Feelgood 06-08-2010

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Feelgood

Friday, August 6, 2010

While scientists continue to search for a ‘pink’ Viagra, experts insist there is no quick-fix for a woman’s low libido: 8, 9

BIKINI SHAPE

Rosie Shelly gets beach fit with a demanding 14-day diet: 4, 5

MATHS = FUN

Carol Vorderman introduces children to the joy of numbers online: 6

RIPE ‘N’ JUICY

Tasty recipes to make most of tomato harvest: 12

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2 News front Kate O’Reilly WHAT’S ON ■ MINI MARATHON: Cork Simon Community is looking for runners/walkers to take part in the Cork Mini Marathon on September 26. If you would like to run/walk in aid of Cork Simon and help raise money for the most vulnerable people in Cork please contact their fundraising department at 021-432 1166 or email fundraising@corksimoncommunity.ie for a sponsorship card and T-shirt.

■ REACH OUT: Thursday, August 19, is World Humanitarian Day. Concern Worldwide will be highlighting the theme for this year’s event, “I Am an Aid Worker”, with a free open day from midday at Cultivate, St Andrew St (off Dame St), Dublin 2. Members of the public can get advice first-hand from aid workers about their experiences across a range of countries including some of Concern's local Haitian aid workers who were there when the earthquake struck.

It will conclude with discussion and debate from 6pm to 7.30pm on the key role of aid workers in development, aid and emergency work. More details are on http://www.concern.net/get-involved/event/world-humanitarian-day-2010 ■ MEDITATION WEEKEND: A First Sphere meditation weekend will be given in Kenmare from August 20 to 22 offering an opportunity to learn simple meditation techniques. It is being given in return for a donation by Jane Killingbeck, who says it requires no experience or belief, just the openness to the possibility of change. There is a free introductory talk on August 20 at 7pm for those who would like to know more about this meditation practice and its benefits before committing to a weekend. For further details call 023-8843067 or email Iraishaya@hotmail.com ■ EQUINE THERAPY: Equine assisted therapy and learning can help people of all ages with cognitive, physical, social or emotional challenges. The Irish Horse Welfare Trust believes that interaction with horses is positively mood altering and promotes mental wellbeing. The charity regularly welcomes visitors at its farm and now aims to provide an opportunity for people in the community to participate in educational and therapeutic activities in partnership with the horse. Their first three-day Equine Assisted Learning and Therapeutic course, will take place on August 17, 18 and 19 at the IHWT farm in Woodenbridge, Co Wicklow. IHWT education officer Lesley Jones and the IHWT team of humans and horses will deliver the programme.

To find out more, contact IHWT at 0404-45720 or visit www.ihwt.ie ■ REIKI TALK: Reiki (pronounced Ray-key) is a natural Japanese healing art. Reiki when activated accelerates the body's ability to heal physical ailments and opens the mind and spirit to the causes of disease and pain. There will be a free Introductory Talk on Reiki, the Usui System Of Natural Healing, on Thursday. Regina O'Mahony can be contacted on 021-4897229 or via www.healthyhappyway.com for more information.

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

FeelgoodMag

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Loneliness can seriously damage your health but the internet is being used to reach out to the elderly, says Arlene Harris

Logging in for help B EING alone is something that all of us experience, and in some cases even crave on a regular basis. But being lonely is a totally different ball-game. You could be in the middle of a crowd, living within a large, noisy family, or working in a corporation with countless colleagues and still feel isolated.

Loneliness is such a crippling emotion that researchers in America have announced it can be just as detrimental to your health as obesity, smoking or alcoholism.

In a study of over 300,000 people, scientists discovered lack of social support caused people to let their health decline.

Dr Julianne Holt-Lunstad, of Brigham Young University in Utah, who led the study, says: “When someone is connected to a group and feels responsibility for other people, that sense of purpose and meaning translates to taking better care of themselves and taking fewer risks.

“So constant interaction is not only beneficial psychologically but also for our physical health.”

Ruairi McKiernan of Spunout.ie — Ireland’s youth website — believes modern culture has isolated many sectors of the community.

“Our society has developed into one that is quite individualistic and it’s not always easy for people to feel at ease within the wider culture,” he says. “Many young people go online because they have nowhere to look for friendship, or they

COMPUTER AID: Age Action has introduced more than 5,000 elderly people to computers, helping to break their isolation.

Picture: Getty Images

feel more comfortable being anonymous.

“If someone is showing signs of unhappiness, depression or difficulty then we should ask how they are and give them a friendly smile. Otherwise, if you’re suffering from loneliness, then it’s vital to seek help through friends, family, teachers, youth workers, your GP or the Samaritans.”

Gerard Scully, senior information officer for Age Action, says physical isolation can play a big role in the spread of loneliness among our ageing population.

“The causes of loneliness vary, but physical incapacity to leave one’s home, or the lack of anywhere to go, can lead to isolation,” he says. “Poor or non-existent public transport is also a major problem. External

reasons may be depression, poor social skills or over dependence on a spouse,” he adds.

As with the younger generation, the elderly can also communicate through technology and Age Action has taken steps to teach basic computer skills to its members.

“The best way of combating loneliness is to meet people and if you are housebound, then the telephone or computer may help you keep in touch,” he says. “Age Action has introduced over 5,000 older people to the computer and we have 1,000 people on our waiting list. We are looking for commercial sponsorship to keep this programme going.”

■ For more information visit www.ageaction.ie or call 01-4756989; www.spunoutie.ie or call 091-533693.

HEALTH NOTES YOU’VE had a long hard day at the office and all you want to do is flop in front of the TV. But sedentary downtime could literally be the death of you. According to a recent study from the American Cancer Society, women who sit for more than six hours a day during their leisure time have a 37% greater chance of dying than those who sit for three hours. Men who sat for six hours were 18% more likely to die than men who sat for three hours.

The results soared when lack of physical exercise was combined with long sitting times. Women who did little or no exercise and who sat for six hours were 94% more likely to die when compared with those who were active and sat for shorter periods of time. For men the figure was 48%.

In a recent survey, chiropodists reported that almost eight in 10 clients are unaware they have a fungal nail infection.

A new information leaflet points out the early signs of nail fungal infections and gives tips on how to prevent them. Produced in association with Nailner Repair, it is available in pharmacies, GP surgeries and in a range of chiropodist clinics nationwide.

’Ask your local butcher’ is a new campaign run in association with safefood and independent butchers around the country. The aim is to encourage customers to prepare www.irishexaminer.com www.irishexaminer.com

used in cutting raw chicken.

Test your knowledge on food safety by taking part in safefood’s online competition at www.safefood.eu and be in with a chance to win a barbecue.

For more information on food safety in the home, call the safefood helpline on 0800 085 1683 or visit www.safefood.eu.

A new innovative fundraising drive means you can now say it with flowers and help out a charity. The Marie Keating Foundation, which offers support and information to those affected by cancer, is encouraging supporters to celebrate that special occasion with a bunch of flowers. Order the pick of the bunch from Mariekeatingflowers.ie and 15% of the cost will go directly to the Foundation.

SHOP LOCAL: John Donovan of Donovan’s Family Butchers, Rathgar, Dublin at the launch of safefood’s Ask your local butcher campaign. Picture:Andres Poveda CPR and cook food safely. According to research, almost half of Irish people do not know how to recognise properly cooked barbecued meat. In another study, more than seven in 10 people were at risk of food poisoning by failing to thoroughly wash knives

www.irishexaminer.com feelgood@examiner.ie

FRIDAY, AUGUST 6, 2010

An estimated 80,000 to 100,000 people will be diagnosed with dementia over the next 30 years. To support patients, Memory Clinics focus on the early diagnosis and treatment of memory problems experienced by those with dementia. The clinics offer assessment, diagnostic treatment and information services to those concerned.

The new guide, sponsored by Home Instead Senior Care, provides a list of all the Memory Clinic services available in Ireland.

To download a free copy visit www.homeinstead.ie. Or call 1890 930 013.

Irene Feighan

Editorial: 021 4802 292

Advertising: 021 4802 215

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THE SHAPE I'M IN

Fionn Davenport

Always on the go LONELY Planet author, Fionn Davenport, has hosted Inside Track on RTÉ’s No Frontiers for the past few years, visiting the less well-known parts of European cities.

This summer, the 42-year-old, who has a partner, Caroline, launched a new, healthy travel campaign and advice website, www.healthytravel.ie. With one in four Irish holidaymakers falling ill while on vacation, according to a new travel health survey, Fionn cites some other, surprising statistics.

“Just over half of all travellers to places that require inoculation or injections don’t get them. And 95% of these people don’t think they even need them. It’s not so much the level of irresponsibility that amazes me, but the level of ignorance about what’s required,” says the man, who — with a diplomat dad and an Italian mum — spent much of his childhood abroad.

Fionn, who hosts Newstalk’s Culture Shock and who also contributes weekly to the station’s The Right Hook, had his own brush with ill-health while abroad. “The worst that happened to me was a bad case of bronchitis, while in Germany as a student. Thankfully, I had the E111 form, but only at the urging of my mother,” he said.

What shape are you in?

I’ve recently had an annoying leg injury that kept me from playing football. It’s because of an old strain I got while playing. Otherwise, I’m in pretty good shape. I’ve always been lucky to be blessed with an athletic physique, and I’ve always been very active. I walk a lot and love to cycle.

