Feelgood 23-04-2010

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Feelgood

Friday, April 23, 2010

Cool runnings Energetic runners put their best foot forward to give cancer the boot: 8, 9

SPORTING CHANCE

HOW BROADCASTER JIMMY MAGEE STAYS YOUNG AT HEART: 3

WORTH THEIR SALT

WE TEST EIGHT SMOKED SALMON PRODUCTS FOR YOUR CULINARY PLEASURE: 12

SUMMER LOVING

YOUR GUIDE TO THE BEST FAKE TANS THAT MONEY CAN BUY: 13 Picture: Denis Scannell

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A big age difference doesn’t have to be a problem when it comes to relationships, writes Arlene Harris Kate O’Reilly WHAT’S ON BE 1 IN 1000: The organisers of the 1 in 1000 fundraising group are making a final call. It is hoped that 1,000 women will run as part of the 1 in 1000 group at this year’s Flora Women’s Mini Marathon in June and raise F200,000 for a new cystic fibrosis unit at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin. 1 in 1000 is an initiative founded by six women; grandmother, mother, aunt, sister and cousins, who wanted to do something following the diagnosis of little sisters Emily and Lana Woodward (now aged 4 and 2) with CF. Among the women supporting the event is Irish athlete Catherina McKiernan. Registration for the Dublin Women’s Mini Marathon closes on April 27; see www.RunningForCF.ie for more information. For further information on cystic fibrosis, visit www.cfireland.ie.

SOCCER CLASSIC: Former WBA super-bantamweight champion Bernard Dunne and broadcasting legend Jimmy Magee have teamed up to host a celebrity soccer classic to help raise funds for the Caring and Sharing Association (CASA) and the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA).

Players will include Gary Kelly, Paul McGrath, Packie Bonner, Katie Taylor and Ronnie Whelan. A family fun day is planned with clowns, face painters etc.

Tickets for the event, which takes place in Tallaght Stadium on Saturday, May 8, at 2.30pm, are F5 each or F12 for a family of four and are available from the CASA office at 01-8725300 or IMNDA at 1800 403 403. Tickets can be purchased online at www.imnda.ie, or www.ticketgroup.ie, or at the stadium on the day.

SPONSORED WALK: There will be a sponsored walk between Glengarriff and Castletownbere tomorrow in aid of the Chemotherapy Department, CUH and St Joseph’s Palliative Care Unit Castletownbere. All donations greatly appreciated; anyone interested in participating can contact Sandra on 086-1065920.

HEART CLINIC: The Irish Heart Foundation will hold a free blood pressure and cholesterol testing clinic at the Parish Centre, Carrigaline on Wednesday next, from 10am to 12noon. Call 021-4505822 or if you have questions about stroke or heart disease you can contact their helpline, at 1890 432 787.

WALK 4 AWARE: Aware, the national organisation which provides information and emotional support services to individuals and families affected by depression, is looking for volunteers to “Walk 4 Aware” on Sunday, May 9.

Contact the Aware office at 01-6617211 or visit www.aware.ie. The Aware helpline is 1890 303 302.

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

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Mind the gap

AST week, veteran rocker Paul Weller, 51, announced his engagement to his 24-year-old girlfriend, Hannah Andrews. Despite his fiancée being just two years older than his eldest son, Weller insists he has found ‘The One’.

“It’s funny to think that after all these years I’ve finally met my soulmate — and at my age. All I can say is that I am very, very much in love,” said the singer.

And it’s not just the men who are finding love with younger partners — Demi Moore and Madonna are leading the way for older women dating younger men.

Lisa O’Hara of Marriage, Relationship Counselling Services (MRCS) says a significant age gap does not necessarily mean problems for a relationship.

“What’s really important here is the glue that bonds the couple regardless of age,” she says. “How closely aligned are their values and principles — do they have a lot in common, do they communicate well and understand each other — all of these things are important.”

But while all relationships will face challenges at various stages, some issues are particular to couples with a large age gap.

“There is a practical dimension — children may not be an option — and as one partner gets older, the burden of responsibility may lie heavily on the younger one to care for their older partner,” says O’Hara.

LOVED UP: Paul Weller has announced his engagement to his 24-year-old girlfriend.

Picture:Ian West/PA Wire

However, she also stresses that a considerable age gap can have its benefits.

“There may be a lot to learn from the wisdom of experience of an older partner and having a younger partner can help to

keep you young,” she says. “So the success of a relationship like this is the same for all relationships, it’s about being able to tolerate differences.

“We are all looking to have our needs met — they differ from person to person but sometimes we meet someone who bucks the trend and they are perfect for us, regardless of their age.”

Ace golfer, Greg Norman, 55, also revealed his love for a younger woman this week, as he spoke about his relationship with 41-year-old interior designer, Kirsten Kutner. Although there is a 14-year age gap between the couple, Liam Lally of Accord says this doesn’t have to be problematic.

“A strong attraction can develop regardless of age, he says. “And interests or hobbies may be age-neutral and do not diminish with age.

“In fact, the age difference may, in itself, be an attraction to both parties and may remain so throughout their lives together.”

However, some people do encounter problems as the relationship develops and Lally says communication and even counselling can be beneficial.

“It is important that the implications of significant age differences be fully explored, perhaps with the help of a marriage counsellor, before becoming fully committed to the relationship.”

■ For more relationship advice visit www.accord.ie or www.mrcs.ie or call 1890 380 380

HEALTH NOTES SHOP, cook and eat smart is the message from the Nutrition and Health Foundation (NHF), which has teamed up with top chef Rozanne Stephens to produce 10 quick, nutritious, budget-friendly one-pot wonders that can be made and enjoyed by everyone.

The recipes are available to download from www.nhfireland.ie.

“With purse strings tightened, families have become more conscious of what they’re spending on food every week. There’s a temptation to buy what’s on special offer, rather than perhaps what’s best nutrition-wise,” says NHF manager Dr Muireann Cullen.

HAVE Dreams And Speak Them Without Fear is the theme of this year’s Bealtaine Festival, which runs from May 1 to 31.

The festival, which celebrates creativity in older age, embraces all art forms and gives opportunities to older people to participate in the arts as artists, performers, event organisers and audience. To get involved in Bealtaine 2010, visit www.bealtaine.com; email bealtaine@mie.ie or phone 01 805 7709. Information will also be available in public libraries and county council arts offices; also from Bealtaine at Age & Opportunity, Marino Institute of Education, Griffith Avenue, Dublin 9.

WITH dioxin a toxin increasingly found in breast cancer tissue, survivor of the cancer Sheryl Crow is urging women not to drink

bottled water that has been left in a car. According to a warning issued by her oncologist and later shared by the singer on the Ellen show, heat reacts with the chemicals in the plastic of the bottle which releases dioxin into the water.

BEING exposed to a lot of second-hand smoke may put you at increased risk of developing chronic rhinosinusitis — an inflammation of the nose/sinuses lasting more than 12 weeks. Investigating more than 300 non-smokers who’d been diagnosed with the condition, Canadian researchers found that 40% of the cases seemed to be due to second-hand smoke.

Why this is so could be down to the smoke inhibiting immune responses and increasing the permeability of cells lining the respiratory tract, researchers said.

ONE in three people who use indoor tanning facilities, such as sunbeds, may become addicted to the effects, say US researchers, who studied more than 400 college student users of the facilities. The study found that between 30% and 39% met the criteria for tanning addiction, with those addicted also being more prone to anxiety and alcohol/drug use. Treating an underlying mood TAKE A BOW: Member of the National disorder “may be a necessary step in reducConcert Hall Blow the Dust Orchestra, Mary ing skin cancer risk among those who freConnor from Dun Laoghaire helps launch the quently tan indoors”, suggest the researchers. national Bealtaine Festival.

Picture: Barbara Lindberg Helen O’Callaghan

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

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THE SHAPE I'M IN

Jimmy Magee

Memory man

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ROADCASTING legend Jimmy Magee and boxer Bernard Dunne are set to host a celebrity soccer classic in aid of the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA) and the Caring & Sharing Association (CASA).

As patron of the IMNDA, Jimmy’s delighted to be involved with the fundraiser, which takes place on Saturday, May 8, in Tallaght Stadium and which features well-known faces, including Katie Taylor, Paul McGrath, Packie Bonner and Ronnie Whelan. (Visit www.bernarddunnecharities.com or phone 1800 403 403 to purchase tickets).

Jimmy’s family have tragically been struck by Motor Neurone Disease — his son, Paul, died from the disease two years ago. “I miss him. As well as being father and son, we were very close friends. He was my first-born.

He was a good fellow, hugely into sport. He played professional football and then all of a sudden he’s gone. But you cope. You just have to.”

The 75-year-old has four other children and doesn’t feel he has changed much since his younger days. “I haven’t changed a bit in my behaviour or thinking. Now I know you don’t really change at all — I wish I’d known that when I was younger,” says Jimmy, whose wife, Marie, died in 1989.

That pleasant healthy smell you get in a flower shop. I certainly don’t like the smell of garlic or curries.

What’s the best book you’ve read recently?

George Kimball’s Four Kings, about four middleweight boxers who fought each other.

What trait do you least like in others?

Selfishness, lack of manners and meanness.

What trait do you least like in yourself?

I’d like to be more patient — privately. I’m very patient publicly. Sometimes when something annoys me, I don’t tell the person but I feel an inner impatience.

