2010-07-02

Zone:XH

XH - V1

Feelgood

Friday, July 2, 2010

UNDER SCRUTINY

Outspoken child psychologist Oliver James argues one-to-one childcare is essential for babies: 8, 9

Photograph by: Gettyimages

TERAPROOF:User:irenefeighanDate:30/06/2010Time:17:11:05Edition:02/07/2010FeelgoodXH0207Page:1

ROCK CHECK

Health guide for summer festivals: 4, 5

SHORT CUTS

Quick-ďŹ x kitchen cupboard products put to the test: 12

CAUSE CELEB

Stars join all-Ireland marathon in aid of charity: 11

TERAPROOF:User:margaretjenningsDate:30/06/2010Time:17:12:11Edition:02/07/2010FeelgoodXH0207Page:2

Zone:XH

2 News front

XH - V1

The more time you spend watching TV, the greater your risk of dying from heart disease, reports Arlene Harris Kate O’Reilly WHAT’S ON ■ HAITI FUNDRAISER: A fund-raising event for Haiti will take place at the Sarah Walker Gallery, Castletownbere, Co Cork tomorrow. The evening will kick off at 5pm and will include local food stall holders and a bouncy castle, an art exhibition and wine reception in the gallery with works available to purchase at F50. From 9pm there will be a music from Luka Bloom, Dr Strangely Strange, Pete Cummins (Fleadh Cowboys), etc. All proceeds will go to the Haven Partnership (www.havenpartnership.com) in aid of Build It Week in Haiti in October. For more details call the gallery on 027-70387.

■ CITIZEN CPR: A new campaign has been launched aimed at raising public awareness of ‘Check, Call Compress’, the three steps of compression-only CPR, via a website www.citizencpr.ie and a nationwide roadshow. Locations include Merchant’s Quay, Cork, tomorrow.

■ SKINCARE TALK: Mr Ian Holten, who works in Australia as a plastic and reconstructive surgeon, will give a free talk on the latest advances in skincare in Cork next Thursday at 6.30pm in the Clarion Hotel in Cork. To reserve a place call Maura Gallagher 087-2604185.

■ FAMILY FESTIVAL: The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race will be celebrated with free family-friendly festivals in Kinsale from today and moving on to Cork City from July 7 to 9. The fleet will arrive in Cork City at 5pm next Wednesday July 7 and all are welcome at The Race Village from 10am to 10.30pm daily. For more details of this free festival log on to www.corkclipperfestival.com ■ HEART CLINIC: The Irish Heart Foundation will hold free blood pressure and cholesterol testing clinics at their Cork office, 42 Penrose Wharf, from 10am to 12pm on Tuesday next and in Midleton at the Family Resource Centre on Wednesday next from 2.30 to 4pm. For details call 021-4505822.

■ TWINFEST: Celebrate July 4 at Ireland’s first ever festival for twins, triplets, quads and their families from 2 to 6pm in Keash, Ballymote, Co Sligo.

All funds raised will go to The Meningitis Trust. For more details visit www.thefoxsden.com /twinfest ■ FREE EFT: There will be a free introduction to Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) at the Novara Centre, Strand Road, Bray, Co Wicklow tomorrow at 3pm and again at 7pm. It will be given by Michelle Hardwick (www.michellehardwick.com). For more details contact The Novara Centre on 01-2761745 or email: info@thenovaracentre.ie to register or for more details.

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

Feelgood

Watch TV diet

W

ORLD Cup football mania continues to rage across the country. And with just a week to go to the grand finale, tensions are high and blood pressure is mounting.

But while we may joke about suffering heart failure as a result of missed penalties and disallowed goals, scientists have warned that spending too much time in front of the box can increase your chances of heart disease.

So, whether it’s hours spent shouting at the referee, or too many lazy afternoons watching gardening programmes, the result is the same. An hour a day spent watching television increases the risk of death from heart disease by a further 7% of an individual’s normal risk level, according to a study of over 13,000 healthy middle-aged adults in Britain.

These alarming statistics from the Medical Research Council (MRC) found that the chances of developing heart disease could be drastically reduced by cutting TV time from the average four hours a day to one.

Maureen Mulvihill, health promotion manager for the Irish Heart Foundation, says while the findings from the MRC are not groundbreaking, they should be taken seriously. “Evidence showing that inactivity heightens the risk of heart disease is not new. However, it has been broken down into percentages and lengths of time which makes it easier for people to relate to. The simple fact is the longer you spend sitting down the worse it will be for your health.”

TV WATCH: TV during the World Cup and other events can lead you to eat too much and affect your health. Picture:

Mulvihill says we need to tune into our bodies and move more often.

“Our bodies were not designed to sit for long periods and they alert us by making us feel sluggish, stiff and sleepy,” she says.

“Try to get at least 30 minutes daily exercise and if you are watching all of the games in the World Cup make sure you get up and move about every so often. If you have the technology, hit the pause button or, if not, just move around the room.

“This little change could make a big difference.”

Margot Brennan of the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute (INDI) says snacking on junk food while watching TV can also contribute to health problems. She advises World Cup devotees to eat a healthy meal

before the game starts.

“When you are engrossed in something, you will have no idea how much you have consumed,” she says.

“Either fill a plate of food to eat during the game, or have a meal beforehand to stop yourself from eating too much.”

Alternatively, choose some healthy snacks such as: ■ Popcorn without butter ■ Crudites with a salsa dip ■ Dried fruit and nuts ■ Water crackers and low-fat cheese ■ If having alcohol, choose light beers and diet mixers.

For more information visit www.irishheart.ie and www.indi.ie

HEALTH NOTES FERTILITY guru Zita West is now offering an online fertility MOT. Without leaving home, you can order a few simple tests to determine your reproductive health and potential. The pack includes a comprehensive AMH blood-test (believed to be the most accurate predictor of a woman’s remaining number of eggs), a fertility questionnaires, plus a 30-minute consultation with a Zita West fertility coach and consultant midwife, either by phone or in person.

To order the pack online log on to www.zitawest.com or phone 00 44 800 0480046. Prices start at £170.

Early diagnosis of scleroderma can save lives. Scleroderma is a chronic, incurable disease of the immune system, blood vessels and connective tissue.

Irish Raynaud’s & Scleroderma Society (IRSS) is calling on women to educate themselves about the three early warning signs of scleroderma: sore swollen fingers, Raynaud’s syndrome, and reflux/heartburn.

More than 350,000 Irish people suffer from Raynaud’s disease, and 2% of cases will develop scleroderma. The vast majority of sufferers are women.

The IRSS have launched a handy pocket-sized information card, ‘SO RARE’, which details the early symptoms of scleroderma.

For further information log on to www.irishraynauds.com or phone 012020184.

5.30pm. Under the direction of expert guides, the walk is expected to last up to six hours.

Anyone taking part is asked to raise F175 with all funds going directly to Barnados. A deposit of F25 is required to secure a place.

Contact Liz on 01-7080480.

Two-thirds of all men are embarrassed to talk about depression and one in four views it as a state of mind rather than a medical condition. The annual Mind Yourself – Lundbeck Mental Health Barometer also found that almost one in five people know someone close to them who suffers with depression. There has also been an increase in the perception of the upset caused by depression. This year 70% of people perceived depression to be very disruptive, a significant increase from 59% in 2009.

TABOO SUBJECT: Research has found that two-thirds of all men are embarrassed to talk about depression. Picture: iStock Take a walk on the wild side with a full-moon ramble up the Wicklow mountains. On July 24, Barnados is organising a fun fundraiser for those who enjoy a challenge. Participants will meet at the Glenmalure Lodge at 3pm for a stamina-building barbecue before taking to the hills at

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2010

Drinking spring water from a plastic bottle seems a contradiction in terms. But Wellness Water has come up with a unique solution. It is now selling its Clare Spring Water in a 100% environmentally friendly bottle. The biodegradable and compostable bottle, made from corn or sugar beet (PLA), is 75% more environmentally friendly to produce than its plastic cousin. There’s more: the water is approved by the Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association and the automated production line is powered by wind energy. A 500ml bottle costs 89c.

Irene Feighan

TERAPROOF:User:markevansDate:30/06/2010Time:18:25:51Edition:02/07/2010FeelgoodXH0207Page:3

Zone:XH

XH - V1

THE SHAPE I'M IN

Carol Drinkwater

Life in full bloom

S

HE was Helen Herriot in the BBC series All Creatures Great And Small but today Carol Drinkwater says she’s mainly recognised for her best-selling Olive series about her experiences on her olive farm in Provence.

The 61-year-old will host a literary tea in Bantry House on Saturday, July 10, as part of the West Cork Literary Festival. “I’m very much looking forward to it,” says Carol, who — with a Co Laois-born mother — feels “more Irish than English”.

Married to French film producer Michel Noll, she has twin step-daughters in their 20s and lives in Provence whenever possible. She and Michel bought the olive farm 23 years ago. “It was a complete ruin. It’s been a slow process, bringing it back to life.”

Carol’s latest book, Return To The Olive Farm, is set to be published next week.

What shape are you in?

I’m a little overweight at the moment because I spent most of this year writing. I love to exercise but sometimes it’s just a question of getting the time. I swim but I also used to like going to the gym.

Do you have any health concerns?

No. What are your healthiest eating habits?