Do you have any health concerns?

No, though I had testicular cancer six or seven years ago.

I had all the associated treatments and I’m in fine fettle now.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I don’t eat junk food and I stay away from white bread. I like Japanese food. I like rice and fruit, but I don’t eat nearly enough vegetables. Breakfast would usually be a bowl of Special K, or two slices of brown toast.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

Besides coffee, my guilty pleasure is jam. I don’t mean thin layers — I mean huge dollops. Also, I over-salt everything and I love butter.

Besides coffee, my guilty pleasure is jam. I don’t mean thin layers — I mean huge dollops. Also, I over-salt everything and I love butter

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Arrogance — I believe that what we’re hyper-tuned to being annoyed by in others is often a quality we fear we have ourselves.

Do you pray?

I don’t, not in the conventional sense.

What would cheer up a typical day?

Living in Ireland, when the sun comes out. Sunshine always cheers me up — I’m addicted to it.

Helen O’Callaghan

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FEELGOOD

ROAD TO RECOVERY: Fionn Davenport had testicular cancer seven years ago, but got the all-clear.

What would keep you awake at night?

Work anxieties, primarily — like everybody else at the moment, finances would be the thing that’d keep me awake. But, having said that, I never became a travel writer to make money.

How do you relax?

I play sport. I might go for a 45-minute cycle or a long walk. I recently started doing a bit of meditation — I’m only at the beginning of it, so I find it hard, but I have absolute confidence that it’ll be really helpful.

When did you last cry?

I don’t remember, although I do think crying is a great way of releasing emotion, rather than holding onto it.

A DIFFERENT VIEW ON LIFESTYLE

What’s your favourite smell?

Freshly-laundered sheets on a bed.

What would you change about your appearance?

When I was younger, I always wanted to be taller.

Now that I’m 42, I’d like to be the same shape as when I was 25.

Your guide to fitness, health, happiness and lifestyle.

Great writers and mentors.

Where you come first.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

I’d invite Obama, Roy Keane (I’m a huge fan), and, maybe, Abraham Lincoln — he’s my all-time hero and I understand he was a great storyteller.

Phone: LORI FRASER Tel. 021-4802265 Fax 021-4273846 lori.fraser@examiner.ie

What quality do you least like in others?

Arrogance.

Every Friday

What quality do you least like in yourself?

Feelgood

FRIDAY, AUGUST 6, 2010

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4 Trimming up

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Adopting the Viva Mayr diet means a complete mental overhaul, but Rosie Shelly

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found the strict regime helped her to drop five pounds and get a flat stomach

Tough work to get my tummy flatter B

OOBS and bums might be a matter of taste, but the truth is that women mostly have a hate-hate relationship with their bellies. With the bikini season in mind and my 40th birthday in the air, I decided to invest in The Viva Mayr Diet: 14 days to a flatter stomach and a younger you.

There’s more: I’m a nutritionist and people won’t listen to a fat consultant: it’s an understandable part of the deal. Plus, I have a health condition (hypothyroidism) which makes keeping slim very hard work.

Basically, the Viva Mayr philosophy is that the key to health, weight loss, a flat stomach, and feeling and looking younger is good digestion. We’re not what we eat, but what we digest.

The diet is the work of the Viva Centre for Modern Mayr Medicine, an exclusive clinic on the shores of an Austrian lake. It was founded in 2004 by the internationally renowned Dr Harald Stossier. He has been a consultant for complementary medicine since 1988 and has been instrumental in the integration of complementary medicine within the medical profession. He has also published many articles and books and lectures widely.

The book is divided into 14 chapters, each with a daily menu plan and a new concept to incorporate. You can either read the whole thing and follow all of the rules for a fortnight, which would work as a quick fix, or you can take it day by day over the two weeks and — Dr Stossier hopes — beyond.

Here’s how I got on.

■ DAY 1 — GET READY Theory: Easing in with mental preparation, a comprehensive shopping list and the first of the daily menu plans. From word go, the most important rules to follow are to chew as much as you possibly can, eat nothing raw after four, exercise for at least 15 minutes, and eat less as the day goes on. Cut out sugar, wheat and caffeine.

Practice: Making breakfast the largest meal of the day, and basing it on satisfying protein and fats really works. I hardly wanted my evening meal. The shopping list wasn’t a problem for me, as having trained as a nutritionist, I pretty much eat this way anyway.

■ DAY 2 — HOW TO EAT Theory: Meals should be based around vegetables. We need a little less protein, fewer carbohydrates, and more healthy fats, which seems counterintuitive until you accept that it’s sugars and other refined carbs that make us put on weight, not good fats, which are vital for digestion and health and fill us up.

Meals can then be much smaller.

Practice: Aside from some nasty sugar and caffeine cravings, I’m still not actually hungry. All I’m really struggling with is the amount of time involved in planning, cooking, and eating so early in the evening (6pm), not to mention chewing.

■ DAY 3 — THE ART OF CHEWING Theory: Dr Stossier chews every mouthful between 30 and 40 times. It’s central to this plan he says, because that’s where digestion begins.

Practice: This is quite alien at first, but the key is to slow down, relax and focus. I can

Picture: Getty Images

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 6, 2010

see how it could become habitual. Cravings still coming in waves, and I am feeling a little tied and moody, but this is after all a form of detox and I’ve lost a pound already.

■ DAY 4 — GETTING ACTIVE Theory: Do any form of exercise you enjoy for 30 to 40 minutes every second day.

Vigorous activity is not an aspect of this plan because it stresses the body, creating chemicals and hormones that actually cause fat to be laid down. Having said that, some form of movement, such as stretching or walking, is recommended daily.

Practice: I usually walk every day anyway so not a problem. I did find my drive beginning to falter a little yesterday, but mindful exercise is great for motivation and mood.

I’m definitely feeling more energised at this point.

■ DAY 5 — BREAKFAST LIKE A KING Theory: Crucial to this diet is turning our usual pattern on its head. Because our digestive process slows throughout the day, breakfast should be the biggest meal of the day, lunch smaller and dinner minimal (or even omitted).

Practice: Again, this feels alien, not to mention impractical when you’ve the school run and the working day to organise. But having gone without food for so many hours, I did find myself hungrier in the mornings.

The key is to get up earlier. (The nights are long when you eat at 6pm, so bedtime has become ridiculously early anyway.)

■ DAY 6 — RAW BEFORE 4PM Theory: Because raw foods — though vital — are harder to digest than cooked, we should pack them in earlier in the day when the digestive system is going strong.

Never eat raw foods after 4pm. Try including raw fruit and veg for breakfast, salad for lunch, and cooked veg for dinner.

Practice: This was a revelation.

I always used to snack on raw foods in the evenings, even though I was vaguely aware of the discomfort it caused. That discomfort, which leads to bloating, has disappeared.

■ DAY 7 — EAT LESS Theory: We all eat too much.

Start with a smaller portion and stop before you’re full, because it takes time for the stomach to register satiety. “If you eat slowly and chew well, you’ll know when it is enough,” says Dr Stossier.

Practice: It might seem an obvious rule, but I realise I was sometimes so afraid of myself or my family going hungry that I was giving us far too much. And I have learned to focus on what I’m eating — no more spilling soup on the newspaper. Delighted to have lost three pounds in a week.

eaten ideally before six, be small and easily digestible — soup, lightly steamed fish and vegetables, or a little risotto are good examples. This will also make for better sleep, which is vital for weight loss.

Practice: Dr Stossier acknowledges that it’s hard for many people to crank this concept into their lifestyles, but I’m lucky enough to work from home, and simply now eat with my son at 6pm. Not so good for my poor husband, who gets to eat a cold dinner alone…

■ DAY 10 — GOOD DIGESTION Theory: Dr Stossier explains that no amount of dieting or sit-ups will dissolve a potbelly if the intestines are inflamed. Besides the eating plan, he suggests daily stomach self-massages. Optimum digestion not only means weight loss but avoiding a plethora of diseases and slowing the ageing process.

Practice: Daily massages can feel like a demand too far. Feeling a little complacent anyway, as my stomach is noticeably flatter.

■ DAY 9 — WATER Theory: According to Dr Stossier, we should be drinking two to three litres of filtered water (or herbal teas/vegetable broths) a day, starting with a large warm glass on waking.

Equally important is that nothing should be drunk 15 minutes before or an hour after eating. The happy exception, because it doesn’t interfere with digestion, is a single glass of wine.

Practice: I still find it difficult not to finish a meal with a herbal tea, and I confess impossible to get through a day at my desk without a cup or two of tea. But I am drinking more plain water, and the odd glass of wine is a lovely indulgence when you’re “dieting”.

■ DAY 11 — EATING STRESS FREE Theory: The stress response cannot coexist with the digestive process. It also impacts on weight, cholesterol, fertility and mood.

Always make mealtimes slow and peaceful and eating mindful, and avoid external stimuli. If you can’t, don’t eat at all.

Practice: Of all the rules this is the nicest, most luxurious and (with some forethought) easy to follow. It occurs to me that I won’t actually die if I can’t fit that sandwich in between other commitments.