Do you pray?

Yes, I do. I pray occasionally during the day but always at night. Not a day goes by when I don’t pray.

What would cheer up your day?

Good weather and meeting somebody who’s positive — who’s genuinely glad to see me and I’m glad to see them.

Helen O’Callaghan

What shape are you in?

I’m fit enough. I could shed a few pounds but I’m not killing myself to do it. I’m probably lighter by a stone than I was 10 years ago, through an attempt at a diet. I did it for my own good, not out of vanity.

Do you have any health concerns?

When Paul was ill with Motor Neurone Disease, I saw somebody who was suffering. I thought, well, that’s the end of me being sick — no more whinging about toothaches and headaches. Unless something is really serious, forget about it.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I avoid fats and I eat a lot of fish — I don’t eat it because it’s healthy but because I like it.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

I don’t drink alcohol. I haven’t since 1973 and I’m unlikely to do so again. I don’t smoke either. I used to binge on a couple of chocolate bars a day but I’ve cut that out almost exclusively now — so I’m a kind of saint really.

HAPPY DAYS: One of the things that cheers Jimmy Magee up is meeting somebody who’s positive.

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What would keep you awake at night?

Mental tiredness — if I was thinking hard about something, it would take me a long time to turn off. Otherwise, I can sleep virtually anywhere.

How do you relax?

I relax by getting involved in work because I enjoy that. I like finding out things. I learn something new everyday.

When did you last cry?

When Paul died.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Ingrid Bergman — she must be one of the most beautiful women ever — Elvis Presley and Ava Gardner.

What would you change about your appearance?

I wouldn’t want to be any other way — I’ve lived in this body long enough now.

What’s your favourite smell?

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Hate the gym?

Oliver Moore examines some of the other exercise regimes available

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HE fashion for frugality with the recession has led to a rise in walking, jogging, cycling or even exercise workouts at home, on DVD or even online.

So there are a plethora of possibilities for keeping in shape and burning calories without picking your own pocket.

Activities which have a monthly or pay-per-class option allow the more savvy exerciser to try classes out, or drop out when going on holidays.

Crucially, exercise that’s enjoyable is likely to keep you coming back for more. If you find the gym monotonous, then it might be worth considering some of the following — from the familiar and established to the funky and exotic.

Try to plan your exercise regime in advance, have some incremental goals and targets, and check your plans with your health care practitioner.

MAKE A SPLASH: Swimming is one of the most accessible options for keeping fit whether you dip into public or private facilities. And you can come and go as you please — no pressure, just fun.

Picture: Getty Images

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FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2010

ZUMBA Zumba’s catchphrase is “Ditch the workout, join the party!”. The emphasis is very much on fitness through the fun of dancing, with pulsating music and an almost nightclub type atmosphere.

Latin rhythms and accessible dance moves are the order of the day. Zumba’s routines feature interval training sessions where fast and slow rhythms and resistance training are combined.

Polish woman Marta Borun teaches three classes in Clare. “The music is a central part of the classes,” she tells me. “I incorporate elements of salsa, mambo, merengue, hip-hop.

The classes also sometimes feature songs by Latin acts like Shakira. I also adapt to the classes’ musical preferences where possible”.

“Zumba is also a great core workout, as you learn how to engage your hips, controlling your tummy and lower back: by using your hips you train the centre of your body,” she explains.

Most of the communication is done non-verbally, to keep the party feel going for this predominantly female crowd.

What it will do: cardio-vascular, core, toning, coordination, confidence.

What it won’t do: strengthening.

Suits: all levels, mostly female, mostly 20-40.

Cost: varies per class: F6-F10. Videos are also available to purchase.

PARTY TIME: An alternative way to getting fit is to try Zumba dancing, seen here in action with Marta Borun who is teaching a class at Ennis Leisure centre in Co Clare. Picture: Eamon Ward Contact details: See www.zumba.com and search for locations. There are 19 listed for Ireland, some of which have more than one class (eg Cork city has three).

Fun factor: **** SWIMMING: Swimming is one of the most accessible options for keeping fit. Along with public pools, there are now plenty swimming facilities available in other venues, from hotels and private health clubs to third level institutions.

Swimming has a number of advantages other exercises do not have. Some find the impact of land based exercise (eg soccer, basketball, running) tough on their knees or ankles. Swimming is also good for both warming up and warming down form other types of exercise.

What it will do: mostly cardio-vascular, some toning, some endurance/stamina (depending on regime).

What it won’t do: strengthening, unless you do sprints or resistance swimming; significant weight loss.

Suits: all fitness types, all ages, male and female.

Cost: F4-F6 per session.

Contact details: You local swimming pool.

Fun factor: ***

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the SwingCity Limerick events on Mondays DANCING: in Clohesseys bar, McNamara stresses that Swing, jive, tango, bellydancing; there is a veritable A to Z of dancing styles you can try more men are always welcome.

Many dance classes also hold their own sothese days, alone or with a partner. As dance cial events, with some organising trips away classes happen in groups and involve creative and also putting on club nights. expression, they can be among the most enWhat it will do: cardio-vascular, confijoyable of ways to get fit. dence, coordination, concentration.

There is something of a 1920s-1950s style What it won’t do: strengthening. and culture undercurrent bubbling away at Suits: all ages and fitness levels. present. Think flapper fashions, the Puppini Cost: varies per class opSisters, Imelda May, tion. For example eight and all the burlesque, weeks costs F85 with boudoir and vaudeville Swing City Galway. clubs that are popping Contact details: Classes up in the bigger towns in every major city and and cities across many towns. Try Ireland. www.dublindy.com (see Once the reserve of links), and for Munster: weddings and seaside www.shallwedance.ie (Bridholidays only, swing get Harte 086-3811065) dancing is enjoying a www.swingdancecork.com. second wave of super Fun Factor: **** cool popularity.

Niamh McNamara of CAPOEIRA: SwingCity Limerick: MOVE ON: Some Cork students Capoeira looks like a “Any one is welcome to swing dance, there’s trained in capoeira last year, which is flamboyant but a subtle blend of dance, martial arts minimal-contact martial arts no age limit and you and acrobatic skills combined with with a touch of breakdancdon’t need a partner.” ing. According to Professor While both men and traditional Brazilian music.

Gaucho, a personal trainer women get dancing at Picture: Larry Cummins

FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2010

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and capoeirista who runs the Cork Capoeira Academy, it is “a Brazilian cultural sport, which includes martial arts, music, dance and acrobatics”.

Contact is at variable levels rather than non-existent, though this is managed very carefully by the teachers. The classes sometimes have games and are very rhythm driven, with specific musical instruments and songs constantly featuring in the classes.

The joie-de-vivre of Brazilian culture really shines through in capoeira, which can’t help but be social.

Weekend capoeira festivals combine intensive training by day with a lively Saturday Brazilian club night, a barbecue, and usually a carnivalesque samba crescendo after the Sunday training. Occasionally groups travel to other European cities for festivals and also to Brazil.

There are two main groups in Ireland, Mundo and Candeias. Mundo’s classes are mostly in Dublin and on the east coast, whereas Candeias hold classes in Dublin but also in Ennis, Limerick, Bandon, Westport, Galway and Cork.

What it will do: Strength, flexibility, cardio-vascular, confidence, co-ordination, concentration, endurance/stamina, toning.

What it won’t do: make the tea.

How much it costs: Varies. In Ennis, Co Clare, Candeias charge F40-F50 per month for adults, and F20-F40 for children, depending on number of classes per week attended.

Discounts are available for multiple members of same family. Mundo offer pay per class option and 5- or 10-class vouchers.

Who it suits: Suits relatively agile though there are beginners and children’s classes.

Suits male and female, mostly aged 20-40, though some of the most agile attendees and occasionally even teachers are over 40.

Contact details: www.capoeiracandeias.ie (087-6238525) Fun Factor: ***** BOOTCAMP: Bootcamp exercise, as carried out by Bootcamp Ireland, involves military style fitness techniques with military instructors. According to Bootcamp Ireland, it involves a combination of “get down and gimme 20” with “interactive, motivating circuits, all over body exercises, running and motivational games”.

While there is a bit of Full Metal Jacket style shouting, much of the motivation comes from the fact that it is a group activity, done in the outdoors, with varied routines.

Appealing mainly to the 20 to 40 age bracket, Bootcamp Ireland is available in many of parts of Dublin. It has also recently begun in Limerick, Ennis and Cork.

There is a social side to it too, with outdoor activities, socials, competitions and trips away (eg surf and ski trips).

What it will do: cardio-vascular, strengthening, endurance/stamina, toning, confidence, concentration.

What it won’t do: see capoeira.

Suits: more male than female though both attend, mostly age 20-40. Classes available for all levels from beginners upwards, though suits relatively fit.

Cost: F150 for an eight-week course, comprising of up to 24 classes.

Contact details: www.bootcampireland.com Fun Factor: ****

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Climbing is just living my dream, Banjo Bannon tells Margaret Carragher

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T the age of 14, Terence ‘Banjo’ Bannon set off in his older brother’s boots, a pair of corduroy trousers, and a thin, plastic-lined jacket on a trek to the top of Northern Ireland’s highest mountain, Slieve Donard. He had no map, no compass and no climbing experience, just a sense of adventure, ferocious curiosity and endless enthusiasm. This marked the beginning of a lifelong adventure which has seen Banjo scale the world’s highest peaks, endure heart-breaking loss and above all, triumph against the odds.

