital and potentially life-saving one. The legacy of organ donation by selfless deceased donor families is profound.” The IKA is the organisation charged with the promotion and distribution of the organ donor card in Ireland through Organ Donation and Transplant Ireland (ODTI), the organ procurement service of the HSE. Organ Donor Awareness Week also serves as a fundraising exercise for the Irish Kidney Association. Throughout the Week (30th March - 6th April 2019), the Association’s volunteers will be out on the streets, and in shopping centres throughout the country, distributing organ donor cards while selling ‘forget-me-not-flower’ emblems, brooches, pens and shopping trolley discs. All proceeds go towards the Irish Kidney Association’s aid for patients on dialysis and
Patients, many who would otherwise be unable to travel and take family holidays due to the constraints of dialysis treatment, can avail of IKA holiday centres located in Tramore, Killarney and Tralee. The Irish Kidney Association also provides patient advocacy, advice, counselling, financial aid and rehabilitative, health promotion through sport and the provision of kidney patient information and education through its head office in Dublin and its 25-branch network of volunteers nationwide. Information fact files, which accompany the free organ donor cards are available nationwide from pharmacies and GP surgeries and are also obtainable from the Irish Kidney Association tel. 01-6205306, Free text the word DONOR to 50050 or visit website www.ika.ie/card
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Give Recovery a Voice The word ‘addiction’ is one that often has powerful, negative connotations. This can often lead to the stigmatisation of the hundreds and thousands of people, and their families, who are affected by addiction in Ireland today. Based in Knocklyon in South Dublin, the team at the Rutland Centre work tirelessly every year to help hundreds of people overcome the shame and isolation they may sometimes feel as a result of their addiction. Last year, in 2018, the Rutland Centre celebrated its 40th Birthday. Since it opened its doors in 1978, Maebh Mullany, the Rutland Centre’s Chief Executive, estimates that the Centre has treated approximately 10,000 people, not just from the immediate surrounds of Dublin but from all over the country. People from all backgrounds and professions present at the Rutland Centre every year for treatment for behavioural and substance addictions including: alcohol, drugs, gambling, sex and food. Alcohol is the leading addiction the Centre treats with over 90% of those who attend the Rutland Centre receiving treatment for alcohol addiction.
unfortunately. We have also seen, especially in the last 10 years, the growth in prevalence of other addictions and in particular gambling. In the early years, it was mainly men who we saw presenting for treatment. These days, we see men and women of all ages, often presenting with multiple addictions.
the journey to recovery can be hard sometimes, it is possible and worth it The residential programme at the Rutland Centre is five weeks in in the end duration and follows the Twelve-
Commenting on the changing trends over its 40 years in operation, Maebh said: “In the last 40 years alcohol addiction has remained a constant problem in our communities 14
Maebh Mullany, Chief Executive, Rutland Centre
Step Programme. This treatment strategy itself has evolved over the years to become an integrative programme that draws on multiple clinical disciplines to meet the diverse needs of the Rutland Centre’s clientele. Flourish Issue 7
THE RUTL AND CENTRE
SEE BEYOND ADDICTION
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rutland PANTONE 220-1 CVS centre PANTONE 214-6 CVS The Rutland Centre is Ireland’s best known addiction treatment centre. In addition to treating patients directly, we also help and support the medical profession to help their own patients see beyond addiction. Our fully confidential treatment service is evidence-based. And our recovery programs have been run by experienced, highly trained staff for over 40 years to ensure patients are given the best possible chance of full recovery. So if you yourself, or any of your patients are suffering with addiction problems and need help, keep us in mind. Call us any time on (01) 494 6358 or email info@rutlandcentre.ie for more information.
