Feelgood 12-02-2010

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Feelgood Friday, February 12, 2010

Cupid on a mission How far would you go to prove your love on Valentine’s Day?

ME ’N’ YOU

Getting it just right on February 14

FOOD FLIRT

Get all loved up with our lip-smacking menu

REACH OUT

World’s top pick-up artist on connecting with women

LOG ON

Finding romance on the web second time round

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New website offers a contact service for cardiac patients, allowing them to tell their story, says Ailin Quinlan

Kate O’Reilly WHAT’S ON TEENS WITH DIABETES: The Time to Talk support group for teenagers with diabetes is organising a culinary skills session at CIT on Monday next where teenagers can work with catering students to cook a selection of dishes suited to people with diabetes. Places are still available. Please contact Pauline Lynch, development officer, Diabetes Federation of Ireland at 32 Grand Parade, Cork, 021-4274229.

ANAPHYLAXIS MEETING: The Irish Anaphylaxis Campaign Cork Support Group Meeting will take place in the SMA Hall, Wilton, tomorrow from 2.30pm to 4.30pm. Adults only are welcome. Teenagers/young people will be facilitated at workshops later in the year. Contact the group’s helpline on 0818-300 238, or email info@irishanaphlaxis.org.

GUILLAIN BARRE: On Saturday, April 17, the Guillain Barre Syndrome Support Group for Britain and Ireland will hold their 25th anniversary conference at Raddison Hotel, Heathrow Airport, London. Full details: www.gbs.org.uk or 087-6400542 (after 6pm).

DNA ACTIVATIONS: Jayne Chilkes will give a free introduction to DNA activations and Akashic Record Clearing from 7 to 8pm at Dervish, Cornmarket St, Cork on Thursday next. Contact 021-4278243 for more details.

HEART LECTURE: The second Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) free MiniMed public lecture will take place on Wednesday, February 24. The lecture entitled Cardiovascular Disease — How to optimise your chances of celebrating your 75th and 85th birthdays, will be delivered by Professor Alice Stanton, Associate Professor in Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics, RCSI. To register log on to www.rcsi.ie/minimed2010 or call 01-402 2126 for further information.

HEART CLINIC: The Irish Heart Foundation will hold a free blood pressure and cholesterol testing clinics at the Family Resource Centre, Faranree on Wednesday next, 2.30-4pm. For details call 021-4505822. If you have questions about stroke or heart disease contact the helpline 1890 432 787.

CUPID’S DASH: Organised in association with the Irish Heart foundation, Cupid’s Dash is a 10km charity fun run which will be held in the Phoenix Park tomorrow. The race starts at 10am and entry is F25 of which F5 goes directly to the Irish Heart Foundation’s CPR programme. For details and online entry form log on to www.cupidsdash.ie.

Items for inclusion in this column can be sent to koreilly8@gmail.com

Site with a heart A

NEW website and ‘keep-in-touch’ service has been launched for patients who have had coronary disease, or undergone treatment such as bypass surgery or angioplasty.

The website, www.happyheart.com is the brainchild of cardiac patient Paul Dowdall, 52, who was treated for coronary artery disease at the Bon Secours Hospital last year.

The self-employed IT consultant and fitness enthusiast, who runs five miles daily, had an angioplasty, and later went through the hospital’s six-week Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme.

“One of the people in the class suggested that we do a website for cardiac patients of all kinds, so I did,” says Paul, who describes the facility as “primarily a website for former cardiac patients, offering a keep-in-touch service and allowing people to tell their own story.

“You can write about your progress or about life in general, you can write to thank the people who help and support you, or you can just write to inform people you’re still knocking around. You can also send pictures and see them on the website.

“It’s a way to keep in touch and get information about the people who have been on the cardiac rehab course and indeed for anyone who wishes to write in, whether they have heart disease, or have a relative with heart disease.”

The Happy Heart Club website, which was officially launched at a patient reunion event

GOOD NEWS: Paul Dowdall, Ballincollig, Co Cork, with the happyheartclub.com website which he designed for the Cardiac Rehab group.

Picture:Denis Minihane.

held at the Bon Secours Hospital, Cork yesterday is an excellent idea, says cardiologist Dr John Kenny: “It’s good for former patients to keep in touch. During the rehabilitation programme, we encourage patients to discuss their problems and concerns. Patients like to talk to each other and compare their experiences — how good their recovery is, how their medication is going, etc — and this website gives them a platform for it.”

The Phase III Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme helps patients in their recov-

ery from cardiac surgery, heart attack and angioplasty. It is a six-week outpatient programme of monitored physical exercise training, dietary advice and lifestyle changes, counselling and education support sessions.

A new healthy eating cookbook was also launched at the event by Karen Macken, the hospital’s dietetics manager. Healthy Eating for a Healthy Heart, provides suggestions for low fat, low sugar options and is designed to help patients adopt a healthier lifestyle following a cardiac procedure.

HEALTH NOTES FOR half a million people in Ireland, Valentine’s Day can become one big headache … or migraine. Some of the most commonly given gifts on February 14 are also cited frequently as migraine triggers.

“Over 20% of sufferers cite dietary factors as triggers,” says Donna Walsh, information officer at the Migraine Association of Ireland [MAI]. “Chocolate and alcohol are always ranked highly on this list and should be avoided if they are proven triggers for you. If you can’t resist have one glass of champagne or white wine as it is generally dark alcoholic beverages that are the danger.”

You should also be wary if your partner whisks you away on a surprise weekend break. Jet lag and time zone changes can upset the routine needed by the migraine brain.

Positive stress or excitement can also be a trigger, as can the high altitude and the air pressure within aeroplane cabins.

For further information on migraine see: www.migraine.ie or call the MAI helpline on 1850-200 378.

THE Irish Cancer Society is expanding its Cancer Information Service by setting up at least five Daffodil Centres in a range of hospitals nationwide, including designated cancer care centres, regional hospitals and private hospitals this year.

Daffodil Centres, yet to be selected, are an extension of the Irish Cancer Society’s existing Cancer Information Service (which includes the National Cancer Helpline Free-

concert, 12-3pm in Cork City Hall. Entertainment is by the Irish Sopranos, supported by the Cork School Choirs plus a photographic exhibition by the Women of Concern. Tickets cost F20, include fingerfood and refreshments, and are on sale from Pro Musica, Oliver Plunkett St., Cork, and Brown Thomas — Fridays and Saturdays only. All proceeds go to Women of Concern and Cork Sexual Violence Centre.

LOLLIPOP Day 2010 takes place on February 26 and 27. This year the focus is on the need for a national register of Barrett’s Oesophagus sufferers to aid early diagnosis of oesophageal cancer. Barrett’s Oesophagus is the cause of 90% of oesophageal cancer in Ireland. Research has shown that heartburn, which is linked to Barrett’s Oesophagus, may put you at risk of oesophageal cancer. An estimated 40% of Irish people suffer from heartburn on a weekly basis.

ROMANCE RISK: Indulging in too much wine and chocolate on Valentine’s Day can trigger an attack in migraine sufferers.

Picture: Corbis

fone 1800 200 700) and will be located strategically within the hospital.