I do everything with olive oil — it’s one of the foundations of my diet. I love the Mediterranean diet — fish, fresh fruit, masses of salad, goat’s cheese, very little fat. We grow our own vegetables.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

I love a glass or two of wine.

What would keep you awake at night?

I’m a bad sleeper at the best of times. At the moment, I’ve got a very close relative who’s incredibly sick – my father’s brother — so that’s keeping me awake. When I’m deep into a book, that would keep me awake too.

celebrate rather than fight.

������� �� ������ ��� �� ���� ���� ��� ����� � ��� �� ��� ���� ��� ������� �� ��� ���

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

I’ve just re-read Graham Greene’s The End Of The Affair. It’s the fourth time I’ve read it. It’s one of my favourite books.

What trait do you least like in others?

I hate meanness — meanness of spirit and being mean with money. I like people who laugh a lot and are generous.

What trait do you least like in yourself?

My impatience, which sometimes makes me quick-tempered. I know my husband doesn’t like it and I don’t either.

Do you pray?

I do. My meditation, however, is very much about having alignment of mind and body and stilling myself. When I pray, it’s not in itself a religious thing, though I like to think I’m quite a spiritual person.

What would cheer up your day?

When my husband tells me he loves me.

Karen Watred, Best Dressed Lady at the 2008 Cork Week event.

Helen O’Callaghan

PROVENCE POWER: Carol Drinkwater uses olive oil liberally, enjoys a healthy Mediterranean diet and grows her own vegetables.

How do you relax?

I meditate, swim and just potter around the farm among the olive trees.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

I’d like my father there. He died 17 years ago.

When did you last cry?

Just this last week when I heard that daddy’s brother had terminal cancer. But I’m going to do my utmost around positive thinking and get beyond this barrier — I’m a great believer in re-inventing myself. I’m not saying we should ignore the doctors but we don’t have to take them literally when they say ‘you’ve got six months’. We can hear what they say, respect it and then think, ‘this is my body, my life’.

��� ����� �������� �� ������ ������� ��� ������ �� ������ ��� �� ��� ������ ������ �� ��� ������� ������ ���� �� ��� �� ���� ����� ���������� �� ��������� ���� �� �� ���� ����������

�� ���

����� �������� � ���� �� ������� �� ������ ��� �� ���� ���� ���������� ��������� ���������� ���������� � ��������� ����� �� ��� ���� ���� ��������� �������� � ���� �� ������ ������ � ������� ���� ��������� ���� �� ���� � ��� ���������

�� ���������� �� ����������� �� ����������

������ ���� �� ����� ���� ������ ��� ��������� �������� �� ���� ���� ����� ����� �� ����� ��� ���� �������

���� ����� ��� ���� ������ �� � �� � �������� �� ���� ���� ��� ������� ��� ����� �� �����

���� �� �� ��

����������� ���� ������ ����� ������ ��� ���� ����� ��� ���� ������� ���� ������������

What’s your favourite smell?

Magnolia Grandiflora when it’s in blossom. It’s from the southern states of America and has great big waxy cup-like flowers. When it’s in blossom, I just want to lie down underneath it and stay there.

����� ��� ���������� ������ ����� ����� �������� ������� ���� ��������� ��� ����� ��� ����� �������� ����� ��� ����� � ����� ���� ������� ������� ��� ����� ����� ���� � ��� ���� ����� ��� ���� ���� �������� ��� ����������� ���� ���� ���� ������� �������� ���� ����� ��� ������� �� �������� ����� �� ���� ������������ ����� �������� ��������� ��� ��������� ������� �������� ��� �������� ��� �������� ���� ���� ������������ ������ � �������� �� �����

What would you change about your appearance?

I wouldn’t mind being very flat and gamine-like.

On the other hand, I’m voluptuous, which I try to

������� ��� ������ ��� �� ���� ���� ��� ��� ��� ������ ��� ��� ��������� �� ��� �� � ������� ����� �� ����� ������� ������� ������ ���� �������� ��������� ���� �� �� ���� ���� ����� � ����������� ����� ���� �����������

To relax I meditate, swim and just potter around the farm among the olive trees Feelgood

WIN

3

� ��������� ���� ����� ��

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2010

Zone:XH

4 Play safe

XH - V1

If drink and sex are on your agenda for fun at one of the big music weekends, there are

5

XH - V1

ways of ensuring things don’t get out of hand, writes Arlene Harris

Summer festival survival guide T

CLOSE ENCOUNTER: While festival goers may not just get their enjoyment from the music acts alone, taking a sensible approach to drinking and sexual activity means they will have no regrets. Picture: Getty Images

Feelgood

HE annual festival season is about to explode. And while previous years we have been bombarded with images of mud-caked music lovers apparently revelling in their noisy, dirty, crowded environment, this year looks like it might be different. If the recent Glastonbury festival is anything to go by, revellers can look forward to a whole lot of fun in the sun.

Still, it’s a far cry from the home comforts of duck-down duvets and a fridge stocked full of food but it’s an important rite of passage. For the first time many teenagers will have to fend for themselves, working out who’s going to do what and how to manage on a tight budget.

As with most outdoor events of this nature, it is best to be prepared for any eventuality. The majority of the venues are restricted to over 18, so it is likely that alcohol will play a part in the proceedings.

This in itself causes people to be more relaxed and lowers their inhibitions, so by thinking ahead you might be fortunate enough to end the weekend with nothing more than great memories and a mild headache.

Fionnuala Sheehan, CEO of Drink Aware, an organisation set up by companies involved in the sale of alcohol, says by controlling your alcohol intake you will have heightened awareness of your environment and be able to enjoy everything to the maximum.

“Drinking too much at a festival isn’t smart,” she says. “At the very least you’ll wreck the weekend for your friends if they have to look after you when you’re worse for wear. Then there are the more serious possibilities — headache, nausea, alcohol poisoning and getting lost or robbed.”

Sheehan says the most important thing is to be aware of what you are drinking and take care of yourself and your friends.

“Look out for your friends over the course of the weekend,” she advises. “If someone has had too much to drink, encourage them to have some water and if you are seriously concerned take them to the first aid tent for medical attention.”

Drink Aware has complied a festival survival guide (which is available to download from their website) to help you make the most out of your weekend.

Some of the most basic tips for drinking sensibly include: ■ Pace Yourself. Interspersing your alcoholic drinks with water or soft drinks will keep you refreshed and hydrated, making sure you see the concert rather than the inside of your tent.

■ Eat. Drinking on an empty stomach can be a disaster, so stock up on some of the tasty festival foods on offer.

■ No strange mixers. Don’t accept a drink from a stranger or leave yours unattended — you never know what you’re getting or what could have been put in it.

■ Hair of the dog. If you overindulged the night before, having another drink the

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2010

next morning won’t make you feel any better. It just prolongs the agony.

■ Want to sober up? It takes time. Whether sitting in a tent or standing in a field, it’ll take roughly two hours for your body to break down one pint of booze. Nothing — not tea, energy drinks, burgers and chips or an ice cold shower — can speed up the process.

As assistant commissioner of St John’s Ambulance Brigade (SJAB), John McGrath has seen more than his fair share of ailments during the festival season and most are associated with alcohol.

“On a typical concert day, the SJAB would treat around 50 people, with one or two needing hospitalisation,” he says. “The majority of these complaints are alcohol and even drug related.

“Most youngsters don’t know their limit and when they are with friends, some keep going until they can’t take any more.”

The seasoned medic says not only do drunken teenagers end up getting very ill, but they also lose out on all the fun.

“I’ve seen plenty of people pay a lot of money for tickets only to end up spending the whole concert on a stretcher in the first aid tent — drinking in moderation is absolutely vital.”

First aid tents are positioned in various sites around the event and all are well signposted.

“As soon as someone arrives at a concert, I would advise them to take note of the first aid centres, the steward points, the police station and the toilets — it will make life easier, should anyone need help.”

To survive the festival season, SJAB offers the following advice: ■ Watch the weather and wear appropriate clothing.

■ Wear comfortable shoes and bring a second pair if possible.

■ Take shelter from rain and sun.

■ If on medication, make sure to bring it with you. If you are worried about taking inhalers or insulin in front of friends, make your way to the first aid tent.

■ Eat regularly — breakfast is important, and have a big meal in middle of the day.

■ Drink in moderation and try to resist until evening time.

■ Drink lots of water to keep you hydrated and to dilute alcohol intake.

■ Never accept drinks (or substances) from strangers.

■ Do not touch drugs of any kind.

■ Wash hands or use antiseptic gel after using toilet.

■ Don’t light fires.

■ Take a break and lie down in your tent for a while to curb exhaustion.

SEXUAL HEALTH: Niall Behan, CEO of the Irish Family Planning Association (IFPA), says that sexual health is also very important to consider as many people let their guard down at festivals and this is the when things might not quite go according to plan.

“When the sun is shining and young people are enjoying what could be their first taste

How parents should behave

■ Give advice but don’t go overboard — let them organise the details, do their own packing and make the necessary arrangements themselves.

■ Trust is very important. Never bribe or threaten, it will only backfire.

■ Try to refrain from calling — instead ask your child to text once or twice a day.

■ Discourage from driving — buses are safer, more fun and there are no parking or drink driving issues.

Picture: Getty Images

I’ve seen plenty of people pay a lot of money for tickets only to end up spending the whole concert on a stretcher in the first aid tent — drinking in moderation is absolutely vital

■ Some young people may feel pressured by their peers to attend a festival, let them know that they don’t have to go if they don’t want to — they can blame you or cite a prior engagement.