Born in 1967 in Barcroft, Newry, Banjo was the youngest of six children and was just three years old when his father died. In the social and political unrest of Northern Ireland at the time sectarian violence was rampant, and the death of a school friend, blown to pieces while carrying an IRA bomb, had a profound impact on Banjo. It propelled his life in an entirely new direction, and instilled in him the resolve to escape from the stranglehold of violence and deprivation that clouded his local community.

Mountain climbing became his solace. Participation in youth groups opened up new horizons and afforded him the opportunity to climb mountains across Europe that would otherwise have been beyond his wildest dreams.

However, in May 1989 an industrial accident sabotaged Banjo’s climbing career and almost cost him a limb.

“I was working as a welder at the time,” he recalls. “As I crossed the factory floor that day, a forklift veered over my foot, twisting my leg right around.”

Floored by the impact, Banjo watched in horror as his workmates cut away his overalls to reveal the jagged edges of his shin bone protruding through the skin.

By the time he reached hospital, blood loss had rendered his condition critical and he was given the last rites before being rushed to the operating theatre where surgeons battled to save his leg and treat a life-threatening embolism which had travelled from the injury site to his lungs.

For days afterwards Banjo’s life hung in the balance; only when his condition improved and he was transferred to a general ward did he learn the full extent of his injuries.

The doctors told him it would take numer-

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ous skin grafts and many months of rehabilitation before he’d be able to walk again; furthermore, he would never regain the ability to run or climb.

But the doctors had not reckoned for the grit and determination of their patient.

“Even in those difficult early days I knew they were wrong,” he says. During the pain-filled months that followed, Banjo constantly set goals for himself, from lifting his head off the pillow to raising and lowering his leg. When he’d finally regained enough mobility to master his crutches, he was allowed home, on the understanding that he would remain in plaster for a year and that he would not be able to bear weight on his leg during that time.

“My leg was still in plaster and I was registered as disabled but I didn’t let that get in my way.”

He also continued to hike on his crutches, much to the bemusement of his mates.

“When I rock-climbed, my partners would hook me onto a top rope and I’d use my upper-body strength to do all the work,” he recalls. “I cracked the plaster several times but the hospital was used to me coming in for recasts!” When the plaster was removed Banjo returned to the hills — first on two crutches, then on one, and finally, unaided.

His plan to conquer the world’s highest peak was firmly back on track; and having scaled mountains across several continents for practice, he finally achieved his dream.

“All my desires and my hopes were pinned TOP CLASS: Banjo, main picture and on that single moment,” he says of his Everest left with his wife Lauren — with whom conquest. “It was 8am on 31 May 2003 and I he wrote the book, Ascending the was standing on top of the world.”

Dream: The Life & Climbs of Banjo Since then, in addition to acquiring a wife, a son, and a university degree in Youth and Bannon — pictured at Concordia.

Community Work, Banjo continues to chalPicture:Fergus Mini lenge the world’s most formidable mountains. Having scaled the Himalayan peak of Ama Dablam as part of an Irish-American expediWithin weeks Banjo was tion late last year he reback on form. Having turned triumphant to Mountain-climbing at its coaxed a friend to drive launch his book Ashighest level involves pain, him to the base of Slieve cending the Dream hunger, cold, and sleep Gullion in County Arwhich he wrote with deprivation. To prepare for magh, Banjo announced his journalist wife these challenges you must that he was going to crutch Lauren O’Malley. be willing to suffer. No pain, his way to the top.

And though the world’s no gain.

“It took me ages and my most technically challenghands were very sore by the time ing peak K2 has twice defeatI reached the summit, but I made it ed him, Banjo doesn’t rule out anall the way up and down unaided.” other attempt at its summit.

From there was no looking back. Banjo “Never say never,” he quips. embarked on a rigorous exercise programme in his local gym, focussing primarily on de■ Ascending the Dream: The Life & Climbs veloping the muscles in his upper body and of Banjo Bannon published by Gill & midsection, lifting weights for hours on end.

Macmillan F16.99.

FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2010

Banjo’s tip for endurance

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The psychological roots of dis-ease are too often ignored by traditional medicine ‘cure’ approaches

Behind illness

FEELING LOW: In spite of wonderful medical achievements, the rate of illness has not even been reduced by one per cent.

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Tony Humphreys

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VER the last 30 years practising as a clinical psychologist I have been privileged to help many individuals who were in deep inner turmoil, but there were many who also presented with mild to severe physical illnesses.

Some of the illnesses presented were back pain, migraine headaches, asthma, eczema, Chron’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, heart disease, ME, MS, MN, cancer, brain tumour — indeed, all of the most prevalent illnesses.

Naturally, these individuals were receiving medical intervention and that is how it needs to be. However, there is an embarrassing source of riches to show that illnesses are more than purely biological realities and that an effective response requires a serious consideration of the psycho-social contents of the persons who suffer illness.

Medicine has developed some amazing technological and chemical treatments for particular illnesses and continues to pursue rigorously the causes of illness, particularly the two current greatest killers — heart disease and cancer.

However, in spite of the recognition within medicine of the psychosomatic and psychophysiological nature of most illnesses, the medical practice continues to focus on ‘cures’ and detecting causes. This essentially biological approach — while praiseworthy in its efforts — fails to consider that a particular illness may have an individual meaning for the person who is ill.

A recurring political reality is the never-ending crises in our health services and the challenge to provide an effective and efficient service for what appears to be a relentless escalation in the demands for medical services. It is a worrying reality that in spite of the wonderful medical achievements that the rate of illness has not even been reduced by one per cent.

My own belief is that in addition to medical interventions, a deeper understanding of illness is required and that the search for the intentions of illness needs to be as intense as it is for the causes.

What do I mean by intentions? This question is best answered by posing and attempting to answer several other questions: How is it that men are far more prone to heart disease than are women? Why is breast cancer so prevalent among women? Why is back pain the most common complaint and accounts for most absenteeism from work?

How is it that single men and those in unhappy marriages are 64% more likely to suffer a stroke? How is it that individuals who experienced profound abandonment experiences in childhood die two to three times faster than those who have been more fortunate in terms of early nurturing? How does a serious life-threatening illness suddenly disappear? How can a sugar pill (a placebo) be as effective as a specific chemical compound?

There are endless such questions that deserve consideration and, indeed, there are medical and psychological-social practitioners who have examined these questions.

Their conclusion has been that there is a meaning to illness that needs to be detected so that a comprehensive bio-psycho-social intervention can be devised with the creative co-operation of the person presenting with a par-

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ticular illness at a particular time in their lives, within unique circumstances (for example, death of a spouse, loss of job, death of a child, marital breakdown, bullying at work).

There is strong evidence too that the location of the illness (for example, ‘blocked’ arteries, ‘splitting’ headache, ‘crippling’ back pain, ‘recurring’ nausea) has a particular meaning for the individual as does the nature of the symptoms, for example, chest pain, stomach pain, feelings of weakness, loss of power in one’s limbs, loss of voice, recurring infections).

What is particularly vital is that the illness is an unconscious creation that has the intention of getting the person to do for themselves what they would need to have been doing and to stop doing what is threatening to their overall well-being.

If you are feeling confused by what is being said, then this is not surprising because the search for the intentions of an illness is every bit as complex as searching for the causes.

For example, a man who has been diagnosed with either ‘blocked’ arteries or ‘hardened’ arteries is compelled by his illness to either attend to his severe emotional blocks — the fear of emotional expression — or how he has ‘hardened’ his heart to himself and to others. While a bypass operation is critical to resolving the blocked blood flow to his heart, it is equally urgent that he gets help to resolve his long-standing emotional repression, a common psycho-social reality with men.

If the heart dis-ease gets the person afflicted to talk about his heart albeit at a substitute level, what does it stop him from doing? It cleverly stops him from being ‘heartless’ because he is now very much aware that he has a heart after all.

The psycho-social work needed is to bring to consciousness the emotional repressions and support him compassionately to talk in a real as opposed to a substitute dis-ease way about his feelings. The sad reality is that for many men having a heart attack is far less threatening than expressing how they feel.

The terror of being ridiculed, laughed at or emotionally abandoned is a far more serious psychological dis-ease than the blocked arteries and the bypass operation.

What I have written above gives a flavour of the contents of a new book, The Compassionate Intentions of Illness, written by myself and my wife and colleague Dr Helen Ruddle. The launch of this book is at 6.30pm at the Aula Maxima, UCC, on Tuesday, April 27. All are welcome.

FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2010

A DIFFERENT VIEW ON LIFESTYLE Your guide to fitness, health, happiness and lifestyle.

Great writers and mentors.

Where you come first.

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

Every Friday.

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A big issue with men’s health is getting them to follow up on symptoms early enough. Áilín Quinlan speaks to two male charity marathon runners who bucked this trend

GIVING CANCER THE BOOT

I

T WAS ONLY a routine check-up, something mechanical engineer John Quigley never dreamed would lead to a series of tests, biopsies and, finally, a gruelling operation. The father-of-two from the Cork suburb of Douglas didn’t smoke or drink and, as a member of the Eagle Athletic Club, was extremely fit and active, so the last thing he expected was to be told he had an aggressive form of prostate cancer. In April 2006 a routine check-up with his GP led to blood tests and a consultation with a urologist.