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rutland centre
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Addiction treatment at the Rutland Centre is focussed on the client or the person at the centre of the addiction. During a person’s time at the Rutland the team of trained counsellors will work through the addictive process to address the underlying reasons for the addictive behaviour. It is paramount at the Rutland Centre to ensure that every person who attends for treatment feels respected and not judged. Dignity is extremely important in the recovery process. An excellent and highly qualified multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, psychologists, psychotherapists and addiction specialists and nurses work together in the Rutland Centre to develop bespoke recovery programmes for clients, including: • One-to-one counselling and group therapy • Personal time for reflection and reading • Relaxation, and recreation activities • Healthy eating • Lectures and therapeutic workshops • Art therapy • Stress management • Psychoeducational lectures • Time for fellowship, allowing for personal sharing and understanding The team at the Rutland Centre are keen to stress that although the journey to recovery can be hard sometimes, it is possible and worth it in the end. To highlight this, some of the Centre’s former clients took part in its annual awareness raising campaign, Recovery Month in September last year (2018).
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Recovery Month aims to reach out to people and help them to understand that Recovery is possible and that there is no shame in seeking treatment. Commenting on her Recovery from alcohol addiction, one former client of the Rutland Centre’s said: “I have no doubt my drinking was a form of selfmedication. Eventually I reached a point where my drinking was seriously affecting my life to the point of paralysis. I didn’t want my life to be that way so I sought treatment. The key factor in my Recovery was the support of my friends. It’s vital for people to have support and I would encourage family members to support their loved ones if they are genuinely remorseful and if it is possible to forgive. Recovery gave me freedom. I learnt to realise that reality wasn’t that bad, to accept myself and to ignore the judgement or perceived judgement of others. The words that best describe Recovery for me are courage, bravery, endurance, discipline and determination leading to joy pleasure, awareness and a love of life.” Treatment at the Rutland Centre is covered by all major health insurers. For further information visit www.rutlandcentre.ie or contact us at 01 494 6358.
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Staying Engaged in Life As We Grow Older Helps us to Stay Healthy Too
Third Age is a not-for-profit organisation promoting the value of older people and their contribution in communities. And we walk the talk. All programmes are delivered by older volunteers.
SeniorLine celebrating 21 years this year, is a national confidential telephone listening service for older people. We received over 10,000 calls in 2018, many from people who felt vulnerable and alone. Our trained older volunteers support each caller and help them explore options. We can also refer to other relevant services. Fáilte Isteach trains older volunteers in welcoming migrants through conversational English. The programme works in every county in the republic with over 1,100 volunteer tutors supporting the integration of 3,200 migrant students, delivering over 72,000 hours of free tuition annually. Fáilte Isteach contributes to the social inclusion of marginalised groups, while breaking down barriers in local communities.
AgeWell recruits and trains older volunteers as AgeWell companions to visit over-65s at home. Each Companion acts as a link between the older person and the local health care system alerting them to any health care problem while offering companionship to their client. Inviting older people to volunteer in their own community is win-win. Such volunteers may have some time on hand they want to use well. Volunteering helps many to transition into retirement, offers the opportunity for new learning, while valuing professional and lifeskills amassed over decades. Volunteering helps toward new friendships at this life stage. Above all, it can give new purpose and meaning. Third Age volunteer Marie says it best: ‘I am doing something worthwhile, and while I am giving my time and interest, I am getting back much more than I give”, she says. SeniorLine Freefone 1800 80 45 91, open 10am-10pm every day of the year www.thirdageireland.ie 17
Protecting Your Skin Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Ireland. In most cases it is preventable and is mainly caused by overexposure to ultraviolet radiation. Unfortunately, our attitude to sun protection is very likely to be contributing to the rising incidences. The National Cancer Registry Ireland (NCRI) recorded 1,118 melanomas and 10,667 non-melanomas in 2015 and estimates that melanomas will increase by a third by 2025. A survey by the Irish Skin Foundation has revealed that: • 97% surveyed are more likely to wear sunscreen abroad than those in Ireland (69%) • Of those who wore sunscreen in Ireland, 60% wear it routinely during March to September • The most frequently used SPF was Factor 30; one third reported using Factor 50 • Only 10% applied sunscreen every two hours as recommended • 62% reported wearing two or more of the following, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, or long sleeves to protect their skin
What type of sunscreen should I use?