■ DAY 12 — HELLO ALKALINE Theory: All foods and drinks have either an alkaline or an acid effect on the body, and the latter causes bloating along with many other health problems and premature ageing. We should eat more alkaline than acid foods, at a ratio of 2:1, and avoid combining acidic foods in one meal. Acidic foods are basically proteins, grains and animal fats, while vegetables, ripe fruit, seeds and oils are alkaline.

Practice: Even though I knew about this, I realise that I was still eating too many acidic foods and displaying several related symptoms. I wasn’t aware, for example, that supremely healthy proteins like lentils and beans are just as acidic as meat. Everything in moderation.

■ DAY 13 — A YOUNGER YOU Theory: Sugar is extremely ageing. Besides sleeping well, exercising regularly and gently, reducing stress and protecting your skin, ensure that you’re eating a range of cell-protective, antioxidant-rich foods daily.

Best are brightly coloured fruit and veg, avocados, nuts, seeds, and oats.

Practice: As much as is humanly possible, I was doing this already. The end is in sight and I can’t wait to get on the scales.

■ DAY 14 — THE VERDICT Theory: “Viva Mayr is not just a diet, it’s a way of life,” says Dr Stossier.

Practice: Will I make it mine? Yes and no. It’s not

THE diet itself which consists mostly of vegetables and oils, is broken down as follows: Mostly: Vegetables Plenty of: Fruit (breakfast time only) Herbs and spices Healthy fats (cold pressed oils, nuts and seeds, oily fish) Some: Complex carbohydrates (spelt or rye bread, oats, risotto rice, millet, buckwheat, amaranth, quinoa, soya flour, polenta etc) Dairy (if not intolerant) Sheep or goat’s milk products Rice or oat milk Eggs Organic, lean meat and poultry Drink (away from food): Filtered water Herbal or fruit teas Green tea Vegetable juices Pomegranate juice Milk ■ Note: Cut out the foods that bloat: wheat, sugar, coffee.

the most practical or the easiest regime, and I can’t see how eating this much animal fat can contribute to weight loss — so I didn’t. On the other hand, my stomach really is much flatter, and I’ve lost five pounds and 2% of my body fat. Yes, I feel and look much better. My energy levels are definitely up and I have pretty much kept the weight off, largely due to sticking to rules such as chewing more, eating less (naturally), and no raw after 4pm. Hard work though.

The key points outlined on Day One are worth adopting long-term. But this diet requires a complete mental overhaul, and for that to work, you have to stick religiously to the rules. But if you do — it will.

■ The Viva Mayr Diet by Dr Harald Stossier and Helena Frith Powell, HarperCollins, F10.55.

We all eat too much. Start with a smaller portion and stop before you’re full, because it takes time for the stomach to register satiety

■ DAY 8 — EAT EARLIER Theory: The later we eat, the more tired we are and the harder it is to digest our food. So the evening meal should be

Feelgood

WHAT YOU CAN EAT

— Rosie Shelley

FRIDAY, AUGUST 6, 2010

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Carol Vorderman tells Arlene Harris how she makes maths child’s play on the net

The numbers game M

OST people will equate Carol activities as they receive virtual rewards and Vorderman with numbers. are chuffed when they achieve something.”

Since the tender age of 21, But there will always be some children the television presenter has been wowing auwho won’t like the idea of doing anything diences with her razor sharp mind and ability remotely educational during the holidays and to solve mathematical conundrums in mere the mathematical whiz says it is important for seconds. And with a track record in publishadults to be encouraging. ing maths and puzzle books, it’s not surpris“A lot of it is down to parents’ attitude,” ing that the 49-year-old has turned she says. “If they talk about arithher hand to online schooling. metic in a positive light then Due to the success of The their children will pick up on Maths Factor website — a that — whereas if they make virtual maths class for chilit known they don’t like dren of primary school ages maths, or weren’t any good launched earlier this year — at it at school, this is the she has branched out into message that they will be summer schooling. passing on.”

The purpose of the new Carol believes that while programme is to give primasome people obviously have ry school children the chance more of an aptitude for maths to keep their skills up to date than others, most people will throughout the summer get better with practice. months.

“I find it very peculiar that “It is vitally important to people have this idea that you practice math skills over the are either good at maths or summer holidays,” says Caryou’re not,” she says. ol. “Children get to practice “I’m not saying that everytheir reading and writing one has the ability or even the skills all the time without even reinterest to be a maths graduate, alising it, but there is rarely an opbut it is like swimming or playportunity for them to get involved in ing the guitar, the more you pracanything mathematical outside of tice the better you will get at it. If you school time. tell yourself that you are no good, then “Then when school reopens in you won’t be.”

September, many students have actuVorderman (who is Anglo/Dutch) ally gone backwards and have a diffihas proven that it is possible to comcult few weeks while they try to bine intelligence with an exciting cacatch up.” reer, but maintains that no matter There are seven different summer what path you choose in life, underschools within the website, each standing maths, is vital. allocated to a different age group.

“Whether you are a scientist, a Animated characters, puzzles and THE PLUS SIDE: shopkeeper or a builder, everyone games are all brought together by needs to use maths in their everyday a Carol ‘Avatar’ and through real Animated life and it is a proven fact that peofootage of the presenter in a cus- characters, puzzles ple who do well at maths end up and games are all tomised TV studio. with better paid jobs, so it will be brought together by worthwhile in the end.”

“I put together thousands of a Carol ‘Avatar’ and video lessons in the studio and Having worked with numbers for through real we have adopted an interesting most of her life, the ex-Countdown footage of the and fun method for children to presenter says the key to understandlearn according to their age,” ing arithmetic is to get the basics presenter in a Carol explains. right. “The most important part of customised TV “Most children really enjoy the studio. mathematics is learning your tables,”

she says. “If you have them off by rote, then it will be much easier when it comes to learning the harder stuff — the basics need to come automatically, otherwise you will end up counting on your fingers all your life.”

So why do so many people seem to struggle with basic mathematic formulas?

“I don’t think that children today (in Britain) are getting the same rounded education as was deemed essential in the past,” she says. “People seem to think that it is acceptable to rely on calculators and computers to do the work for them, but by making the curriculum and ultimately, the exams easier for children, they will lose some pretty basic skills.”

Having been in the public eye for almost three decades, Carol’s mathematical skills have always been at the forefront of her career. This she attributes to developing a keen interest during her childhood.

“I have always loved maths, and even as a child used to play mathematical games with my brother,” she admits. “I loved the challenges it presented and really enjoyed solving a problem. I suppose it was always presented in a fun way.”

And fun is the buzz word when it comes to her online summer school.

“It is crucial for learning to be seen as a fun exercise for children, especially during the holidays,” says the mother of two. “If you aim to get your children to practice for just 15 minutes a day, you will probably find that they want to stay at it much longer.”

With games to suit all primary ages, Carol is currently working on a similar project for secondary school children.

“The secondary school section is a work in progress, and as you can

It is crucial for learning to be seen as a fun exercise for children, especially during the holidays. If you aim to get your children to practice for just 15 minutes a day, you will probably find that they want to stay at it much longer Feelgood

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imagine it is a lot more involved and complex than the site for younger children,” she says. “But I am putting it together at the moment and hope to have something ready within a year.”

So in the meantime, stop counting on your fingers and get number crunching.

■ Carol Vorderman’s Summer School package, prices start at F15, is available now at: www.themathsfactor.com.

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Psychology 7

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Put-downs arise from the person’s own sense of low self esteem and unresolved issues

Inferior feelings

A UNIQUE GIFT A PERSONALISED IRISH EXAMINER FRONT P PAGE

Tony Humphreys

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HEN Eleanor Roosevelt made her now famous quote: “Nobody makes me feel inferior without my permission” she missed an important aspect of human behaviour. It is that we creatively and powerfully employ the unconscious mind in times of threat to our wellbeing.

The implication from Eleanor Roosevelt’s quote is that the person who encounters a “put-down” from another person consciously internalises it and, thereby, allows the other to define his worth. Carrying this understanding to its logical conclusion it would equally be true to say: “Nobody makes me feel good without my permission.”

I believe a deeper observation is required which looks to answer the question: “What is it that leads a person to react and seemingly internalise another person’s comments — derogatory or complimentary — as being about him? The mature person knows that whatever another person says is 100% about that person, belongs to and is for that person.

For example, if somebody calls you “a moron” and you are in a solid place of knowing and valuing self, you will in a kind and firm way return the verbal missive to the person with the mature response: “I’m wondering what makes you say that?” Because the person is more used to people reacting to his judgemental behaviour, he is likely to be surprised by the mature response and attempt to make light of or play down what he has said.

The pity is that he misses an opportunity to explore the source of his verbal taunt and to discover what the behaviour is saying about himself. A possibility is that he feels small within himself and any difference to what he feels, thinks, says and does touches (not causes as Eleanor Roosevelt would have us believe) the raw nerve of what is already there within.

When you understand the behaviour of the person who uses a put-down as arising from his own internal sense of misery and inferiority, it follows that the person who is at the receiving end of the insulting comment and who feels humiliated by the message also has an inner disconnection from his own true worth. It is a case of darkness meeting darkness, inferiority meeting inferiority. The person’s aggressive reaction or physical and emotional withdrawal or self-harming responses are all protective ways of trying to ensure that the person does not attempt a put-down again.