A year later, following more tests, Quigley was referred for a biopsy, scheduled the day after the Cork City Marathon, in which he was running a relay as a member of Eagle AC. That biopsy came back clear, but in December 2007 another biopsy brought grim news — he had an aggressive form of prostate cancer. Quigley was operated on in May 2008.

“I had a radical prostatectomy which is a very severe form of surgery which involved the removal of the prostate gland, the lymph nodes and the seminal vesicles but I felt it gave me the best long-term prognosis,” says the 56-year-old. “I never had a symptom up to the day I was operated on. It was a good thing I went for that check-up.”

His recovery was rapid — the following August he ran the Ballycotton Five race, and a year later set up the C-Team, a group which aims to raise the profile and awareness of cancer and the need for early diagnoses.

The C-Team, which currently has four members, is running a charity relay in the Cork City Marathon in June. Quigley says more cancer survivors are welcome to join.

Quigley is now fighting fit — on March 28 he won an over-50s team medal in the Athletics Association of Ireland Munster Masters Championships and is also currently training for the Dublin City Marathon in October.

A quick response to symptoms can make the difference between life and death. Dr Ian Banks spokesman for the European Men’s Health Forum says: “One of the major problems we have with men’s cancer is late presentation. Men will put up with the symptoms of, for example, bowel cancer or a changing mole much longer than women and therefor the outcome is much worse.”

One of the big issues in men’s health is to encourage them to recognise the signs of possible cancer and go to the doctor, says Jennifer Ledwith, cancer information service nurse with the Irish Cancer Society. Skin and prostate cancer are extremely serious issues for men — and all too often men are slow to see their GP. Statistics show that skin cancer is the most common form of male cancer, with 4,325 cases in 2008. Prostate cancer came second at 2,579 cases, while there were 1,286 cases of male bowel cancer. Around 1,130 men had lung cancer and 158 had testicular cancer.

“The first thing men should realise about cancer is that it’s much easier to prevent than to treat,” says consultant oncologist Seamus O’Reilly. “If men think they have symptoms,

SYMPTOMS TO WATCH

One of the major problems we have with men's cancer is late presentation.

Men will put up with the symptoms of, for example, bowel cancer or a changing mole much longer than women and therefore the outcome is much worse BACK ON TRACK: Cancer survivors Joe Dineen and John Quigley, training for the Cork City Marathon. they need to come in to the doctor immediately — the more extensive the cancer is, the more difficult it is to treat.”

Early diagnosis and treatment gives patients a much better chance of recovery, says Ledwith, who believes men are starting to get the message — the Irish Cancer support helpline is now getting up to twice as many calls from males as it would have five years ago, she says. “More men are calling our helpline — there has been a significant increase in the number of male callers to the helpline about their health.”

Dr O’Reilly agrees. “There is increasing male awareness of cancer and they are more empowered about it than they were before.

Men tend to take more control nowadays — they will often know their PSA levels (elevated levels of prostate specific antigen or

PSA indicate the possible existence of prostate cancer) when they are diagnosed with prostate cancer, for example.

“They will do a lot of research into the condition and into the best available treatments, and they’ll know their options. They tend to bring what I would call a work attitude into their awareness of the illness.”

Increased awareness means the Irish Cancer helpline is receiving more calls from worried but well males who have not been to their GP. “They give us their symptoms because they feel they may be wasting a doctor’s time — for example, they may have a change in bowel habits and may be embarrassed talking to a doctor,” says Ledwith.

“Men seem to be more comfortable speaking anonymously and in confidence about their fears and worries and concerns.”

Picture: Denis Scannell

The helpline also gets a substantial number of calls from men who have been diagnosed.

With skin cancer — the most common form of cancer among men — there’s often a lack of knowledge about the symptoms, says Ledwith says. “They may just think they have a simple blemish — a lot of people don’t realise that a melanoma is related to a changing mole.”

Some men won’t got to the doctor about a suspected enlargement of their prostate because they are embarrassed or feel it is simply a ‘man’s problem.’ “Men will probably have symptoms with prostate enlargement any time from age 50, but one can never tell whether it may be a cancer,” says Ledwith.

“They should have the PSA blood test along with a digital rectal examination which can be done by the GP. In the event

that their PSA level is raised, further investigations will be required.”

Embarrassment can also be a major disincentive for men who fear they may have bowel cancer, she reports, while, with lung cancer, they may convince themselves that they just have a smoker’s cough.

Although testicular cancer, which usually affects men between the ages of 15 and 24, is extremely treatable, she says, younger men may be reluctant to confront this change in their body image — or even embarrassed if they happen to have a female GP. ■ For further information about the C-Team, contact John Quigley 087-6261178.

■ For more on the marathon on June 7, call 021-4924170, or see corkcitymarathon.ie.

IRISH MALE CANCER CASES, 2008: ■ skin 4,325 ■ prostate 2,579 ■ bowel 1,286 ■ lung 1,130 ■ testicular 158 Feelgood

FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2010

TESTICULAR CANCER If you have any of these symptoms contact your doctor: ■ painless lump or swelling in either testicle ■ hardening of the testicle ■ testicle is tender to touch ■ sensation of heaviness in your scrotum ■ dull ache in your lower abdomen or groin PROSTATE CANCER Cancers found within the prostate gland only are known as early prostate cancer. Men with early prostate cancer are unlikely to have any symptoms at all. Prostate cancers usually only cause symptoms when they are large enough to disturb your bladder or press on the tube that drains urine. For that reason the symptoms of prostate cancer are like the symptoms of an enlarged prostate.

The symptoms of prostate cancer include: ■ Passing urine more often, especially at night ■ Pain or difficulty when passing urine ■ Trouble starting or stopping the flow of urine ■ The feeling of not having emptied your bladder ■ Frequent pain in your lower back, hips or upper thighs ■ Trouble having or keeping an erection ■ Blood in your urine or sperm (very rare)

Picture: Denis Scannell

I was always fit and healthy

F

ATHER-of-two Joe Dineen had always considered himself to be fit and healthy: “I don’t smoke, I played soccer all my life and enjoyed jogging — I ran the full Cork City Marathon in June 2007.”

However, in December 2007 he started to feel that he was passing urine more often than usual. The process became increasingly painful and more difficult, he recalls, and he eventually went to the GP with what he believed was a kidney infection. “The GP said it seemed as if my prostate was enlarged and referred me to a urologist. I had a battery of tests and in April 2008 I was sent for a biopsy,” says the former insurance company agent.

On May 6, 2008 — his daughter Joanna’s 24th birthday — Joe, from Cork’s Commons Road, was told he had prostate cancer.

“It was an awful shock to the system. I was told I had an aggressive tumour. I was put on a hormone treatment which consisted of a

combination of tablets and injections. There were bone scans and bladder tests and I was referred to the radiotherapy department.”

He began radiotherapy treatment in August 2008 — the course ran for seven weeks. “I was lucky because it didn’t make me very sick or tired,” recalls the 56-year-old.

In December 2008 he got the all-clear, but remained on the hormone injections until August 2009 and received regular three-monthly check-ups.

“The initial shock is the worst part, but I was lucky because we caught it early on.”

Joe heard about the C Team when he read an article by John Quigley about prostate cancer in the Ballycotton Race booklet. John was setting up the C-Team for cancer survivors: “I joined the C-Team, and we’re running this year in the Cork City marathon relay. Last year when I ran in it, I raised F1,500 for the Irish Cancer Society.”

LUNG CANCER The symptoms of lung cancer may include: ■ Difficulty breathing ■ A cough that doesn’t go away or a change in a long-term cough ■ Repeated chest infections that won’t go away even after antibiotics ■ Wheezing ■ Feeling more tired than usual ■ A hoarse voice ■ Coughing up blood-stained phlegm ■ Pain in your chest, especially when you cough or breathe in ■ Loss of appetite ■ Weight loss ■ Swelling around your face and neck ■ Difficulty swallowing SKIN CANCER Non-melanoma skin cancer Skin cancers do not all look the same. They can appear as any of the following: ■ Small lump ■ Flat, red spot ■ Firm, red lump ■ A lump or spot that is tender to touch ■ An ulcer that will not heal ■ A lump with a scaly or horny top ■ Rough, scaly patches Melanoma skin cancer The main signs may include one or more of the following: ■ A mole that suddenly gets bigger or you find a new one on your skin ■ The mole has developed a ragged or uneven outline ■ The mole has a mixture of different shades of brown, black or other colours through it ■ The mole is bigger than the blunt end of a pencil ■ The mole looks red or inflamed around the edges ■ The mole is bleeding, oozing or crusting ■ he mole starts to feel slightly itchy or painful

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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

