Feelgood 27-08-2010

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Feelgood

Friday, August 27, 2010

Love is in the air We meet three couples who beat the odds to fi nd true love while on holidays: 8, 9 find

STAR APPEAL

Amy Huberman shares her beauty and fitness regime: 4, 5

QUICK FIX

Eight cereal bars put to the health test: 12

ANXIOUS TIMES

Woman’s lifelong battle with Tourette syndrome: 11

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2 News front Arlene Harris WHAT’S ON ■ GUIDED TOURS: To mark National Heritage Week, the heritage council in Kilkenny is offering free guided tours of Dunmore Caves and a medieval treasure hunt for children on the grounds of the Jerpoint Abbey.

Both events will take place this Sunday (August 29) between 10am and 5pm and are subject to availability.

For more information call 1850-200878 or visit www.heritageweek.ie.

■ CONVENTION TIME: The 7th National Convention of the Psoriasis Association of Ireland takes place in the Ormonde Hotel, Kilkenny on Saturday September 4. The convention will run from 10am until 4pm and will include key speakers and information aimed at the 100,000 psoriasis patients in Ireland. For further information call 086-3395308.

■ RIBBON WALKS: Action Breast Cancer has announced the launch of the 2010 Pink Ribbon Walks and the Pink Ribbon Walk website www.pinkribbonwalk.ie. Following the huge success of the first walk in Killaloe, Co Clare, where more than 550 walkers got involved, the second Pink Ribbon Walk will take place in Kells, Co Meath, on Saturday, September 11. Broadcaster Bryan Dobson, official ambassador for the Pink Ribbon Walk, urges people to put on their walking shoes. “I would actively encourage people to sign up and get involved.”

■ DYSLEXIA WORKSHOP: The Cork branch of the Dyslexia Association of Ireland still has places left for the dyslexia workshop which is aimed at children of eight years and upwards. The group tuition will take place in Scoil Mhuire Junior School on Wellington Road in Cork from September 13 and will run for 28 weeks. For more information call 086-8064799.

■ CHALLENGING MEN: The Men’s Health Forum in Ireland (MHFI) has issued a challenge to all men and boys across Ireland to: “Run for your Life”. It is doing so in partnership with the GAA, FAI, Irish Heart Foundation, Marie Keating Foundation, Ulster Cancer Foundation and Irish Cancer Society in order to promote physical activity amongst the male population. Highlighting the promotion an event will take place in the grounds of Ardgillan Castle, near Skerries, in Co Dublin on Saturday, September 4. For more information visit www.mhfi.org/ardgillan.htm).

■ GET MOTIVATED: An adventure challenge with a difference is set to take place on September 11 at Punchestown racecourse, the Avon-ri Lakeshore Resort and the Wicklow Hills.

The event, entitled The Motivate Challenge, is in aid of Barretstown children’s charity and will incorporate three phases of running-walking, cycling and kayaking over a distance of either 25km or 65km. For more information visit: www.motivatechallenge.com or call Punchestown 045-897704.

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Kathy Foley finds momentary peace in The Living Room, a serene space of contemplation in the midst of Dublin’s hubbub

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Oasis of calm

T’S RARE to find a peaceful, empty space in the centre of Dublin. But The Living Room, at the corner of Clarendon Street and Coppinger Row, is just that — a place to come and be silent, even if it’s just for five minutes.

It’s a large, high-ceilinged room with institutional green carpet. Semi-opaque, white blinds shroud the four large windows. One of the cream walls features a dramatic gold slash and gold circles.

In the centre of the room, 20 or so low stools, made from wooden pallets, form a circle around potted plants and small mirrors on the floor. Each stool is topped with a cushion, and each cushion with a book. Titles include: Destructive Emotions: A Scientific Dialogue with the Dalai Lama; The Mystic Heart: Discovering a Universal Spirituality, and A Dewdrop in the Ocean: Wisdom Stories for Turbulent Times.

Inside the circle, a man sits meditating in the lotus position. A woman in a red coat sits on a chair against the far wall, her eyes closed, her hands resting on her thighs, with palms facing upwards. When you do the same, and close your eyes, you feel cocooned in a bubble of safety amid the hubbub of the city.

The room is silent, but you can hear the sounds of the street outside — footsteps, laughter, a baby crying, a motorbike revving, the reedy notes of a busking flautist, cutlery clinking in a café, and the ever-present drone of cars rumbling by. At

TIME OUT: Christine Clear says The Living Room is ‘an antidote to the busyness of city life’. Picture:

this remove, each sound is distinct but slightly faraway. It’s quite comforting.

“The sounds of the city are like an orchestra tuning up,” says Christine Clear, a lecturer and expert on spirituality and meditation, who runs The Living Room. She approached the contemplative friars of the Carmelite order, who are based in Clarendon Street, and they offered funding and the space, which was being used for storage, and as a practice spot in the evenings for the Clarendon Street Choir.

All are welcome — those of any religious faith and those of none — and there is no charge to go in, nor are visitors expected to take leaflets, or engage in any way other than being quiet for a little while. At lunchtime, there are “accompanied silences.”