CELEBRATE International Women’s Day, Monday March 8, with the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress who are hosting a charity

MINISTER for Labour Affairs, Dara Calleary TD has launched the Health and Safety Authority Transition Year programme for students. The Transition Unit includes free teacher and student workbooks, a DVD and e-learning module. It aims to provide students with safety and health awareness for work experience, part time work and as preparation for the working world. Details of the programme are available from www.hsa.ie/education.

Irene Feighan

feelgood@examiner.ie EDITORIAL: Irene Feighan 021-4802292 ADVERTISING: Niamh Kelly 021-4802215

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2010

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THE SHAPE I'M IN

Colette Fitzpatrick

Tuned in every day MARRIED just nine months to Niall McDermott, TV3 news anchor, Colette Fitzpatrick, is still in the honeymoon phase. She and Niall — a studio director at TV3 — only returned from their three-week honeymoon, in South Africa, before Christmas. On Sunday, they celebrate their first Valentine’s Day as a married couple.

“We had a very short engagement. People jokingly asked did I think he was a flight risk. I just didn’t want all the palaver that goes with weddings,” she says. Between the wedding, finishing off a journalism degree in DIT, and starting her new weekly chat show MidWeek (10pm on Wednesdays), 2009 was hectic for the 35-year-old.

“This year, I want to slow down a bit and have more time for my husband and family. I’m going to do something for my mind, body, and spirit,” she says. As well as presenting TV3’s daily news bulletin at 5.30pm, Colette, from Holycross, Co Tipperary, hosts the hour-long Midday programme four days a week. “There’s great security in knowing you can turn your hand to so much,” she says.

What shape are you in?

I’m slightly overweight. I do no exercise whatsoever, so I’m not a bit fit. My weight yo-yos by a few pounds, which is directly related to what I eat. Having said that, I’m a very busy person. I never sit in front of the TV. I’m always on the go.

Have you any plans to start exercising?

I did a beginner’s class in salsa dancing, with my pal, in October. We’re planning to do an intermediate class this month. I’m doing it for social reasons, but the spin-off is that you sweat a lot and you’re very active.

Do you have any health concerns?

I’m pretty good at looking after my health. I go to my GP twice a year, and I always do breast checks and have smear tests when I should. I’d be very aware of any changes in my body. If I notice anything awry, first I Google it and then I go to the doctor.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I eat healthily and very rarely have processed food. I eat plain food and don’t use too many sauces. I always have a good breakfast — porridge with Greek yoghurt and honey — and for lunch I like soups and salads. For dinner, I’m a big fan of stir-fries, curries and spicy foods. I don’t eat fish, which I know isn’t good for the omega levels, so I take a supplement. I also take a daily multivitamin.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

Chips — homemade, chipper or wedges.

What would keep you awake at night?

I’m one of those people who worries, so issues to do with work or my family will keep me awake. I’m not a great sleeper.

I do no exercise whatsoever, so I’m not a bit fit. My weight yo-yos by a few pounds, which is directly related to what I eat

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ALL TALK: Colette enjoys the hectic pace of her work as chatshow host and newsreader, but always keeps a careful eye on her health.

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2010

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Giving your partner a big bunch of flowers for Valentine’s Day means little if your relationship lacks a solid foundation

Not just for a day Tony Humphreys

V

ALENTINE’S weekend is upon us and with it rocketing sales of chocolates and flowers with bows. The word ‘bow’ has several meanings: tie, curtsy, weapon, avoid (bow out). The intention of the ribbon bow may be conscious or unconscious. Some individuals bring the flowers with bows with the conscious intention of ensuring that, for example, they do not have to listen to the complaint: ‘You forgot, didn’t you, that it’s Valentine’s Day? That shows how little you think of me.’ Actually, what it does show is how little the person complaining feels and thinks about herself.

Why is she waiting for Valentine’s Day to test his commitment to her? Surely, all the evidence of how he feels or does not feel is displayed on the other 364 days of the year.

There is certainly little to be gained if you are your partner’s Valentine only one day in the year. And one wonders too why the person who gives the bouquet of flowers ‘for peace sake’ is not being authentic and expressing what he really feels? The implication is that the relationship has gone cold, but because it is of a lean-to nature, he is not in a secure enough place to rock the boat.

When the intention of the accompanying bow is to ‘tie’ to you the person you’re involved with or attracted to, it is a recipe for future conflict as such ties bind a relationship and they block each person’s mature progress. In the end such relationships can become a painful entrapment.

Mature intimate relationships are about separateness — no bows, no strings attached — and each party to the relationship appoints the other the guardian of his or her solitude. It is only when we bring our fullness and independence to each other that a relationship can be fulfilling and continue to deepen as each gets to know self and the other throughout the years of the relationship.

A relationship that is enmeshed — entangled by fears, expectations, control, dependence, threats, passivity, dominance, pretence — mirrors insecurities within each person which can only be resolved from within, not by the relationship without and, certainly, not by chocolates, flowers and even diamonds with bows.

Many young and, indeed, older people develop the wonderful illusion that marriage or an intimate relationship is what will bring them happiness. However, each of us is responsible for our own happiness and it is an unfair burden to put that responsibility onto

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the shoulders of your lover. When it does happen — and it’s not at all uncommon — the person who takes on the responsibility has to focus all her attention on her partner for fear she might lose him. The reality is that she has lost herself and their mutual dependence will sadly suck the life-blood out of the relationship.

When bows represent ‘bow-ing’ to the dominance of a partner, then a dependence on and fear of losing the other is present.

The old practice of the male going down on one knee to ask for his lover’s hand in marriage resonates here and it is not at all representative of the equality, independence and uprightness that is characteristic of a mature relationship.

Any hiding of one’s authentic feelings in a relationship is tantamount to bending the knee and it is inevitable that the relationship will suffer from such passivity. Certainly, each party to a relationship needs to kneel at the altar of his or her own individuality, worth, sacredness and from those inner strongholds a mutual celebration of each other’s presence will emerge.

There are those individuals who protectively like to wrap their intimate relationship in a neat and tidy packet (naturally with a bow), but couple relationships are rarely neat and tidy and only by accepting this can the relationship mature. Nobody comes into a rela-

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GREAT EXPECTATIONS: It is an unfair burden to put the responsibility for our happiness onto the shoulders of our lover. Picture: iStock ���� ����� ��� ������� ���� �� ������ ����

tionship without some emotional baggage and it’s impossible to keep underlying personal insecurities under wraps for long. Conflict is a gift to a relationship when it is received as an opportunity for each partner to look within. It is not what happens between a couple that requires resolution but what is happening within each of them. Having a heart for another is only possible when you have heart for self.

When the chocolates, flowers and jewels are given with no bows attached, no hidden agendas, and there is present a genuine and sincere marking of the importance to the person of the partner’s presence, then a deepening of the attachment is likely to occur.

However, February 14 needs to be backed up by your intimate’s presence mattering the other 364 days, otherwise the Valentine gifts will quickly lose their romantic gloss.

■ Dr Tony Humphreys is a clinical psychologist, author and international speaker. He is also director of UCC courses on communication, parent mentoring and relationship studies. His book Myself, My Partner is currently available.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2010

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2010

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Do women expect too much on Valentine’s Day and are men under too much pressure to deliver from their partners? Ailin Quinlan goes in search of the answers

THE GAME OF LOVE

W

HAT does St Valentine’s Day mean to you? If you’re a woman, the mention of it probably brings a frisson of pleasurable anticipation — or, in some cases, a mild attack of the blues, if you’re currently single.