There are many different types of sunscreens available including creams, gels and lotions, and when applied properly, will provide good protection. When choosing a sunscreen ensure that it is broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30+, with high UVA protection, and water resistant if you intend to swim. Also check that it has a valid expiry date. Apply sunscreen to clean, dry skin 20 minutes before going out in the sun. It takes the skin this amount of time to absorb the sunscreen in order to protect you. Most people don’t apply sunscreen correctly. You should apply at least one teaspoon to each body part. • Head/face/neck • Each arm • Each leg • Your front • Your back Sunscreen should not be your main method of sun protection, but rather used in conjunction with other methods of sun protection such as seeking shade, particularly between 11am and 3pm, when the UV rays are strongest, wearing sun protective clothing, hats and sunglasses. Reapply frequently, at least every two hours and after exercising, sweating, swimming, or towel drying. Sunscreen helps reduce exposure to UV radiation, but it should not be used to increase the amount of time you can spend in the sun.
Source: Irish Skin Foundation 2018 18
For more information on how to protect and inspect your skin visit www.irishskin.ie. Flourish Issue 7
PROTECT YOUR SKIN Remember the five ‘Ss’ of sun safety Slip on a t-shirt with a collar. Slop on broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30+, with high UVA protection, and water resistant if you intend to swim. Slap on a hat with a wide brim. Slide on sunglasses with UV protection. Seek shade – particularly between 11am -3pm, when UV rays are strongest.
HELPLINE (01) 486-6280 www.irishskin.ie
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Radiotherapy Services & CyberKnife at the Hermitage Medical Clinic Cancer will affect a majority of people during their lifetime. This is one of the most frightening conditions to have diagnosed. Thankfully now we are much better equipped as a society to deal with the problem. Diagnostic techniques have improved to make earlier intervention to attempt cure. Treatment may involve surgery, radiation or chemotherapy. Radiation therapy will be experienced by up to 60% of all patients. This may be curative in its own right or may be part of a wider overall package. It may also be used as part of a palliative care regimen where it will relieve pain.
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The Hermitage Medical Clinic are lucky not only to have the full range of conventional linear accelerators and brachytherapy. They also have the only CyberKnife on the island of Ireland. This is an extraordinary machine. It is a treatment machine, a linear accelerator on the end of a robot. This is linked to a treatment planning unit. This is where all the scans MRI and CT are fused and studied. The plan is
Flourish Issue 7
constructed by doctors and clinical scientists with physics backgrounds. This is fed through to the treatment unit. The unique feature is the tracking of a moving target such as a lung or prostate. The robot is programmed
the machine unlike any other
to stay focused on the target. If the pattern of movement changes the machine switches off. It will recalibrate in the case of a lung tumour then resume provided it is happy with the accuracy. This means that the accuracy of a treatment is 0.3 mms. This means they can treat volumes down to 30mm3 with complete confidence. The machine unlike any other is constantly checking its accuracy and correcting against the plan. It is a closed system. The therapists are also monitoring to ensure accuracy to be certain. The CyberKnife unit is used to treat cancer of the lung. Here the patient is able to breath normally during the treatment.
As the treatment avoids normal tissue, it is delivered in 5 days rather than 5-6 weeks. Prostate cancer is also treated though in this case, tiny gold seeds are inserted into the gland prior to planning. The robot focuses on these while it does its work following the movement of the gland. 5 days remains the total length of the treatment as opposed to between 4-8 weeks on conventional radiotherapy. When treating tumours in the brain or base of skull a single dose only may be given. These tumours may be malignant or benign. Benign may take longer to respond because of slow cell turnover. Trigeminal neuralgia is also treated. This is an extremely debilitating condition involving severe facial pain. A single exposure may relieve the pain entirely allowing the patient to come off medication and lead a normal life. For further information please visit www.hermitageclinic.ie or contact CyberKnife & Radiotherapy Dept at 01 645 9045. 21
Museums Historic Houses Gardens Distilleries Heritage Towns Caves Interpretative Centres Family Days Out Castles Suggested Tour Itineraries
up to
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Visitor Attractions Guides
Visitor Attractions Guides Issue 7 Flourish
Container Gardening Add colour and variety to the garden by placing some flower pots and containers around the garden. They can be rearranged when you want a change. Here are some tips on container gardening. Choosing Pots & Containers
Ensure that the pot/container is large enough for the plant and its roots. Adequate drainage holes will ensure that the plant does not become waterlogged. Garden centres sell a variety of beautiful pots and tubs and they come in all shapes and sizes. Or why not make and decorate your own containers? Old buckets and boots make great containers. Transform them by adding broken tile mosaic or shells. Use tiling adhesive and grout to hold the tiles or shells in place. Don’t forget that decorating in this way will add to the weight of the container.
