Feelgood 11-12-2009

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Feelgood

Friday, December 11, 2009

Seriously Santa ...

Neil Delamere and other top Irish comedians on what they really, really want for Christmas: 8,9

OPEN HEARTS

Presents and love for Russian orphan children: 4,5

SPLASH OUT

Overcoming the fear of swimming: 11

FESTIVE BITES

Our annual mince pie survey: 12

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Public performance is our biggest dread, so spare a thought for the X Factor finalists, says Arlene Harris Kate O’Reilly WHAT’S ON CHRISTMAS MARKET: Cork’s biggest Christmas Market is being held on the Grand Parade each weekend until Sunday, December 20. The market is open from 9am to 8pm on Fridays and 12pm to 8pm on Saturday and Sunday. There will be up to 50 stalls selling artisan foods like homemade fudge and chocolates, sushi and roast pig on a spit. You can sample fish from Oli O’Driscoll’s boat the ‘Clodagh O’ in Schull. His chips are made from potatoes, locally sourced in Farran, Co Cork. Martin Hobbs of Soap Dreams makes natural soaps using herbs and flowers from his garden in Macroom. A best-seller is Organic Goat’s Milk Soap suitable for sensitive skin and for people with skin conditions such as psoriasis.

MALLOW AWARE: The Mallow Aware group meet every Thursday night in the Le Cheile Family Resource Centre, Fair Street, at 8pm. Members share and support each other and find that it helps them with their depression and anxiety. The last meeting in 2009 will be on Thursday next. Meetings begin again on January 7. Anyone who wishes to contact Aware can call their national helpline 1890 303302, Monday-Wednesday 10am-10pm and Thursday — Sunday 10am-1am.

BLOOD PRESSURE CLINICS: The Irish Heart Foundation’s next Cork clinic will be held at The Family Resource Centre, Farranree on Wednesday next.

You can call the Cork office on 021-4505822 or see www.irishheart.ie.

YOGA FOR SIMON: The Art of Rest is a yoga workshop which will be held at Unity Yoga, Patrick’s Hill Cork on December 19, from 10am to 1.30pm. This workshop costs F35 — or whatever you can afford — and 50% of the proceeds will go to the Cork Simon Community.

Call Aria Ungerer on 086-3969965 or see www.somayogatherapy.com.

FESTIVE FUN: Imaginosity, Dublin’s interactive children’s museum, is hosting a series of festive events, including daily arts and crafts workshops and dance workshops which are free with admission. Christmas Story Time runs from tomorrow December 12. For F1, children can gather round with a cup of hot chocolate and listen to magical tales like Polar Express. Imaginosity, is located at The Plaza, Beacon South Quarter, Sandyford, Dublin 18. Bookings on: 01-217 6130; www.imaginosity.ie.

WHAT’S COOKIN’?: Meet Rachel Allen at Brown Thomas, Cork, tonight between 6 and 8pm. The super cook is launching her new range of fine bone china tableware, under the Tipperary Crystal label.

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

The fear factor M

OST people are afraid of death, but this fear is said to be eclipsed by the dread of performing in public. So, how will the previously unknown trio who have reached the much-publicised X Factor final be feeling when they face an audience of up to 12 million tomorrow night?

Psychologist to the Irish Olympic athletes in 2004 and 2008, Niamh Fitzpatrick says fear is a natural occurrence when facing any major performance and finalists, Olly, Stacey, and Joe should try to ignore the audience and just get on with the task ahead of them.

“Most people wouldn’t be afraid if they were singing or speaking to an empty room, but once an audience is involved, they switch their focus from the job at hand to the people watching them,” she says. “Instead of thinking this is a fantastic opportunity to show everyone what they can do, many people choose to think about all the things that could go wrong.”

The psychologist says this focus of attention generates feelings of doubt and anxiety, and, in order to gain confidence, the finalists should take a step-by-step approach to overcome their fear.

■ Remember the reason why you entered the competition.

■ Be prepared — your routine should be flawless.

■ Nerves are good, they mean you care.

But control any excess nervous energy

THE NERVOUS SYSTEM: Olly Murs can learn to channel his fear. Picture:xxxxxxx through deep breathing exercises, or physical movement.

■ Set aside time to mentally rehearse. Use all your senses — see it, feel it, hear it — this will ensure that when you get up on

THE Tropical Medical Bureau (TMB) and its 23 associate clinics around Ireland has seen record numbers of patients turn up for the influenza vaccination, with over 900 flu vaccines administered so far this season — more than were given throughout the whole of last winter’s flu period. TMB’s Dr Graham Fry advises all individuals — not just those in higher risk groups – to receive the appropriate ‘normal’ influenza vaccination. “In addition to protecting oneself from seasonal flu which can be really nasty, by preventing “normal” flu a person’s body may have a much stronger ability to ward off swine flu,” he says.

LAUNCHED this week, the All-Ireland Inspirational Life Award promotes a positive attitude towards older people by showcasing

■ For more information, visit www.harmonics.ie, or call 01-8942616.

STAY POSITIVE: At the launch of the All-Ireland Inspirational Life Award were Anne O’Reilly, chief executive, Age Concern Help the Aged Northern Ireland, Mary Nally, chairperson, Third Age Foundation, Senator Mary White, Eileen Maher, fixed services director, Vodafone and Sue Russell, media and promotions co-ordinator, Age & Opportunity.

HEALTH NOTES

ACQUIRED Brain Injury (ABI) Ireland is reminding Santa and all those buying presents this Christmas to think safety and encourage children to wear helmets anytime they’re on wheels. The reminder is part of ABI Ireland’s ‘Mind Your Head’ campaign which seeks to raise awareness of the serious consequences of not wearing protective headgear in various everyday situations. More than 10,000 people in Ireland suffer an ABI every year. Launching the safety campaign, RTE presenter Baz Ashmawy said: “You can always get a new bike or skateboard but you only have one brain and you need to protect it. So think safety and wear a helmet.”

stage, you feel like you have already done it before.

■ Get perspective and realise there is nowhere else in the world that you would rather be than on that stage.

■ When you are performing, switch all your thoughts and feelings to the reason why you are here. Think about that and do what you came here to do.

John Fitzgerald is the managing director of Harmonics — a career development company. He says the final X Factor contestants are on the cusp of their careers and should embrace stage fright and use it to their advantage.

“Action cures fear and grows confidence,” he says. “And the only way to overcome something is to face it head on.

Whether you are speaking to a room full of people, playing in the county final or singing on the X Factor, you need to remind yourself why you are there.

“Remember the glory of past performances, don’t try too hard and ask yourself what is the worst that can happen,” he says.

“Most insecurities are developed in childhood, when 19 out of every 22 messages we hear are negative. So the only way to rid yourself of those unhelpful thoughts is to get on with it and prove to yourself, and everyone else, that you can do it.”

Picture: Jason Clarke.

the achievements of those aged 55s and over, as well as individuals/organisations who have fostered positive ageing. Third Age Foundation chairperson Mary Nally said her organisation was delighted to support an award that “will recognise individuals and organisations who are working in a creative way to enable all older people achieve their full potential”.

Awards will be presented in February, May and August 2010 followed by an annual event to recognise the achievements of all award-winners. Nominations are being sought and for an application form phone 086-6644 406. Closing date for first round of nominations is Friday, January 8, 2010.

WITH 80% of us cooking for between three and 10 people on Christmas Day, it’s impor-

tant to remember that the best way to ensure a turkey is cooked properly is by calculating the correct cooking time based on the weight of the turkey and the stuffing. Yet only 8% of people work out the cooking time based on the weight of the bird, according to research from Safefood.

Two in 10 people surveyed said they thought their turkey was cooked by either looking at it or by the smell, but these methods don’t guarantee that the turkey is thoroughly cooked, warn Safefood, which is offering safety advice for Christmas cooking on 1850-404567. You can also visit www.safefood.eu to view video clips of award-winning chef Neven Maguire storing, preparing, stuffing, cooking and carving the turkey.

Helen O’Callaghan

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

Feelgood

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2009

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THE SHAPE I'M IN

Mick Foster

FEELGOOD

Box clever and fit

MICK Foster has performed with Tony Allen as Foster & Allen for 33 years. The duo has released almost 50 albums and are the only artists to have had an album in the British charts every single year for 16 years from 1983 to 1999 and again from 2002 to 2007.

By the age of 17, the Kildare-born musician had won three all-Ireland accordion championships and counts as one of the highlights of his career performing with Scottish accordion player Jimmy Shand.

The father of four has two grandchildren. His partner, Moyra Fraser from Aberdeen, is leader of the Foster & Allen band. Mick, who celebrated his 62nd birthday last year, is looking forward to Christmas and — while he keeps fit by set dancing, horse-riding and playing handball — isn’t going to forego his favourite Christmas indulgence.

“I have a weakness for trifle. At Christmas, I could have a bowl every two hours.”