CAN you tell me how to the earlier they are caught, the better manage my 2½-year-old the prognosis. A superficial spreading who has terrible tantrums? melanoma is the less dangerous type of They seem to happen with melanoma. Your specialist will want to the least amount of warnlook at the tissue close to your mole to ing. I had to pick him up and leave the be absolutely sure nothing is missed. In supermarket the other day as he kicked some cases the skin and deeper tissue up such a fuss. I’m getting frustrated surrounding the melanoma will also with him now as no matter how much need to be removed for more analysis I plead, cajole, bribe, or beg he just — this confirms the thickness and depth won’t listen. Should I just ignore him of a melanoma. Very thin superficial when this occurs as I have been admelanomas that have been completely vised? Please help. removed usually require no further Every parent can sympathise with what treatment and in almost every case this you have just described: That feeling of eliminates the cancer. panic and embarrassment as you find Melanomas can develop anywhere on yourself at the centre of a gale-force the body, but most often develop in artantrum in a public place with everyone eas that have had exposure to the sun, looking at you. While you may feel that such as your back, legs, arms and face. your child is acting out on purpose reHaving even one melanoma increases member that temper tantrums are borne your risk of another developing. Your from a child’s frustration with whatever specialist may want to remove any other challenges he is facing at that moment. suspicious moles or skin growths and Your son is not doing this on purpose, to keep a regular check on your skin as a embarrass or frustrate you. His world is result. Sometimes cancer can be detectin the here and now. ed simply by looking at your skin, but There is no fool-proof way to prevent the only way to accurately diagnose tantrums, but there are some techniques melanoma is to remove part or all of the you can use to try to deflect them. suspicious skin growth and a pathologist Young children understand many more in a lab then can analyse the sample. words than they’re able to express, and If you have risk factors for skin cancer parents usually only fully understand — fair skin, a history of severe sunwhat a toddler says 50% of the time. burns, a family history of melanoma, Most 2½-year-olds have limited vocabyou should have frequent skin checks. ulary, so try to encourage your son to use The exact cause of all melanomas isn’t words whenever possible. The more easiclear, but exposure to UV light from ly your child can communicate with sun light or tanning lamps greatly inyou, the less likely you are to struggle SEEING RED: While you may feel that your child is acting creases your risk. While UVB light causwith tantrums. It may be something sim- out on purpose, remember that temper tantrums are es harmful skin changes, UVA light penple as feeling hungry, thirsty or just tired. etrates deeper into your skin and is more borne from a child’s frustration with whatever challenges Try to avoid situations that are likely to likely to lead to melanoma. Tanning he is facing at that moment. Picture: iStock trigger tantrums. Avoid temptation by beds mainly produce UVA radiation. steering clear of the aisles with toys or See your doctor if you notice a new treats. If you sense a tantrum brewing, distract certain length of time, usually one minute for skin growth, a change in an existing mole him by making a silly face, move around, or or a sore that doesn’t heal in two weeks. each year of age. Remember that temper talk to him about what you’ll do together Suspicious changes in a skin growth include tantrums are a normal part of growing up. when you get home. When speaking, get to an uneven colour, irregular border/edges, Most children outgrow them by age four. his eye level and hold him firmly. Bring a toy scaliness, bleeding, itching, or an increase in Rarely, tantrums may be a sign of a more seto occupy him if you expect to be waiting. size. Melanomas can also develop under a rious condition, such as developmental delay, It also helps to establish a routine so your nail — if you develop a nail discolouration ADHD, or Asperger’s syndrome. Discuss it child knows what to expect. When he behaves with your doctor if you notice your son’s that increases in size, spreads to the cuticle well offer extra attention, tell him how well or doesn’t heal after two months then see speech, motor ability or curiosity is delayed, he’s doing when he listens to instructions, your dermatologist. or if he has ever injured himself or others shares toys, or doesn’t throw a tantrum.

The best news about melanoma is that during a tantrum.

If you can, pretend to ignore any tantrums. many cases of skin cancer can be prevented If you lose control or give in to his demands, by following a few practical precautions.

Q. I recently had a mole on my leg reyou’re only teaching him that tantrums are ef- moved, and was told it was a superficial Wear sunscreen year-round — ideally with fective. If the tantrum escalates or he is in SPF of least 15. While sunscreens block melanoma. I am due to have one other danger of hurting himself, then remove him UVB rays very well, those that contain titamole removed shortly. Is this skin cancer? I from the situation. If he calms down you may looked it up on the internet and it seems nium dioxide and mexoryl do a better job be able to return to what you were doing. If at blocking UVA rays. Avoid sunbeds at all serious. Should I have all moles removed he has a tantrum at home, you can act as if it’s now as a precaution? costs. Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before not interrupting things and in most cases he sun exposure and every two hours during A.Yes, melanoma is a serious type of skin will eventually quieten down. You could try the day. Also be sure to reapply after swimcancer, but the good news is that you were “time-out” if things get out of hand. This in- found to have the superficial spreading form. ming and exercising. Wear a wide-brimmed volves placing your child someplace boring, hat, make sure your arms and legs are covMelanomas in general have a tendency to such as in a chair or on a step in the hall for a spread to other parts of the body quickly, and ered, and don’t forget your sunglasses!

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

HERE’S nothing like a nice cup of tea and some knife crime to get the day off to a glittering start.

My mistake was believing my son was engaged in some harmless activity as I speed-read The Sunday Times.

Instead a little hacker was at work: not the type to crack complex binary codes, but the kind who likes to chisel, chip, whittle and indent whatever raw material is at hand.

Carving up a wooden floor is a good place to start and a kitchen knife is a useful tool.

Even better if this decking lines the only room safe to sit guests in.

The silence should have tipped me off: a quiet child is either sick or busy marauding, but by the time I clocked the quietness, the damage was done.

When I entered the crime scene, not 10 yards from where I had sat, sipped and read, Thomas Chippendale was already in full flow.

I would have wept had he not been wielding a knife. Clearly, my first duty was to protect the child — floors are easily replaced.

I began the process of talking him down, drawing on my weaponry of memorable TV cop quotes. “Do the smart thing kid,” I heard myself saying, “drop the knife.” Amazingly, he did and it was soon back safe in its block, while the chip off the old block retired to his room praying for the storm to blow over.

Children destroy houses as indiscriminately as rains destroy crops in Peru. No matter what your outlay on Farrow and Ball, a wall is always a blank canvas. Plain carpets ingest muddy stains with the absorbency of a Tesco kitchen towel. Hand-painted lamps have a lifespan not worth the investment. Earthquake-proof furniture lies in ruins.

We moved into our freshly painted home less than two years ago. Elaborate lines of

FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2010

crayon ran riot in one room, bringing on a Blue Period, although not in the same sense as Picasso’s.

A black banister rail is now more mottled than a mouldy cheese. The stair carpet is in a permanent state of filth. The bath and the bath panelling, like disenchanted lovers, are going their separate ways. The porch holds enough fodder for a bring and buy sale.

I could drop my children off at other people’s houses in order to preserve my own but a farmyard would be more appropriate.

There they could roll in the muck, share bottles with baby goats and network with equally rare breeds.

They would blend well: to paraphrase a certain Irish writer, physically there is nothing to distinguish us from the beasts of the farmyard except that children are both more troublesome and costly than chickens and calves.

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On a wing and a prayer I

N 1999 Francesca Brown became sick. A housewife and mother of two sons from Blanchardstown, Dublin, she had always kept herself fit, but she developed pains in her legs, and found that she had no energy. Diagnosed with ME, she was virtually bedbound for two years.

She was in despair. Then she began to notice lights dancing on the walls. And some time later an angel appeared, telling Francesca that she was there to make her better.

“She said that she was called Angel Anne,” says Francesca. “She brought one of her wings down and moved it across my body. I felt my energy rising. I hadn’t been a believer in angels before, but seeing her, it felt quite natural.”

The angel told Francesca to boil some stones she’d brought home from the beach to use as a healing aid. She told her to watch her diet, and to eat honey and kiwi fruit — food Francesca had never liked.

And over the months she appeared every day, and cajoled Francesca to walk again.

“Sometimes I would fight with her,” says Francesca. “I would say, ‘I am not going to walk,’ and she would say, ‘you are going to.’

She said she needed to get me better, because she wanted to use me to work with others. It took time, but I am now back in the full of my health.

“I now channel poetry for the angels, and I do a lot of writing for them. People come to me for help. People who have lost their way and need direction. Everyone wants to know how to find their own angel. I say, ‘open your hearts and minds; let your angel in and they will come’.

“I believe that we can all do that. I believe that we all have a guardian angel. We come into the world with one, and when we leave, that guardian angel guides us out of the world. Many more angels come into your life, to help with different areas and aspects, and they always come with a positive message. They help you to develop your potential, and to become the best person that you can possibly be.”

Francesca’s husband and sons were sceptical at first. “My husband worked in the army for 20 years and took early retirement. When he saw me talking to the angels he thought it was time for the men in the white coats. But he saw the way they were healing me, and now he has embraced them. He works, now, as a complementary

Sue Leonard talks to a woman whose personal experience taught her we should all communicate with our angels therapist. The angels have guided him too.”

The couple live between Spain and Ireland. Francesca gives meditation classes; she counsels people, and she gives a public show in spiritualist churches in Spain. By channelling the angels’ message she believes she reaches more people in a ripple effect.

“Many are chosen to represent the angels, but only a few will answer,” she says.

Francesca Brown is not, of course the first ‘Angel Woman’ to appear in Ireland.

The most famous is Lorna Byrne, whose book, ‘Angels in my hair’ became an instant, international bestseller. Lorna appeared other-worldly. She had learning difficulties, and was always ‘different’.

Francesca, in contrast, is well educated. She looks like any well heeled woman of middle years.