Choosing plants
Add colour and variety all year round. Hebes and heathers come in a variety of colours. More seasonal options include cyclamen in December and wallflowers and tulips in spring followed by an array of bedding plants in the summer. Wait until the last frosts have gone before setting your summer bedding plants.
Watering your containers
Water the plants either early in the morning or late in the evening but never during intense midday heat. The water evaporates more quickly and leaves that get wet in the sun can develop burn marks. Adding mulch to the soil can help to slow the evaporation process. Mulch can be anything from old leaves and grass clippings to torn up pieces of cardboard and cut up pieces of old socks.
Feeding your containers
Slow release fertilisers can be added when planting or alternatively use high nitrogen feeds for leafy plants and liquid tomato feed for flowering plants. Liquid feeds are easier on the plants as it’s easy to overdose with solid feeds. Be sure to dilute the liquid feeds and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Finally don’t forget to deadhead spent flowers to ensure your plants and flowers look their best and be proud of your hard work. 23
Great Lighthouses of Ireland A truly unique Lighthouse Experience For hundreds of years lighthouses have helped seafarers find their way. Now they shine their light on a truly unique experience along the stunning coastline of Ireland. Great Lighthouses of Ireland, offer the opportunity to visit, enjoy and stay at the edge of where the land meets the sea, to pause and admire, to breath in deeply and wonder, be it at the top of the towers or looking out at the light seeping into your bedroom window! The Great Lighthouses of Ireland offer different experiences. In some cases they offer the opportunity to stay in these unique locations; in other cases they offer the opportunity to visit and explore the lighthouses. Meet their Hosts and Guides who are passionate about these unique lighthouses. Hear their maritime stories and let them advise you on the best adventures each location offers. At Great Lighthouses of Ireland you can experience their maritime and seafaring stories, or just take time out and stay “where land meets sea”.
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Lighthouse Locations
• Blackhead, Co. Antrim (accommodation) • Ballycotton, Co. Cork (boat tour to island - seasonal) • Clare Island, Co. Mayo (accommodation, Mar-Oct) • Fanad Head, Co. Donegal (accommodation or visit Feb-Nov) • Galley Head, Co. Cork (accommodation) • Hook, Co. Wexford (visit year-round) • Loop Head, Co. Clare (accommodation or visit Easter to September) • Rathlin West Light, Co. Antrim (visit March to September) • St. John’s Point, Co. Donegal (accommodation) • St. John’s Point, Co. Down (accommodation) • Great Light, Co. Antrim (visit year-round) • Valentia Island, Co. Kerry (visit Easter to November) • Wicklow Head, Co. Wicklow (accommodation)
Flourish Issue 7
Highlights include:
• Breath-taking coastal views at locations around the country • Visitors get the chance to appreciate the marine wildlife in their habitats while seeing how the seas have shaped the coastline • Discover the technology at work in lighthouses today and in days gone by • Meet the lighthouse storykeepers and guides who deliver the best stories about these unique places • Visit or stay for a memorable and unique experience • All members are passionate about what they do and eager to encourage interest and curiosity about their lighthouses
Solution to Crossword on Page 27
Visiting Information
Accommodation rates and admission prices vary. It’s always best to check opening times and admission rates at the lighthouse of interest via the links on GreatLighthouses.com Tours at visitor lighthouses range from €5 to €20 per person, including boat tours. Family, senior and group discounts are available. Check for special offers and events via www.greatlighthouses.com. Follow on: Facebook: @greatlighthousesofireland Twitter: @gtlighthouses Instagram: @greatlighthouses YouTube: Great Lighthouses Of Ireland
Across: 2.Idol, 3. Tidy, 6. Views, 7. Casual, 10. Asks, 12. Rectify, 14. Crowd, 15. About, 20. Badger, 21. Estimates, 22. Prune, 24. Tending, 25. Greatest, 27. Fiery, 28. Examine, 29. Doubt, 31. Deals, 32. Bag, 33. Tools Down: 1. Roads, 3. Thick, 4. Relying, 5. Mill, 8. Keyed, 9. Cribs, 11. Unused, 13. Dodgem, 16. Outlooks, 17. Nothing, 18. Dessert, 19. Assure, 21. Ejection, 23. Unreel, 24. Tunnels, 26. Fatal, 27. Foil, 29. Drab, 30. Woe
Afternoon Tea Have you ever considered hosting an Afternoon Tea for your friends?