■ Be realistic. They will probably drink alcohol, may have sex and could be offered drugs. When giving advice, it’s best to remain calm and stick to the facts.

Source: Parentline

of freedom either on a holiday or at a music festival, they often lose their inhibitions,” he says. “If engaging in a sexual encounter, this could result in picking up a sexually transmitted infections [STIs] or having an unplanned pregnancy.”

During the festival season, the most calls received by the IFPA are related to emergency contraception, but Behan says protecting against unwanted disease is just as important.

“The number of reported STIs has been increasing steadily in Ireland, but many people think that it won’t happen to them or if it does it can be easily cured,” he says.

“This might be true for some cases, but certainly not for all. Using a condom is the best way to prevent contracting an STI.” The IFPA offers four tips to young people over the summer season: ■ Pack condoms.

■ The pill does not protect from STIs. ■ Don’t drink too much as this will inhibit sexual pleasure and make safe sex more difficult.

■ Know where to access emergency contra-

ception as a bout of vomiting or diarrhoea could affect the reliability of the pill.

“Sex is about pleasure, fulfilment and fun so don’t do anything you don’t want to do,” says Behan.

WHAT TO BRING

TERAPROOF:User:margaretjenningsDate:30/06/2010Time:16:50:40Edition:02/07/2010FeelgoodXH0207Page:4

Feelgood

PARENTAL ROLE: Rita O’Reilly, director of Parentline says if you have allowed your teenager to attend a festival this summer, it is important give some advice before they head off.

“Obviously, what you say will depend on your relationship with your child, but try to get across the health and safety issues around drink, drugs, sex or whatever it is you are worried about,” she advises. “Try not to ■ Cash and fully charged mobile lecture them as they are less likely to ■ Somewhere safe to keep them listen.”

■ Extra layers for warming up and cooling down Peer pressure can cause even the ■ Tent and sleeping bag most responsible teenagers to act ■ A torch out of character and O’Reilly ad■ Painkillers vises parents to pass on some ■ Sunscreen and sun hat helpful tips.

■ Dry shampoo “A lot of youngsters will not ■ Toilet roll be able to handle alcohol but ■ Condoms don’t want to appear nerdy by ■ Mouthwash refusing it,” she says.

■ Baby wipes “Tell them to accept a bottle ■ Antiseptic hand gel and sip it slowly — it could last ■ Cereal bars and easy to eat food for hours. And by keeping busy, ■ Water and energy drinks there will be less time for drinking.

■ Bin liner — can be used for rubbish, a They could also choose a low alcohol festival seat or as a rain coat option.”

■ Insect repellent (■ See separate panel)

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2010

SOME USEFUL CONTACTS ■ The drinkaware.ie tent at Oxygen will have mobile phone charging units, water coolers, giveaways plus daily competitions. Look for it beside the Hotpress Signing Tent.

■ To download a copy of the Festival Survival Guide visit www.drinkaware.ie ■ For more information visit www.sjab.ie or call 01-6688077 ■ www.ifpa.ie or call 01-806 9445 ■ www.parentline.ie or call1890927277.

TERAPROOF:User:margaretjenningsDate:30/06/2010Time:17:10:32Edition:02/07/2010FeelgoodXH0207Page:6

Zone:XH

6

XH - V1

John O’Mahony and family enjoy an adventure weekend and luxury retreat

Wild and wonderful I

F STAYCATIONS are the new black, at least staying at home these days doesn’t have to be all grey.

Because of the lack of quality, choice, value, the weather and a certain element of snobbery, we have largely tended to ignore Ireland as a holiday destination — that is until now.

It is only in recent years — after much argument and brow-beating among farmers, state agencies, local authorities, environmentalists and vested interests — that we have begun to use the most natural of all our resources, the great outdoors, to our advantage.

The richness of that resource was hammered home during a recent family trip to Eclipse, the activity, adventure and equestrian centre just outside Sneem in Kerry.

The brainchild of Athos Tfiopani, who traded life as chef/proprietor of Bristol’s Cattleman’s Steakhouse Restaurant for the self-built Swan House Estate in the beautiful Blackwater Valley. The philosophy at Eclipse is simple — enjoy yourself while enjoying what the outdoors has to offer — either through relaxation or adventure.

Our day’s fun was organised by the five-star Relais & Chateau country house hotel, Sheen Falls Lodge, which has teamed up with Eclipse for the summer.

The idea is to combine the luxury of the Sheen Falls with a fun-filled family day out or an adventure day for the children, while the parents relax.

Transfer by coach from the hotel to the centre took about 20 minutes. After a quick meet and greet and mad-hatter bout of laughter yoga to release any early morning tension, it was down to fun.

The group was divided into four — each with a separate rotating action plan — horse-riding, orienteering, archery and the children’s favourite, quad/mud surfing, which involves being dragged round a field at speeds of up to 20km on a modified surf board by a quad bike. Great fun — just ask my five-year-old.

Other options included rough track safari cycling, raft building, fishing, hiking and canoeing.

While the majority of the activity suits older children, Athos and his team customise all that’s on offer for any age group — my five and six-year olds started off learning how to groom horses, then went horse-riding for an hour then tried their hand at archery, did some dirt-track riding on the back of a quad bike and then got down and dirty mud surfing.

Eclipse works, not only because of the quality of activities, but because of the passion of Athos and his team — who did everything to make sure we got the most out of the day.

After the adventure, it was back to the hotel for an evening of all the Sheen Falls has to offer — time to relax by the pool before a barbecue overlooking the River Sheen. Five stars all round.

■ Three-Night Family Fun at the Falls package includes: Overnight accommoda-

Feelgood

OUTDOOR FUN: Fun times at the Eclipse centre include, kayaking, above, archery and being transported around.

It is only in recent years that we have begun to use the most natural of all our resources — the great outdoors — to our advantage

tion in a deluxe room, free accommodation for up to two children sharing with their parents. Transfers and full day access to the kids’ camp at The Eclipse Centre. Available Monday-Friday (weekends on request), July

and August. The cost for two adults and two children for three nights, including access to the activity camp for a day, is F960.

■ For further information about Sheen Falls

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2010

Lodge telephone 064-6641600 or visit www.sheenfallslodge.ie.

■ For further information about the Eclipse Activity Centre visit www.eclipseireland.com.

TERAPROOF:User:markevansDate:30/06/2010Time:18:26:17Edition:02/07/2010FeelgoodXH0207Page:7

Zone:XH

Psychology 7

XH - V1

Individuals must take responsibility for mistakes made during the economic boom

The blame game

www.acara.ie/lesotho

TIME IS PRECIOUS

PLEASE GIVE THEM SOME

LESOTHO BUILD PROJECT OCTOBER 421 2010

The first ACARA Safe House built in October 2008

I

Tony Humphreys

T IS accepted that people in positions of power during the ‘boom’ times — in governments, banks, other financial institutions, property development — did not exhibit mature management or leadership.

The position is clear: either they knew what was going on and didn’t do anything about it, or they didn’t know what was going on and, thereby, were not up to the jobs they were in.

Either way, this crisis presents an opportunity to learn from what has happened and set the solid foundations for future emotional, social and economic wellbeing for all citizens. I emphasise ‘all’, because a dark narcissism had deeply infected the actions of the major players in the economic upturn and downturn.

A large stumbling block to learning from the mistakes made is the great reluctance on the part of the main players to reflect on their actions or lack of actions and to be accountable for them.

There appears to be an entrenched position in there being no accountability.

Admittedly, there is a drive towards introducing more regulation, but regulation does not create the individual maturity, authenticity and independence that is critical to accountability. Neither does regulation guarantee accountability.

Furthermore, it was individuals who acted wrongly — not systems –— and unless these individuals take up the urgent call in the crisis for mature reflection, the problem is far more serious than presently being portrayed. There is the equally serious consideration: if reflection and accountability are not forthcoming, it has to be asked whether or not those who have retained their managerial and leadership positions are truly up to the responsibilities of their jobs.

I wonder if these individuals were asked to define maturity would they include authenticity, independence and accountability in their definition?

There is another question abegging — how is it that those individuals who held so much power do not possess the maturity to honestly address their role in what has transpired? These persons — mostly male — are highly educated, knowledgeable, wealthy, of an age where you would expect a wisdom of years, have (or had) huge status and wielded considerable power. However, none of these achievements or qualities are an index of maturity. Maturity automatically involves being authentic, independent and accountable, and I believe, it is here the crux lies.

How many of the individuals concerned can claim to possess any of these essential human qualities? Leaders and managers — like the rest of us — have their stories, and when you have not examined your own story and retained the ‘good’ and replaced the ‘bad’ of earlier years with mature openness, beliefs, attitudes, values and actions — you are likely to continue to operate from defensive places.

Regrettably, when managers and leaders are being trained there is little or no emphasis on the need to know and understand themselves before they take on their highly responsible roles.

There are four critical inner examinations required: ■ Am I independent of what I do and achieve, and of

Feelgood

Picture: iStock

When managers and leaders are being trained there is little or no emphasis on the need to know and understand themselves before they take on their responsible roles how others perceive and respond to me?

■ Do I own all my words and actions as mine and take due accountability when things go ‘right’ and when things go ‘wrong’.

■ Do I operate from a place of authenticity, most especially when I let myself or others down?