What Eleanor Roosevelt needed to ask: “What is it that has led a person to perceive himself as inferior even before another person’s derisive comment?”

The answer to this question lies in the early years of that person’s story when he experienced harsh criticism and emotional abandonment from a significant adult — parent or teacher or grandparent or childminder — and nobody championed his sacred worth in the face of those serious threats to his wellbeing. The frequency, intensity and endurance over time of these rejection experiences are important indices of the severity of the neglect experienced.

Children are dependent on parents, childminders, grandparents and teachers to love, cherish, nurture, care, support,

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COMPLEX INFERIORITY: What is it that leads a person to react and seemingly internalise another person’s comments — derogatory or complimentary — as being about him? it is 100% about the person making the comment.

empower and play with them. They are not in a place to put food in their mouths, a roof over their heads and provide safety for themselves from physical, sexual, emotional, behavioural, intellectual and social threats to their wellbeing.

On the contrary, they depend on the significant adults in their lives to do that.

However when parents plus other adults become the sources of threat, children, unconsciously, necessarily and creatively develop protective responses in an attempt to reduce the threats to their precious presence. A powerful protective response is to unconsciously take on the critical messages and see oneself as described. This strategy means that a child who experiences constant criticism and is labelled as “lazy” or “no good” or “stupid” and sensibly begins to perceive himself in the ways that the parent sees him, because it would be highly emotionally — even physically — threatening to protest: “I am not any of the things you say of me, I am an individual and worthy of unconditional love”.

I am reminded of a woman in her mid-30s telling me how she could not stop herself from doing “bad” things — no matter how hard she tried.

We discovered that her mother constantly told her that she was “bad, bad, bad”. As an adult when another adult labelled her as “bad” it confirmed what she already felt about herself and she would either react aggressively or just avoid that person from thereon. This all happened unconsciously — she did not connect her present adult responses to her experiences as a child and the harsh rejection experienced from her mother. This failure to make the connection is clever because it means she stops herself from re-experiencing the misery of not being loved by the most important person in her life — her mother. Making the connection could only happen when she experienced — for the first time — an unconditional holding and deep and genuine cherishing of her presence.

We need to be sensitive about what comes from our mouths so that we are not reinforcing the inferiority felt by the many hurt individuals we meet. Each one of us has the opportunity to counter the rejections individuals have experienced by responding to each person with unconditional regard and enduring kindness. Remember kindness is a two-way street.

■ Dr Tony Humphreys is a clinical psychologist, author, international speaker and director of three NUI courses in UCC on Communication, Parent Mentoring and Relationship Studies. Contact Margaret for details – 021-4642394.

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8 Cover story

Sexual drive

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IT’ST COMPLICATED

As drug giants join the gold rush for the ‘pink’ Viagra, Kathy Foley asks the experts about the delicate balance of the female libido

I defy anyone with small children and a full-time job to EFFECT: have a lot PILL of interest in sex.

Dr Shirley McQuade says You havebirthto be reasonable control pills can about it dampen libido.

Picture: Getty Images

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PILL EFFECT: Dr Shirley McQuade says birth control pills can dampen your libido.

HERE is one phrase sex experts seem almost duty-bound to repeat when it comes to the topic of low libido in women: “There is no magic bullet”.

Whatever the circumstances, whatever the causes, there is no pill to pop or cream to apply that will magically solve libido ills.

“Low libido is not just a biochemical problem. It’s all-encompassing and multi-factorial.

Every single aspect of a woman’s life can impact it,” says Dr Shirley McQuade, the medical director of the Well Woman Centre in Dublin.

This has not stopped the pharmaceutical industry racing to come up with a “pink Viagra” to cure supposed female sexual dysfunction. Elizabeth Canner, director of a new documentary called Orgasm Inc, about libido in women and the drugs industry, says this race is a “gold rush”. “There are many ways to make women feel they have a disorder when they absolutely don’t,” she told The Times recently.

Just last month, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) declined to recommend for approval a new drug called Flibanserin, which was supposed to boost libido in women. It was initially developed by German pharmaceutical firm Boehringer Ingelheim as an anti-depressant.

In tests, however, the company found women taking Flibanserin had 0.8 more “sexually satisfying events” (4.5 such events in four weeks) than women on a placebo. The FDA found there was not conclusive proof of the drug’s efficacy and pointed to side effects such as dizziness and tiredness.

Many medical and psychological specialists are unhappy about the pathologising of sexual problems, such as categorising low libido as hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). By slapping a medical term on a human condition, it makes it seem like something that can be “cured” by drugs, completely ignoring the fact that desire is affected by innumerable factors, particularly for women.

Psychosexual therapist Mary Leonard says she would be “concerned” about the medicalisation of low libido. “Of all the sexual difficulties that you could have, it’s one that would not seem to lend itself to a drug cure,” she says. “A drug could totally mask some serious underlying cause, whether that is health-related, psychological or to do with the relationship. There are so many things at play with libido.”

Medicalisation pushes towards a narrow definition of what is ‘normal’, whereas ‘normal’ embraces an extremely wide gamut of feelings, practices and problems, especially when it comes to sex. A “sexually satisfying event” can mean almost anything, from some small intimacy to athletic marathons resulting in multiple orgasms.

‘Low libido’, too, can mean different things.

An individual’s libido levels can vary wildly over their lifetime, depending on circumstances. Some people simply have a naturally low libido. It’s when a decreased sex drive upsets a woman or seriously affects her relationship that something needs to be done.

Rather than seeking a pharmaceutical cure, people should look for the cause of libido issues, says Dr Andrew Rynne, medical director of The Sexual Health Clinic in Clane, Co Kildare. “It’s very important to tease

Picture: Getty Images

FUN AND FROLICS: Sexual intimacy is just one kind of intimacy. Be open to lots of hugs and chats. Picture: Getty Images

What the guys can do to help Be patient: Women who feel under pressure to “perform” or to orgasm may withdraw. Take your time and respond to your partner. Enjoy the journey, don’t worry about the destination.

Listen and communicate: Honesty is essential in relationships. Talk to your partner about her sexual fears and fantasies.

Let her know you can trust each other completely.

Offer support: If your partner is struggling with low libido or other sex-related problems, be there for her. Suggest visit-

it all out,” he says. “We need to ask: Is this reflecting a wider malaise like depression or some underlying illness like diabetes or multiple sclerosis? If you have any ongoing illness, your libido is going to suffer. This has got to be taken holistically.”

Reduced libido can result from hor-

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OVERALL VIEW: Dr Andrew Rynne says a holistic approach has to be taken when treating low libido.

ing a doctor or therapist and offer to accompany her.

Build intimacy: Sexual intimacy is just one kind of intimacy. Remember, especially in longer relationships, it needs to find root in emotional intimacy and physical (non-sexual) intimacy. In other words, be open to lots of hugs and chats.

Woo her: Being taken out on a date or treated to a candlelit dinner for two at home can make a woman feel pampered and desired, which in turn can help to spark desire in her.

mone-changing events such as pregnancy and childbirth, or any of a host of diseases and conditions, including thyroid disorders, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, arthritis, anaemia and cancer. Drugs prescribed to treat these can also affect sex drive and libido can dip after major surgery of any kind.

Menopausal women often see their sex drive decline, too. Let’s not forget, however, libido is unpredictable. “Occasionally you will get women who get a much higher libido as they are approaching menopause,” says sex therapist Mary O’Conor. “I remember one woman whose libido had really soared. She was a bit distressed about it and so was her husband.”

Birth control pills can also dampen libido, says Dr Shirley McQuade, medical director of the Well Woman Clinic. “In that case, you would change women from one brand to another. In actual fact, the older types are less likely to cause problems.”

While there is a plethora of possible medical causes, Leonard says low libido is “more usually life-related”. Stress and overwork, tiredness,

anxiety, low self-esteem, depression (and, to make matters worse, anti-depressants), a history of rape or sexual abuse, and difficult living conditions, such as sharing a home with parents, can all lead to a decrease in sexual desire. Lifestyle factors also make an impact. Poor diet, alcohol abuse and drug abuse all affect sex drive.

O’Conor says libido is often fundamentally based on the state of a couple’s relationship. “That can be affected by what is going on in their lives, maybe ill parents, small children or financial worries. Sex ends up way down the list. This becomes the norm and stays the norm at which point it is damaging the relationship. That said, I defy anyone with small children and a full-time job to have a lot of interest in sex. You have to be reasonable about it.”

If low libido is a worry, your GP should be the first port of call. “The GP can check there are not other indications of underlying health problems,” says Leonard.

“If all is well there, the GP can refer you to a psychosexual therapist. There is no need to be embarrassed. GPs would hear it all the time.”

There is also plenty women and couples can do for themselves. Try to allow enough time for adequate sleep and make an effort to exercise more, eat well and drink in moderation. A person with a healthy mind in a healthy body will usually have a healthy libido.

Talk to your partner openly and honestly about all areas of your relationship and work on solving your issues together. Work on intimacy and spend more time together, says O’Conor, pointing out a couple isn’t as likely to have sex at the end of the evening if one has been on the computer for hours while the other watches TV. “Go out or get a takeaway,” she says. “Sit and have a chat. Remember why you are actually in the relationship.