Foster & Allen’s Christmas tour includes the following dates: December 27 – Tullamore Court Hotel; December 28 – Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy; December 29 – Carlton Shearwater Hotel, Ballinasloe; December 30 – Cahir House Hotel.

What shape are you in?

I’m probably fitter than a lot of lads my age. I still go out on the horse for two or three hours on a Sunday. I jump ditches and dikes and I wouldn’t be gasping after it.

Do you have any health concerns?

I’ve been lucky enough. Both my parents had arthritis but — touch wood — so far I haven’t seen any sign of it. I go to my local GP once a year for a complete check-up from A to Z. What are your healthiest eating habits?

I wouldn’t be great — I eat a lot of chicken, turkey and fish.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

I’m a martyr for the fries. When I’m not on tour, I have a cup of tea and a slice of toast in the mornings before exercising the horses — then I have a slap-up fry at 11am. That does me until dinner at 5.30pm.

I don’t do stress.

A lot of lads in my business say it takes them two hours to unwind after getting off the stage. If there was a bed in the wings of the stage, I’d get into it and fall asleep straight away The biggest buzz I get every day is going for a spin on the horse. If I’m ever in bad humour, I hop on the horse, jump a few fences and any problem totally evaporates.

Helen O’Callaghan

IN TUNE: Mick keeps fit by set dancing, horse-riding and playing handball.

Picture: Barry McCall

What would keep you awake at night?

Absolutely nothing — I don’t do stress. A lot of lads in my business say it takes them two hours to unwind after getting off the stage. If there was a bed in the wings of the stage, I’d get into it and fall asleep straightaway.

How do you like to relax?

Horse-riding is the big one. I also read a lot of Westerns.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Jimmy Shand would top the list. I’d also invite Muhammad Ali, Jim Reeves and, funnily enough, Status Quo. I hate pop music of all types but I love Status Quo.

Your guide to fitness, health, happiness and lifestyle.

Great writers and mentors.

What would you change about your appearance?

I don’t want to lose weight off my face because, at my age, it would add on 20 years. I’d like to get rid of the belly though.

Where you come first.

What’s your favourite smell?

A rose.

When did you last cry?

I don’t know — it’s not something I’ve done a lot of in the last 55 years. Maybe when my dad died in 1989.

Phone: NIAMH KELLY Tel. 021-4802215 Fax 021-4273846 niamh.kelly@examiner.ie

What trait do you like least in others?

Someone with a big head, who’s full of their own self-importance.

What trait do you least like in yourself?

That I’m prone to swearing when something goes wrong.

Every Friday.

Do you pray?

I do. I go to Mass every Sunday.

What would cheer up your day?

Feelgood

A DIFFERENT VIEW ON LIFESTYLE

For a different view FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2009

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As Irish kids look forward to Christmas — even if Santa Claus is more budget conscious — key organisations continue to make a difference in the lives of children at risk of being forgotten. Helen O’Callaghan spoke to three Irish-founded charities, which plan to bring Christmas to orphanages in Russia and Belarus

Not just Christmas spirit Chernobyl Children’s Project International (CCPI)

I

FAMILY TOYS: Mike Anson and partner Susan Salmon with their children, Ricky and Grace, all waiting for the arrival on December 22 of 15-year-old Aleksei Lyskavets . Picture: Denis Scannell

Feelgood

N Mick Anson’s and Susan Salmon’s Cork home the Scooby Doo present is waiting.

There’s a Zimmer frame and a wheelchair too — all waiting for the arrival on December 22 of 15-year-old Aleksei Lyskavets from Vesnova Children’s Mental Asylum, located in an isolated spot 175km from the Chernobyl reactor.

With deformed hips and knees, Aleksei can’t walk very well and is mostly confined to a wheelchair.

Mick, a builder and volunteer with CCPI since 2004, visits Belarus twice a year, where he has helped refurbish the Vesnova orphanage and been involved in the building of Independent Living Homes of Hope for orphans once they reach 18.

Mick met Aleksei two years ago. “I took to him straight away — he’s an amazing kid. His legs and kneecaps are twisted inwards and he knows he has a hard life but he just gets on with it, so I thought I’d give him a break.”

Aleksei’s first visit to Mick and Susan’s home took place this summer.

“We brought him around Ireland in a camper van. My son, Ricky, who’s eight, took to him great. He keeps asking why we can’t adopt Aleksei,” says Mick, who also has a three-year-old daughter, Grace.

Aleksei, who has been in Vesnova for eight years, is one of 100 children who will come to Ireland from Belarus this Christmas as part of the CCPI’s rest and recuperation programme. By the time he arrives, three days before Christmas, he will have travelled a 15-hour journey from the freezing minus 10 degree temperatures of South Eastern Belarus.

“We’ve put up a bed for him in Ricky’s room. His toys are there, his presents. Ricky has sorted out all his toys for him to play with,” says Mick,

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2009

ANNUAL VISIT: Aleksei from Vesnova Children’s Mental Asylum, who will stay with Mike, Susan and children over Christmas.

who sees plenty of car trips on his Christmas horizon.

“Aleksei is car mad. I know I’ll be taking him for a drive. I want to take him to see Santa the day after he arrives. We’ll also bring him for an overnight visit to Bray, where two of his friends from the orphanage are staying. They’ll be able to talk to each other in Russian about the presents they got.”

Aleksei returns to Vesnova on January 6. In the longer-term the CCPI hopes to secure a place for Aleksei in an independent living home, when he reaches 18, so he can avoid going into an adult mental asylum.

Since 2004, when it was featured in an American Oscar-winning documentary (highlighting the stories of 150 abandoned children, living in this very remote, rural institution), Vesnova has undergone a complete refurbishment.

■ To donate to CCPI, visit www.chernobyl-international.com.

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Tears were rolling down Santa’s face To Russia With Love

CHRISTMAS LOVE: Debbie Deegan with a happy group of children in Russia.

S

HE was only two, with pigtails and wearing a purple knitted dress. Her mother — too poor to keep her — had handed her into the orphanage in Bryansk in Western Russia that morning.

The Irishman, whom Debbie Deegan, founder of To Russia With Love, had brought out to play Santa Claus was in bits. “He was in his red suit, wearing little glasses and a beard and tears were rolling down his face. There were apples for every child in the orphanage that day and a McDonald’s toy and she was so excited getting the apple, but bewildered too — she didn’t realise it was her first day in the orphanage.”

For Debbie, who founded To Russia With Love 11 years ago to improve the lives of Russia’s forgotten orphans, there’s no sadder time for a child to be in an orphanage than at Christmas. “Some children are social orphans — they’ve been taken from their family due to poverty or because a parent is in prison. A grandmother or aunt might take them out for a few days over Christmas. But the 35%, who are true orphans have nobody. They wait in hope that somebody will arrive for them at Christmas.”

While orphanage staff sometimes tell children there’s no such thing as Father Frost (Russian Santa Claus), Debbie doesn’t do this. “They have so little joy.

Why not put some excitement in their lives? When Father Frost comes on New Year’s Eve, there’s a queue. The little ones get unbelievably excited. They don’t have many magic moments in their lives but this is definitely one.”

For the last month, 450 children who live in Hortolova and Jukoska orphanages have been making their Christmas list — but not as more affluent societies would know it. “It’s very simple, old-fashioned requests. The older girls look for a bottle of shampoo or deodorant. The boys ask for bottles of Lynx. The little ones look for dolls and trains, maybe a book.”

A fundraiser held by the charity in Dublin in October raised F50,000, which will be spent on presents for the children.

“A little boy would get a car, train or helicopter, maybe a small lego set. We always include a hygiene-related gift like a body mask or toothpaste. The bigger boys might get a sports jersey. For the girls, there’s make-up, nail varnish, hair spray, nice underwear — something girly that’s a treat. We vary the gifts we give, so each child doesn’t get the same present,” says Debbie, who — along with husband, Michael — adopted Zina, now in her early 20s, from a Russian orphanage.

This Christmas, To Russia With Love will also donate presents to toy-rooms in six other Bryansk orphanages.

■ For details of To Russia With Love’s Christmas card campaign, www.torussiawithlove.ie

Feelgood

International Orphanage Development Programme (IODP)

Volunteers to visit 1,000 children

“I

WANT a key that when you press it, the lights on the car flash and the doors open.” The six-year-old Belarusian child’s Christmas request remains vivid for Tom McEnaney, founder of IODP (formerly the Chernobyl Orphanage Development Programme), who — along with eight volunteers — will visit 10 child institutions in Belarus and Georgia just after New Year.

Russians celebrate Christmas on January 7.

“We gave that six-year-old a remote control car. We have a team of volunteers in Belarus, who do all the Christmas shopping and they go to great lengths to get every child what they asked for,” says Tom, whose organisation will visit 1,000 children this holiday, children who live in orphanages, child prisons and centres for children with disabilities.