■ Do I seek the professional help to resolve my defensive ways that are blocks to my personal, interpersonal and professional progress?

I’ve put the words right and wrong in parenthesis because I believe we are not consciously superior, greedy, narcissistic, aggressive and success addicted, but operate out unconsciously from these defensive places. However, whether or not your actions are consciously or unconsciously taken, you are accountable and that brings us back to precisely where we started.

When it comes to independence, how many of those who hold the reins of financial and political power can claim to be independent and not define themselves and their worth by any of the following: status, achievements, work, success, power, wealth? When you are dependent and have a deep fear of falling off your pedestal you will have a vested interest in not being accountable.

Resolution is only possible when fear gives way to fearlessness and dependence to independence. And when it comes to authenticity — how many can put their hands on their hearts and declare: ‘I am always real in what I say and do’ in the face of possible responses from others of judgement, criticism, ridicule, violence and condemnation?

No real progress is possible without authenticity.

■ Dr Tony Humphreys is a clinical psychologist, national and international Speaker and Author. His latest book with co-author Dr Helen Ruddle is Relationship, Relationship, Relationship, The Heart of a Mature Society is now available in all good bookshops.

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2010

Lesotho, Southern Africa is an independent country totally landlocked by South Africa and is one of the 6 poorest African Countries. There are over 180,000 orphans in Lesotho mainly due to HIV and AIDS. The average life expectancy is only 38.

ACARA are currently looking for skilled and non-skilled trades people to undertake the Lesotho Build Project Challenge 2010 THE CHALLENGE: • To bring a minimum of 60 participants to build the second ACARA Safe House in Lesotho, Southern Africa for orphans and vulnerable children • To provide a Keyhole Vegetable Garden and play area for the children in the area • Fill a 40ft container with clothing, school and medical supplies • To fund the building of toilets for an existing ACARA School Project If you want to do something worth while in 2010 then ACARA want to hear from you!

20 Stephens Street Lower Dublin 2 Tel +353 1 4784505 Email info@acara.ie

TERAPROOF:User:margaretjenningsDate:30/06/2010Time:17:13:48Edition:02/07/2010FeelgoodXH0207Page:8

Zone:XH

8

Cover story High-profile child psychologist Oliver James says consistent love from

the same adult is essential for infants, says Suzanne Harrington

ATTENTION

UNDIVIDED

E

VERY generation is screwed up by the previous one, claims clinical child psychologist Oliver

James.

In terms of providing a coherent, compassionate narrative to psychological behaviour, Oliver James is something of a genius. The British writer, journalist, broadcaster and producer is also my guru: I refer to his best-selling books constantly, from Affluenza, which examines how capitalism makes us miserable, to They F*** You Up (its title inspired by the Philip Larkin poem), with its insights into the pitfalls of family roles handed out to unsuspecting children at birth.

Forget nature, James says. It’s all about nurture.

In an attempt to break the screw-up cycle, his latest book, How Not To F*** Them Up, addresses the first three years of a child’s life, from the perspective of a happy mother, as well as a nurtured child.

“Little that was done to us is completely irreversible,” he writes. “Where parenthood is so refreshing is that it provides an opportunity to avoid the mistakes of the past.”

I am hugely excited to meet Oliver James who is 56, and father to two young children, aged eight and five. He is exactly as I imagined — kind,

Childcare debate 9

XH - V1

open, helpful, super-articulate and evolved. His ideas are profound, yet deceptively simple. He is all about consistent care, loving behaviour, and secure attachment, and how this is what forms us (or not). Importantly, his work is entirely science-based.

He recounts his own childhood experiences of being insufficiently nurtured by a depressed mother (a psychoanalyst), and how insecurity in babyhood can cause anxiety that affects what he terms the child’s “electro-chemical thermostat.”

Once the mother is in a good place, he says, the child will be too. So understanding and accepting the type of mother you are — as opposed to what you feel you ought to be — is crucial. There is no point, he says, in forcing yourself to be something you are not, yet it is imperative that babies and very young children get exactly the kind of care they need.

The crux of his argument is this: “Babies and toddlers need to be in the presence of a responsive, loving adult at all times in order to thrive. They do not need a teacher, they do not need friends, stimulation or education.

Nor does that person have to be its mother.”

Already James has been misinterpreted. Some media have reported that he is urging women

to stay at home, yet this is absolutely not the case. What he passionately believes — and backs up with hard science — is that under-threes should not be left in daycare, but should be given consistent, responsive loving care by the same person, so that they can form secure attachments and not end up as one of the 40% of adults who suffer from emotional problems as a result of childhood insecurity.

It is nurture in the early years, and not nature, which forms our psyches, he says.

So why address the book to mothers and not parents? “Very few men are going to buy a book about parenting, unless it’s specifically a book by someone like Tony Parsons, about dads,” he says. “It’s false and politically correct nonsense to pretend that many men are going to buy this book, but probably quite a few will read it if their partners do.”

Using established scientific research, James identifies three maternal archetypes: 1. THE ORGANISER: Fears pregnancy and birth, expects her baby to adapt to her routine rather than the other way around, fears falling in love with her baby, and believes the under-three needs stimulation, education and

friends. They may follow such parenting styles as so-called controlled crying for babies, or the ‘naughty step’ for toddlers.

der-threes are getting a quality of care never experienced before,” he says. “But then, there’s the rise of group day care — I think for around 10% of children — which shows an appalling lack of awareness.

“It’s a good thing that lots of mothers can get out and go to work, rather than stay home and get depressed. I really do believe that. The only thing is, what’s the substitute care like?”

Here, James is very clear.

The best kind of substitute care is one-on-one and consistent: daddy, granny, or an empathic friend, neighbour or family member. Or a good childminder, providing she is not caring for too many other children of the same age.

Putting a child under three years old in full-time day care is far from ideal, and can lead to behavioural problems later on as a result of stress and insecurity.

“Do not be scared to admit that how you care for your child is going to hugely influence how it turns out,” says James. “Then, work out how you can be comfortable in your skin, because that is likely to ensure that you meet its early needs, which is what ultimately decides whether your child has a fruitful, sane life.”

2. THE HUGGER: Revolves around the baby’s needs, may not like leaving the baby with anyone else (even family), likes to have the baby sleep in her bed, is permissive with toddler discipline, and puts her own needs last. She may not set firm boundaries and, because she is so child-centred, her other relationships may come second.

3. THE FLEXI-MUM: Is a mixture of the other two, pragmatic but empathic, with a good sense of self, and good at setting loving boundaries. James says about one half of mothers are Flexis, while the other half are either organisers or huggers. While Organisers may put their babies into substitute care from an early age and Huggers may breast-feed later than average, Flexis are somewhere in between. He says that this is the optimum type of mothering.

It seems that, despite our growing awareness of the needs of babies and toddlers, we are still some way from an overall system that works, particularly as so much childcare responsibility is deemed female.

So, are parents becoming more conscious of children’s needs, or less conscious?

“The Hugger group is a new phenomenon, so that more un-

Putting a child under three years old in full-time day care is far from ideal, and can lead to behavioural problems later on as a result of stress and insecurity — Oliver James

Love bombing can get you back on track

T

HE next book by Oliver James is night and Saturday night alone together Love Bombing, which means that if and give it a name that they choose — you suspect your kids may have Mummy Time or whatever. It’s going to been even mildly disturbed during their be a very special sealed-off time during early years for whatever reason, the situwhich the child can do anything they want ation can be reversed. Love bombing — they can eat as much ice cream as they works with want, or watch all children from the telly they age three to want, and you’re puberty. going to do this “What you together. You’re do is first idengoing to sleep in tify the probthe same bed and lem,” he says. you’re going to “Usually it’s not have a lot of cuda big deal, it’s dles and an enornot ADHD or mous amount of anything like fun. This is their that, but maybe time. they don’t speak “What this very well, or means is that the there are still child can regress signs of cortisol TRUE LOVE: Putting aside some time for you and to being like a [the stress hor- your child can work wonders for your toddler or even mone] in that earlier. You cudthey might be a relationship. Picture: Getty Images dle them, you tell bit jumpy or them you love whatever. Or maybe just not doing as them, you look them in the eye — alwell at school as they might. This can though don’t smother them or make it an also be used to reassure children suffering embarrassing farce — you use every opafter the birth of a new sibling. portunity to show them you love them and “What you do is you say to the child you really value them and they are a good that you’re going to spend the weekend person. together. We’re going to spend Friday “In quite a lot of cases there might be a lot of aggression back in that period, or winding you up by having 17 ice creams instead of six, but don’t worry about that; go with it so long as it’s within the bounds of physical safety. And you explain to them in advance, so you build up to it as one Dr Patrick Ryan, Psychologist, clinical dilong 48 hours treat. It needs arranging, and if you have more than one child, you rector UL “There is very little argument against the do it consecutively rather than simultaneidea that children under the age of three need ously. Otherwise everyone would go one-on-one care. bonkers. Then, once you get to the end of that weekend, you tell them that from now “All the research suggests that young infants on there will be half an hour every evening need a primary care giver to develop secure attachment, and to develop which is sealed off for them, it’s their time, the ability to relate. You cannot before bedtime. get this with half a dozen differ“When I first used this technique I was flabbergasted. It’s an American idea, with ent care givers. It just doesn’t proper scientific basis, and the results are work.” astonishing — I just adapted it. It seemed to correct the child’s thermostat, to get the CARER NEEDS: Dr Patrick electrochemistry back into synch again.