“For women, it can be good to switch off thoughts and soak in the bath for a little while. Stop the mind going and make the transition into being intimate, instead of rushing up the stairs to jump straight into it.”

A dampened sex drive is “quite OK and quite normal”, she says. “Make some small changes and be open to sex. Many women find once they get started, they really enjoy themselves, it’s like doing the ironing, the thought of it is off-putting, but it can be quite therapeutic and soothing once you are doing it.” She laughs: “Well, I suppose it’s not quite like doing the ironing.”

THE CHANGE: Menopause can cause women’s sex drive to decline, says sex therapist Mary O’Conor.

BEHIND THE SCENES

Sexual dysfunction — the terminology (and it has nothing to do with low libido): Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD) “Women with FSAD have interest and desire, which is what libido is, but they do not respond,” says Dr Andrew Rynne.

“They are different problems, but are often confused, even by the women themselves.” FSAD is more common in younger women, says Rynne, who adds that certain drugs are “notorious” for causing it, including SSRIs, which are often used to treat depression.

Vaginismus This is an unconscious reflex reaction whereby the muscles in the vagina tense up, making it impossible to have penetration of any sort, including insertion of a tampon or sexual intercourse.

“Vaginismic women are usually very sexual. Their libido is fine,” says Mary O’Conor. Rynne agrees and adds reassuringly, “All vaginismus are treatable”.

Treatment usually involves relaxation methods and a programme of exercises by which women can become gradually comfortable with insertion.

Pain during sex (Dyspareunia) Dyspareunia is an umbrella term for all sorts of pain that can be encountered during sex. Pain could be external or at the vulva, in the vagina or felt quite deep internally. It is usually caused by some physical issue. “Many women would have really enjoyed sex before, but whatever has happened that is causing the pain is putting them off, which is understandable,” says O’Conor.

Causes can include infections or gynaecological disorders, inadequate lubrication, scar tissue from surgery, post-childbirth pain, endometriosis, cysts, fibroids, tumours, cystitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, abdominal or gastrointestinal disorders.

A woman suffering from pain during sex should consult her GP and look for a referral to a specialist who can identify and treat the cause of the pain.

Anorgasmia This is the inability to have orgasms, even with plenty of stimulation. It can be secondary to another medical problem, such as multiple sclerosis, or can be rooted in psychological difficulties. As with low libido, the best approach to anorgasmia is to identify or eliminate physical causes and then to look at possible psychological reasons behind it. Treatment then follows according to the cause.

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10 Medical matters

Q

America?

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

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WEIGHT LOSS: There have been concerns over the safety and side-effects of Ephedrine an active ingredient found in diet pills used by some people trying to lose weight. Picture:

CAN you tell me if it safe to take diet-pills that contain “ephedrine”. I have heard that they can help you lose weight, but that they are banned in

A. Ephedrine is the active ingredient found in many diet pills and supplements sold to help with weight loss, as well as improving athletic performance or body-building. When used in combination with caffeine, ephedrine appears to cause weight loss, however due to concerns over safety, it has been banned in America.

It is a plant alkaloid that acts in a similar way to adrenaline. It raises blood pressure and is a cardiac stimulant, a bronchodilator (expands the airways to help in easier breathing) and contracts the nasal mucosa. Ephedrine in any dose may over-stimulate the central nervous system leading to potentially life-threatening results such as heart attack, seizure, stroke.

Also it can cause psychological side effects such as depression, psychosis, insomnia and anxiety. It should not be taken with other stimulants such as caffeine, or cough/cold products. People with a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, glaucoma, mental disorder, diabetes, seizures or strokes should avoid taking ephedrine. Epinephrine, which is similar to ephedrine but shorter-acting, is a conventional prescription treatment for breathing problems such as severe asthma, as a decongestant for hayfever and sinusitis, and for low blood pressure problems and myasthenia gravis. This drug has also been used to treat certain sleep disorders such as narcolepsy.

In commercial or herbal products containing ephedrine the amounts of this substance can vary widely. The main concern is that these products have not been thoroughly tested and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven.

There can be no guarantee of strength or purity of the ingredients used in the products.

Brands may be made differently, with different ingredients used.

Any supplement containing ephedrine should not exceed 8mg in a single dose, or 24mg of ephedrine per day, or be taken for longer than seven days.

Check the labels on all medicines you take (prescribed and over-the-counter) because they may contain ingredients that could increase your heart rate or blood pressure and could be dangerous if taken with ephedrine.

Remember ephedrine in any dose can cause serious side-effects especially when combined or used with products containing caffeine. It shouldn’t be taken two weeks before or after surgery.

Ephedrine-based diet pills can be expensive and don’t address the basics of sensible weight loss — regular exercise and well-balanced diet. Like other diet pills, once you stop taking them the weight almost always comes back.

Fotoware

Q.MY six-year-old was stung by a wasp on holiday and had a bad allergic reaction to it. Can this happen again and if so what can we do to prevent it?

A. Bee and wasp stings are more likely to cause allergic reactions than any other kinds of insect bites and wasp stings cause the most allergic reactions. About 20% of people who had an allergic reaction to an insect sting or bite will have milder or no reaction the next time. It’s impossible to predict the outcome of the next sting for anyone. An allergic reaction can be life-threatening and get urgent medical attention if any of the following symptoms occur after an insect sting or bite: difficulty breathing, dizziness, nausea, headache, wheezing or choking, pains in the chest or if the rash/swelling gets worse.

Your child should carry a card, bracelet, or necklace that lets other people know about their allergy. If your doctor has prescribed medication for your child to be used in case of an allergic reaction such as antihistamines or the adrenaline/Epipen injection, make sure you and other family members or carers know how to use it correctly.

To avoid getting stung, stay away from things that attract insects, such as flowers, trees, bushes. Smells and bright colours also attract insects, and be careful when eating and drinking (especially sweet things) outside. Use insect repellants, and if surrounded by bees or wasps, move out of the way slowly. Avoid waving or violent sudden movements as this can excite them and make them more likely to attack. Wear long sleeves and long trousers, and close windows in the house and car to keep insects out.

If bitten, remove the sting using tweezers to prise it or scrape it off with your fingernail or credit card. Don’t attempt to press or suck out the sting, as this will only help the poison spread under the skin. Wash the bite with soap and water, then cool off the skin with ice-cubes or an ice-pack.

Rest the affected area and elevate if possible to prevent swelling. A painkilling cream or antihistamine will help soothe the itch. Undiluted mother tinctures such as Pyrethrum tincture can be dabbed directly on insect bites. Ledum tincture is best for bee stings, while Arnica or Ledum mother tincture is recommended or wasp stings.

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

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Catherine Shanahan MUM’S WORLD Feelgood

HERE are days when the prospect of swallowing razor blades seems less painful than parenting.

On days such as these I would happily trade the playground for the stony shores and sugarless tea of Lough Derg where no amount of penance could spoil the solitude.

Bare feet and dry bread never drove a man crazy but many a woman has lost the run of herself amid the nit-picking bickering of children.

I am a much better mother with an adult audience. Retelling the tale of how, after 12 hours of “HE SAID” and “SHE SAID”, you found yourself howling at the moon is far funnier in its aftermath among your peers.

You yearn for their father to come home because as soon as he does, your shift is over.

“You can stab someone else with your fork now,” you tell the child who has spent the last 10 minutes waving it menacingly it you.

You weep regularly at their inability to grasp the concept of sharing. You read them a book called “Sharing Day” but the message does not hit home. “SHE TOUCHED MY STUFF!” he roars for the nth time as you go in search of the referee’s whistle to blow the commotion to a halt. You warn a red card is pending at the next sign of foul play. Within minutes, one or other commits a sending-off offence and it’s straight to the bold step for another 10 minutes of snots and tears.

The mid-afternoon nap cannot come quickly enough. If you had your way, there would be several naps over the course of the day. Sometimes you load them into the car and drive aimlessly, anywhere, on the off-chance the motion will somehow lull them to sleep. You do this when your own sleep deprivation levels no longer allow you to function as a reasonable human being and

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it is the only weapon left to stave off the psychosis.

As you drive, you dream of Lough Derg and hanker for St Patrick’s Purgatory because it can’t be any worse than the one you are in. You can almost taste the oatcakes and would welcome a traipse through any number of penitential beds if it meant you didn’t have to raise your voice above the decibel level of a lawnmower for three consecutive days.

Then you remember Fionn’s mother, Mrs Mac Cumhaill, and how legend has it that her son ran so fast with his mother on his shoulders when fleeing his enemy that by the time he reached Lough Derg, all that remained were her legs. You thank God that you are still in one piece despite your children’s best efforts and you vow never, ever to partake in a pilgrimage sitting on the shoulders of your son.

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Sensitive reaction

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Hay fever doesn’t have to ruin your summer, says Deirdre Reynolds

The big sneeze

A

ZURE skies, languid evenings and sultry nights — what’s not to love? Summer is here, but, for some, that’s nothing to smile about.

More than 500,000 Irish hay fever sufferers endure violent sneezing and streaming eyes while the rest of us glide through a season of barbecues and beaches.

Hayfever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is an allergy to pollen. When the plant powder comes in contact with the sufferer’s nose, eyes and throat, the immune system goes into attack, releasing the chemical histamine.