“MP3 players were the most popular request last year. In the child prison at Krivichi, where children range in age from nine to 19, every child asked for an MP3 player. Generally, though, among the older children, by far and away the most popular request is for toiletries — every year we

HELPING HAND: IODP founder Tom McEnaney: “MP3 players were the most popular request last year.”

Picture:Nick Bradshaw

make up hundreds of toiletry packs.”

A believer in creating sustainable projects, IODP has six 100-acre tillage farms operating at orphanages in Belarus, into which they put tractors and suites of farm machinery. “This year we put 40 beehives into orphanages in Belarus. It’s a way of introducing children to the care of bees. It also replaces sugar in their diet with honey, which is so much better.”

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2009

Earlier this year the IODP built a swimming pool at Osipivichi, a special needs centre. “Now, we’re concentrating on getting state-of-the-art water massage equipment for the pool. Swimming and water massage are great for children with physical disabilities, particularly for those who don’t get any intervention until they’re older — they might be nine or 10 by the time they get therapy, at which stage their muscles have started to atrophy. A course of water massage and swimming can improve mobility for such children,” says Tom. “We’ve received permission for a new equine centre at Osipivichi. I love exposing institutionalised children to animals. We install pet-rooms in all the orphanages where we work — the reaction we got from children to the first pet room was so amazing that we decided we’d always do it. The children look after the pet room. I firmly believe when an orphan learns to love a pet, often an orphan learns to love.”

■ To donate to the IODP visit www.ammado.com/nonprofit/orphan or email tom@tommcenaney.com or phone 01-4734975.

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The Church put its reputation and wealth before children, and government and parents colluded

Acts of bad faith Tony Humphreys

T

HE Murphy Report was not a surprise — we all knew what was coming. It’s inauthentic for the archbishops, bishops, government representatives and others to say that they are ‘shocked’ by the findings. The ‘shock’ came a number of years ago, and the abject horror and deep apologies being made have a hollow ring to them.

Archbishop Diarmuid Martin asks bishops and priests to examine their conscience. It’s a Catholic notion and light years away from a much deeper, essential examination now urgently needed. The examination required is that of the unconscious — the uncovering of the repression that led to making the Church’s reputation and wealth more important than the well-being of children.

Ironically, one of the few times Jesus got angry was when he spoke about the care of children: ‘Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea’ (Matthew 18:6).

There is a story behind every violation — whether that be of children or adults. What is becoming abundantly clear is that by not listening to children, by covering up dark practices and by failing to act decisively against known violations, this inaction was as much a form of abuse of children as the sexual violations perpetrated against them.

In the last decade those clergy who sexually violated children have been required to attend in-depth, individual and group psychotherapy to source the repression that led to the appalling violations. But the Pope, Papal Nuncio, archbishop, bishops, garda commissioner and senior gardaí, and parents who ‘covered up’ the violations also need to attend individual and group psychotherapy.

I believe our nature is fundamentally good, and I know of no child who emerges from the womb with the propensity to physically, sexually, emotionally, intellectually and socially violate another human being. Such violations arise from the nature of one’s life story, not from one’s biology.

Those who perpetrate violations need to examine their responses to their own childhood experiences of neglect — responses which are unconsciously formed. But regardless of what happened to them as children, the matter is in their hands as adults. When these adults do not take on the responsibility for their violating actions, it falls on leaders and managers within institutions, churches,

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schools, work and sports organisations, government and social organisations to take action. The action needs to safeguard others — especially children — from the major threats posed by these individuals. The problem, now, is that those in charge were not in a mature place to take action, and are in as much need of therapy as those who engaged in the violations.

I have a real worry that the reasons being given for the deliberate covering up — the ‘good name’ of the Church and protecting the assets of the Church — are still a means by those in positions of power to distance themselves from the individual decisions that were made.

The behaviour of each person arises from within (not without), and unless all those major players own their own responses as being about their own personal, dark interiority, no real progress will be made.

Dark times and major crises call out for each individual to find the support and professional help to travel the inner journey to acknowledge, understand, and take responsibility for their defensive actions. With the right help, it’s possible to move towards a solid interiority, where it’s no longer possible to

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A PERSONALISED IRISH EXAMINER FRONT PAGE

MARKED FOR LIFE: Abused children are affected long into adulthood.

Picture: iStock

violate, dismiss, lessen or exile the presence of children, and, indeed, all other adults.

Whether we like it or not, or are conscious of it or not, each person’s interiority — how they see themselves, others and the world — determines their ways of being in the world.

There are none of us who do not need to examine our inner worlds, and the future direction of society will be determined by the degree to which each citizen — no matter what their age, gender, status, wealth — takes up this responsibility.

Leaders and managers, especially, cannot afford to ignore, trivialise, ridicule or dismiss the responsibility to know self. Failure in this regard will inevitably lead to a continuation of neglect.

Dr Tony Humphreys is a clinical psychologist and is author of several books on practical psychology including The Mature Manager.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2009

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For a different view

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Barretstown offers much-needed respite to sick kids, says Arlene Harris

A place for rest and play

W

HEN Leonie Hackett was four years old, she began to feel tired and very cold.

Her parents weren’t unduly worried, but, after a spate of coughs and infections, they took her to the doctor for a check-up.

What happened next came as a complete shock.

As he couldn’t find any obvious symptoms, the GP decided to run some blood tests. A couple of hours later, she was in Our Lady’s hospital, in Crumlin.

Much to the horror of her parents and family, the young Dublin girl was diagnosed with leukaemia and rushed to the children’s hospital for treatment.

“It was a total shock,” says her mother, Rosie. “To discover your child has a life-threatening illness is something so out of the blue, but it forces you into automatic survival mode — we just packed a bag and got on with it.”

Leonie, now seven, underwent two years of gruelling treatment, which included several rounds of chemotherapy. Happily, she has been in remission for over a year and has returned to school to start living life as a normal, healthy little girl.

But during her illness, she was often very down and understandably felt isolated from other children of her own age.

This is where Barretstown came to her rescue.

The respite haven made famous by its founder and benefactor, actor, Paul Newman, has helped thousands of children like Leonie by allowing them time out from serious and often terminal illness.

Founded in 1994, Barretstown Castle, in Co Kildare, offers a break from reality to 1,500 sick children from across Europe, every year.

The 500-acre site offers a variety of programmes, ranging from a dare-devil activity centre to horse riding, drama and art-and-craft facilities. But, most importantly, there is an on-site clinic and fully staffed medical team to allow the youngsters to have fun without the fear of falling ill, or missing out on essential treatment.

Rosie and Philip Hackett say the facility provided a life-line not only for their young daughter with cancer, but also to her siblings, Roisin, 11, and Lachlann, nine.

“We were all able to visit Barretstown and stay on-site as a family, which meant we could have a break together,” says Rosie. “Every morning, one of the team would call for Leonie and she would get involved in the most amazing activities — most of which we would never allow her to do, as we were obviously so concerned about her illness.

“It was so incredible to see so many sick children having fun and forgetting about their worries for a while — there were even wheel-chair bound children on the high ropes — it is fantastic for them,” she says.

It is not only the sick children who are catered for at Barretstown: the camp also recognises the often-difficult role other family members play during an illness.

Feelgood

HOME AGAIN: Leonie Hackett, who is in remission from leukaemia and has spent time in Barretstown, does her homework at home in Dublin.

Picture: Maxpix

It was so incredible to see so many sick children having fun and forgetting about their worries for a while — there were even wheel-chair bound children on the high ropes And, every year, they host a sibling weekend, for brothers and sisters who can be so involved in a caring capacity they lose out on normal childhood play time.

“Leonie was so sick for a while,” says Rosie. “And during this time, everything really centred around her — you have to focus on getting your child better, but it can be hard on the others. So, last summer, Roisin and Lachlann went on a sibling’s weekend and it was brilliant for them to have some fun time of their own.”

Dr Fin Breatnach, CEO and medical director of Barretstown, says that despite the death of Paul Newman, the holiday camp continues to offer respite to sick children and their families.

“We were greatly saddened by the passing of Paul last year and our thoughts and wishes remain with his family,” he says.

“He will be fondly remembered by millions around the world as an actor, racing driver, philanthropist, and, most importantly, by thousands of children who have attended his family of Hole in the Wall camps. At Barretstown, we will remember him for having the vision and the generosity to found the first European Hole in the Wall camp, here in Ireland.”

But, despite the input from the late Hollywood actor, funding is badly needed to help thousands of children like Leonie to forget about their illness and spend some time just being a child.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2009

“Each year, Barretstown needs to raise F5m to fund its life-changing programmes,” says the doctor. “Everything, including round-trip airfares, is provided free of charge and 96% of this money must come from voluntary sources, such as individuals, community events and corporate supporters.

“We are really looking forward to 2010 — we have set ourselves some ambitious goals and hope to expand our facilities and activities to ensure the children can get the utmost from our programmes in all weather conditions.”