Ryan says infants need The child comes out of it feeling very one-on-one attention from a loved. And it changes the trajectory of caregiver. your relationship with the child — the child feels that they’re special.”

On-going relationship with carer key when parents need to work

T

HE position Oliver James takes raises its own controversy — one argument being whether, for instance, parents can afford, or have the circumstances, to give their child the opportunity for one-on-one care. Here is what three childcare experts have to say: Dr Sean McDuff, research manager, Archways — The Incredible Years: “Childcare is a necessary fact of life. There is evidence to show that poor quality childcare — high staff turnover, non-responsiveness — can result in higher levels of cortisol production in babies, which in turn can lead to stress and insecurity. This can later result in impulsivity and behavioural problems. It’s important to take the time to find high quality child care.

“Maternal sensitivity is very important, where the effects of stress can be counteracted by focused attention techniques, following the child’s lead, focused play, etc.

Motherhood is not sufficiently valued within our society.”

be a key worker system in place, where the child has one person looking after their needs. For babies under the age of one, the ratio is one to three.

“It’s important to remember that in Ireland, even at the height of the Irene Gunning, CEO of Celtic Tiger, only 56% the Irish Preschool Play of women worked.

Association: Childminders, relative KEY SYSTEM: Irene Gunning, CEO care and neighbour care “The kind of consistent responsive care advocated by of the Irish Preschool Play are more widely used Oliver James could happen Association says the ratio for than day care. In the curin high quality day care. In babies under a year is one to three. rent climate, day care use good day care there should Picture: Maura Hickey is dropping dramatically.”

Picture: Getty Images

Feelgood

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2010

Zone:XH

10 Medical matters

XH - V1

Q

Dr Niamh Houston

FAMILY

TERAPROOF:User:margaretjenningsDate:30/06/2010Time:16:14:12Edition:02/07/2010FeelgoodXH0207Page:10

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

device. These crystals can then be passed out in the urine. This type of treatment is usually used for kidney stones less than 1cm in size.

Shock wave therapy (ESWL) is used to get rid of existing stones, but does not prevent stones from developing in the future. Many people have pain-free kidney stones. It is usually only when the stones become stuck in one or either of the ureters (tubes connecting the kidneys to the bladder), that excruciating pain hapA. Water retention before your peripens. od is a classic symptom of PMS Diet can play a key role in the (pre-menstrual syndrome). The water prevention of kidney stones. But tablets you mention are diuretics and before you make any changes, they make you go to the toilet a lot by you need to find out from your increasing the amount of salt and wadoctor what type of stones you ter in your urine. They need to be have or had in the past. The most prescribed by a doctor and should oncommon types of stones are comly be taken for a few days each month posed of calcium oxalate or calciin the lowest of doses. They may help um phosphate. You should have a reduce ankle swelling in some women urine test to detect the levels of but generally do not relieve abdominal acidity, calcium, uric acid, oxalate bloating. and citrate.

For many women simple changes to Try to drink at least 10-14 diet and lifestyle can help relieve glasses of fluid every day. Water pre-menstrual bloating. Stop adding helps dilute the urine and pushes salt at meal-times as a high-salt out concentrations of harmful diet would only worsen water retenchemicals. Avoid grapefruit juice tion. Be aware of the many hidden as this can increase the risk of sources of salt or sodium in foods, eskidney stones. If you are prone to pecially processed meats, breads, and uric acid stones or calcium oxcanned soups or vegetables. alate stones you should avoid We only need 4grams of salt a day, cranberry juice. Also many soft but most people eat up to 10g-12g drinks contain phosphoric acid, daily. Cut back on caffeine and alcowhich also increases your risk of hol intake. Get exercising — start kidney stones. Salt increases the walking, cycling or swimming. It has amount of calcium in the urine been shown that women who partake which can aid in forming kidney in regular physical activity suffer fewer stones. Be careful of high protein PMS symptoms. Regular exercise can TUMMY TROUBLE: Bloatedness and discomfort can often strike diets. Too much protein can inhelp reduce water retention. during your periods. Simple changes to diet and lifestyle can help crease the acidity of urine as well There are many vitamins, minerals relieve pre-menstrual bloating.

Picture: iStock as increase the excretion of uric and herbs that claim to cure PMS acid, phosphorous and calcium — symptoms, but not all have been due to their high oestrogen content. Talk to factors which also contribute to kidney proven effective. Still, vitamin B6 or pyrodixine (1.6mg/day), calcium (1,200 mg /day) and mag- your doctor about using a pill with the low- stone formation. It is generally recommended that anyone with kidney stones avoid est possible oestrogen content (20mcg). nesium (200-400 mg/day) can help reduce PMS The contraceptive pill can also prescribed foods high in animal protein, as well as symptoms such as bloating in some women.The fried, processed and sugary foods. Anyone to help relieve PMS symptoms. If you noexact cause of PMS and its symptoms is unclear. tice a weight gain of more than 5% of body who is overweight, has high blood pressure, Measuring hormone levels is generally of little weight this may be a signal of abnormal glu- gout or repeated urinary tract problems are help because there are no significant differences cose metabolism or insulin resistance. If this at increased risk of kidney stones. between women who get PMS and those who Although calcium-rich foods appear to be is present, taking simple sugars in any don’t. If the bloating doesn’t improve after protective against calcium oxalate stones, amount, high carbohydrate only snacks or lifestyle changes, see your doctor. In the meanmeals and lack of exercise will interfere with calcium supplements may increase your risk time, keep a symptom diary for the next few for other types of kidney stones. Calcium any attempt at weight control. months. supplements up to 1,200 milligrams per day This can help confirm that your symptoms are is safe. You should discuss this with your related to your menstrual cycle, rather than other Q. I am due to have shock wave theradoctor. py for kidney stones. What can I do to causes such as irritable bowel syndrome or other Also avoid vitamin C if you’ve been told prevent them occurring again? I had been gastrointestinal problems. Your doctor may want that you have too much oxalate in your to do blood and urine tests to rule out any other taking calcium supplements for osteopeurine. Certain prescribed medication such as nia, should I stop these? cause — there is no specific test to diagnose diuretics and calcium-based antacids can inPMS. crease your risk of developing kidney stones.

We know that some of the older contraceptive A. Shock wave therapy breaks the kidney stones into small crystals using an ultrasound Avoid excess intake of vitamin D also. pills caused weight gain and this was most likely

I feel bloated and heavy for nearly two weeks before my period. My appetite stays the same, but my weight can go up an extra 5lbs to 7lbs during this time. I feel sluggish, very uncomfortable and tight around my middle. Do you recommend taking water tablets to get rid of the water retention? Should I get my hormone levels checked, or if I go on the pill will this help?

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 was a time when a tweet had nothing to do with telling the world what you ate for breakfast and birds were feathered vertebrates who sang in short bursts from trees.

This was a world in which the VCR released us from the bondage of TV scheduling, cassette was king and recording off your favourite radio station was the main way to make a tape mix.

These were days when you took out the boombox, and strolled shamelessly through the neighbourhood, blasting The Clash from your portable stereo.

You were sorry when this defining icon of 1980s music gave way to the Walkman, with its headphones to cut you off from the world and set you on a solitary soundscape. Still, you embraced its arrival, because that’s what teenagers do when new technology arrives.

Through the ’90s you got to grips with your PC, embraced the world wide web,

bought a mobile phone big as a shoebox, paraded your Polaroid camera, delighted in your dial-up modem and thumbed your nose at fax phones as the fading edge of change in a world where even Bill Gates struggled to stay the pace.

You hit the ground running in the noughties and bought your first digital camera but the start of the rot was your refusal to allow the games console become king of the living room.

By the mid-noughties your first child had arrived, tellies had got thinner and screens bigger, computers were smaller and cheaper and mobile phones were slimming, shrinking and becoming more software centric.

You were desperate to cling on, but the arrival of the iPhone in 2007 signalled your demise. Caught up in the maelstrom of mothering, you had to admit defeat: technology, as you knew it, had passed you by.

You now have a TV remote that allows

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2010

you do the unthinkable: pause a live programme and record shows ahead of time.

You wish you could work it and feel like your mother must have felt when your father was not at home to show her where to press ‘play’ on the VCR. You side-stepped the rush for the iPod and cannot pretend to have any kind of clue about iTunes.

App you know is short for “application” but there your information ends.

You hear friends say, “There’s an app for that” and you remember when people used to say, “There’s a knack for doing that.” You despair at how far you will have fallen behind by the time your children sit through 5-D movies, being endlessly beeped and buzzed.

You recognise the wisdom of the woman who said: “For a list of all the ways technology has failed to improve the quality of life, please press three.”

TERAPROOF:User:margaretjenningsDate:30/06/2010Time:17:00:18Edition:02/07/2010FeelgoodXH0207Page:11

Zone:XH

11

XH - V1

Stars are planning to run for Irish Autism Action, reports Arlene Harris

United they run W

HAT have Michael O’Leary, Keith Duffy, the Rose of Tralee and Eamon Coughlan got in common? Normally not a lot, but, united by a good cause, they are just some of the well-known personalities taking part in a unique nationwide marathon event.

Starting today in Longford, the 32-day event will see 26-mile races taking place in every county in Ireland. Seasoned runners Gerry Duffy and Ken Whitelaw, both from Mullingar, have undertaken the task of running each race together with local athletes and a different celebrity in each county.