While not harmful in the long run, symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, nasal congestion, lethargy and tightening of the throat and chest make summer holidays hell.

Grass pollen is the main culprit, affecting up to 95% of sufferers from April to August each year — but tree pollen and weeds, can also trig- RIGHT DIAGNOSIS: Dr ger attacks in some Dawn Harper people, all year says it’s round.

The condition usu- important to recognise the ally develops during the teens, and imsource of the proves mid-life as the allergy — it’s not immune system ma- always pollen. tures. .

But, aside from holing up inside all summer long, what can sufferers do to avoid sneezing, wheezing and scratching their way through the season? To begin, says Dr Dawn Harper, of Channel 4’s Embarrassing Bodies — establish whether you have hay fever, or an allergy to something else like cat dander, or simply a flu.

“If you have a runny nose and eyes in the summer, you tend to assume it’s hay fever, and if you have exactly the same symptoms in winter, you assume it’s a cold,” says Dr Harper, who flew in to Dublin recently for the launch of Zirtek-plus decongestant. “You can get allergies from all sorts of things that can cause similar symptoms to hay fever, so it’s not always that clear-cut.”

You can rule out a common cold if the symptoms kick in straight away and last for a few hours — particularly during summer (the cold virus takes a few days to incubate and can linger for several weeks, usually during winter). If you’re still at a loss over the source of your discomfort, keep a diary, says Dr Harper.

“Often, it really helps for people to keep a diary of when they get their symptoms.

It sounds like such a basic thing to do, but it can really help identify the triggers — sometimes, it’s glaringly obvious when it’s written down.”

Pollen forecasts mentioned during weather reports, or available as an app download, will help predict days you’re likely to be af-

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AVOIDANCE TACTICS SOME ways to avoid an attack of the ‘Atchoos!’ this summer are: ■ Avoid areas of lush grassland.

■ Keep windows closed during peak pollen hours and at night.

■ Wear wraparound sunglasses to protect eyes.

■ Don’t smoke and keep Picture: Getty Images away from smokers.

■ Check TV and newspapers for the next day’s pollen count.

■ Keep furry pets outside during hayfever season (or wash them regularly to remove any lingering pollen from their fur).

■ Wash your clothes and hair regularly, as pollen sticks to it.

■ Put a smear of Vaseline inside each nostril to trap pollen entering the nose.

Picture: Getty Images

fected. As a rule of thumb, pollen counts are higher on warm, dry, breezy days and lowest on cold, wet days and peak in the morning, and again in the early evening.

“I think it’s very difficult because if you’ve got hay fever. Basically, it’s either a case of avoiding the outdoors or managing the symptoms,” says Dr Harper.

The good news for sufferers is that anti-histamine treatments are improving all the time.

“Your pharmacist has enough non-prescription items to give you immediate relief,” says Dr Paul Carson of the Allergy Facility at the Slievemore Clinic, Dublin. “If symptoms persist, your family doctor has a wide array of therapies to keep you comfortable.”

Clariton, Piriton and Zirtek are popular over-the-counter choices, or there are stronger, prescription-only versions, such as Neoclarityn.

Beware of products containing chlorphenamine, though, as it can make you drowsy.

Recent developments in immunotherapy are also bringing hope to hay fever sufferers, says Dr Carson, author of Sinusitis: Steps to Healing. “Immunotherapy works by giving the person what they’re allergic to, in a controlled way and in low doses. The immune system, then, eventually gets around to the idea that it doesn’t need to react when challenged like this,” he says.

It the past, it came in the form of a jab, but, now, uses a more patient-friendly pill, called Grazax. Alas, it’s already too late to try it out this year.

“Ideally, treatment should begin around January and February, before the hay fever season,” says Dr Carson. Meanwhile, researchers are working on a new, under-the-tongue treatment that may provide permanent relief for hay fever sufferers in the future.

If you don’t want to pop pills all summer long, however, there are natural hay fever remedies, too.

Clinical tests have found that the herb, butterbur, and nettle leaf tablets can be just as effective as antihistamines in treating the symptoms.

And putting your head over a bowl of steaming water containing eucalyptus is a child-friendly alternative to nasal douching to ease stuffiness.

Foods rich in vitamin E, such as eggs, milk and oily fish, are thought to reduce the

FRIDAY, AUGUST 6, 2010

risk of hay fever, while those rich in antioxidants, like peppers, berries and broccoli, calm the body’s attack on pollen.

The Buteyko breathing technique, hailed in the treatment of asthma, can curb coughing and wheezing (see www.buteyko.ie).

“More and more hay fever sufferers are turning to natural remedies,” says Shelly Flanagan of Nelson Homeopathic Pharmacy, Dublin. “Because you’re taking it all season long, it’s a healthier option.

Our customers find homeopathic choices just as effective as anti-histamines.

“Our standard remedy, a tablet called Polena flies out the door.”

Whichever route you choose, “don’t just rely on drugs” says Dr Harper.

“There are lots of self-help measures you can take to help tackle hay fever.”

THAT’S A RELIEF: Dr Paul Carson says if symptoms persist, your family doctor has a wide array of therapies to keep you comfortable.

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12 Healthy food

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Seasonal delight TOMATO AND BACON SAUCE DELICIOUS for many purposes, this Italian-inspired sauce is great over pasta with a grating of traditional pecorino, Parmesan or Irish Gabriel. It’s also excellent over steamed vegetables. For a richer feast, use it for cooking meatballs, just sitting them raw into the sauce and placing a lid on top to cook through. I use it for cooking fillets of fish, such as hake, which benefits from the bacon flavour. Sit the fish in the sauce and allow to poach for a few minutes, watching it doesn’t over-cook. Serve tagliatelle on the side, tossing it in a little sauce to keep it moist.

Serves 4 250g smoked, streaky rashers 5 tablespoons olive oil 2 medium-sized onions 100ml wine (white is best) 1kg fresh tomatoes or 800g tinned fresh thyme (optional) salt and black pepper

Roz Crowley

Tomatoes are so fresh now, versatile, and good for you too

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RIMMING with vitamin-filled goodness, tomatoes are at their best now and it’s well worthwhile making sauces to freeze or bottle for days in winter when we need the vitamins to deal with colds and wheezes.

Research shows that we should eat tomatoes to build up our immune systems. Lycopene and beta-carotene are the key anti-cancer agents in tomatoes, and, as they are high in potassium and low in sodium, they can help with the reduction of high blood pressure and fluid retention. But those with arthritis and migraines should consider cutting them out to see if they are aggravating them.

Tomatoes in all forms, even bought squeezy bottle tomato sauces, have benefits, but watch for salt levels as they can be high, particularly in tomato sauces designed for pasta dishes and even in canned plain tomatoes.

Making our own ensures we know exactly what goes into them. This week I am giving a recipe (see sidebar) for one of my favourite sauces which can be bottled for later use or frozen in small batches. They also make great gifts for busy friends. Use tomatoes which are ripe and even over-ripe. They are often cheaper in farmers’ markets where producers may give volume discounts, and of course any irregular shaped varieties are ideal — many of them are full of flavour.

Cut the rashers into fine strips, then cubes, and place in the dry pan to allow the fat to ooze a little.

Meanwhile, chop the onions finely and add to the pan with the oil. Fry gently for three minutes until beginning to soften.

Add the wine — red makes a richer sauce and can overpower the tomato taste, so it’s best to use white, but any leftover wine can be used. Bring to the boil. Add the thyme, then the roughly chopped tomatoes, and simmer gently for about an hour, or until it starts to become pulpy and in danger of sticking to the bottom of the pan. Add the seasoning. If using fresh tomatoes, pass through a sieve. You can salvage the bacon bits and return them to the sauce, but make sure the skins are discarded. Taste and add salt and pepper.

Serve or bottle immediately in scalded jars, or freeze in recycled yoghurt pots. You will be glad of them on a busy day.

Picture: Getty Images

FOUR DELICIOUS WAYS FOR YOU TO ADD VARIETY 1. Pan con Tomate — The Spaniards know how to make a feast from simple bread and tomatoes: Toast thickly-sliced bread and rub with a peeled clove of garlic. The roughness of the toast will serve as a grater.

Do the same with a halved, fresh tomato, so the pulp is pressed into the toast right down to the skin. Drizzle

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with olive oil and sprinkle with a few salt flakes.

2. Tomato Salad — slice tomatoes and layer with feta cheese and fresh mint, basil, oregano or marjoram.

Add some freshly-made croutons.

Drizzle with olive oil and a little balsamic vinegar. Any

grated cheese is good, too.

3. Stuffed tomatoes — Stuff halved and hollowed-out large tomatoes with browned minced beef or lamb mixed with finely-chopped spring onions, a quarter of the amount of breadcrumbs to meat,

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some fresh thyme and black pepper. Bake at 180C, gas 4, for 20 minutes.

4. Salmon and tomato — Add chopped, fresh tomatoes to cooked salmon, flaked and mixed with a little smoked salmon and a drizzle of olive, all warmed gently for an easy pasta sauce.

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Male health

The way you live pays off

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RISH people need to take greater control over their risk of having a stroke after the world’s biggest study of the disease revealed 80% of strokes are caused by five factors — high blood pressure, smoking, abdominal obesity, diet and physical activity.