If you’re a man, though, chances are the mere thought of it makes you groan. It’s one more obligation to remember, one more chore on the list — and God help you if you don’t step up to the plate.

So when your loved one turns up at the door with a big bunch of red roses and a prettily wrapped gift, is he doing it willingly because he really wants to — or grudgingly because he feels he must?

Valentine’s Day can highlight a big difference in attitude between a man and a woman — and it can cause relationship problems, warns counsellor and life coach Mary Kenny.

“Women put emotion into Valentine’s Day, but some men see it as a bit of a chore — they believe that the way they feel does not require proving, whereas women like the proof and the evidence.”

To many women, February 14 is sufficiently important to warrant a discussion with their girlfriends, and even compare what they did to celebrate, but, as Kenny points out: “You’ll never hear guys asking each other what they got or did for Valentine’s Day.” While some men may attach significance to February 14, there are many who view it simply as an unwanted obligation, she says: “They can feel under pressure to do the right thing.

They know they’ll get into trouble of some kind if they don’t, which is the motivation for doing it rather than really wanting to do it.”

Yet for many women, St Valentine’s Day is simply loaded with expectation, says Lisa O’Hara of the Marriage, Relationship and Counselling Service: “I think women tend to be the ones who build it up too much. Men don’t tend to get as excited about it — they feel under pressure to remember, they see it more as an obligation and they can be annoyed at having to pay F50 for a bunch of roses. Women have a greater tendency to get moony-eyed over it.”

Picture: GettyImages

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Remember, she says, if you have a good enough relationship where your needs are being met, Valentine’s Day shouldn’t have to be a big deal.

Sometimes overly-high expectations can be a sign of cracks in a relationship, says Kenny: “The woman may put pressure on a man for Valentine’s Day and make a big deal of it because she isn’t secure about the relationship.

A flashy present may temporarily appease the nagging doubt.”

A big emphasis on the significance of St Valentine’s Day is often a feature of the younger phase of a relationship, she says, though it often fades as the relationship matures and steadies.

However, even with some well-established couples who should have nothing to prove, differing attitudes to February 14 can cause trouble: “Although they may both perceive the relationship as strong and happy he doesn’t think he has anything to prove and comes home with nothing and causes deep upset to her,” says Kenny.

This is because, for some women, ‘ V-Day’ is a proving ground for how their man feels about them, she explains. They want their man to demonstrate and acknowledge their feelings — and if the demonstration or acknowledgment doesn’t live up to expectations, it can cause upset. Some women build both themselves and the day up far too much, warns Kenny, who recalls one client who confidently expected February 14 would bring a proposal of marriage: “She had nothing to go on but was convinced it would happen. She had mentioned it to a few friends and was all psyched up.”

And so, on February 14 when the unsuspecting boyfriend arrived with only a bunch of flowers, she was devastated. “The guy had no idea what was wrong.”

The woman, she says, had built the day up into something really big without communicating what she either wanted or expected, even though it was clear the man had no intention of proposing to her.

“Women expect love, romance and recognition — men just think it’s something they

A bit of insight gets to the heart of the matter

Advice for HER

Women put emotion into Valentine’s day, but some men see it as a bit of a chore — they believe that the way they feel does not require proving, whereas women like the proof and the evidence

have to do because it’s what women want.”

However, there’s a pragmatic solution to the angst caused by differing attitudes — make a firm decision to either ignore it, or else to put a bit of effort into your demonstration, says O’Hara bluntly.

“Either one partner recognises that an effort has to be made in the interests of keeping the other happy, or the other has to realise that St Valentine’s Day is like any other day — and swallow their disappointment.”

DESPITE what you might think, says relationship counsellor Mary Kenny, your man may not always want to dress up in a new shirt and head out for a fancy meal.

And even if he’s had a stressful time at work a neck massage at the local beauty salon may not be his idea of a well-spent evening.

Sometimes, says Kenny, a man will just prefer a nice dinner at home, followed by a romantic evening in — so don’t fall into

the trap of giving him something you’d like yourself.

Men also tend to like gifts which are linked to hobbies or personal interests or passions.

“If they have an interest, for example, in cars or sport or music — they might like a day out on Mondello, a ticket to a football match or concert,” she says.

Men who have an interest in clothing will appreciate a beautiful designer shirt — but don’t assume that every man will like a gift of clothes, she says. Unlike many women, who would be thrilled with a designer bag, many men are not into trophy gifts.

Pippa O’Connor Pippa O’Connor, beauty columnist and model, recently became engaged to RTE presenter Brian Ormond: “I definitely think men and women look at it differently. Men see it as a hassle and as something you have to spend money on. From their point of view they feel they have to do it, whereas I’d say the majority of women would be a bit annoyed if their partner doesn’t mark the day some way because they will probably make comparisons with their friends.

“In a way it’s people probably trying to out-do each other.

“Now I’m in a stable relationship and we’re engaged, it’s not so important. It is when you first start dating, but I wouldn’t be devastated if I didn’t get the flowers and all that, this Valentine’s Day. I’d like Brian to do it on a day he feels romantic and decides to do it — not because he has to.”

Dave Duffy Dave Duffy, plays Leo in Fair City: “February 14 is one of those days where there is concern especially for men about what they should do — should they celebrate it and have things as a demonstration of their love, or should they just try the garage flowers and see what they can get away with?”

This year he plans to make a big effort for his partner Helen: “I’ll be making my own bucks fizz — my own version with some Australian sparkling wine and freshly squeezed orange juice — and then I’ll rustle up some giant black tiger prawns cooked in garlic and served in a home-made sauce. I’ll also have a few chocolates on the side.

“I’m not a flower kind of guy, I’m more a gourmet-lunch-kind of guy,” says the 50-something actor, who also plans a romantic riverside walk and a stroll to the movies — “probably in the rain”.

Maura Derrane RTE Afternoon Show presenter Maura Derrane, 39, is married to Fine Gael TD, John Deasy, and describes herself as a “romantic person“: “Men feel under pressure to show up with a dozen roses and a box of chocs — that’s the reality.

But I think that what women are really looking for is a bit of appreciation and if men showed that now and again during the year, Valentine’s Day wouldn’t be such a big deal.

“It’s nice for both partners to surprise each other now and again — it should be more of a two-way street, I feel.”

Maura always marks the day by purchasing a special card for her husband of five years — and he responds with flowers.

This year, due to work commitments she and John may not be together on Valentine’s Day, she says, however, they will probably go out to dinner on Friday or Saturday night, and her husband never, ever forgets: “He’s always very good and always gets flowers. If he didn’t do something on February 14 I’d certainly notice it.”

Picture: GettyImages

What might make him smile: ■ Tasty home-cooked meal followed by Gladiator and a romantic evening in.

■ A well-chosen, useful gift associated with his hobby — cars, DIY, golf, fishing.

■ Doing a chore he’s been putting off — tidying up his workshop, getting his car professionally cleaned and polished.

What might make him sigh: ■ A neck and shoulder massage at the local spa ■ A cashmere sweater ■ Jewellery ■ An expensive meal in a fancy restaurant

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2010

Advice for HIM

THERE are two simple rules when it comes to making your woman happy on St Valentine’s Day, says relationship counsellor Mary Kenny. Do a little bit of research into what your loved one would really like — and then put some thought into choosing the actual gift.