“Myself and Ken (30) have served our apprenticeship with triathlons and Iron Man events and are ready to take on this challenge in aid of Irish Autism Action (IAA) and the Irish Cancer Society,” says 42-year-old Gerry.

“Completing this programme of races will be a huge achievement for us and so far we have almost 700 other runners joining us en route.

“Some of them will be recognisable faces who have kindly lent their support to this appeal. And we are thrilled that they agreed to take part — it’s not that often that you get to see Michael O’Leary in a pair of shorts.”

The Ryanair boss, who also hails from Mullingar, has agreed to run two half marathons, one in Dublin on July 2 and the final race in his home county, Westmeath, on August 2. But although he will be limbering up at the starting line, O’Leary has no illusions about winning the race.

“I am doing one marathon, but I will be doing it over two days,” he says. “And while I am definitely going to be running, it will be a miracle if I actually finish.

“But as for the two lads, they are insane,” he laughs. “Attempting to run 32 marathons clearly shows that there is a screw loose somewhere — but as long as it is all for a good cause they deserve all the support they can get.

“And, to be honest, if more people got into running in Ireland it would be better for everyone.”

Seasoned runner Eamon Coughlan is recovering from a broken foot so is unable to run a whole marathon, but is still planning to take part and lend his support for the cause.

“I am just getting over an injury so it wouldn’t be wise for me to run 26 miles,” he says. “But I am planning to jog for about six miles to keep the lads company for a while.”

No stranger to the challenge facing the two marathon runners, the former Olympian gold medalist is impressed by the unique goal they have set themselves.

“Running 32 marathons consecutively is more difficult than climbing Mount Everest in bare feet, so I am full of admiration for Ken and Gerry. It is a hugely daunting thing to do. And if by running a few miles with them will help raise some money for charity, then I am delighted to be able to take part.”

Current Rose of Tralee Charmaine Kenny is planning to join the runners for 13 miles on July 15 in Kildare. But while her latest role is far from the running track, she is no novice to the sport either.

“I ran a marathon in Connemara in 2005 and the Dublin Marathon last October,” she says. “I’m a little inconsistent in my training, but am in New York at the moment so have

Feelgood

MARATHON MEN: Main picture, Gerry Duffy, Michael O’Leary, Ken Whitelaw and left Eamon Coughlan, Keith Duffy, Ray D’Arcy, with Gerry Duffy and Ken Whitelaw.

managed to haul myself to Central Park for a run a couple of times.

“But there is definitely some work to be done on my end before I join the boys on their mammoth journey.”

Like everyone else involved in this event, the Kildare woman, who represented London in Tralee last year, is amazed at the magnitude of the 32-race challenge and hopes to keep up with them for some part of the journey.

“I first heard about Gerry and Ken’s fabulously insane idea through my family connec-

tions in their home town and was immediately enthralled by the ambition of the challenge,” she says.

“It will be day 14 when I first catch up with them and I hope they will be in fighting form with plenty of energy left in the tank.

“It really is an incredible feat of physical and mental strength. I am in complete awe of the two boys and am honoured that they have invited me to join them.

“I hope not to embarrass myself by lagging behind too far.”

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2010

Actor and Boyzone star, Keith Duffy is the patron of IAA. He will also be running two half marathons in aid of the charity. “I have participated in marathons myself in the past and cannot emphasise enough, the amazing determination of these two guys,” he says.

“And I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the magnificent contribution they are making by undertaking this challenge to help families in Ireland affected by autism.

“This event is not only about raising much needed funds, but also to greatly increase the awareness of the needs of our families.”

Other well-known faces taking part in the event include, Kathryn Thomas, Brian Kennedy, Henry Shefflin, Pauline Curley, Ken Doherty and Mick Galway.

■ Run, walk, crawl, recycle your mobile phone or donate by text by texting the word MARATHON followed by your county to 57802.

■ 32 Marathons starts today in Longford town and will run for 32 consecutive days.

To take part, make a donation or lend your support find out where the race will be taking part in your county and make a difference.

■ For more information visit www.32marathons.com or www.autismireland.ie

TERAPROOF:User:margaretjenningsDate:30/06/2010Time:16:27:08Edition:02/07/2010FeelgoodXH0207Page:12

Zone:XH

12 Healthy food

XH - V1

Roz Crowley

T

HIS week we look at food shortcuts to see if they are worth the money and whether they taste as good as preparing them ourselves.

Obvious pastes such as tomato and harissa (red pepper) are standard store cupboard additions to enrich sauces and would take hours to reduce from costly quantities of fresh ingredients.

When using pesto and other concentrated pasta sauces, remember not to heat them, but add to the drained cooked pasta along with a little of the hot pasta water.

We picked what we found easily in shops and markets to assess their value.

Picture: Getty Images

Enjoy a quick taste Salsa Puttanesca, 500g F7.15 Traditionally made from anchovies, capers, black olives, olive oil, butter, sugar, chilli flakes, oregano, tomatoes, tomato puree and garlic, this sauce can be expensive to make in small quantities.

This sample from Iago at Cork’s English Market tastes almost meaty and is substantial, a warming, rich and delicious sauce with a hot hit of chilli.

500g is enough for about eight people, so fair value for a good, time-saving product.

Score: 9

Mash Direct Mashed Potato, 400g F1.50

Gourmet Garden Blend, 115g F3

With just potatoes, milk, butter and salt in this product, there is nothing unhealthy here. The texture is firm and becomes creamy on heating, and the taste is pure and simple.

For anyone living alone, in a rush and in need of simple, comfort food, this is a good product at a fair price for a convenience food, especially while new potatoes are expensive.

Made from Irish potatoes in Co Down.

Score: 8.5

Made in Australia, this tube of 63% coriander, also has dextrose, canola oil and whey powder (from milk). There is glycerol, a humectant to keep ingredients moist, as well as sea salt, antioxidants, a thickener and acidity regulator. The result is an unpleasant product which has a synthetic texture as well as a sickly, sweet taste. There is a hint of coriander but it is strangely bitter. I would rather do without a coriander flavour in a dish than use this.

Score: 0

Red and green curry pastes are a great standby. They tend to be fuller flavoured than some dried spice mixes and, most of the time, they don’t have to be browned before adding meat. This one has no added monosodium glutamate (msg), no preservatives, no artificial colour. It is made from red chilli, garlic, lemongrass, shallots, galangal, kaffir lime peel and pepper. It also has 4.5% shrimp paste and a high 16% of salt. It is also very hot, so use sparingly.

Score: 4

wMarks & Spencer Rogan Josh Sauce, 350g F2.65

Schwartz Easy Stir Fry Garlic, Ginger and Spring Onion, 75g F3.41

Rogan means clarified butter in Persian, while Josh means hot, so a Rogan Josh dish usually means the meat has been browned in clarified butter (ghee) and cooked with spices. This sauce from Marks & Spencer lacks a little depth, but has a good pulp texture with a natural mouthfeel. Made from tomatoes, onion, ginger and garlic, spiced up with garam masala, there are no nasty additives and it’s not over salted either.

Sauces like this are an ideal store cupboard staple to liven up leftovers or make a curry.

Score: 7

Garlic, ginger and spring onion is a winning combination and forms the base of many Asian recipes. This tube has the three basics as well as vegetable oil, spirit vinegar, sugar, sea salt and water.

Xanthan gum is used as a thickener and the stabiliser is potassium sorbate, none of them of concern, though the thickener gives a slightly unnatural feel. The flavours are fresh and vibrant.

Chopping garlic, ginger and spring onions is not difficult, so the main use for this quick-fix is for camping or as an easy marinade for barbecues. Expensive.

Score: 5

Filippo Berio Classic Pesto, 190g F2.45

Huercasa Cooked Beetroot, 500g 99c

Basil pesto usually has lots of fresh basil, olive oil, sardo and parmesan cheeses, pine nuts, garlic and sea salt blended gently to make a loose paste. Cheaper versions add cashew nuts and other cheeses and lesser quality oils. Unless you can get freshly picked sweet basil, the best of bought versions can be as good as homemade.

This one has cashew nuts and some olive oil which is not extra virgin, and some peanut oil, as well a potatoes to thicken it, sugar and salt.

The result is quite a salty product.

Score: 5

Beetroot can take an hour to boil or roast, so if we can buy it pre-cooked, we save fuel and time. This one from Spain and available in Dunnes Stores has plenty of flavour, is firm to the touch and not overcooked like others. For those who don’t like vinegar flavours, this is a good alternative to pickled beetroot.

Packed with nutrients, use sliced in salads, chopped with lemon juice or balsamic vinegar and olive oil or with a yoghurt dressing. It’s also good with crumbled feta or blue cheese.

Score: 8

Feelgood

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2010

Coriander

Herb

Mae Ploy Red Curry Paste, 400g F2.49, Asian stores

TERAPROOF:User:margaretjenningsDate:30/06/2010Time:16:23:42Edition:02/07/2010FeelgoodXH0207Page:13

Zone:XH

XH - V1

Male health

Tackling cancer R

UGBY legend Brian O’Driscoll and his father, Frank, recently lined out to raise awareness and funds for prostate cancer in Ireland. Ten cent from every product in the Gillette male range sold in Tesco stores nationwide will go directly to the Irish Cancer Society (ICS).