■ For more information on Barretstown, visit www.barretstown.org, or LoCall 1850-500123.

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Multiple choice question – Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without: (a) surprise pressies (b) a full house (c) midnight mass (d) Christmas tree and turkey dinner? What will make December 25 happy for you? What’s your favourite festive indulgence? And, at this nostalgic time of year, what funny memories pop up? Helen O’Callaghan asks some of Ireland’s kings of comedy to share their thoughts on the festive season

NO joking SANTA — ALL I WANT IS...

France out of the world cup and Ireland in

L

When does Christmas start for you?

“I was doing Christmas gigs at the end of November. I think it’s ridiculous that Christmas starts so early and that people put so much pressure on themselves around it. I remember being out a few years ago on New Year’s Eve. I saw girls, who were single, crying and in bits over the year they’d had. Just because it was New Year, they were thinking too much — they’d have been fine on the other 364 days.”

Name your big Christmas indulgence? “I end up spending too much on DVD box sets. And I always try to give myself a surprise present on Christmas Eve. I walk through the shops and I just buy a small gift for myself — it could be anything from a jacket to an album to a book in Eason’s.”

What will make this Christmas happy for you? “For France to be thrown out of the World Cup and for Ireland somehow to get into it. We need to start stoking up feeling about it around the world.

Basically though, I want a happy, healthy Christmas for myself and all the family.”

How do you plan to keep fit and well over Christmas? “I’ve been on a diet for the last couple of weeks and people are now beginning to notice I’ve lost weight.

I don’t drink so I won’t be falling asleep in front of the telly. Whether I get out walking will depend on the weather.”

What are your funniest Christmas memories? “Me and my cousin going up the road slightly drunk on Christmas Eve. One of our neighbours used to put a mini boulder outside his gate to stop cars driving onto his land. My cousin took the boulder and put it outside his parents’ bedroom door as a Christmas present. I can still see him drunk, struggling up the road with it. I also have a memory of going to St Mary’s Cathedral in Limerick looking for midnight mass — St Mary’s

What’s the best Christmas present you’ve either given or got? “The Action Man I got when I was five or six. I played with it all day — so, yes, I admit I played with dolls.

“I think that was also the Christmas I drove my brother’s Action Man jeep off the top of the stairs, so it probably wasn’t his best Christmas.”

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The Beano To be home with ma and da annual in my stocking N

A day off and some peace and quiet

EIL DELAMERE — of Republic of Telly, The Panel, and The Blame Game fame.

From Co Offaly, he’s 30 and single.

When does Christmas start for you? “Sometime in December, when I visit my sister and brother-in-law and they’ve got this Christmas album on that they always play in the run-up to the holiday season.”

What will make this Christmas happy for you? “Going home and spending it in the bosom of my own, native county with my ma and da, and my brothers and sisters. I just want a little bit of time off, after being really busy doing The Panel and The Republic of Telly.”

B

EST known as the hilarious, and sometimes outrageous Jake Stevens, from RTE’s Naked Camera, and Makin’ Jake, Dubliner PJ Gallagher is 34 and single.

When does Christmas start for you?

“It’s been Christmas for a long time for me — since mid-November. When you’re a comedian, the lead-in to December 25 gets really busy.”

IMERICK’S Karl Spain is best known in Ireland for his highly successful 2005 TV series, Karl Spain Wants a Woman. Not only did it get great ratings, but Karl also actually found himself a woman. “I’m still going out with Rachel,” says the 38-year-old.

Cathedral is Protestant.”

■ Karl Spain performs in McHugh’s in Drogheda on Thursday, December 17.

What will make this Christmas happy for you? “Just having a day off and a bit of peace and quiet. We do so much in the run-up to Christmas, that it’s nice to take a bit of a breather and watch Willie Wonka and eat selection boxes.”

What are your funniest Christmas memories? “My dad’s dead now, but when he was alive we used to have mad Christmases at our house. We used to throw big parties — I’m talking about mad amounts of crazy relations descending on you that you find yourself avoiding most of the year, and then they all turn up at your house for a day and you wonder why you haven’t been in touch. Nothing goes to plan, but you spend the day laughing.”

Picture: Nick Bradshaw

What’s the best Christmas present you’ve either given or got? “The funniest was when I was a kid and my dad took me to a bike shop, and asked me which bike I’d like Santa to bring me.

The BMX I pointed out was the one in the house on Christmas morning. I started

realising things about Santa then.”

■ PJ Gallagher’s latest DVD, Just Jokes, was filmed over five gigs across Ireland and is available from retailers, and online, at www.hmv.com, www.play.com and www.amazon.co.uk.

What are your funniest Christmas memories? “My da won a turkey one year, in a raffle. He didn’t realise he was getting a live one ‘til the man delivered it. We kept it in the garage. No-one had the courage to go out and do the deed, so we sent my granny out to do it.

She’s dead now, but she was 90 at the time and as hard as nails. She once turned a whole field of hay with a pitch-fork — she was 79 then. No wonder she’s dead — after all the work we got her to do.”

Name your big Christmas indulgence? “Eating my own body weight in selection boxes.”

How do you plan to keep fit and well over Christmas? “I’ve got absolutely no plans to keep fit. Somebody’s trying to get me to do the 40 Foot on Christmas Day. The chances of me doing that are fairly slim, as in entirely non-existent. I might do the Santa Dash, if I can fit it in.”

What’s the best Christmas present you’ve either given or got? “The best Christmas present I ever gave was to my girlfriend — a trip to Rome.

That was kind of groovy.”

■ Neil Delamere’s DVD, Crème Delamere, is available from retailers and at www.hmv.com, www.play.com, and www.amazon.co.uk.

C

OLIN MURPHY, 41, is a star of RTE’s The Panel, and Blizzard of Odd. Bashful he is not. The Belfast man once played a dog, in a ginger body wig, at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and is a father of two sons, aged eight and five.

Picture: Billy Higgins

What are your funniest Christmas memories? “I’ve never had an outrageous Eastenders-style Christmas. It was always very quiet in our house with just me, my sister, my mum and dad.”

When does Christmas start for you? “We tend to leave the decoration of the house until the last minute. We get our tree coming up to Christmas Eve. That’s when it starts for me.”

Name your big Christmas indulgence?

“Probably eating far too many chocolates and watching old films.”

What will make this Christmas happy for you? “A quiet Christmas with no phones

How do you plan to keep fit and well over Christmas? “I normally get a cold at

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2009

When does Christmas start for you? “It’s started already. The kids are going mental. In our house, Brenda has this ‘we must get the house ready for Christmas’ idea. We’ve already been to Ikea, getting extra furniture, because my nieces are coming over from Sweden with their mother. They’re arriving on December 18 and they’ll be staying in an outhouse, so we’re getting that ready for them.”

What are your funniest Christmas memories? “Mum and Dad, drunk from the pub, sneaking into my bedroom when I was 13 and trying to put a great, big Walkman into the sock hanging off the end of my bed. You could smell the Guinness in the room. Then they both snuck out, giggling.”

Picture: Nick Bradshaw

ringing, where I can be left alone with my family.”

S

TAND-UP comedian Jason Byrne has been one of the fastest-selling performers at the last 13 Edinburgh Fringe Festivals. From Dublin, Byrne’s most recent series for RTÉ was The Byrne Ultimatum.

Aged 37, he’s married to Brenda and has two sons: Devin, nine, and Daniel, two.

What will make this Christmas happy for you? “It’s all to do with money — a low credit card bill in January would mean a happy Christmas for me. I panic if I get too many Christmas presents, but what I do love is that my mum always buys me the Beano annual. My nanna used to get if for me every year and she died when I was in my 20s.”

No phones ringing, time with family

Name your big Christmas indulgence?

“The PlayStation. I wake up really early and spend way too much time getting to know new games.

I don’t smoke or drink and I’m a vegetarian, so I don’t even get to eat turkey, but I am a games nerd.”

How do you plan to keep fit and well over Christmas? “I started racing motorbikes this year, but I do a lot of push bike cycling, just to keep fit.

One of my favourite things on Christmas Day is to go out on the road when there’s nobody there, and take time to myself.”

Picture: Billy Higgins

Christmas — I’ve had one over the last three Christmases. Health-wise, I don’t make any plans for the holiday season. It’s off limits for trying to stay fit — it’s a time when you do what you want.”

What’s the best Christmas present you’ve either given or got? “My wife got me a ukulele last Christmas. I annoyed everyone by trying to play Johnny Cash songs on it.”

■ Colin Murphy’s first DVD, Happy in Menace is available from retailers and at www.hmv.com, www.play.com and www.amazon.co.uk.

Name your big Christmas indulgence?

“My dad gives me 12 bottles of Guinness, which I drink over Christmas — it’s the only time I drink. And the only thing that goes with them is Tayto crisps. I’m also nostalgic and love old, black-and-white films.

How do you plan to keep fit and well over Christmas? “I’ll walk the dogs everyday — two King Charles.”