It’s easy to be sceptical. And I was. Until, that is, I asked her about my guardian angel. “She’s a beautiful pink light, and she’s circling you all the time,” she says. “And that’s because you wear your heart on your sleeve.” Well yes, that’s true enough. But she

HEALING HAND: Francesca Brown, who was two years ill, experienced the healing power of her angel, who spoke to her. Picture: Mary Browne could probably sense that one.

But she couldn’t have known about my sick relative, who, as the angels predicted, has since improved a little. And how did she know about my friend, who is sad and troubled right now? It was more than a lucky coincidence, the de-

tails were spookily accurate.

Then she got onto me. “The angels say you need a push — you have a lot of knowledge in your head, but you don’t always use it. You hold back sometimes.

There’s a temporary hitch. You need to get out of your comfort zone.”

■ My Whispering Angels by Francesca Brown is published by Hachette Ireland at F14.99.

HOW TO ACCESS YOUR ANGEL ■ You don’t need to be taught. The angels themselves are good teachers.

■ Go into a quiet room and light a single candle.

■ Relax. Meditate or say a little prayer.

Say, ‘could an angel please come and look after me.’

■ When an angel comes you might get a tingling sensation that will travel up your body. You could get a feeling of extreme

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heat, vibrations, or a wind blowing around your legs.

■ If you spend five or 10 minutes, every day you can start communicating with your guardian angel. You might like to have a pen and paper, so you can write down what they tell you. Your angel will do the best for you.

■ Always thank your angel for helping you.

FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2010

IN TOUCH: If you spend 10 minutes quietly in a room you can start communicating with your angel every day.

Picture: Getty Images

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Worth their salt

The proof is in the tasting, with smoked salmon

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ILO for kilo, fish is a terrific source of protein, and with no waste, it can be good value.

While it contains relatively less B vitamins, zinc and iron than meat, it is a rich source of healthy omega 3 fatty acids.

Smoking fish allows fish to be eaten almost raw which retains many of the good oils.

However, smoked, salty foods have been liked to high incidences of cancer, negating some of their benefits, so it’s not a good idea to eat it more than a few times a week, especially if it is highly salted.

Fortunately we don’t usually eat the skin of smoked salmon where most of the smoking is concentrated, so when buying watch for excess salt — more than 2.5% is too high.

Manufacturers have cashed in on the health benefits of oily fish such as salmon, and most of the packaging we looked at this week noted them on the labelling. We sought salmon that had a deep flavour, good texture and wasn’t over salted.

In general, even the worst could be used in cooking, chopped as a topping for a vegetable soup, added to vegetable stir fries, paired with a little cream to make an easy sauce for pasta. I ate it in vodka with pasta in Sienna, Italy, so the possibilities are endless. A few slices added to other fish in a fish pie adds richness.

Roz Crowley In the summer I like to pack some into large tomatoes and bake them for about 20 minutes.

Add to green salads to balance the fat content, but don’t worry about the fats; they are good, as long as we stick to just a few slices of the fish.

As some of the salmon is quite inexpensive at times, it can be added to school lunches on coarse brown bread. A little horseradish added to the butter on the bread will give it zing, but will more appeal more to adults.

With low salmon stocks due to over-fishing of the seas around Ireland and limited line fishing, smoked wild Irish salmon is hard to find so we are limited to farmed smoked salmon and much of it is quite good, especially when organic.

Dunnes Oak Smoked Salmon 40g F1.69 (F42.25 per kg)

The Good Fish Company Smoked Salmon 200g F3.95 (F19.95per kg)

Nolans Sliced Smoked Salmon 100g special offer F2 (F20 per kg).

Ocean Sea Smoked Salmon fillets 125g F1.99 (F15.92 per kg) Lidl

Farmed salmon from the west coast of Ireland is cold smoked using a blend of oak and peat smoke.

This minipack of two slices is a good idea for an easy lunch. Texture is quite substantial and the taste not too salty, though there is high enough salt at 2.5%.

The smoky taste is barely there but it makes a pleasant mouthful.

Score: 4

Ballincollig and Carrigaline, Cork outlets.

Farmed in Scotland, this salmon has 3% salt and is quite salty to taste. Texture is firm and oily. Good value for adding to dishes.

Score: 3.75

Farmed salmon from Norway, this comes in a slim pack the shape of a ‘darne’. The texture is more like fresh salmon but the outside is decidedly smoked with the flavour inside more salty than smoked. The result is a pleasantly meaty texture which is good for economical, hot main courses and makes a good white bread sandwich.

However, a high 3% salt and low smoked flavour means the taste is less well balanced than other samples.

Score: 4

Frank Hederman Smoked Salmon 24g F12.20 (F50 per kg)

Marks & Spencer Irish Oak Smoked Salmon. 100g F5.79 (F57.90 per kg)

Belvelly Smokehouse, airports, Midleton and Cobh and markets English market, Cork. www.frankhederman.com

Four slices in this packet have been smoked over oak wood chips. The high 4% salt comes through strongly in the taste. Texture is fair, but saltiness overpowers. Expensive for this quality.

Score: 3

Ummera Irish Smoked Organic Salmon 200g F10.85 (F54.25per kg) in some supermarkets and by mail from www.ummera.com Organic salmon farmed off the west coast of Ireland is oak smoked to provide a subtle smokiness. Beautifully oily, with good substance and full of flavour, the saltiness is softened by the addition of organic whole cane sugar. A good luxury product. It’s a matter of personal taste if this or the Hederman salmon gets top marks. Our tasters were evenly divided.

Score: 9

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From salmon farmed in Ireland, Scotland and Norway, the general packaging allows for fluctuations of supply. Added salt and sugar balance each other and smokiness is minimal resulting in a pleasant product which is good value for everyday use.

Score: 7

Specially Selected Irish Organic Smoked Salmon 156g F3.99 (F25.57 per kg) Aldi Certified in Ireland, where it was organically farmed on the west coast, this smoked salmon has good texture. 2.2% salt is not overdone and it is not over-smoked. The result is fairly priced and pleasant.

Score: 7

Subtle is the keynote of this deliciously flavoured beech smoked salmon. Little or no salt appears to be used so the taste is clean and vibrant. The piece we tasted was unsliced and was solid and firm to the touch with no oiliness. From unspecified North Atlantic water, quite a treat. Enjoy it as it is with a salad or on crunchy brown bread.

Score: 9

FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2010

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Vital step to prevent heart attack death

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ESSENTIAL ITEM: A defibrillator can help save a life if a heart attack occurs. Picture: Getty Images

EART disease remains an issue in Ireland and it is now accepted that having access to defibrillators in shopping centres, sports clubs, schools, etc can help improve patient recovery.

When sudden cardiac arrest strikes, each second counts. “For every minute there is a delay performing CPR and using a defibrillator reduces the chance of survival by 10%,” said Rob Roe from defibrillator supplier Heartsafety Solutions. “If a life-saving shock is given within four minutes, the chance of survival increases to 50% and even higher.”

The importance of defibrillators was shown again recently when a man’s life was saved on a Clare GAA pitch.

The middle-aged St Joseph’s Doora-Barefield club member was watching an U21 hurling championship clash with east Clare side Clonlara at Wolfe Tones GAA club in Shannon when he collapsed. The nurses, one from each club, promptly began to administer cardio-pulmonary

Deirdre O'Flynn

MOSTLY MEN resuscitation (CPR) and used the defibrillator to revive the man. Soon afterwards, ambulance paramedics arrived at the scene and began treating the patient.

“We are very grateful that there were so many people there to help but we have to compliment the Wolfe Tones club for having such a vital piece of lifesaving equipment when it was needed,” says St Joseph’s club secretary Dan O’Connor. “Having a defibrillator in a club, as we have ourselves, is absolutely essential and every club in the country should have one.”

Now, Heartsafety Solutions, in association with the Cormac Trust —

formed in memory of Tyrone footballer Cormac McAnallen — are promoting a campaign to put funds raised from unwanted mobile phones into life-saving defibrillator equipment and training for schools, communities, workplaces or clubs nationwide.

Register online at www.fones4life.ie and set up an account. Collect unwanted mobile phones and add them to your account. Send the phones to Heartsafety Solutions.

Once you reach your target amount, you will receive your defibrillator and training from Heartsafety Solutions, which will then donate F100 to the Cormac Trust.

The trust was set up to raise awareness of sudden cardiac deaths in young people, and its causes; to provide automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for sports clubs locally and to train people in CPR and the use of defibrillators.

■ Callsave fones4life.ie 1850 432 787 ■ See also page 15, Megan’s spotlight.

You can’t run this race but Put best foot forward DId you know... the women in your life can for marathon series 50% of adults IF YOU’RE a man hoping to run in the women’s mini-marathon in June, you may be disappointed. Irish Heart Foundation stroke nurse Susie Doyle was forced to turn down big-hearted giant rugby prop Mike Ross who plays for Leinster and Ireland, because it is a “women-only” event. Instead, why not urge the women in your life to come forward and register for the mini-marathon to help raise vital funds to support people with stroke.

The charity’s head of fundraising, Aidan Stacey, pictured here, was also unable to nab a sponsorship

TAKE

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card despite his best efforts to get into the spirit of the mini-marathon wearing a blonde wig and tutu.

“The mini-marathon is a major date on the Irish calendar attracting more than 40,000 participants every year,” he said. “I’m devastated I can’t take part but my consolation is that I know there are plenty who will be happy to take my place.”