“As a GP, I know the importance of early detection,” says Frank O’Driscoll. “Many cancers including prostate cancer are curable if detected early.”

Irish men have a one in nine chance of developing prostate cancer in their lifetime and it is recommended that men over 50 should consult their GP about screening.

“Our lives are very busy these days making it very easy to ignore or miss the early signs of health problems. The Irish Cancer Society National Cancer Helpline on Freefone 1 800 200 700 can provide that advice and address any concerns,” says Brian O’Driscoll who is set to marry actress and author Amy Huberman this month.

Prostate cancer is the most common male cancer and raising awareness of prostate cancer and encouraging men to look after their health is one of the key aims of the Irish Cancer Society, says ICS corporate partnerships manager Jim O’Malley. “We continually rely on the goodwill of the public to get involved, raise awareness and help to raise money by supporting these type of cam-

Deirdre O'Flynn MOSTLY MEN

paigns,” he says.

Anyone concerned or affected by prostate cancer can speak to a specialist cancer nurse on the National Cancer Helpline on Freefone 1800 200 700, Monday to Thursday 9am to 7pm, Fridays 9am to 5pm or call into the Irish Cancer Society offices at 43/45 Northumberland Road, Dublin 4, to discuss their concerns about developing prostate cancer or have their questions answered if they have been diagnosed.

You can also order a copy of MANHOOD or any other publications or factsheets on prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction, urinary incontinence, hormone therapy and other related topics.

■ See: www.cancer.ie/contact.php

A MAN THING: Rugby legend Brian O’Driscoll and his father Frank line out to launch the Gillette campaign in association with the Irish Cancer Society and Tesco.

Don’t let vuvuzelas be an end to your hearing

Creative new face of Ailesbury Hair Clinic

RESTORED Hearing (www.restoredhearing.ie) a young, Irish web-based company can assist sports fans who are suffering from the effects of listening to the vuvuzela horn, pictured, at this year’s World Cup or at other sporting events.

Restored Hearing provides a low-frequency therapy for people who are suffering from temporary tinnitus. Temporary tinnitus, or ‘ringing in the ears’ is caused

AWARDWINNING hair stylist Adee Phelan, pictured, creator of the iconic David Beckham hairstyle, is the new face of the Ailesbury Hair Clinic (AHC), promoting its revolutionary hair implant procedures.

Forget the tufty look of old-fashioned hair transplants — Ailesbury Hair Clinic creates natural results with no scarring, no stitching and no pain.

Single hair follicles are extracted one by one from the donor area (back of the head

T

TAKE 1

HE average age for the menopause in Irish women is 48 to 55, with hot flushes, night sweats, irritability and mood swings scoring as the top four symptoms.

Managing the symptoms can be challenging which is why a new awareness campaign Feeling Flush has been launched to provide women with practical information about the menopause via a website — www.feelingflush.ie and leaflets available at pharmacies nationwide.

Feelgood

by exposure to loud environments, for example, listening to the noise of the vuvuzela at sporting or other events, loud music at concerts or operating loud machinery.

To alleviate this problem, Restored Hearing offers an online tailored minute-long therapy sessions for individuals who want to regain ‘buzz- free’ hearing.

The therapy is based on sound and wave theory.

4

13

HERBAL HELP: A traditional way of helping to deal with night sweats and hot flushes is to use sage, according to A Vogel. Made using the extract of organically grown fresh sage leaves, A Vogel Menoforce, F15.50 for 30, is a one-a-day tablet that can be taken as long as it is needed. A Vogel also offer these tips for a gentler menopause: ■ Eat lightly in the evening. Good digestion helps to improve your sleep pattern.

■ Eat phyto-oestrogenic foods, such as legumes, oats and soya.

■ Use a magnesium supplement.

or other areas of the body) and reimplanted.

The entire AHI procedure is performed by a trained and experienced Ailesbury certified medical doctor, and is guaranteed in writing.

Adee Phelan is an awardwinning hair stylist and star of the C4 programme, the Salon.

In 2002, he cut David Beckham’s hair for the GQ shoot prior to the World Cup. Celebrity clients include Callum Best and Rick Parfitt.

DId you know...

In the 2006 World Cup, cardiac emergencies usually occurred within two hours of the start of a match in Germany, when their team played Source: Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich

The menopause

2

MAGNET THERAPY: LadyCare is a small magnet which is simply worn clipped on to the front of your underwear. British makers Magnopulse believe the magnetic field may help improve the natural production of hormones, providing a natural and non-invasive way of alleviating menopause symptoms. LadyCare costs F24.95, from health stores and pharmacies and lasts for up to 10 years.

For more information visit www.ladycare-ireland.ie.

3

NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT: A new natural supplement BeYouAgain from BetterYou has been formulated to provide a range of nutrients to support women approaching and going through the menopause.

BeYouAgain contains maca, used in Peru for thousand of years to enhance stamina and libido. Magnesium is added as a relaxant, along with vitamin B6. Milk Thistle is included to protect liver cells from toxins. BeYou Again costs F10.95 for 60 capsules and is available from health stores or www.betteryou.uk.com.

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2010

4

SOYA BENEFITS: While prescribed medications, such as HRT, alleviate menopausal symptoms, there are other over-the-counter options which can help.

There are indications that the lack of menopausal symptoms in Asian women can be put down to the high quantity of isoflavones found in soya in the Asian diet.

The new Feeling Flush campaign is supported by the natural supplement Phyto Soya, F33.90, which provides a daily dose of soya, along with lemon balm, magnesium and vitamin B6 to help with sleep.

Zone:XH

14 Beauty

Emily O’Sullivan

From face oils to fake tans, a little planning can keep you fresh and cleared for take-off

I

ONCE felt pretty on a plane. Two years ago, I had to take a preposterously early flight to Malaga for work. Anticipating the midsummer heat there — in the dark mole-like state I was in at 4.30am — I decided to throw on a light, comfortable and floaty summer dress. I had fake-tanned the night before and, despite the fact that I hadn’t showered (if you’re getting up at that time, you prioritise sleep over showering) my look was definitely fresh and, well, glowing. I’d a little fake tan on my face, the tiniest bit of mascara and my hair was scraped back into a pony tail. I remember this occasion because it was unique.

When it comes to travel it’s hard to arrive at your destination with any degree of gorgeousness. Travel in linens and you’ll end up looking like someone has just taken you out of a box, travel without moisturiser and you’ll have aged five years by the time you get to your destination. Back when it was acceptable to bring on a ton of liquids in your hand luggage, I used to go completely over the top, even just for a 40-minute flight I’d stuff my handbag with hydrating spray, moisturiser, tinted moisturiser, eyecream, handcream, lip balm, and, naturally, a bit of lippy so I didn’t looking like one of the undead while walking through customs. These days, financial and security concerns mean that we have to choose our products wisely, and that’s no bad thing. The number one rule is that you shouldn’t have to buy anything new to get you through a plane journey, even a long-haul one.

Now, more than ever, you need to pick and choose what you’re bringing with you on board, and if you’re having to stuff all

XH - V1

The news on ...

READY TO GO

TERAPROOF:User:margaretjenningsDate:30/06/2010Time:16:30:43Edition:02/07/2010FeelgoodXH0207Page:14

VEGAN BEAUTY HAVING just finished Jonathan Safran Foer’s book Eating Animals, I am still reeling over the horrors of industrialised meat production.

But whatever about what you put in your mouth, people tend to forget that beauty products frequently contain animal by-products.

Vegan beauty may still be in the early stages, but an Irish website does bring the concept a step closer.

Featuring brands such as Trilogy, John Masters, Lavera and Nvey Eco, many of the products have been approved by the Vegan Society. Check it out at: www.safiaorganics.ie.

TAKE THREE HAIR PROTECTANTS I CAME back from holiday with hair that resembled the kind of locks you’d see on one of those dudes from Def Leppard. It was insanely blonde and hideously straw-like. Problem was, I was on hols, and I didn’t care about my hair. After a dip in the pool, I’d let it dry in the sun.

Bad move — my hair looked like candy floss. Try and battle the frizz with one of these UV protectors. It’s the least you can do.

Picture:Fotoware

your products into a small plastic bag for security, it can all get a touch embarrassing.

Two of my favourite products for flying are ones you can leave at home: a face oil and a fake tan. Face oils are great for counteracting the dehydrating effects of flying, especially if you’ve already got dry skin. Apply them lightly and evenly before you leave the house, so you don’t end up looking like a ball of grease. And if you don’t have any, then try using your richest moisturiser or night cream — something creamy and super-hydrating.

Next up is a fake tan. Instant fake tans, such as our diehard favourite, Clarins Delicious, give an immediate tint to the skin that makes you look healthy and sunkissed. And by the time you arrive at your destination, you’re going to look even better (as a deeper shade will develop over time), no matter what kind of graying effects flying has on

your complexion. If you’re prone to dryness around the eyes, dab on an eyecream as well, before popping on some waterproof mascara to finish the clean, natural look off. If you’re flying short haul, this is pretty much all you need to do.

It’s a good idea to make some room in your handbag for a facial spritzer. It might feel a bit Joan Collins spritzing yourself in the face mid-flight, but it really does give a burst of freshness to the skin — and spritzes don’t have to be expensive either. Admittedly, they’re not very environmentally friendly but we like the aerosol sprays best — they give a very fine, very refreshing mist that settles beautifully on the skin. Otherwise, it can feel like someone’s just slapped you with a wet cloth. Throw in a little hydrating lip gloss or a tinted lip balm and you’ve got sky-high beauty nailed.

destination, you can go out in the sun without getting scorched lips.