Perfectly cut sandwiches, scrumptious scones and tantalising desserts accompanied by some hot tea from your best china. Everything can be prepared in advance and all that you will have to do when your friends arrive is make the pot of tea. Afternoon tea consists of three courses: sandwiches, scones, and desserts.
Recipe for plain scones
Traditional fillings for afternoon tea sandwiches include: • Thinly sliced, cucumber • Thin slices of cooked ham and a little mustard • Egg Mayonnaise • Chicken • Roast Beef • Cheese and Pickle • Tuna • Tinned Salmon with or without cucumber
Sift the flour and salt into a large mixing bowl. Add the butter and rub in lightly using your fingertips. Make a well in the centre of the flour an add most of the combined water and milk. Mix with a flat-bladed knife to a soft dough. Add more liquid if necessary.
Desserts and sweets to serve for afternoon tea include Macaroons, Cupcakes, Cheesecake, Pastry Slices, Chocolate Mousse and Strawberry Trifle. 26
Preparation time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 12 minutes
Ingredients • 250g (2 cups) of self-raising flour • 30g (1 oz) butter, diced • 125ml (1/2 cup) milk • 80ml (1/3 cup) water • A pinch of salt • Milk or beaten egg (to glaze)
Method Preheat oven to 210°C, gas mark 6
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead the dough until smooth. Roll out to form a round about 2cm (3/4 inch) thick. Cut the dough into scones using a cutter or a small drinking glass*. Place the scones on a lightly greased baking tray and glaze with milk or beaten egg. Bake for 12 minutes until golden brown. Scones can be served with jam and clotted cream, or butter. *Tip – if using a drinking glass to cut the scone shapes. Dip the glass into flour before cutting each scone. This makes it easier to cut the scone and the glass won’t stick to the dough. Flourish Issue 7
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Across 2. Role model (4) 3. Orderly (4) 6. Scenes (5) 7. Offhand (6) 10. Requests (4) 12. Correct (7) 14. Mob (5) 15. Circa (5) 20. Pester (6) 21. Reckons (9)
Down 22. Pare (5) 24. Inclined (7) 25. Largest (8) 27. Flaming (5) 28. Scrutinise (7) 29. Uncertainty (5) 31. Trades (5) 32. Catch (3) 33. Implements (5)
1. Routes (5) 3. Dense (5) 4. Depending (7) 5. Flour grinder (4) 8. Attuned (5) 9. Cots (5) 11. Not familiar (6) 13. Bumper car (6) 16. Prospects (8) 17. Zero (7)
18. Pudding (7) 19. Confirm (6) 21. Expulsion (8) 23. Unwind (6) 24. Burrows (7) 26. Mortal (5) 27. Thwart (4) 29. Dreary (4) 30. Grief (3)
Solution to Crossword on page 25
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Group Tours around Ireland
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