Encourage the woman in your life to sign up for the mini-marathon in aid of the Irish Heart Foundation by logging on to www.irishheart.ie or calling Elaine Carberry on 01-6685001 or emailing ecarberry@irishheart.ie.

IT ROCKS: Rockstar Tan, created by Dublin actress and former Fair City star Rachel Kavanagh has been causing something of a stir since its launch last year due to its natural ingredients, realistic colour and long-lasting results. All products in the range contain skin-nurturing organic ingredients. This self-tan is designed to react to your skin tone for a natural-looking colour.

There are five products in the range. Both the self-tanning mousse and self-tanning spray, F29.99 each, contain low amounts of initial bronzer meaning they dry quickly, and don’t rub off on your clothes or sheets. The accompanying body moisturiser is F26.99.

Rockstar Tan is also making available professional salon

Feelgood

THERE are no barriers to men running the Dublin Marathon Race. Entry is now open for the annual Race Series in the Phoenix Park.

The Lifestyle Sports-Adidas Irish Runner 5 mile Challenge, kicks off the three part race series on Saturday, July 17. A number of budding and seasoned runners have already taken the first step by signing up for the Series, which also involves the Lifestyle Sports-Adidas Frank Duffy 10 mile on Saturday, August 21,

and the Lifestyle Sports-Adidas Dublin Half-Marathon on Saturday, September 18.

Last year’s Race Series attracted a record number of participants with over 5,000 taking to the start line of the challenging 5 mile course.

■ For further information on the Lifestyle Sports-Adidas Dublin Marathon Race Series see www.dublinmarathon.ie or www.facebook.com/dublinmarathon. To sign up go to: http://enter.dublinmarathon.ie

are unaware of the hereditary link to prostate cancer (Source: Orchid, the UK’s Male Cancer Charity)

Fake tan products including Exposure, a barrier cream to protect those delicate areas such as hands, feet and elbows from taking too much colour and Rehab, a DHA stain remover, F24.99 each. Rockstar Tan is now available in pharmacies and department stores nationwide and also online at salonskincare.co.uk Rockstar Tan are also launching a nationwide campaign to find the ‘face’ of their new self-tan range.

The winner will get a contract with 1st Option model agency and a fashion shoot with photographer Lilli Forberg. Auditions will be held in Arnotts Henry Street, Dublin, tomorrow from 11am to 4pm.

BEAUTY FAVOURITE: For a light even tan, Green People’s Self Tan Lotion F22.65 is another award-winning natural product containing 89% organic ingredients and certified with the Organic Food Federation.

Quick-drying and lightly scented with essentials oils of rosehip, sandalwood and geranium it was a 2009/10 Green Beauty Bible Winner. This natural self-tan is made without parabens, lanolin, phthalates, artificial perfumes, petrochemicals and colourants and Green People say it is suitable for people prone to eczema or psoriasis.

The Green People Sun Range is available in health stores nationwide, including the Nelsons Homeopathic Dispensary, 15 Duke Street, Dublin 2, where you can mail order on 01-6790451.

FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2010

GOLDEN GLOW: German natural cosmetics company Lavera was the first to develop a chemical-free self-tanning product seven years ago. The winner of numerous beauty awards, Lavera Self-Tanning Lotion, F14.15, is safe to use for even the most sensitive skins and while pregnant. This soft lotion uses a sugar and wheat-based formula to tan the skin and is suitable for use on both the face and the body. Organic plant essences and aloe vera gel moisturise the skin and vitamin E and green tea give extra nourishment for a naturally tanned look, which develops in four to five hours. The Lavera Sun range is available in health stores or online from www.breathonline.ie

■ See Beauty, page 14

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Recent technology gives moisturiser a new anti-ageing arsenal

THE NEWS ON ...

WASH OFF TAN I’VE been becoming increasingly fed up with fake tan. But that was easier in the winter when I didn’t have to show the greater public my hideous ankles that look like I am a member of the undead.

Now as spring turns into summer, it’s getting harder to get away with blue-white skin and a little tan is appealing a lot more. Thankfully, St Tropez have come out with a product that’s right up our street: Wash Off Lotion, F17.50, is an instant tint that can be removed at night with soap and water. It’s very easy to apply, is seemingly streak-free and gives a seriously natural, glowing finish.

Emily O’Sullivan

M

OISTURISER. It’s pretty much one of the most basic beauty products you can buy, but it’s one area that is essential to get right.

A couple of weeks ago, I was sent a product to test that was for normal to combination skin. Despite the texture of the cream being gorgeous, the fact that it was the wrong formulation for my skin type (I would tend towards dry) meant that after about five days of using it, my skin was starting to feel strangely rough, like parchment paper.

Getting the right cream for your skin type is the most fundamental step in any beauty routine. It doesn’t matter so much what you spend on skin creams, but if you’re wearing the wrong one for you, then there’s no point even bothering. And once you’ve nailed your skin type (if you’re confused about it, ask a beauty therapist or else speak to a consultant at a beauty counter), then the next step is making your way through a market that is becoming increasingly high-tech, with an ever-increasing array of ingredients and jargon.

And it’s hard trying to keep up.

Whereas a few years ago the buzz words were “alpha-hydroxy acids” and “retinoids”, now the beauty industry is becoming obsessed with “gene expression” and “sirtuins”.

One of the hottest skincare trends for 2010 is the focus on “youth-activating” skin creams. With an all-pervasive obsession with looking youthful, the beauty industry has tapped into ingredients that apparently restore a fresh appearance to our well-worn mugs.

It’s less about fighting fine lines and wrinkles, and more about focussing on the general appearance of our skin — banishing the “exhausted” look, and bringing back a glow.

L’Oréal Paris has spent 10 years looking into the genes and proteins responsible for the youthful characteristics of skin. After extensive work with the St-Louis Hospital in Paris, which has a worldwide reputation for excellence in dermatology, the company discovered that when skin cells were under stress, certain skin genes linked to epidermal recovery were activated. In young skins, this happens pretty quickly — peaking at about six hours, but as you get older, this slows down, with mature skins taking about 30 hours to recover.

The miracle ingredient is biolysate, which helps to speed up the process and improve the skin’s natural defences.

TAKE THREE POT LIPSTICKS Lipgloss or lipstick?

Day glow “The discoveries we made with L’Oréal this year mark the start of a new and very exciting era for anti-ageing skincare products,” says Pr Dubertret, founder of the Skin Research Institute, Saint-Louis Hospital.

“Understanding and isolating the gene response of skin to external stresses means we can develop the science behind cosmetic products to the needs of the future, for every skin type, every lifestyle and every type of environment.”

Clinique’s big 2010 launch also focuses on restoring youth thanks to the use of a type of protein called sirtuins. This repair-triggering ingredient is central to their new Youth Surge Age Decelerating Night Moisturiser, which claims to “help extend the lifespan of skin and visibly restore youth”.

The complex of molecules and proteins is designed to amp up the skin’s natural ability to combat daytime stresses and damage.

The cream is also packed with a cocktail of antioxidants, including Japanese knotweed, mulberry root extract and vitamins E and C.

Clarins’ newly relaunched Multi Active Night Youth Recovery has been created to counter the effects of “sleep debt” and “stress-lag” those in their 30s are increasingly experiencing. It’s a familiar tale — stress, late nights, disturbed sleep; our busy lives can accelerate the signs of ageing, or, in other words, we look older than we are.

Because the skin renews itself at night, this is the perfect time to use a cream that speeds up the process. Clarins’ new wonder-cream uses a “dipeptide” that is supposed to speed up communication between our skin cells to boost the skin’s defence system. No, we don’t quite understand it either, but it’s a lovely cream to use and the results do seem to be quite good.

Naturally, the best way to preserve youthful skin is to eat well, exercise regularly, get a good night’s sleep and use a sunscreen, but if you’re going through a period where dullness and exhaustion are characterising the appearance of your skin, then a youth cream could help. But as with everything, don’t expect miracles.

WE’RE less concerned with the formulation this season than with the way it’s presented.

Pot lipsticks are much easier to carry as they slip into a back pocket neatly; they can be used on lips and cheeks and you can dab them on to your lips more easily for an “on trend” stained look. Nifty.

Smashbox Lip Tech, F25. Beautifully matte without being drying, Smashbox’s Lip Tech has a satiny feel to it that’s easy to dab on to the lips. If you’re not into using your fingers it comes with a slightly strange rubbery applicator, while it also comes equipped with a small mirror for precision application.

Score: 10 Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge, F26.More sheer than the Smashbox Lip Tech, Pot Rouge gives a very pretty stained look to cheeks. On lips, it’s silky and moisturising, with a semi-matte finish, and can be easily applied with fingers to both.

Score: 8 Giorgio Armani Lip Wax, F26.50.

There are some lively nude and light pink shades of this pretty lip compact (which comes complete with small, perfectly-sized mirror on the inside lid). It has a very pleasant, almost weightless texture with a satiny finish.

Score: 8

STUFF WE LIKE L’Oréal Paris Youth Code Rejuvenating Ant-Wrinkle Day Cream, F23.49. Touted as the “first mass market anti-wrinkle gene cream”, L’Oreal’s Youth Code uses an ingredient called biolysate that has improved the skin’s condition in clinical trials. The day cream has a rich creamy texture and the range also contains an eye cream and concentrate.