Trilogy Rosehip Oil, F19.95. It’s practically a cult product, this one. Trilogy’s organic rosehip oil has a dedicated legion of fans and is an award-winner to boot.

The deal is simple here: it’s 100% organic. Use it as a night treatment, moisturiser; eye, neck and lip repair treatment, and to help prevent broken capillaries. Oh, and before boarding a flight, too. Mind you, at 20ml, you can even take it on with you.

L’Oreal Professional Solar Sublime Advanced Conditioning Spray, F16.80.

This is a light, leave-in mist that we think works well on a city break holiday. It has a UV black and leaves hair shiny and tangle-free for super-hot sightseeing.

Redken Colour Extend Solar Screen SPF 10, F23. Up the scale in price and SPF level, Redken’s Solar Screen is a lovely spray that’s excellent if you’re off on a beach/pool holiday. It keeps the hair well hydrated and is a good bet for light-coloured hair.

Mark Hill Holiday Hair Sun Protection Spray, F4.45. This is a great product and a great size. The SPF 6 is low but the travel-friendly size is so appealing we don’t care. It’s got a great scent and the built-in UV complex defends against sun damage.

STUFF WE LIKE Evian Water Spray 50ml, F6.51. This is a great little product. We love it. It’s just water, but it makes your skin feel a whole lot better, especially at 30,000ft. Try it and see for yourself.

Bobbi Brown Treatment Lip Shine SPF 15, F24. This luscious lip “treatment” is deeply moisturising and makes the lips feel moist and soft throughout a flight. We know because we road-tested it on the way to Lisbon recently. It can even be used on really dry, chapped lips. Best of all, it’s got a SPF 15, so once you get to your

Feelgood

Clarins Delicious Fake Tan, F34. This isn’t a fake tan specially formulated for the face, (if you prefer to use one then try Nuxe’s new Soleil Prodigieux Visage Self-Tanning Face Cream, F23), but one thing we can guarantee is that it makes your skin look absolutely gorgeous.

There’s a very slight shimmery quality and the instant tint is instantly flattering. Best of all, by the time you come to wash it off, a longer lasting colour has developed underneath.

Rimmel Volume Flash X10 Mascara Waterproof, F7.45.

We’re prone to taking early morn-

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2010

ing flights, so as well as mascara that’s going to last the pace from 4am to possibly after midnight, we need one that will successfully battle that red, piggy-eye early morning look, which isn’t easy.

Enter Volume Flash X10. It’s seriously volumising and sturdily waterproof.

Clinique All About Eyes Serum De-Puffing Eye Massage, F29. A handbag-friendly product, this is fun and easy to use, instantly cooling and helps refresh puffy eyes. Great for the those early morning flights.

TERAPROOF:User:margaretjenningsDate:30/06/2010Time:16:35:35Edition:02/07/2010FeelgoodXH0207Page:15

Zone:XH

XH - V1

Natural health

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

and untreated) and are a live food.

Nettle tea is brilliant for feeding a system coping with coeliac disease.

Rich in nutrients, this humble herb is a wonderful restorative tonic and will help to cleanse and enrich the blood.

MY digestive system is very poor, especially my bowel. I was diagnosed with coeliac disease nine years ago — before that I had lost weight, had a poor appetite, back pain, spasms.

Tinnitus and vertigo hit me eight years ago which resulted in hearing loss and poor balance. I’m sure I have a lot of allergies because I’ve an ongoing problem with flatulence. Cheese seems to be a culprit.

I started to eat nuts and seeds and banana for breakfast about a year ago and I haven’t had spasms for the past seven months. Before I had spasms every two months. I’m wondering if it was my bowel — not back — that was spasming.

Maybe a holistic practitioner could help. I am a 67-year-old woman.

A. The bowels are one of the main channels of elimination in the body — if the bowel isn’t working correctly, then your health will be seriously compromised.

You are correct in linking your bowel problems with the back spasming — rather than the bowel going into spasm, it is more likely that your bowel issues were causing problems in the surrounding muscle and nerves.

This is often due to physical pressure on the area, or the reabsorption of toxins from stored waste. Coeliac disease often impacts on the joints, muscles, and nerves (hence the tinnitus and vertigo) even though it is a digestive disorder.

Psyllium husks are brilliant for helping to heal the digestive system where coeliacs are concerned. Take one to two tablespoons in a large glass of water twice daily (as mentioned in my Spotlight article below).

It is important to note that as the psyllium swells and softens the impacted waste (which almost everyone has in their colon) can cause some bloating. Do not be alarmed as this is a sure sign the husks are working, and it will move a considerable amount of waste if you continue with it for at least six weeks.

While you are working on cleaning your colon, it is important to consider what you are putting back in to your digestive system.

I think it is wonderful that your body has sent such a strong signal that cheese is not a good food for you — in fact, I think that you will find that dairy products in general do not sit well with your condition. Of course, gluten is another trigger food, so you might be interested in looking up Arnold Ehret’s Mucusless Diet Healing Sys-

Q. A relation of mine is suffering from urticaria and has a rash all over his body. He has been to see his GP who told him there is little that can be done. The rash is itchy and is causing him discomfort and annoyance. He uses Aveeno cream which helps relieve the symptoms but doesn’t cure it. Do you have any advice for him?

A. Urticaria appears as a rash, usually raised and dark red, and can be caused by a number of events. Generally an acute case (sudden onset and short term symptoms, lasting a month or two) is an allergic reaction, while a chronic case (gradual onset with ongoing and worsening symptoms) can be due to an auto-immune disorder, environmental response, or is simply of unknown origin.

The herbal treatment is interesting as it is the stinging nettle (urtica dioica) which is one of the most effective remedies. The plant is effectively a remedy for its own symptoms. Nettle is most beneficial if it is taken internally and can be taken as a syrup or a tincture.

You can make your own tincture using fresh nettle by adding around 30g Picture: Getty Images of fresh finely chopped herb (20g dried) to 100ml of 35%-40% alcohol vodka and infusing it in a clean jar or bottle for two weeks in a cool dark cupboard. Strain the tincture through muslin cloth into a bottle and take one to two teaspoons daily diluted in water or fruit juice.

To make a syrup you need to first infuse the herb in a teapot using the same amount of nettle as for the tincture, but adding 500ml of boiling water. Steep for 15 minutes and then strain the liquid into a double boiler (or bowl over a pot of water) containing 500g of honey, pressing the soaked herb so that you get the most from the nettle.

Gently heat the bowl or double boiler for tem book for some ideas on eating to heal around an hour, or until the mixture has your body. First published in 1922, this book reached a syrupy consistency, then pour into remains a true gem. a bottle and leave to cool. Take one to two If the nuts and seeds are not causing any teaspoons twice daily. pain then keep up with these. It is a good In the meantime, the Aveeno cream or a idea to soak them overnight before eating to chickweed preparation will help to reduce remove the enzyme inhibitors and make the irritation. I mention chickweed because them more easily digestible. This also vastly it has a purifying and cleansing action on the increases the nutrient value as they are now system, which is why it works so well with in a sprouting phase (provided they are raw allergic conditions.

I think that you will find that dairy products in general do not sit well with your condition

Megan puts the spotlight on:

T

HE foundation of great health is not just about what you eat, how often you exercise, how much water you drink, whether or not you choose organic food and avoid chemicals in all areas of your life, or being spiritually fulfilled. It is, of course, all of these things and more — but if you truly want to be healthy, keep your colon clean.

Of course what you put into your body is going to impact the functioning of your bowels. Mucous-forming foods clog up the intestinal walls like glue, making it difficult for the nutrients from your foods to be absorbed and assimilated into your system.

It is estimated that an individual with hardened faecal matter lining the walls

Feelgood

15

of their colon is only absorbing 10% of the nutrients from undigested food.

People are becoming over-fed, overweight, yet under-nourished.

Many people try to solve this issue by taking laxatives, booking in for regular colonic hydrotherapy/irrigation or performing regular enemas. While all of these can be useful actions in the short-term, they are certainly not a long-term solution.

Consider using herbs and foods which can help to deal with this residue and effectively ‘soak’ the hardened faecal matter from the colon.

Psyllium husks/hulls are one of my favourite remedies for a gentle and effective bowel cleanse — simply take one to two tablespoons in a large glass

Keeping your colon clean of water first thing in the morning and last thing at night. These will help to soften the dried faeces, enabling old debris to come away from the walls and be easily eliminated. Psyllium is very easy to pass, brings great relief to people with constipation, haemorrhoids, anal fissures and bowel disorders. Exercise and posture are also important for bowel health. Good posture supports all of the internal organs and promotes proper circulation of blood to the organs so that they are able to function effectively.

Regular exercise stimulates the organs and tones the abdominal muscles so DEEP CLEAN: Psyllium husks taken in that the internal organs are well supwater are useful for an effective and ported. Hill walking is a particularly gentle bowel cleanse. Picture: iStock beneficial exercise for intestinal health.

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2010

TERAPROOF:User:gerarddesmondDate:30/06/2010Time:14:32:40Edition:02/07/2010FeelgoodXH0207Page:16

Zone:XH

16

XH - V1

Confidence restored!

After 6 Months

Before

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, JULY 2, 2010