What’s the best Christmas present you’ve either given or got? My best friend, Carl McDermott, gave me a framed photograph of me and him when I was seven — me in my big glasses, red hair and Starsky & Hutch t-shirt.”

■ Jason Byrne plays the Cork Opera House on Friday, December 11.

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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

IS there anything that can help treat a colicky baby? I am at my wits’ end with my six week old. My doctor says she will eventually grow out of it, and not to worry. I have tried changing her formula feed to using a soy-based feed and am using colic drops but nothing seems to help.

A. Living with an infant who is continuously crying and cannot be soothed can be very stressful, and frustrating. It may quickly become overwhelming, especially for first-time parents.

Doctors aren’t sure what causes colic. It is usually diagnosed in infants (who are otherwise healthy) who cry for more than three hours a day, more than three days a week for at least three weeks.

The crying spells with colic typically begin in the late afternoon or early evening and can last from one to four hours, just when parents are at their most exhausted. Most babies normally cry two to three hours a day, but usually spread it out over 24 hours.

The crying with colic usually begins suddenly and often after feeding.

Breast-fed babies get colic too.

Breast-feeding mums should avoid caffeine, onions, cabbage, beans, broccoli and spicy foods in your diet.

Some women find avoiding milk products helps their baby’s colic.

Many parents assume that switching from cow’s milk formula to soy-based formula will help their baby with colic. But if your child is diagnosed with cow’s milk allergy, there is also a 10-14% chance they will also be allergic to soy protein — so a hypoallergenic formula should be used instead. You may want to try a week of a hypoallergenic formula to see if the formula you are using is contributing to the colic.

Avoid over-feeding — if your baby is not hungry, don’t try to continue the feeding. If you haven’t done so already, try comforting your baby with rhythmic, steady soothing movements like rocking gently — many parents swear by this.

Cranial osteopathy is a soothing form of treatment for babies and involves very gentle manipulation, allowing the body to correct itself and return to a normal state of balance.

If there has been a difficult birth the un-moulding process may be left uncompleted and cranial osteopathy may be beneficial.

A daily dose of a probiotic (lactobacillus reuteri 10 8 CFU ) may help.

Try a drop of cooled mild chamomile tea or peppermint flavoured water — these are known to have antispasmodic effects on the gut.

There are many homeopathic remedies

one is immediately available, it’s okay to put your baby down in the crib for a short while. Try to stay positive — don’t measure your success as a parent by how much your baby cries.

Colic isn’t a result of something of something you’re doing wrong or poor parenting.

TESTING TIME: A variety of measures help with colic and most babies grow out of it by three months.

Picture: Getty

used for colic including chamomilla, colocynth, lycopodim, mag phos or nux vomica. Homeopathy is useful in combination with the suggestions above and it is worth persisting. Use the remedy that best suits your baby’s symptoms in 30c dose every hour for up to three hours in an acute attack.

Some babies with colic type symptoms have reflux disease, so it may be worthwhile discussing this with your doctor.

Take care of yourself as well. Don’t blame yourself or your baby for the constant crying. She will eventually grow out of this — usually by three months, and babies who have colic grow and develop normally.

Take a break from your baby’s crying — organise relatives or friends to watch your baby, even for just half an hour. Make time for exercise, such a s brisk daily walk. If no

Q. I AM prone to getting cystitis in the past and am now in the early stages of my first pregnancy. Does pregnancy make you more likely to get urinary tract infections?

A. Being pregnant does make you more susceptible to urinary tract infections of all kinds. Cystitis means infection of the lower urinary tract causing inflammation of the bladder.

But bacteria can infect any part of the urinary tract — if bacteria continue to travel up the ureters towards the kidneys this can lead to a serious condition called pyelonephritis.

During pregnancy higher levels of the hormone progesterone relax the muscles of the ureters, causing them to stretch out. Also, your growing uterus may press on the ureters — tubes that carry urine from the kidney to bladder — making it difficult for urine to flow through them as quickly and freely as it normally does. Towards the end of pregnancy, the baby presses on your bladder, making it hard to completely empty it. All of these factors give bacteria more time to multiply and cause infection.

Your doctor will routinely test your urine for bacteria during your antenatal visits, whether you have symptoms or not.

Some pregnant women develop asymptomatic bacteraemia, this means bacteria are present without causing symptoms. If you test positive for urinary tract infection, you’ll be given a course of antibiotics (there are a number of antibiotics safe to take during pregnancy).

After treatment, you’ll be tested again to make sure the infection has gone. Up to 40% of pregnant women who get a UTI (urinary tract infection) will develop another infection — so you will need to be tested at regular intervals throughout the rest of your pregnancy.

Untreated upper urinary tract infections are associated with low birth weight, premature labour, high blood pressure and preeclampsia.

To help reduce your chances of getting a UTI drink plenty of water — at least 8oz a day, don’t ignore the urge to empty your bladder and make sure it is completely empty. Wipe yourself form front to back after going to the toilet. Drink unsweetened cranberry juice — while this won’t cure an existing infection, it can reduce bacteria levels.

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

T Catherine Shanahan MUM’S WORLD Feelgood

HREE cheers for Santa in a world where the arsenal of parental weaponry is depleting at a rate of knots.

In the pantheon of childhood superstars, he holds the greatest clout. To risk his wrath is a gamble only the boldest would chance.

And so it is that our lives are made easier in the final month of the year. The threat of a tree with no presents beneath never fails to strike fear and the mother who fails to exploit this little blessing is a foolish parent indeed.

To maximise the festive advantage, I recommend the elf on the shelf.

This impish equivalent of Santa’s Man in Havana reports to his master at will. To your child, he is a visual reminder that Santa’s surveillance is incessant. To the parent this delightful Disneyfication of Christianity allows endless room for manoeuvre.

“Hold still while I dress you,” previously

ignored, is obeyed with military deference.

Mealtime shifts gear from the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party to a sombre occasion for eating.

The begging and pleading accompanying each forkful is replaced by a terse warning: “If you don’t eat your dinner, the elf will tell Santa, and it’s curtains for you Christmas morning.”

The power of the elf is enhanced by his magical talent for travel. This can take place only at night with a toss of his elf-hat bobble. Back in the Kingdom of Claus, a progress report is delivered — his charges’ behaviour is outlined at length and black marks or gold stars are given.

By sun-up, he’s back in the real world, sitting on a different ledge.

This shelf-swopping tactic lets his charges know he’s been travelling while they were in bed.

Shouts of ‘Where is the elf Mammy?’

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2009

prompt a frantic search that ends at the fireplace. There on the mantle is a tired-looking elf, propped up by a crystal vase. A chorus of voices demand to know where he’s been and Mammy patiently explains. “He travelled to the North Pole to give Santa the lowdown on how it is you two behave.”

“Am I good Mammy?” asks Lughaidh tentatively, praying that the answer is “Yes”.

“Must try harder,” answers Mammy, “Christmas is just around the corner and Santa is a hard man to impress.”

Lughaidh looks crestfallen, but Mammy is rejoicing that the badge for tough guy goes to someone else.

Of all the joys of Yuletide, few bring Mammy such cheer as the elf on the shelf with the gift of his all-seeing eye. He will hold centre stage for many Christmases to come until ousted by age and by time.

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GOING SWIMMINGLY: Pictured at the swimming pool in the Clarion Hotel, Cork, Vickie can now relax and enjoy being in the water — a feat impossible earlier this year. Picture: Pat Good

Vickie Maye tells how with a few lessons she has overcome her terror of water and can now float alone. Her New Year Resolution? To swim a lap of the pool

P

EOPLE talk about having a fear of water. For me, the word fear doesn’t quite cut it. Try terror. Or maybe outright horror.

There was no real significant event in my childhood, no traumatic experience, no near drowning. I simply never learned to swim. Or even float. Or so much as put my head under the water in the local swimming pool.

In the shower the water never touches my face. I lived on Bondi Beach for three years, yet only my feet touched the ocean.

Then, I became a mum. And I knew my little girl could not grow up with the same fear.

I started to take her to the pool, fake smile painted across my face — anything to hide my terror from my all-too-observant daughter. The water would be at chest level and I would hold on to the bars for dear life, all the while trying to calm the palpations in my chest. I was experiencing panic attacks. And I knew I had to do something about it.

Enter John and Francis Brennan, owners of the Park Hotel in Kenmare and the presenters of RTE’s At Your Service. The brothers set me a challenge — one weekend of intensive lessons in their state-of-the-art pool, they told me, and I would be swimming, courtesy of one of their personalised learn-to-swim-breaks.

If anyone would prove them wrong, I thought to myself as I set off on the road for Kerry, it was me.

And so, early one Saturday morning in October, I stood and stared in horror at the Park’s spanking new, stainless steel 25m swimming pool. There wasn’t even a baby pool to offer reassurance.