“Well over half of the annual toll of 10,000 strokes in Ireland could be avoided by lifestyle changes to combat these risk factors,” says Angie Brown, medical director of the Irish Heart Foundation, the heart health and stroke charity. “A huge proportion of Irish people don’t know what a stroke is, let alone know how to prevent themselves from having one. There are some factors such as age and family background that they can’t control, but many more they can.

“One in five people in Ireland will have a stroke at some time in their life. But by controlling your blood pressure, giving up smoking, eating healthily, watching your weight and taking regular exercise you can substantially reduce the chances that you will be one of them.”

While five risk factors were responsible for

LIFESTYLE CHANGES: A huge proportion of Irish people don’t know what a stroke is, let alone know how lifestyle changes such as diet can help prevent themselves from getting one.

Picture: Getty Images

Deirdre O'Flynn MOSTLY MEN

80% of stroke, that figure rose to 90% when five further factors — lipids (fats), diabetes mellitus, alcohol intake, stress and depression, and heart disorders — were taken into account.

The INTERSTROKE study is led by Dr Martin J O’Donnell, of the National University of Ireland, Galway, along with a Canadian colleague. The authors used data from

6,000 people (3,000 cases of stroke and 3,000 controls) in 22 countries worldwide, covering the period March 2007 to April 2010.

In an attempt to educate the public on issues around stroke, the Irish Heart Foundation has launched the first edition of Strokelink, a magazine dedicated to stroke.

The publication will provide information on all aspects of stroke from rehabilitation to

Proper environment needed for exercise

How pain of migraine hits work performance

A COUCH potato lifestyle can lead to long-term health problems.

“While there are many reasons for low levels of physical activity, one important factor is how the built environment is designed and maintained. This facilitates how we move around,” said Teresa Lavin, Institute of Public Health in Ireland (IPH).

“We need to create more roads and pathways suited to cycling and walking as well as quality green spaces to encourage people to take physical exercise,” said Ms Lavin at a recent

ON any given day in Ireland, more than 13,000 people suffer from migraine, and the majority are part of the workforce, according to the Migraine Association of Ireland (MAI).

With 92% of Irish sufferers saying that attacks affect their performance at work, the European Headache Alliance (EHA) has launched the Madrid Manifesto on Migraine and other Headache Disorders — a

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seminar jointly hosted by IPH and the British CRC Centre of Excellence for Public Health (Northern Ireland).

A recent IPH study forecasts a 40% increase in the number of people living with hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke and diabetes in the Republic of Ireland by 2020, she said.

“It is essential we reverse this trend and one way is by creating environments which are conducive to physical activity such as walking and cycling.”

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five-year plan calling for migraine to be recognised as a disability and demanding increased awareness, education and research on the condition.

“As a psychotherapist, as a health professional, I understand very well the impact migraine and other chronic pain conditions have on the person,” says Irish MEP Nessa Childers who is championing the manifesto.

European Migraine Day of Action is on September 12.

prevention, tell the personal stories of stroke survivors and their families and give a round-up of stroke news from around the country. To download a copy, log on to www.stroke.ie. If you would prefer a hard copy of the magazine and be added to the Irish Heart Foundation’s mailing list for future editions, email advocacy@irishheart.ie or call the advocacy team at 01-6685001.

DId you know...

At severe levels, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can raise the risk of heart failure for middle-aged and older men Source: Boston University’s School of Medicine

with Kate O’Reilly

YOUNG SKIN: A NEW teen skincare range, Good Things, exclusive to Boots, has just been launched. The range has been developed by beauty writer Alice Hart-Davis, targeting younger, more problematic skin.

She uses superfruit beauty boosters in gentle formulations which are free from SLS, parbens, mineral oils and animal ingredients. There’s a choice of cleansers and moisturisers, once-a-week treats to exfoliate and deep-cleanse skin, and problem-solvers like anti-blemish gel and an eye cream to minimise bags, with prices from F4.49 to F11.99. Visit www.goodthingsbeauty.com for more advice from Alice on making the most of your skin.

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FIRST AID: August is statistically the highest risk month for accidents in and around the home, according to first aid brand TCP, with Saturday being the most precarious day of the week. Research also shows that boys are more at risk than girls, with males aged 10 to 19 experiencing 34% of accidents, while girls under the age of nine experience 24%.

It therefore makes sense for every household to have a fully equipped first aid kit with an array of plasters, dressings, antiseptic solutions, gloves and safety pins, all of which can be purchased from pharmacies.

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CHECK YOUR IRON: A new public health initiative, the ‘Spatone Know Your Iron Count’ is underway in participating pharmacies, sponsored by iron supplement manufacturer Spatone.

The campaign, which will run until December, offers people an opportunity to check their blood iron levels by taking a quick free blood test and is aimed in particular at expectant and new mums.

Many expectant mums (up to 85%) become iron deficient, particularly during their third trimester of pregnancy. However, topping up iron levels is not always straightforward as side-effects from supplements include constipation, stomach upsets or headaches.

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KIDS PROBIOTIC: A healthy digestive system is important for a strong immune system in children. However, sometimes the good bacteria in the gut can get out of balance, if a child has been on a course of antibiotics for example, or usually eats a diet high in refined carbohydrates and low in fibre.

Probiotics are friendly bacteria found in foods and dietary supplements that can help bring back the balance of good bacteria. Irish company Pharmaher Healthcare recently launched the latest addition to its L’il Critters range of kids vitamins — L’il Critters Probiotic Acidophilus, F9.99. It comes without artificial colours or flavours, soy or gluten.

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14 Beauty

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The news on ...

Protect & Perfect Body THERE was a serum, there was a foundation, there was a men’s product — it was only a matter of time before the No7 folks behind Protect & Perfect went a step further. No7 Protect & Perfect intense body serum, F36.99, is designed to target those parts of your body that are showing their age, and has been independently proven to restore radiance to skin and even-out skin tone. Most of all, it’s just a darn good moisturiser — with 80% of those tested showing an increase in hydration after four weeks use. It’s not available until September 8, so get in line.

Emily O’Sullivan

Being vegetarian is a doddle, but finding cosmetics without animal derivatives can be challenging

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THERE is little worse than the unfettered, Messianic zeal of the newly converted vegetarian. I know this, because I am one. The zeal is starting to slightly wear off, now. I’m getting bored of it. Not getting bored of not eating meat, but getting bored of having to continuously talk about NOT EATING MEAT. It’s the extreme ennui of having to face down a multitude of carnivores in a cross-table dinner party debate that’s getting to me. And it’s not really that surprising, is it, being veggie these days? In fact, it’s getting pretty cool — in the same way that buying Fairtrade coffee and sneering at people in 4x4s became cool several years ago.

In July, the Observer devoted an entire issue of its Food Monthly to vegetarianism, guest edited by Paul, Mary and Stella McCartney. And it was only a matter of time before the subject hit the ‘lifestyle’ sections of newspapers.

A few months ago, a UN report suggested that a vegan diet was the only possible way to save the world from the worst impacts of climate change, as well as hunger and fuel. “A substantial reduction of impacts [from agriculture] would only be possible with a substantial worldwide diet change, away from animal products,” the report said.

But while cutting out meat and fish from your diet may be reasonably straightforward, what about beauty products? Most are packed with animal derivatives, and a few of them are very familiar, indeed.

Collagen, for example, is a fibrous protein that usually comes from animals. It’s good for plumping out the skin, but if you’re going the way of the green one, then it might not

TAKE THREE Red Lipsticks

Make-up good enough to eat be something that you’re too happy about using. Similarly, keratin, which is often used to strengthen hair, comes from animal hooves, hair and horns. And what about lanolin produced by the oil glands of sheep? It’s a product that is frequently included in conditioners and moisturisers. Vegetarian beauty products are largely not even on the radar, right now.

Only a few companies are taking the leap, but there are more and more websites springing up that are starting to stock what previously would have been thought of as “products for crusty, hippy types.”

Massive British brand, Lush, has a strong environmental policy that governs everything from the transport of the products to packaging. Most of their products are also suitable for vegans (they don’t even contain animal by-products, such as beeswax and milk protein), not just vegetarians. Best

of all, the products are cheap, colourful, fun and effective.

Other companies, such as Liz Earle, Weleda and Sanctuary Spa, produce products that are vegetarian-friendly (Weleda is vegan), and most products come from brands with an environmental or organic policy, or brands that are heavily invested in using plant-based botanicals will be vegan.

And there are a few surprises in there — big French brands, Clarins and Nuxe, are both vegetarian, as is Origins and Aveda, while edgy make-up brand, Urban Decay, has some vegan products in their range, too. If you’re in doubt, do your research. There are lots of websites that can point out the kinds of ingredients you need to look out for if you’re interested in turning veggie with cosmetics. And remember that not all cosmetics include them. With an emphasis more on natural, botanical and plant ingredients, the choice has, surprisingly, never been better.

Salt Scrub. thesanctuaryspa.co.uk

mama and baby, and men.

RED lipsticks deserve a bigger place on these pages than just a Take Three, and we’ll get there, but in the meantime, we’ve got to herald a red lipstick as the main summer/autumn crossover item. It’s big right now, and it’s only going to get bigger.