“It’s crucial to listen and to consider what she would like. Women tend to love a thoughtful gift, for example, a meal in the restaurant where you and she had your first dinner together, or a romantic weekend away.

A lot of women also tend to like surprises, she points out.

Women enjoy it when a man suddenly goes alpha male and takes charge of the preparations for a romantic surprise.

What might make her smile: ■ Cards with thoughtful personal messages in them.

■ A voucher for a facial or massage at the local spa with a card acknowledging she has been working too hard and needs R&R. ■ A thoughtful surprise, big or small — an inexpensive early-bird dinner at the restaurant where you had your first meal together, followed by home, the fireside and a video of Love Actually.

■ An alpha male gesture, such as a trip away

with everything pre-organised — including a childminder. Or a surprise romantic evening in, the kitchen tidied, the children put to bed and a meal for two on the table all perfectly organised in advance.

■ Trophy gift items — a designer handbag or pair of shoes that she has previously admired.

What might make her sigh: ■ Petrol-station flowers ■ A brightly iced cake with the message Happy St Valentine’s Day ■ Uncomfortable red-and-black sexy underwear ■ A giant teddy bear with a love heart

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Q

Dr Niamh Houston

FAMILY

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Dr Niamh Houston is a GP with a special interest in integrative medicine. If you have a question about your child’s health email it to feelgood@examiner.ie or send a letter to Feelgood Irish Examiner City Quarter Lapps Quay Cork

MY 10-year-old daughter is being teased at school about her weight. She is not very heavy, but a little chubbier than the rest of her classmates.

I have weight problems myself, and know how important it is to tackle this now when she’s young. Could her weight be due to genetics?

A. Being very overweight or obese can have a profound effect on a child’s life, from increasing their risk of serious health problems such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes to low self-esteem from being bullied, teased or rejected by their peers.

The most important thing you can do right now is to be supportive. Your daughter’s feeling about herself are at least partly determined by your feelings. Don’t criticise, but encourage her to talk about her concerns regarding her appearance and social relationships. You as the main carer have the most control over your child’s habits and lifestyle and are in the best position to make changes. An overweight child does not have to develop into an obese adult.

Parents need to develop good habits of their own to help their children maintain a healthy weight. Remember it is never too late to change your own lifestyle. And if you and the rest of the family are also involved it will help your daughter not feel “singled out”. Children learn best by example, so old habits and attitudes need to change for this to work.

The cornerstones of weight control are regular physical activity and a healthy balanced diet. To begin, have your daughter seen by her doctor to get an idea of where her current weight puts her compared to other girls of the same age and height. Your daughter’s age and growth pattern need to be considered. Some children gain weight before a growth spurt — this doesn’t mean they’re becoming obese.

While genetics can play a role in how your body stores and burns fat, it is not the sole reason for being overweight. Both genes and habits can be passed down from one generation to the next. People in the same family tend to have similar eating patterns, the same levels of physical activity and the same attitude to being overweight, and as a result struggle with their weight.

A review with a dietician is a good idea and will help you put together healthy meal plans for the family, as well as advise you which foods to avoid. Children’s schedules can be jam-packed leaving little time to prepare healthier meals. In general most of your diet should consist of whole grains, fruits and vegetables, lean meat (not processed such as sausages, bacon, burgers), chicken, fish, eggs, nuts, baked beans. Switch to low-fat dairy products — milk and yoghurts, cheese. Don’t eat at fast-food restaurants or have takeaways more than once a week.

GOOD FOR YOU: Parents can help their children to maintain a healthy weight with the right wholefoods.

Picture:iStock

Avoid fizzy or sugary drinks, offer water if your child is thirsty. Try not to rush meal-time, and make sure everyone has time for breakfast.

Don’t insist on your child finishing a meal. Make it a rule that no meals are eaten while watching TV or when in front of the computer. Sweets or snack foods don’t need to be banished forever, just have them occasionally and in moderation.

Make sure your child has at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day. Talk to her about the importance of eating well and being active. Most of all, let her know that you love her — no matter what her weight — and that you want to help her be happy and healthy.

When home intervention fails, there are specialist treatment centres that provide care for adults and children with obesity at Loughlinstown, Cork, Crumlin and Galway hospitals.

Q. I have just been diagnosed with Von Willebrand disease, after years of suffering with very heavy periods and bruising quite easily. Are my children at risk of getting this? They haven’t shown any signs so far.

A. Von Willebrand disease (vWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder .

It can affect boys and girls equally and is due to a deficiency in a protein called Von Willebrand factor that helps blood to clot.

As a result small blood cells called platelets cannot stick together properly and help repair damaged blood vessels to stop the flow of blood. In general, it takes longer for peo-

ple with vWd to form clots and stop bleeding when cut.

In many people with vWD, the signs are mild or absent altogether and this can make it difficult to diagnose and it often goes undetected. As vWD is a genetic disorder that is passed from parent to child, your children have a 50% chance of getting the gene. Some of the features of this disorder include recurrant nosebleeds, unexplained bruising, prolonged bleeding after a tooth is pulled, or childbirth. Other signs include bleeding from the gums, bruises with lumps that form underneath the skin, prolonged oozing from cuts (longer than 15 minutes) or, as in your case, excessive menstrual bleeding.

While heavy periods are common, an abnormally heavy period that may indicate vWD include: the need to change your pad or tampon more often than hourly, blood clots greater than one inch, bleeding that lasts longer than one week, and symptoms of anaemia such as tiredness, fatigue or shortness of breath.

If you have any indication of a bleeding disorder, a haematologist will do specific blood tests to diagnose or rule out Von Willebrand disease.

Treatment can vary depending on the type and severity of the disorder. The most commonly used treatments include desmopressin (DDAVP) which can be given by injection or taken as a nasal spray. If the condition is mild, treatment may only be recommended when undergoing surgery or dental extractions, or if suffered an injury.

Children with vWD should avoid contact sports such as football or hurling. Avoid aspirin and any other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) that may increase the risk of bleeding episodes. Because this is an inherited disorder, talk to your doctor about genetic counselling and having your children tested. Even if you don’t have symptoms and carry the gene for Von Willebrand disease, it can still be passed on to children.

With the right treatment or intervention, it is possible to continue leading, normal healthy lives.

NOTE: The information contained in Dr Houston’s column is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a doctor first

J Catherine Shanahan MUM’S WORLD Feelgood

UST as a wise man once said the best way to appreciate your job is to imagine yourself without one, the same applies to your child.

If there are days when walking away seems crucial to your sanity, then do so.

Rare is the mother not hardwired to halt by the time she reaches the garden gate.

For many, motherhood is the ultimate endurance test, a challenge emotionally tougher than any other requiring far more resourcefulness than the helping hand at the end of her own sleeve.

Yet there is no formal training, no focus group for feedback, no stimulus package, no Friday morning brainstorming, no one to advise when she needs to upskill and whether her plans going forward are actionable or not.

Instead, motherhood, the highest office in the ministry of the human heart, comes only with a promise of hard work, no pay and a

shot at success that, like it or not, depends to a large degree on luck.

To date my greatest achievement has been keeping my children alive. This is not as simplistic or as simple as it sounds.