It was lunch time when I came face-to-face with Marie Wade (with that

Feelgood

surname she was destined to be a swimming teacher) for the first time.

Twenty minutes with this no-nonsense Kerry woman and, somehow, I found the courage to put my face underwater. Result.

She acknowledged this achievement — no mean feat for someone with a fear, or a phobia as Marie preferred to call it — as debilitating as mine.

But the congratulations ended as quickly as they began. It was straight back to business. Marie’s teaching methods, I soon learned, were all about tough love.

Half an hour later, and I was floating, albeit with my hands gripped so tightly to the edge my knuckles were white.

I walked out of the pool on a high. I could do this, I told myself — and anyone who would listen.

An hour’s break and I was back in the pool. And then reality set in. I spent three hours straight in the water that night. And there were times when I couldn’t see

through my goggles for the tears.

There were two aims from that evening’s mammoth session: Marie wanted me to go into a float in the middle of the pool, and stand up. It sounds like the simplest of requests to the water babies of this world, as easy as breathing, or walking. But for me, merely standing in the middle of the pool was ordeal enough.

Arms outstretched, head under the water, I tried to find the courage to lunge forward and kick my legs up. To trust my body that it would rise to the surface. Logic told me I would float, but fear pays no heed to common sense.

I tried over and over. And cried with fear and frustration.

But I did leave that evening managing to stand from my float, tucking my legs underneath and pulling myself forward with my arms. So there was some success.

8pm and I was drained, exhausted, emotional. And I had to be back in the pool 12

Tips to stay afloat Swimming instructor Marie Wade (pictured) says it’s important to get the basics right and give yourself the right start: ■ Invest in a pair of goggles.

■ Make sure you take private lessons — group tuition may not work if you’ve a fear of water.

■ Book your lessons with an experienced teacher — don’t be afraid to ask for credentials.

■ Choose a quiet pool, with a decent sized baby pool ideally, to build your confidence and help you to “feel the water”.

■ Practice, practice, practice. It’s the key to success. More time should be spent in the pool than in lessons.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2009

hours later, ready for more. I didn’t shut my eyes that night.

Marie was stressed that evening too, she told me after. My fear was one of the worst she’d seen in her decades of coaching. And she was at a loss as to how to break it.

But she found the answer. On Sunday morning she turned up with a flotation belt. Strapped around my waist, it would give me the kick-start I needed, a helping hand while I found the courage to trust my body to float. It would be, she told me, my “very own Marie” when she wasn’t there to help me.

It took an hour to get used to it — and then, there I was, floating in the pool, taking a few strokes, and standing.

Less than 24 hours earlier I couldn’t put my head in the water. Marie was as excited as I was.

My fear was too great to have found success in a weekly class of six or eight or 10 people. I needed one to one tuition. I needed to spend hour after hour in the pool. I needed a room just minutes from the water, and a place that was quiet, private. Somewhere I could comfortably confront my greatest fear head on.

The Monday morning I returned home I immediately joined a gym — and began my daily practice. Within a month the “Marie” was gone. I am floating unaided.

The front crawl is next. And my New Year’s Resolution? To swim my first lap by the end of January. I’ll do it. Watch this space.

■ The Learn-To-Swim break at the Park Hotel, Kenmare incorporates two nights superior accommodation, dinner on one evening, breakfast each morning and four private swimming classes, from F595. Contact 064-6641200.

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N THIS year’s mince pie survey, we decided to put taste and quality ingredients before price. There is a wide range to choose from, most of them pretty good, and heated they taste even better.

Calorie-wise, there is no good news, with most pies generating at least 350 calories — and that’s without cream. To keep the Christmas spirit alive with no regrets, go for small or try sharing the larger ones.

It’s easy to clock up calories with fat and sugar-rich mince pies, so, after eating one, remember to do without something else and try to get in a 30-minute workout. And make sure to drink plenty of water after — the natural sugars in the dried fruit generate a big thirst.

There are excellent gluten-free samples available from companies we’ve mentioned on this page recently, notably Delicious Gluten-Free, which are available in many stores and from their shop in Ballincollig, Co Cork — www.delicious.ie. Gan Gluten in Douglas Woollen Mills, Cork will take orders of a dozen for F10, which is good value for a speciality product. They will also be selling individually at their stall in Thursday’s Mahon Point farmers’ market, in Cork for F1 each.

Sugar Café and Patisserie mince pies, F1.50 each, 12 for F10. From Sugar Café, Washington Street, Cork and On the Pig’s Back, English Market and Douglas Woollen Mills, Cork.

FOR those who appreciate good pastry, this is the winner, with its slightly crunchy texture, thin, light and elegant, with a taste of more. Just the right size for a guilt-free pleasure, the filling is plump with a hint of spice and rum.

Score: 9.25.

NICE AS PIE Picture:Fotoware

A mouthful of mince put to the test

Cuisine de France mini mince lattice logs, 200g F1.80 SIX, flaky pastry rectangles are topped with a sweet, sticky glaze. The flaky pastry is slightly salty and a delicious foil for the fruit. The fruit has to be a little on the low side to keep inside the pastry, but the balance is good and the mincemeat has no nasty, acidic edge. A good all-rounder, pleasantly natural in flavour and aromas.

A good size for the weight-conscious.

Specially Selected six luxury mince pies, 369g F2.49, Aldi THE mincemeat here almost fills the pastry case, but not too much to soak the pastry topping. Walnuts listed are not discernible, nor the cranberries and cherries listed, but there is a hint of brandy, which adds to the richness of the filling. No acidic aftertaste.

Good all-rounder at price.

Score: 6.5

ABC, English Market, Cork, F1 each, F12 for attractive gift box of 12.

A MASSIVE mince pie, with tons of flavour in good, plump fruit. A thick dusting of icing sugar on a thick layer of pastry makes it a superb all-rounder.

No nasty acidic aftertaste. For hearty appetites.

Score: 9

Score: 8

M&S Classics for Christmas, six deep-filled mince pies. 365g, F3 SHORTCRUST pastry made with 10% butter results in a slightly heavy texture. It encloses a good amount of juicy fruit, which has a slight acidic edginess and aftertaste.

Score: 4

Cottage Delight dainty iced mince pies, 365g F7.50. La Bouche, French Church Street, Cork.

12 PRETTY pies with a delicate holly motif make for an attractive gift package of pies. A layer of sweet white icing covers the mincemeat and will appeal to those who like icing on their Christmas cakes.

Pastry is tasty in itself and adds to an overall pleasant, but sweet, mouthful.

Lots of additives to preserve fruit, but nothing to worry about. No acidic aftertaste.

Deluxe 6 luxury mince pies, 390g, F2.49 — Lidl

Simply Better six luxury mince pies, 366g F2.49

A whiff of brandy greets whoever opens this packet, and, inside, the shortcrust pastry case the mincemeat is quite boozy, too.

There is a little chew from the 2% nibbed almonds. Spices are not overdone and there is no acidic edge. Pastry is a little claggy, but, overall, fair value. Elegant packaging.

Dunnes Stores large, well-filled pies, dusted with caster sugar, have mincemeat which includes ground almonds and a good blend of spices. No acidic kickback. Lots of excusable preservatives.

Score: 6.5

Score: 7

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Score: 6

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Without warning

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T’S estimated that one person a week under the age of 35 dies from an undiagnosed heart condition, such as Sudden Adult Death Syndrome, making family heart screening vitally important.

“All young people should be screened, because a lot of families are not aware of people in previous generations who have died from this condition,” says Bridget McAnallen.

Bridget has good reason to be involved in raising awareness of heart screening — her son, Cormac, died suddenly in 2004. Cormac was a star of Gaelic football, and captain of the Tyrone team which won the All-Ireland football championship in 2003.

A fit athlete who was conscientious about health and training, his death caused widespread shock.

“Life and fate pulled me into this,” says Bridget, who works, along with family members, with The Cormac Trust, which was founded after Cormac’s sudden death.

“We want to raise awareness of sudden death, promote screening and make screening available.”

Bridget was speaking after a recent memorial in Dublin to remember victims of SADS (Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome). At the event, The Cormac Trust donated a substantial cheque to Dr Joe Galvin, consultant cardiologist, and his colleagues, at The Mater Hospital, who to-

Deirdre O'Flynn MOSTLY MEN gether created, and run, the first specialised screening clinic in Ireland.

While all experts in the medical profession and the government acknowledge that screening is needed for the families of SADS victims, the Irish government has yet to provide funds for this purpose.

“In Northern Ireland, people are screened at the nearest big hospital and the government pays for it. That’s not the case in the south,” she says.

The Family Heart Screening Clinic, in the Mater hospital, was officially opened in February, 2007 as the first stand-alone screening clinic in Ireland, and since then a second screening clinic has opened in Tallaght.