Estee Lauder DoubleWear Lipstick in Stay Scarlet, F23.

This is a fantastic red. Unlike many reds we’ve tried, it doesn’t bleed at all around the corners of the lips, so you don’t need a lip pencil to wear it.

The feel is creamy and also slightly matte, the colour lasts really well and the shade is a very slightly organgey scarlet.

Great.

Tom Ford Private Blend Lip Colour in Cherry Lush, F45.

Yes, we know this is wrong. It’s extremely expensive but it’s also so beautiful. This is pure glamour in lipstick form.

The red is a lush deep cherry that stays really well on the lips and feels luxuriously silky, and it’s housed in a beautiful case — all white with gold edging.

MAC Lipstick in Russian Red, F17.50.

This is a really intense red, and it’s from MAC, which has some of the best reds around. It’s quite a matte formulation, and while we did find it dried out a little on our lips, the addition of lip balm helped enormously.

STUFF WE LIKE Sanctuary Spa. This brand is suitable for vegetarians, and it’s very lovely. Sold through Boots stores and online at their website, Sanctuary Spa covers all areas with a focus on luxury spa products. We like the Hot Sugar Scrub, 5 Minute Thermal Detox Mask, Foat Soak, Body Butter and

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Lush. A pioneer in the area of vegan products, Lush is a brand committed to vegetarian and mostly vegan-friendly products with an enormous mainstream following. While some of the Bath Ballistics may be too strongly scented for some (you only have to walk past the store to get knocked back with a waft of serious fragrance), other skincare products are gentler on the nose.

Safiaorganics.ie. This is a good website for sourcing vegan and vegetarian products. Brands cover skincare, cosmetics, bath and body, hair,

Liz Earle. Using the finest quality ingredients, Liz Earle’s products have gained fame for being simple, effective and gentle. Every one of their products are suitable for vegetarians, and the only ingredients of “animal” origin they use are beeswax, propolis and manuka honey. lizearle.com Clarins. Clarins is probably the best know vegetarian-friendly brand around, while many other skincare and make-up companies tend to use at least some animal-derived ingredients, Clarins do

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not, despite being prestige and high-end. The range is extensive, too, with anti-ageing products, high-tech formulations and make-up.

Green People. Green people specialises in organic body care products and is one of the most famous brands in Britain in the organic section. As well as only using natural ingredients, the products are vegan-friendly. You can choose from vegan baby, child, face, hair, body and toothpaste products. The brand is also registered with The Vegan Society.

Greenpeople.co.uk

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Natural health

Q

I FEEL exhausted most of the time, my hair is lacklustre and falls out significantly, I have trouble shifting weight, and have episodes of depression. Help!

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

finding that it is expensive to continue purchasing it, so was wondering how I go about making my own since I have heard that it can be difficult to prevent it from oxidising.

A. Wheatgrass first established a firm A. The first thing that springs to place in the health world when it was mind is for you to have your thyroid used successfully to treat terminally ill checked. The symptoms you describe people after most other conventional are very commonly associated with hyoptions had been exhausted. Rich in pothyroidism, or underactive thyroid. chlorophyll, wheatgrass helps to boost Take a look in the mirror and see if energy levels, increase red blood cell there is any swelling around the Adam’s production, and flush toxins from the apple area — or it may just be that you body. At a molecular level, wheatgrass feel as if there is a lump in your throat resembles haemoglobin — however, it when you swallow, indicating an encontains magnesium rather than iron. larged thyroid gland.

The chlorophyll present in wheatgrass The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped juice has been found to increase the gland located at the base of your neck, functions of the heart, vascular system, just below the Adam’s apple. It controls intestines, uterus and lungs. Wheatgrass all aspects of your metabolism, juice also significantly reduces the blood-pressure, heartrate, libido, breathside-effects of radiation therapy. It works ing rate, and mental alertness — so by helping to eliminate toxins stored in when the thyroid isn’t functioning corthe body such as hardened mucous, rectly, it has an enormous impact on crystallised fatty acids, fat deposits, your health. heavy metals, calcification and hardened Hypothyroidism occurs when your faecal matter. One kilogram of wheatthyroid doesn’t produce enough thyroid grass contains the nutritional equivalent hormone, upsetting the balance of of 23kg of fresh vegetables. chemical reactions throughout your I’m glad you find the taste acceptable body and slowing bodily processes. because this is often the first hurdle for Symptoms, such as coldness, fatigue, people who want to include it as part of constipation, dry skin, depression and their daily health routine. It is a forgetfulness, are common. high-powered food, so begin with a It’s important to contact your GP for small amount (30ml daily diluted 1:1 tests or Dr Patrick Magovern, who is with pure water) and always drink it on well known for bridging the gap bean empty stomach. Wait at least 30mintween conventional and complementary utes before consuming any further food treatment of thyroid issues (3 Drumor drink. You can gradually increase the martin Road, Goatstown, Dublin 14, amount of wheatgrass juice you drink, 01-296 5993; www.DrummartinClin- TO BED: An underactive thyroid can have a serious effect but if you find that it makes you feel on your health and may be to blame for tiredness and ic.ie). nauseous then reduce the amount. change in your metabolism. Picture: Getty Images Left untreated, hypothyroidism can You can also use wheatgrass for enelead to goitre, where the thyroid gland mas, skin poultices, hair conditioning, becomes so enlarged that it can internasal flushes, eye washes, spot treatment fere with swallowing and breathing. for pimples… the list goes on.

Unchecked hypothyroidism has also been as- nutrients. Taking sea vegetables (kelp, dulse, To prepare the wheatgrass and avoid oxidaIrish moss etc.) daily can also help, but these sociated with an increased risk of heart distion, you will need a slow manual or electric need to be activated by drinking fresh ginger juicer (masticating — not the high speed ease, mental health issues, and birth defects root tea. Simply slice a few 2-3mm thick in unborn children. centrifugal juicers). You should also drink pieces of ginger into a cup and keep adding I have found TCM (Traditional Chinese the juice immediately as it oxidises quickly hot water as you drink it throughout the day. once it has been juiced.

Medicine) to be brilliant in treating thyroid I add a tablespoon of honey and apple cider conditions. Qi Gong is wonderful for balIt is not very difficult to grow — all you vinegar to this blend and drink three cups ancing and strengthening the energies of the need is a seedling tray, paper towels, wheat daily. body where general weakness and debility is grains (also called wheat berries) and some To learn more about the various options present. Even if it tests reveal that the thyroid high quality organic soil, potting mix, or available and to help you make informed is not at the root of your symptoms, Qi compost. Rather than going into great detail choices regarding your treatment, pick up a Gong will help to re-energise your system describing the process here, I suggest you copy of Mary J Shomon’s book, Living Well and shift your vital force. check out the web resource www.wheatWith Hypothyroidism (F10.30 from Bee pollen is one of my favourite natural grass2go.ie (ph: 061 372211) for information www.shopireland.ie). supplements for bringing natural energy and and support along with starter growing kits, vigour back into the body and mind. It is supplies, and juicers.

Q. I have been told that wheatgrass juice loaded with amino acids, enzymes, vitamins ■ Recommended reading: Wheatgrass: Nais beneficial as part of a healing proand minerals and is good for fatigue in parture’s Finest Medicine, by Steve Meyerowitz; ticular because it is easily digested and full of gramme. I don’t mind the taste, but am The Wheatgrass Book, by Ann Wigmore

Megan puts the spotlight on:

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E SEEM to know more today about nutrition than we ever have before — we have full nutritional profiles on every packaged food item we buy, and then we have books and websites to help us decode the labelling on foods. We are well versed in the benefits of organics over conventional foods, and health and fitness is a booming industry.

So why are food-related health issues topping the charts when it comes to causes of death? Obesity is certainly creeping across the world as one of the number one killers, in particular the health issues associated with the strain that excessive weight combined with lack of nutrition places on the body.

The information is out there, yet still fast-food chains thrive and many children are growing up not knowing what a vegetable looks like.

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Nutritional Intelligence Essential skills are being lost rapidly between generations — as we have become busier and more plugged in to technology, contactable anywhere, anytime, it appears that we truly have lost the wisdom of simply stopping and smelling the roses. Growing your own food is no longer standard knowledge passed down from parents and grandparents — it is considered to be a ‘movement’ subscribed to by a few earthy types.

With gardening becoming a lost art in this busy world, we’ve never been more removed from the source of our food.

There is such a difference in preparing food for yourself, family and friends when you have nurtured the seeds and plants which provide said food.

Even if you only have enough space to grow a few herbs in pots on a windowsill and add them to the fresh produce from the markets you still feel more connected

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to your food.

Eating convenience foods in front of the television or computer at all hours of the day and night is about as disconnected as it gets, yet this is fast becoming the norm for many people today.

I would like to see the older generations who have not yet lost the skills of self-sufficiency and sustainability to have the opportunity to be seen and heard by the younger generations so that they may benefit from the wisdom from times past and keep the connection strong.

Jamie Oliver (pictured here), is doing wonders for the upcoming generation in arming youth and families with the skills and knowledge to feed themselves mindfully. I believe this kind of awakening is exactly what we need, and not a moment too soon. Change begins with a single person — what can you organise in your local community?

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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, AUGUST 6, 2010