Lumecin Overnight Brightening Gluco-Protein Treatment, F43.50. Designed to give skin a younger look, this

Feelgood

treatment acts on aspects of ageing that give the skin a dull look, so it’s designed to brighten, reduce the appearance of age spots and improve smoothness.

Lancôme Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate, F70. Launched last year, Lancome’s concentrate has come as the result of a 10-year research programme and boasts seven patents. It acts in a way similar to the other creams and treatments — by acting on proteins and specific genes that contribute to the skin’s youthfulness. It was a forerunner of this year’s “youth-activating” launches and leaves skin hydrated, re-

freshed and soft.

Boots No7 Lift and Luminate Day Cream, F27.75. The latest skincare launch from No7 hasn’t quite caused the frenzy that was stirred up with Protect & Perfect, but it’s still a big launch for 2010. Keeping things simple and effective, Boots are doing exactly what is says on the tin with a cream that lifts and luminates, restoring youthful radiance.

We’re rather fond of the serum, too — it feels great on application and does seem to pep up the skin.

FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2010

Clinique Youth Surge

Age Decelerating Night Moisturiser, F44. This comes in three formulations for dry and very dry skin, dry combination and combination oily to oily. While the very dry is rich, dense and seriously creamy, the oily version is a lightweight cream gel.

Clarins Multi Active Night Youth Recovery, F61.50. Available in a lightweight cream, as well as a rich cream, Clarins’ cream feels really lovely on the skin with a very delicate scent of jasmine, heliotrope and freesia.

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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

I HAVE been reading your article on gout in Feelgood dated April 2, 2010. You state one should drink between 10 and 16 glasses of water per day. As people have a different interpretation of how much a glass contains could you convert that into litres in a future edition?

A. The article in question was not mine, I’m afraid, as my feature article on that date was regarding low-carbohydrate diets. However, plenty of water is certainly essential for flushing out excess uric acid, a build-up of which is an indication of gout. This rheumatic condition occurs when uric acid crystals accumulate in the tissues and joints causing pain and discomfort, often beginning in the big toe.

Usually when people refer to a daily water allowance in terms of glasses, a glass is assumed to be 200ml, so the article in question is basically suggesting around two to three litres daily.

Dietary considerations are also important when dealing with gout. Foods to avoid or limit include organ meats, mackerel, herring, trout, Bovril, Marmite and other yeast extracts — all rich in purines, which break down into uric acid. Celery and cherries are both wonderful foods for gout prevention.

Eating little and often will also help to decrease uric acid production, and it may be necessary to supplement with a vitamin B complex since this group of nutrients is found in almost all of the foods you will be avoiding. Caffeine and alcohol are also contraindicated in gout, ulcers, and reflux, and prescription medications such as aspirin and diuretics can interfere with the body’s ability to excrete uric acid.

Q. In an article published last January, you wrote about the medicinal benefits of the papaya/paw paw. I have been looking into this and while it is quite easy to get the fruit I was hoping to find out where to get the leaves for my father who is permanently pancytopenic. Do you know or can you recommend anywhere in Ireland that sells this fruit? You also recommend the juicing of beetroot, spinach, carrot or cucumber, apple and celery — in what quantities and should the beetroot be raw?

A. For those who missed the advice given at the beginning of the year, I recommended both juicing and paw paw/papaya leaves (carica papaya) for increasing blood platelet count. Platelets are essential to the formation of blood clots, so a low platelet count may result in excessive bleeding.

Pancytopenia indicates that your father also has low white cell and red blood cell counts, which is typically caused by an overactive

Usually when people refer to a daily water allowance in terms of glasses, a glass is assumed to be 200ml spleen. Medications can also lower the white blood cell, red blood cell, and platelet counts; drugs for hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions, and antibiotics can all cause a drop in these levels, although relatively rarely. Pancytopenia is linked with bone marrow conditions, such as leukaemia, aplastic anaemia, Fanconi anaemia, myelofibrosis, and malignant osteoporosis.

A study published in February this year has revealed that aqueous extracts of papaya leaves may be effective in treating and preventing selected human diseases such as cancer, various allergic disorders, and it may also serve as immunoadjuvant for vaccine therapy.

Traditional medicine uses the fruit as well as the leaves for healing, with the fruit being key in digestive health.

Dr Dilis Clare of Health & Herbs in Galway (http://healthandherbs.ie; 091-583260) is now running regular herbal clinics through the Mallow Chiropractic Clinic (02220899). Dr Clare has an extensive range of dried herbs, tinctures and custom blends, and I’m certain she can either track down some papaya leaf for you or make an appointment with your father to devise a specific course of nutrition and herbals for him.

With regards to juicing — if you are juicing every day or so then simply blend two to three carrots (or half a cucumber), a handful of spinach leaves, one apple, two sticks of celery, and a medium sized beet together and

A

Feelgood

Q. Is there a book you could recommend that gives all the information on herbs and natural healing methods?

A. There certainly are a great number of titles available. While my shelves are groaning under the weight of health and herb tomes, I do find the ones I refer to most are local herb guides and garden books so that I am able to easily grow and identify plants for personal use, along with nutritional healing books such as those by Norman Walker, Dr Christopher, and Patrick Holford.

Susan Clark did a wonderful job of collecting and recording information about herbs, nutrients, and healing methods in her What Really Works series, so if you are feeling a bit overwhelmed by the vast number of remedies and therapies available today then these books are a great place to start.

My one standby book that I recommend to friends who simply want to “get healthy” or have been jolted awake by a health condition is The Healing Code by Dermot O’Connor — herbs, nutrition, beneficial breathing, and daily movement are all covered in Dermot’s work.

First Aid

Megan puts the spotlight on: COUPLE of weeks ago, I It is estimated that more than 18 wrote about the top ten natural people die of cardiac arrest (outside of remedies worth keeping in your hospitals) every day. By learning basic medicine cabinet. In an emergency sit- first aid skills and keeping your skill set uation, while many natural remedies current, you can rest assured that you are highly useful, knowing basic first would not only know what to do, but aid techniques is the most important also what not to do in such a situainformation you can carry with you. tion.

Many of us will have The Irish Red Cross an out-of-date first aid offers a range of traincertificate lying around ing courses run both somewhere, and many Picture:PA Photo/DK. publicly and for commore will have updated munity groups and their first aid skills on the workplaces. ‘to do’ list. And perhaps Currently TV3’s Iresome of you haven’t land AM morning even considered getting programme is running first aid training. a series of first aid tips Many occupations reprovided by Irish Red quire it — particularly Cross volunteers every those working in fitness, Tuesday, until May 18. with children, or in The series is not a high-risk jobs. substitute for the

drink immediately. The beetroot, and the other fruit and veg, should be raw. If you want to follow some healthful and delicious juice recipes, then invest in a copy of Michael van Straten’s book, SuperJuice: Juicing for health and healing.

courses run by the Red Cross, rather they give you an insight into the situations where first aid knowledge is most valuable.

Visit www.tv3.ie to watch the first few episodes if you have missed them so far.

Given one of the first facts we learn in the first episode — that only around 5% of people in Ireland have a basic knowledge of first aid skills, compared with the likes of Norway with 95% of the population knowing basic first aid — this series is timely indeed.

To view week one, An Introduction to First Aid, online visit www.tv3.ie/videos To find out when the next local first aid course is being run, you can visit www.redcross.ie online, phone the southern and mid-western office on 061-318580, or contact by emailing LimerickOffice@redcross.ie.

FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2010

Only around 5% of people in Ireland have a basic knowledge of first aid skills, compared to 95% of the population in Norway for instance

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Confidence restored!

Before

After 6 Months

After 12 Months

“I am amazed at the results and my confidence has been restored. I can honestly say it was the best thing I have ever done!”

RECENT studies show that Hairloss is a topic close to the hearts of up to 40% of Irish people. It affects both male and female alike and can be extremely upsetting, irrespective of the age or sex of the sufferer.

When 24-year-old Corkman Tomas Horgan noticed his hair was getting thiner his confidence hit rock bottom.“I hated it” said Tomas.

“I became very

conscious about my hair and I started wearing a baseball cap whenever I was in company, my confidence was very low, especially around women, I felt they were looking at my hair.”

It was at this point that Tomas started to research on the internet about various treatments to combat hairloss. “Both my father and grandfather were bald and I read that thinning

hair leading to baldness was heriditary so I knew I had to do something.”

Tomas discovered, after hours of trawling through various websites, that hair transplant surgery only replaced hair follicles that had already died, it did not prevent further hairloss. “It was during this research that I read about a laser treatment pioneered in the US that has gained full

FDA which can stimulate hair growth and thicken hair, but ONLY if the Hair Root is still alive, it CANNOT grow hair if the root is dead, so I knew it was important to do something as soon as possible, before it was too late.”

“I found a company in Cork, one of only a handful in Ireland to offer this treatment. I went for a free consultation to find out more at

their clinic just off Patrick’s Bridge. I was told that as I had lost some roots already and that my hair was never going to be as thick as it once was but treatment would help stop any further hairloss and thicken the hair that I did have.”

“I am amazed at the results and my confidence has been restored. I can honestly say it was the best thing I have ever done!”

No 2 Camden Place, St Patricks Bridge, Cork t: (021) 4552424

OPENING TIMES: Monday to Friday 8am-9.30pm

Please log on to www.thehairclinichlcc.com Feelgood

FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2010