Lughaidh has twice had a close shave with cars driven by others and once with a car driven by his mother who failed to check the position of the gear stick before switching the engine on and almost mowing down her own son who was standing by the bonnet waving.

Both my children have almost choked — one on a hard sticky biscuit that cut his throat, the other on a sausage. But for a quick-thinking grandad, it could have been a tragic tale.

My son came close to drowning, sinking faster than a stone after falling from an inflatable. His cousin pulled him to safety.

My daughter toppled from her high chair and came down hard on her head. Fortu-

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2010

nately, her injury required no more than 24 hours observation but the fright took years off my life. I sometimes wonder what I worried about before I had a child. This is not to say I spend my life in a constant state of stress. But show me a thermometer recording a temperature over 39C and I turn into an insomniac feverphobe, obsessively monitoring every little flush, checking throats with a homemade otoscope and generally showing no signs of the cool hand I once thought I was.

Anthropologists say such maternal anxiety is normal, appropriate even, for the survival of the child. I asked a friend how long it would last.

“As long as you’re a mother,” she said, blowing all hopes of an angst-free old age should I manage to survive that long.

As Golden Girls sitcom star Dorothy Zbornak once said, it’s not easy being a mother — if it were, fathers would do it.

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No more game playing A

T 29 years of age he has been voted the champion of the world.

But Adam Lyons didn’t win this title for sporting prowess, musical talent or even literary brilliance. Instead, the suave Londoner is the proud winner of the coveted role of the world’s best Pick Up Artist (PUA). Winners are chosen from an online poll where members of the PUA community rank their peers.

As a self-confessed geek in his former years, Adam, whose mother hails from Cork, never had any luck with girlfriends. He spent many years shying away from females and when he finally plucked up the courage to talk to them, would find himself attached to girls who ‘always had some problem or other’.

So when, aged 25, a friend handed him a copy of The Game, (a well-known dating manual written by Neil Strauss) the love-shy loner decided it was time to take action.

“I have always loved women, but never had the confidence or the ability to approach anyone I really liked,” he says. “My mate found this book that apparently unlocked the code to successful dating, and as I was having problems in this area and also love solving puzzles, he decided that it was written for me — he was right.”

Since studying the book and mastering the ‘art’ of seduction, Lyons now believes he knows even more about dating than the author he had been following.

“I have never been the type of guy who likes to hang out in pubs and watch sport,” he admits. “I am always happier sitting with girls talking about fashion and celebrity gossip and this, I believe, is my strong point.

“I discovered that when women see their friends being comfortable with you, they can relax and enjoy your company without feeling they are being ‘pulled’. Men who are obviously on the hunt are off-putting to women who would much rather someone they can interact with.”

His theory obviously works. For the past few years Adam, who used to work in PR, has been inundated with female admirers, sometimes having 50 to 60 women in tow on a night out. Such was his ability to attract desirable members of the opposite sex, many top night spots would pay him to visit with his ‘entourage’.

“All of the girls I hung out with were beautiful,” says the surprisingly unassuming PUA. “Many of them were just friends, but there were times when I was seeing over a dozen of them at the same time.”

But this didn’t seem to bother the women, who, according to Lyons, were all aware of each other and quite happy to share him with their counterparts.

“I never tried to hide anything from anyone and I think that is why it worked so well,” he says. “I had a sort of Hugh Hefner relationship with the girls and even helped some of them to find boyfriends — I am still in touch with most of them.”

But even this world-champion serial dater isn’t immune to love and on one of his oestrogen-fuelled nights out he met the love of his life.

“I was out with a large group of friends and girlfriends when I was introduced to a beautiful Texan girl. She and her mates hung out with us for a while and I felt there was something unique about her.”

But when his American beauty had to return home, Adam decided to turn his back on his former life and concentrate his energies on wooing the woman of his dreams.

“When you find someone special, multiple relationships don’t work,” he explains. “I gave up all of the other girlfriends and pursued Amanda relentlessly.”

So the polygamous bachelor made a monthly expedition from Britain to the United States and courted the 23-year-old until she agreed to be his wife last summer.

But what does the internationally renowned pick up artist do now that he has a ring on his finger — surely chatting up women is off the menu?

“Being married has changed me — I no longer pick up women as I have no desire to be with anyone other than my wife, he says. “So I now use my expertise to help other guys in the same situation.”

As an instructor, Adam offers his skills to other men and also trains other Pick Up Artists to pass on the technique to punters at various training camps in Britain and Ireland (the 2010 Irish timetable has yet to be decided).

And despite the somewhat racy nature of the organisation, this trainer remains true to his convictions.

“Meeting and dating women is easy as long as you follow some simple rules,” says the modern-day Casanova.

And with Valentine’s Day just round the corner, he offers top tips to Irish men who want to find that someone special: ■ Have the confidence to approach the girl you like, but don’t be cocky, loud or brash.

■ Don’t act like you’re trying to prove something to your mates.

■ Introduce yourself calmly and politely.

■ Be a gentleman — think James Bond.

■ Stay away from clichés — it’s always a bad idea ■ Keep the conversation flowing ● For more information visit www.puatraining.com

When you find someone special, multiple relationships don’t work. I gave up all of the other girlfriends and pursued Amanda relentlessly Feelgood

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2010

The World Pick Up Artist title holder tells Arlene Harris how he found true love

MY GIRL: Adam Lyons happily gave up his bachelor lifestyle for his wife Amanda.

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For breakfast, dinner and dessert it’s just the two of you Picture:GettyImages

Roz Crowley

F

OOD takes on whole new meaning on Valentine’s Day and this year, as it’s on a Sunday, we can flirt with it and create dishes which allow for a little foodie foreplay. Cooking together is one of the greatest aphrodisiacs — it always seemed to work in Sex and the City — so get together for the lamb dish and, once in the oven, prepare the dessert, which will leave four blissful hours to entertain yourselves.

BREAKFAST There are genuine Kosher-certified bagels available from Rosie’s Broadway Bagels which have recently teamed up with Pat the Baker to distribute them nationwide. New Yorker Rosie Sheehan is married to Dubliner Des, and now they make bagels in Dungarvan, Co Waterford. Rosie says they must be toasted and her recommendation for breakfast on Valentine’s day is: 1. Toast bagels and coat while hot in traditional cream cheese and top with smoked salmon, finely sliced red onions, tomatoes and capers with a wedge of lemon on the side for the salmon. Quick to put together, halve the bagel before toasting and it will slip comfortably into a toaster. This will keep you going at least until lunchtime.

2. Split a Rosie’s Works bagel (flavoured with onion and seeds). Spread both halves with a skim of mayonnaise mixed with fresh basil leaves. Top with ripe avocado, rocket, spinach leaves, sliced tomatoes and alfalfa sprouts.

DINNER This recipe comes from Veronique Guibert de la Vassiere in the Languedoc whose cookery book will be published at the end of the year.

I have also used this recipe for economical lamb shanks, allowing two hours for them to cook. The flavour is the best I have ever tasted in a lamb or mutton dish. The garlic looks like a lot to eat in one meal, but you can save some cloves for squishing afterwards onto toast.

■

CHAMPAGNE goes with just about every dish I know and Lidl’s Comte de Brismand is good value at F18.79 and suits today’s lamb recipe. A few dark chocolates from their Petit Chocolat at F2.99 won’t break the bank either, and with some of the tiny bars packing a healthy 75% cocoa solids, they won’t break our new year resolutions.