The Mater Family Heart Screening Clinic has screened close to 900 family members who have tragically lost a loved one to SADS and has raised F1.7m since fundraising began six years ago. To date, no government funding is received — the clinic is funded solely through fundraising campaigns

SPEAKING UP: Bridget McAnallen from the Cormac Trust in conjunction with the Mater Foundation meets the media. Picture: Leon Farrell Photocall Ireland. Left, her son Cormac in 2002. and donors. “When someone dies from this condition, the family should be screened, as there’s a 50-50 chance of having arrhythmia,” says Bridget. “Basic screening would

Avoidable stroke death occurring once every day

New treatment for prostate cancer

THERE is more than one avoidable death from stroke in Ireland every day, while thousands more are forced to live with disabilities that are unnecessarily severe or prolonged. That’s according to the Irish Heart Foundation, which recently launched its Stroke Manifesto — a 16-point plan to eliminate avoidable death and disability from stroke.

“One in five people will have a stroke in Ireland, at some stage in their lives, so the quality of our stroke services will directly or indirectly affect just about everyone living here,” says Irish Heart

THE first new treatment option for advanced prostate cancer in 20 years was launched in Ireland recently. Firmagon decreases the production of testosterone in the body which prostate cancer is dependent on for its growth. Approximately 2,407 Irish men diagnosed with the disease every year and it’s estimated that, by 2020, the incidence of prostate cancer will have risen to 3,768 new cases of the disease per year.

“The most important issue to address when treating advanced prostate cancer is to reduce the levels of testosterone in the body,” says Professor John Fitzpatrick, consultant urologist, Mater Hospital, Dublin.

“There are treatments available that achieve this but not at the same speed as Firmagon. This is a significant advancement that will be welcomed by the medical community.”

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Foundation medical director, Dr Brian Maurer (pictured). “There are currently huge differences in service standards around the country — in some hospitals, having a stroke out of office hours could cost you your life. It is not acceptable that the place, time, and day of a stroke largely determines whether you recover, die, or live the rest of your life with a disability,” he says.

“We believe that implementing the measures contained in our manifesto would eliminate avoidable death and disability from stroke. These measures would also be cost neutral.”

FIRST GIFT: Treat your little one to some festive style for their first Christmas, from the Organic Cotton Shop in Clonakilty. The shop’s best-selling gift for little ones is the award-winning Sophie the Giraffe, a soft, teething toy made of natural rubber, a favourite with French children. Age 0+ and available in two sizes, F14.99 and F22.99.

Call the shop on 023-8834393 or buy online at www.organiccottonshop.ie.

Treat baby to some Christmas spots with this reversible organic hat and kimono-style romper, F35, pictured, from www.BabyElephant.ie.

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13

Picture: Gareth Chaney Collins

show up the condition — it consists of a questionnaire, asking if anyone in previous generations died of the condition, and an ECG, that’s all it would take.”

DId you know...

A high-fructose diet raises blood pressure in men (Source: Renal Diseases and Hypertension Department, Uni of Colorado-Denver US)

Christmas DENTAL CARE Toys ECO GIFT: ‘Tis the season to be frugal, so this paper briquette maker, pictured here, F24.99, ticks a lot of boxes, as it’s kind to the environment and on the pocket. One broadsheet newspaper will make a log that will burn for one hour in a typical wood stove. This has been a runaway bestseller at the Ecoshop, in Greystones, or online at www.ecoshop.ie; 01-2872914. Other top sellers are the Can O Worms wormery, F125 (including worms), which will turn your kitchen waste into compost, and, for the kids, a cardboard teepee, a fun playhouse for all ages, F49.95.

GIFT OF GIVING: As we all struggle with our budgets , our thoughts are with those who have so much less than we do. For a Christmas ham this year, how about this stylish piglet F29, from the Oxfam Ireland Unwrapped catalogue, sports kits (F9), or sunflowers (F20), www.oxfamirelandunwrapped.com or 1850-304055. For other ideas, check out www.trocaire.org; www.bothar.org or www.concerngifts.org.

This week is SVP Week, and the Society of St Vincent de Paul is appealing for support from individuals and organisations for its fund-raising activities. Call 01-8386990, or log on to www.svp.ie, to find out more about making a donation, including sending e-cards for Christmas.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2009

A LITTLE LUXURY: Everything you need for a luxurious mani-pedi is wrapped up in a festive polka dot carrier from Burt’s Bees this holiday season. Treat yourself, or somebody else, to Burt’s Bees Perfect Mani-Pedi F19.95 which contains products like Beeswax Hand Crème, Coconut Foot Crème and Lemon Butter Cuticle Crème, as well as a lip balm, nail file and cuticle sticks.

Or how about the scent of Christmas with Zum’s Frankincense & Myrrh bow soap, F6.50, available online at makeitnatural.com.

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A Christmas gift of good quality bath stuff is always a treat

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COMFORT FOR WINTER WHEN your skin is feeling dry, irritated and itchy, comfort is what you want… instantly.

Clinique’s new, Deep Comfort soothing range is designed to instantly replenish moisture, keep skin smoothe and ensure it’s hydrated right through the day. Products include a hand and cuticle cream, F19.5, body wash, F18.50, and body lotion, F30, but we’re more drawn to the body butter, F31.50. With a very rich texture and a really luxurious sensual feel to it, this is a winner for getting rough, dry skin back on track. Apply it after a bath or shower, at night, for best results.

Emily O’Sullivan ATHING has become a bit gimmicky in recent years. Suddenly, all around us, there are nasty, cheap bath bubbles, dodgy, synthetic candles and TV ads selling us products based on regaining all important “me time”. But beyond the excessive marketing of bathing, spending time in the bath is one of life’s simple pleasures. All you need is a clean bath, a warm room, and some fluffy white towels (preferably heated).

While beauty routines can be ramped up to excessively complicated proportions — sinking into a bath is still a refuge, an escape from the world, a chance to rest your muscles and regain your composure. And when the weather is kicking up a storm outdoors, taking a bath is an exercise that comes into its own. You can summon up exotic climes with the right choice of bath treat, sink into relaxation with some lavender bath oil, or turn your skin silky soft with a traditional bath soak. Bath products are also a great Christmas present — treat a friend or family loved one to some luxurious, silky soaks, and, believe us, they’ll thank you for it.

The great thing about baths is they can be changed immeasurably by what you throw in them. And there’s nothing quite like a hot, steaming bath to warm you up when the winter chills have gone straight to your bones. Bubbles may be the old-school way to pep up a bath, but for anyone who likes to try something a little different, there is a great collection of products to choose from.

Voya, an Irish organic beauty brand — which is currently impressing me no end — looks to the natural resources of the sea to create a range of products that are designed

The news on ...

TAKE THREE

Lots of festive

bubbly to purify the body. Their Lazy Days seaweed bath is a great little product that turns your own bathroom into a treatment room.

Reputed to have excellent skin-benefiting properties, seaweed has long been used in beauty treatments to soften and nourish, and this bag of the stuff is right on the money. Skin is left soft and silky for days afterwards, although it’s not the most pleasant scent in the world.

Mums-to-be can have a hard time around the festive season — and we speak from experience here. The weather’s awful, everyone’s wearing party frocks that you couldn’t possibly fit into, and you can’t even enjoy a few glasses of champagne to make yourself feel better. But bathing is one of the ways you can indulge yourself. If you’re opting for essential oils, make sure you check that whatever oil you choose is safe for use in pregnancy. Erbaviva is a great moth-

er-and-baby brand, with really lovely products and their milk bath is a top choice.

The USDA-certified organic milk powder is mixed with essential oils of lavender, lemon and sandalwood. Lovely.

If you’re a die-hard fan of bubbles, then there are tons of good products out there for the old-fashioned at heart. Soap & Glory’s Calm One Calm All, has a lovely, sweet scent thanks to mandarin, vanilla, and strawberries along with a built-in body lotion and skin conditioner to keep you silky soft.

It’s very bubbly, too. Lush’s Bathos, is a stunning, violet-scented bubble bar with jasmine absolute and ylang ylang. Truly divine and very affordable (although you only get one bath from it, remember). Or try Origins’ super-bubbly Shedonism, with the exotic scent of Tahitian Tiare flowers, to send your senses to the most exotic locations possible. Delish.

HYDRATING FOUNDATIONS OPTING for a moisturising cream instead of a lotion is one way to bump up hydration, but it’s a good idea to also opt for a liquid foundation targeted to dry skin.

Giorgio Armani hydra glow foundation SPF 15, F42. Armani foundations are quite expensive, but they’re among the best, and you only need a little to get good coverage. This is a lovely, lightweight moisturising fluid foundation that blends in beautifully to the skin and leaves it soft, satin-like and looking radiant and flawless.

Score: 10 Bobbi Brown luminous moisturising foundation, F38. This foundation didn’t sink into the skin the way we’d want it to, so it takes a little longer to apply flawlessly. Once it’s on, it covers the skin well and leaves the complexion feeling very hydrated and comfortable.