Feelgood

Love on the menu Four-hour leg of mutton From Gascony, this recipe uses mutton, which is half the price of lamb and has twice the flavour. Don’t be put off by the amount of garlic — it works well.

2kg-3kg well hung leg of mutton 50 cloves garlic 1-2 tbsp duck fat Salt and pepper 1 liqueur glass eau-de-vie, whiskey or grappa 250ml wine — rosé or white with a spoonful of sugar

There’s no need to stick the garlic into the mutton leg or peel the cloves. Simply, make a bed of all the garlic cloves under the mutton, season and cover. If your baking dish has no lid, cover it well with tinfoil, sealing it so that steam cannot escape. Return the dish to the oven and lower the temperature to 150C/300F/Gas 2 and cook for four hours.

When ready, the mutton leg will melt in your mouth and the garlic will be soft. The result is incredible.

Serve with fried, baked potatoes or colcannon, and peas, haricots beans or green beans.

Pre-heat oven to 240C/475F/Gas 9.

Heat a roasting dish or any large dish, preferably with a lid. Put in mutton leg — make sure it fits comfortably — and rub with duck fat or a little oil and pop it into the oven for about seven minutes so that it seals and browns all over. Remove from the oven, flambé (set alight) with the eau-de-vie or other alcohol. When the flames have died down, sprinkle the wine over it.

DESSERT Hot oranges Dessert after the rich mutton dish should be light and fruity.

Oranges are at their best at the moment and need very little to make them special. Find blood oranges for an

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EVE chocolates have delicious heart-shaped chocolates which make thoughtful gifts for those who love good quality chocolate with a natural vanilla hint. Prices start at F1 and depend on weight. Despite flooding, the original section of the shop is in full action at College Commercial Park, Magazine Road, Cork (near Dennehy’s Cross).

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2010

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even more special treat. Peel them, removing all the pith and slice across in circles, as thinly as possible.

Add any of the following: Make a syrup from 500ml water and 250g sugar. Bring to the boil and simmer for three minutes. Add a dessertspoon rum, gin, apple brandy or orange liqueur.

While still warm pour over the orange slices. As a little flourish you can brown this under the grill to caramelise and give it a crunchy finish. Add pistachios, toasted pine nuts or tiny pieces of candied ginger to finish.

Orange slices are also delicious in a simple flaky or puff-pastry tart. Roll out pastry in one piece or make individual rounds.

Top with a single layer or orange slices, sprinkle with caster sugar and then bake in a hot oven 200C/Gas 6/400F for 20 minutes.

BARRYS new tea bag selection includes two particularly delicious options.

Compared with other brands, the Pu-erh is smoother and has a pleasantly fresh flavour. The Cranberry and Orange, made from hibiscus, rosehips, apples, blackberry, orange peel, elderberry and cranberry, delivers a refreshing drink which is sweet enough to keep us away from added sweeteners. Boxes of 20 tea bags cost F1.99.

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Stay hail and hearty

W

ITH Valentine’s Day coming up, it might be time to think of your heart health. With an estimated 25% of Irish adults tipping the obese scale, are you really doing your loved one any favours by tucking in to an extra portion of chips?

Almost a quarter of men trying to lose weight, according to SLÁN (Survey on Lifestyle, Attitudes and Nutrition), so clearly this is an issue for lots of other men out there. However, active participation in sport fell to 30.8% in 2008, from 32.9% in 2007, according to the Irish Sports Monitor 2008, written by the Economic and Social Research institute on behalf of the one in 16 participants in 2007 no longer participating in 2008. However, walking and cycling for transport did show an increase and swimming overtook personal exercise activities as the number one sporting activity.

“We are aware of the very strong link between income and participation,” says John Treacy, chief executive of the Irish Sports Council. “In 2008, that translated into a fall in the amount of sport played. This is a matter of concern as the drop reduces the social benefits of participation.”

The hardest hit activities were individual sports such as golf and exercise activities (for example, using the gym), which can be expensive.

In fact, one in seven members of a gym let

WORKING OUT: The recession has been blamed for a drop in the numbers of people attending gyms. Picture:

Deirdre O'Flynn

MOSTLY MEN

GettyImages

their membership lapse in 2008. However, the Monitor also picked up a rise in participation among the unemployed and self-employed towards the end of 2008. This suggests these groups used additional free time to play sport. But the fall in participation fell disproportionately among young men of lower income with the consequent loss of associated health benefits.

The Monitor also provides a breakdown on participation by geographic region. It is noteworthy that the Midlands region has the lowest level of participation due to low engagement with individual sports, and despite high participation in team sports.

“I have no doubt that the recession was behind this drop in sporting activity,” says Dr Pete Lunn, ESRI economist and report author. “Sport is very important for overall physical activity, which is linked to better health and the prevention of serious disease.”

So instead of dining out this weekend, why not rediscover the joys — and benefits — of physical activity.

Chronic pain suffered Type 2 diabetes study could help young by 33% of Irish people OVER one-third of Irish people are living with chronic pain, which is defined as pain that lasts for three months or longer. This research comes from the PRIME Study (Prevalence, Impact and Cost of Chronic Pain in Ireland), which is led by NUI Galway and jointly funded by the Health Research Board and Health Service Executive.

“One in three people in our study reported having chronic pain for an average of seven years. Many of these people reported signifi-

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cant suffering, disability and reduced quality of life. In some ways it could be regarded as a ‘silent epidemic’,” says Dr Brian McGuire, principal investigator of the study and senior lecturer in psychology at NUI Galway.

The most common sources of pain were the lower back, the knee, the neck, and the shoulder.

“There is also a high level of psychological suffering, while some people cope very well and manage their pain, others really struggle to cope with it,” he says.

SPREAD THE LOVE: Choose a luxury gift for your loved one and give a gift to the people of Haiti at the same time. For the month of February Irish online gift box company Gifted By Nature are donating 20% of their retail sales to the Haiti appeal. Choose from a range of gift boxes, including luxury bamboo silk robes F74.95, a Couple’s Romantic Weekend box, F66.50, with lemongrass, ginger and black pepper body oils and candles or design your own gift box. All products are 100% natural with eco-friendly ingredients, packaging, etc. Log on to wwwgiftedbynature.ie or call 01-4055230.

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NEW research on Type 2 diabetes by Trinity College Dublin researchers could benefit young adults (aged 18-25 years) with the condition. The research, led by Professor John Nolan of Trinity College Dublin and St James’s Hospital, Dublin, demonstrates new mechanisms in muscle cells that may explain severe insulin resistance.

These important findings will contribute in the long-term to the

development of more specific treatments for young people with Type 2 diabetes. “Type 2 diabetes is presenting in much younger people, usually because of early onset obesity and a strong family background of diabetes,” says Professor Nolan who led the Metabolic Research Group.

“These studies provide us with important new insights into the way diabetes develops and progresses in these young patients.”

DId you know...

Middle-aged male smokers with high blood pressure and raised cholesterol may die 10 years earlier than their counterparts (Source: University of Oxford, Britain)

Valentine’s Day ROMANTIC BREAK: How about treating your loved one to a romantic break at one of Ireland’s top spas.

Check out www.spa-ireland.com for the latest on destinations, treatments and special offers. The Royal Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaire has devised a special Valentine’s dinner menu which includes oysters and strawberries. The overnight Valentine’s package, including dinner, B&B, champagne and flowers, sea view room and spa treatment, costs F159 per person sharing. Or how about a two-night break at the Muckross Park Hotel & Cloisters Spa, with champagne and chocolate-dipped strawberries on arrival, candlelight dinner for two and full use of the vitality and thermal suite, F250pps. Spa-Ireland.com gift vouchers may be used to make bookings in the spas featured on the website and start at F100.

PUCKER UP: Prep your lips for Valentine’s Day with Zum Kiss essential lip balm. It’s made with sunflower oil, shea butter, grapeseed oil, beeswax, honey and vitamin E and pure essential oils and costs F3.75 for a stick or F4.25 for a tin. And you can set the mood with Zum Glow candles, which are made of soy wax without paraffin and pure essential oils and cost F21.50 in glass or F15.50 for a tin. All from www.makeitnatural.com or buy in Nelsons Homeopathic Dispensary, Duke Street, Dublin 2 (Mail Order 01-6790451).

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2010

WILD ROSES: For a delicious scent of roses why not try the Lavera Body Spa Wild Rose range, which includes body lotion, massage oil, shower gel and bath oil. This 100% natural range uses carefully selected plant fragrances, and is a top seller for Irish distributors www.breatheonline.ie. You can also get these products in health stores nationwide.

Wild rose has a soothing, harmonising effect that brings comfort to dry, upset skin and helps soothe frayed nerves. The body oil is F7.90 and bath salts are F3 — just pour under hot running water for a relaxing bath.

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Splashing out on perfume is top of lovers’ gifts but there are lots of cheaper options The news on ...

ANTI-AGEING A NEW year, a new set of anti-ageing moisturisers to contend with. Already this year there have been big launches from Boots and Estée Lauder, and now L’Oreal is showing what it’s made of with the new Age Re-Perfect Intensive Re-Nourish cream, F22.99. Billed as an ‘anti-slackening and anti-crinkling’ cream, the big ingredients here are pro-calcium to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier, and Royal Jelly, which smoothes out the skin.

Emily O’Sullivan

Y

OU’RE either into Valentine’s Day or you’re not. And, quite frankly, the idea of organised love is a big turn off for me. I don’t want the flowers, I don’t want a teddy holding a red satin love heart and I think I would start to quietly weep if I was forced to sit in a restaurant filled solely with cooing couples. But that’s just me.

This year, hopefully, the whole showy, competitive side of Valentine’s Day will take a back seat as the recession compels us to examine our relentless devotion to consuming stuff. While The Big Day O’ Love may, in the past, have involved Prada bags and bottles of champagne, this year the emphasis is on small, luxurious but not outlandishly priced gifts.

Tough financial times have meant that many of us have been trading down from brands such as Giorgio Armani and Prescriptives to more price-conscious labels such as Maybelline and Rimmel. And yes, while cheaper beauty products generally work just as well, they do miss out on the luxury factor. Posh products are real treats, they make us feel good, they make us feel glamorous.

There’s nothing quite like uncorking a brand new black logoed Chanel lipstick, or slowly taking the wrapping off a ridiculously priced bath foam. Frivolous, yes — but isn’t that exactly what you want from a present?

The problem with buying beauty products for others is that unless you’re prepared to root around to find out your loved one’s skin type, skin tone, preferred eyeshadow shades and blusher, it can all be a bit hit and miss.

You don’t want to fork out for a luxurious foundation only to find that it’s too heavy for her skin type and is three shades darker than she’d normally wear. Nor do you want to buy something that will lead to stern looks across the dinner table — I’d advise steering clear of a deep wrinkle filler. Instead, go for fragrance, bath or shower products, or a beauti-

TAKE THREE MASSAGE OILS RAMP up the intensity this Valentine’s Day with a massage oil. And if you’re on your own, then a good massage oil will deeply moisturise your skin and relax the muscles and the senses.

The Body Shop Sensual Massage Oil, F13.95. Made with community trade organically grown soya from Capanemea farmers in Brazil, this oil is ethically right on. The lovely exotic scent comes from a blend of oils, including Polynesian ylang ylang, kukui and Tahitian vanilla. Delish.

Get your Valentine on the right scent

ful set of brushes.

One of the most popular beauty buys for Valentine’s Day is, unsurprisingly, perfume.

It’s also one of the areas where cheap does tend to mean nasty. I’ve yet to smell a really good cheap perfume — more often than not, you’re hit with a wall of synthetic awfulness. If you don’t know where to start, fragrance-wise, then do a bit of research before you plunge in. Find out what kind of scents your loved one likes: is she a fan of florals? Is she girly rather than womany?

Does she exude a deep sensuality or a lighthearted joie de vivre? Another option is to buy the body cream or shower gel of a fragrance she already owns.

My Valentine’s Day present lust? A set of super-posh brushes. Beautiful make-up brushes are a real luxury item. If treated well, the recipient will have them for the rest of their lives (I’ve found washing them gently with Woolite works a treat). Look to Laura Mercier, Bobbi Brown, Chanel and MAC for some of the best around.

Neal’s Yard Remedies Soothing Massage Oil, F12.95. The base oils here include almond, avocado and jojoba blended with a really head-meltingly beautiful collection of organic essential oils including geranium, bergamot, lavender and cypress.

Agent Provocateur Trio of Massage Oils, F54. For true luxury, try this great little massage oil trio from saucy underwear company Agent Provocateur. These ones are expensive, but make a welcome gift.

The oils come in three different scents — Rose Passion, Sensual Ylang Ylang and Tuberose Intoxication. Oh la la.

STUFF WE LIKE Bobbi Brown The Basic Brush Collection, F195. Unarguably expensive, this is a wonderful brush collection that many women would simply swoon over. It’s an essential brush set with a concealer brush, foundation, face blender, eyeshadow, eyeliner and eye brow brushes, all beautifully packed into a black portable case. Perfect for travelling.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair, F50. You’ll really be showing your kudos buying

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this little baby. Advanced Night Repair has become one of beauty’s bestselling products with a reputation that precedes it. It’s not exactly a “wrinkle” treatment, so you won’t risk offending your loved one, but it’s a much loved product with a solid reputation.

Chanel No5 Velvet Body Cream, F64.50. Romantic and sensual, this is a deliciously luxurious body cream to go with Chanel’s bestselling No 5 fragrance. It’s rich and unctuous, lavish and luxurious. A must for No 5 fans.

Moroccan Rose Otto Sugar Body Polish, F50. Ren’s Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil has long been one of our favourite bath products, but rose-loving types will also enjoy this beautifully scented rose body scrub. Fairtrade rose extract, Paraguayan sugar, kola nut and tea all combine to smooth and soften skin… beautifully.

L’Occitane Shea Butter Foot Cream, F22.95. An unromantic present? Not if you throw in a foot massage. This is a bestselling formula that delivers lots of love to worn-out, dried-out feet.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2010

Elemis Nourishing Milk Bath, from F44.60. Your wife/girlfriend/partner/lover can become her very own Cleopatra with this lovely exotic milk bath from Elemis.

The heavenly experience leaves the skin silky soft — all over.

Origins The Way of the Bath Matcha Tea Body Soak, F54. We’re big fans of this one — this award-winning bath soak has a light, exotic fragrance and smothers your skin with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. The best way to chill out after a long hard day.