Score: 6 MAC Studio Sculpt SPF 15 foundation, F35.50. This has nice packaging, which is more streamlined that normal foundation bottles. The creamy texture of this gel-based formulation feels really comfortable and hydrating the minute you put it on.

Score: 8

STUFF WE LIKE Erbaviva Mommy-to-be milk bath pouch, F18, at giftboutique.ie. This is a really lovely bath soak and a great present for expectant mothers. Make like Cleopatra in a lovely, organic, milky bath with skin-softening and relaxing essential oils.

Dr Weil for Origins The Way of the Bath matcha tea body soak, F54. Winner of the Green Beauty Bible Awards, this lovely body soak is based on Dr Weil’s knowledge and respect for Japanese culture and traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

As well as being packed with vital antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, the soak has a beautifully subtle and unusual scent that makes your bathroom feel

Feelgood

like a spa. Bring on the good times.

Soap & Glory Calm One Calm All, F7.49. This is a full-on, old-fashioned bubble fest that makes you feel like a Hollywood movie star. But what is great about this bubble bath is that it leaves the skin feeling super-soft and conditioned.

Boots Botanics luxurious bath elixir, F5.25. This looks like quite an unassuming little bath product — it’s cheap and simply packaged — but it works well on skin and definitely helps to soothe away stresses and strains, just for a little while. It uses Icelandic moss to hydrate and soothe skin, and bubbles up just the right amount.

Dead Sea Source nourish shea bath soak, F8.19. Packed with minerals from

the Dead Sea, which are renowned for the health benefits to the skin, this bath soak is great for delivering a boost of moisture.

Not only that, but it’s also got super-hydrating organic shea, as well as essential oils of lemon, elemi and pimentoberry.

L’Occitane lavender bath salts, F19.95. If you’re in need of a little relaxation, then lavender is the way to go, and this super-relaxing bath soak is just the ticket. Detoxifying Mediterranean sea bath salts are mixed with lavender essential oil, as well as notes of sage, lemon and vanilla. It’s gently foaming and very soothing.

Lazy Days seaweed bath,

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2009

F16. Great for those who like to keep it natural, Lazy Days is a bag of dried seaweed (as well as bath salts) that you throw into the bath, either in the bag or loose (which is better). It doesn’t smell great, and it’s a bit messy trying to scoop up the seaweed when you’re finished (although it can be used as a fertiliser), but it leaves your skin very soft and silky for days afterwards.

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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

MY hair has started to thin dramatically and I am also developing a very thick hair growth on my cheeks, upper lip and on my chin. Please can you recommend a natural product to help me with this problem. I have made inquiries about laser treatment but I’ve been told the hair on my face is too fine. I have been taking Fosamax for the last 10 years.

A. This is a difficult condition to deal with since it is widely accepted that men grow facial hair and lose the hair on their head, but when women do the same (typically due to the hormonal changes associated with menopause) it is not greeted with the same acceptance, despite the fact it appears to some extent in 50% of all menopausal women.

From your description, it seems hormonal balance is where you need to start treatment, and for your specific set of symptoms, I recommend a combination of herbs and acupuncture. Dermot O’Connor offers acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and nutrition in his Haddington Road practice, and will be able to devise a personalised course of treatment.

Dermot can be contacted on 01-667 2222 or by email at dermot@acupunctureireland.com.

Herbs typically used to rebalance hormones around menopause include wild yam root, black cohosh root, red clover leaf, dong quai root, raspberry leaf, agnus castus, Siberian ginseng, and nettle leaf. Often formulations can be found which combine some or all of these herbs in capsules or tincture form.

While I highly recommend acupuncture for hair thinning, needles are not for everyone. If you’d prefer to take another route, then take a look at Nourkrin, a 100% natural product which has been proven clinically to reduce hair loss and promote growth.

Nourkrin is available from www.lifes2good.ie, 01-750800.

Q. I suffer from mouth ulcers and use a natural toothpaste. I am wondering if the sodium lauroyl sarcosinate (a protein derivative) it contains, comes under your list of offending products. I’d be grateful for your opinion on this.

A. Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate (SLS) is a salt derived from a modified fatty acid which is deemed safe by the FSA for use as a rinse-off product — typically indicating external use such as shampoo, body wash etc. It is a

face so that it can be remineralised by the nutrients in your diet. It is also brilliant for gum health. (Check out www.toothsoap.com). It comes as a solid or liquid tooth soap, depending on your preference. Natural liquid castile soaps such as Dr Bronner’s can also be used for brushing teeth, using one to two drops only.

If you prefer a more conventional toothpaste in a tube, then you could switch to the Lavera brand, which uses the gentle, safer surfactants sodium cocoyl glutamate and disodium cocoyl glutamate. Lavera toothpaste and Dr Bronner’s liquid soaps are available from health stores and from Alchemist Earth (www.naturalskincare.ie; 061-404218).

Q. I am in my early 60s and have a perforation in my left eardrum since I was a child. About 10 years ago I had micro-surgery which was 75% successful, with ear infections occurring only occasionally. Now, however, I am getting a lot of infections — these are quite severe, requiring strong antibiotics and ear drops. My general health is very good but I am unhappy about taking antibiotics so frequently.

Have you any advice?

A. Ear infections are not something to be taken lightly. I suggest you visit as ENT specialist, or even seek a second opinion to see LUSCIOUS LOCKS: About half of if something can be done to address the cause women experience some hair loss of these recurrent infections rather than simply associated with menopause, which blocking and masking the symptoms. can be treated with herbs. Picture: iStock I understand your problem is based around a physiological issue, however there is still a lot you can do nutrition wise. The two main culprits are usually wheat and dairy. It is well known that these common allergy triggers increase mucous and inflammation in the system, surfactant, like sodium lauryl sulphate, which simply means it enables water to mix so this should bring some welcome relief. Ideally, it is worth eliminating both of these from with dirt and oil so that it can be easily your diet (there are many alternatives, plus a rinsed off.

It is not generally recognised as being safe number of comprehensive cookbooks and for internal consumption as it tends to form guides available in bookstores and libraries), or at the very least, restricting them significantly. nitrosamines — potentially carcinogenic You will also need to take probiotics followcompounds produced in strongly acidic environments (such as that found in the stom- ing the antibiotics, since the antibiotic medication will have wiped out the beneficial gut bacach) and under high temperatures. It also enhances the penetration of other toxins in- teria along with the overgrowth of excessive intestinal flora. to the skin and mucous membranes.

Seven Seas’ multibionta, or anything from Since it is difficult to brush your teeth the Biocare or Solgar range of probiotics will without swallowing some toothpaste, I would put it in the category of being ques- ensure you are getting a high quality product that actually provides what your body needs. tionable but potentially safe for use in external rinse-off products. However, I would Establishing good gut health not only helps to rebuild the population of ‘good’ bacteria, it not recommend SLS for substances which will also help to fight infection and ward off can be consumed due to the potential for future infection. conversion into nitrosamines and its ability Finally, you might want to invest in a bottle to facilitate the uptake of other chemicals of the herbal tincture goldenseal, which can be through the skin and membranes. used internally and externally to treat viral and I prefer use tooth soap, which I order bacterial infection. Apply to the outer edge of from the US, because I find it to be the your ear hole and take internally as directed. least abrasive and it prepares the tooth sur-

Megan puts the spotlight on :

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AST month, I looked at getting your 40 winks, and why it’s important to get enough sleep each night for the body to function effectively.

Here are my top tips on how to achieve a more restful and satisfying night’s sleep.

Keep cool: Despite the natural inclination to pile on the layers at night, particularly with the winter weather, the ability of the body to transfer core body heat to the skin and extremities depends on external heat conditions. We require a specific temperature range to facilitate heat regulation.

For those under 30 years, this range is between 18-30°C, narrowing to 23-25°C as we age — which is one of the key reasons why sleep disorders be-

Feelgood

Sleeping Easy come more common as we get older.

Reduce your fat intake: Digestion can often make us feel tired. Studies have proven that brain cells are ‘switched off ’, so that the body can concentrate on processing a meal.

Brazilian researchers discovered that when a meal is high in fats, this sedative effect does not last as long and is more likely to disrupt your sleep.

High fat meals lead to a smaller period of REM sleep, which is crucial for our mental and physical agility.

Ditch the digital alarm: Or, at least, move it further away from your bed. It is believed that the energy emitted from digital appliances, such as alarm

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2009

clocks, disrupt sleep cycles. So, choose an old-fashioned, wind-up alarm clock, or move your alarm clock about four feet away from your bed. Once you have formed a healthy pattern of regular early nights, you will not only sleep better, but you also wake up bright and early without need for an alarm.

Let the light in: We already know that waking and sleeping patterns are regulated by light and dark. Exposure to light in the morning triggers the suppression of melatonin, and darkness stimulates melatonin release, encouraging sleepiness. Insomniacs often benefit from daylight exposure at a similar time each morning, in order to reset their brain clock.

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