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Q

Megan Sheppard Do you have a question for Megan Sheppard?

Email it to feelgood@examiner.ie or send a letter to Feelgood Irish Examiner City Quarter Lapps Quay Cork

A GREAT AUNT has been diagnosed with macular degeneration. She is an artist so this is very saddening for her, but she is exploring dietary options for healing. Would you know much about foods that heal the eye?

A. Macular degeneration is the most common cause of reduced vision in people aged over 50 years. The degeneration occurs as a result of deterioration in the macula — the part of the retina responsible for seeing fine detail. While it is unusual for macular degeneration to result in complete blindness, poor central vision is the typical outcome.

There are a number of foods which help to improve eye health, many of which are used specifically to treat or prevent macular degeneration. The first step is to ensure your great aunt is not including foods or ingredients which will cause further degeneration, such as trans fats (typically found in margarine, processed and fried foods), commercially prepared baked goods, and fast foods.

Foods to include in the diet are leafy green vegetables, eggs — a highly available source of lutein — and brightly coloured vegetables and fruits — for their zeaxanthin content.

Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids which have been shown to protect the retina from harmful blue light and significantly reduce the rate of macular degeneration. A vegetable stir-fry using brightly coloured vegetables is ideal, since lutein is an oil-soluble nutrient.

Supplementation is also a good option since your great aunt is looking to halt the degeneration rather than simply prevent it.

Springfield’s Macuvite capsules provide lutein and zeaxanthin in a suitable dosage to provide macular protection, but are not cheap, at around F20 for 30 capsules (available from most health stores).

Other dietary measures to consider are increasing the amount of fatty fish, nuts, and seeds. Fatty fish contains DHA (docosahexanoic acid), a fatty acid which has a number of benefits for retinal and brain functioning.

DHA is actually present in the retina of the eye, and supplementation has been shown to provide protection against macular degeneration. Nuts and seeds also contain essential fats, along with zinc — which research indicates is necessary to halt age-related macular degeneration.

Darkly coloured berries are another must for eye health, since berries contain active constituents which work to improve the integrity of capillaries which carry nutrients to the muscles and nerves of the eye. Blueberries and bilberries have a particular affinity with the eye, but all richly coloured berries will help.

Q. As part of the menopause, I experience vaginal dryness to the point where

EYE Q: Eating brightly coloured vegetables and fruits can help improve eye health, protect the retina from harmful blue light and reduce the rate of macular degeneration.Picture:

Getty Images

intercourse is unthinkable. This is placing quite a significant strain on my relationship, and is not something I am comfortable discussing with my doctor.

A. This is a very common symptom for many women once they begin experiencing menopausal changes. Because it is such a personal matter, it is not discussed — even amongst close friends — so there is little wonder you are not comfortable in bringing this up as an issue with your GP. Topically, there is a range of lubricants that are organic, ethical and free from harmful ingredients such as petrochemicals, hormones, and parabens. ‘Yes’ pure intimacy products are available as a water-based formulation, or oil-based. The oil-based has better lubrication properties, while the water-based is safe for use with condoms. The tube sizes range from single use applicators through to 125ml, and prices start at £6.99 ( F7.96).

Order for your local health store, by phone on 00 44 0845-094-1141 or online at www.yesyesyes.org.

Internally, it is worth considering the Chinese female tonic herb, dong quai. Not only does it have an adaptogenic effect on the female reproductive system, it helps to balance the symptoms of menopause — specifically vaginal dryness and low libido.

Essential fatty acids will also help, these are found in foods such as fatty fish, avocado, nuts, seeds and, of course, in supplements such as those made by Healthy and Essential (www.healthyandessential.ie, 045-892267) or the popular Udo’s Choice blends (www.naturalife.ie, 0404 62444).

Q. I seem to catch every cold or flu that

Megan puts the spotlight on:

S

TUDIES into telomere length and omega-3 fatty acids indicate that slowing down the biological process of ageing may be as simple as getting enough of the ‘good’ fats.

Telomeres are structures found at the end of chromosomes, which are crucial to the stability and replication of chromosomes, they are also markers for biological ageing.

As telomeres shorten, ageing increases on a cellular level. Telomere shortening can occur for a number of reasons — genetic factors and exposure to environmental pollutants are two common ways in which telomere length is affected.

Research recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) shows that omega-3 essential fatty acids

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— absorbed from a diet that includes fatty fish, flaxseed and other foods — slow down the shortening of telomeres, and so may prevent ageing at a cellular level.

We already know that individuals with cardiovascular disease can improve their health significantly simply by increasing their intake of omega-3 fatty acids, in addition to extending their life expectancy. Until now, the reason for these benefits has not been completely understood by medical experts.

The study, which ran for five years and involved 608 people with stable coronary artery disease, was designed to see if there was any association between omega-3 fatty acid intake and leukocyte

Anti-ageing fats telomere length. They discovered the subjects with the least amount of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) experienced the most rapid rate of telomere shortening, while those with the highest levels of the omega-3 fatty experienced the slowest rate of telomere shortening.

Ramin Farzaneh-Far, MD of the University of California, San Francisco stated that: “These findings raise the possibility that omega-3 fatty acids may protect against cellular aging in patients with coronary heart disease.”

While the study focused only on people with established heart disease, this research certainly has profound implications for the potential role of DHA and EPA in the areas of health and ageing for all individuals.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2010

is going around. It makes no difference what the season is, I just seem to succumb.

I am in good health otherwise. I know there is no cure for the common cold, but do you know of an alternative that will help to reduce the number of bouts I get each year?

A. It sounds as if your immune system is not functioning as efficiently as it could be.

Given that you are in good health, and I will assume you also have a healthy balanced lifestyle, a focus on gut health and immune functioning will likely yield great results for you.

Minerals, such as calcium, magnesium and zinc, are all essential for optimal immune functioning — but there is no point in loading up on these through diet and/or supplementation if your gut is functioning below par. To ensure you are getting the most out of your food and supplements, it is important to begin your journey to year-round wellness with a good probiotic. New to the market are BioGaia probiotic drops, which have performed well in more than 50 clinical studies.

These effective and easy to administer from tots through to the elderly, but will need to be kept refrigerated. You can order them online through www.biogaia.ie.

For your immune system, I recommend the Flu Buffer pack from Welsh company Eladon. The Flu Buffer pack includes Elagen (a standardised extract of Siberian ginseng), Olive Leaf extract, and Immuno 29. The pack is currently on special where all three tubs can be purchased for only £33.40 (F38.03).

Visit www.elagen.com/shop to order, or phone 00 44 1248-431057.

ONE TO WATCH

Nurtureshock, Why everything we think about raising our children is wrong, by Po Brosnan and Ashley Merryman, Edburry Press, £12.99

WRITTEN by two award-winning journalists and based on extensive, painstaking research, this book does not spare the parent. Or the parenting gurus.

Praise for good exam results, we are told, gives your child the wrong message. It puts pressure on the child to be clever and ignores the need to work hard at school. The chapter on sleep is withering. I read it after spending two hours trying to get my wired children to sleep. “A loss of one hour of sleep is equivalent to two years of cognitive maturation and development,” warns Dr Avi Sadeh, of Tel Aviv University. It’s enough to keep you awake at night.

Irene Feighan

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