“It’s an antidote to the busyness of city life.

We can be together, quietly and silently. It is beautiful. You can see how the human spirit works. It is very connecting. You sit there with strangers, but there is a camaraderie that evolves in the silence,” says Clear.

HEALTH NOTES FORTY employees from Marks & Spencer Ireland will get on their bikes for a charity cycle from Belfast to Cork on Thursday September 16. The four-day event covers over 330 miles and aims to raise F100,000 for the Marie Keating Foundation and Action Cancer in Northern Ireland.

The cyclists plan to stop at M&S stores along the route, including Drogheda, Dundrum, Liffey Valley, Newbridge, Clonmel and finally Cork. All M&S stores will be supporting the challenge with in-store donation buckets and specially designed pens will be on sale for F2.

Watch out for in-store cyclethons while the charity cyclists spin their way through the country. Celebrities Glenda Gilson, Mick Zinnane and Shane Byrne, among others, will be dropping into M&S stores at each stop to help boost the fundraising.

A main sponsor of the Marie Keating Foundation, Marks & Spencer has so far raised over F750,000 for the charity.

the Samaritans. Or maybe they’ve found talking to family, friends or GP made the world of a difference. For details contact the Samaritans press team on 00 44 20 8394 8000 or email press@samaritans.org

The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Eamon Ryan launched the new Active Retirement Ireland website this week. The website — www.activeirl.ie — is packed with information on events and activities for ARI members.

RIDE ON: The M&S charity cycle covers more than 330 miles and aims to raise F100,000 for the Marie Keating Foundation and Action Cancer in the North. Picture: iStock

The Samaritans is looking for men who’ve come through a crisis to pick up the phone and talk to them — and the media. The ide-

al candidates for the new media campaign will be between 35 and 55, and have already come through a tough time with the help of

www.irishexaminer.com www.irishexaminer.com

www.irishexaminer.com feelgood@examiner.ie

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New drugs could help obese people to lose weight by resetting malfunctioning body clocks.

It seems when our circadian rhythms are not working properly not only is our sleep affected but also our metabolism.

By manipulating a key enzyme — casein kinase 1 — a team of British and American scientists have devised a drug which can control the body clocks of mice.

The new drug was found to reset the body clocks of the mice to the hour. This could also lead to a pill that cancels out jet lag. And, crucially, for those with disturbed sleep patterns, it could pave the way to a new breed of sleeping tablets.

According to Andrew Loudon, professor of animal biology at Manchester University: ”It may also be possible to use similar drugs to treat a whole range of health problems associated with disruptions of circadian rhythms. This might include some psychiatric diseases and certain circadian sleep disorders. It could also help people cope with jet lag and the impact of shift work.”

Editorial: 021 4802 292

Irene Feighan

Advertising: 021 4802 215

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In profile THE SHAPE I'M IN

Marty Whelan

Winning formula

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ARTY WHELAN is set to return to our TV screens on Saturday, September 4 when he presents the new season of RTE’s Winning Streak. The 54-year-old, who presents Marty Whelan at Midday on RTÉ lyric fm (96-99fm), admits he should pay a bit more attention to looking after his health. “I should do better but I’ve got a good wife who minds it for me.”

Along with wife Maria and children Jessica and Thomas, Marty’s based in Malahide. “I love living by the sea,” he says.

What shape are you in?

I’m afraid to look down half of the time because I do need to lose a bit of weight. Pat Henry is a very fine gym instructor, who has made such a difference to me in the past — I intend going back to him and signing up for a bit of a work-out in the gym.

Do you have any health concerns?

I’ve never been in hospital in my life, never been sick, never missed a day of work due to illness. Because I’ve been so lucky I should be minding myself. My mum’s my barometer. She’s still alive at 91 — if she’s there, I might be too.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I try to have a salad before eating dinner. I try to ensure I have a balanced diet and we always include vegetables.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

I like red meat a bit too much. Many years ago I smoked but I stopped. I don’t have a sweet tooth, though I do love a bar of milk chocolate.

What would keep you awake at night?

Nothing — I’m famous in my house for sleeping through thunderstorms. When I go to bed, I’m gone like a flash. Even if I have worries, it’s very rare that they’d affect my sleep.

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Do you pray?

I do, not often enough, but I do pray. I have a very strong faith.

What would cheer up your day?

A bar of chocolate for whatever it is that it releases.

Helen O’Callaghan

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When I was younger, I’d get anxious about stuff. The older I got, the more I realised I can only be as good as I am and there are certain things you can’t do anything about WAXING LYRICAL: Marty Whelan has never missed a day at work due to sickness.

He hopes to enjoy a long life like his mother who is 91 years old.

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How do you relax?

When I was younger, I’d get anxious about stuff. The older I got, the more I realised I can only be as good as I am and there are certain things you can’t do anything about. There’s no point in getting yourself to a point of anxiety where it causes ill-health — what you’ve got to do is deal with the problem as it is.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Frank Sinatra — I’ve always adored him.

What would you change about your appearance?

I’d like some hair. When your hair begins thinning, it’s always a worry.

When did you last cry?

I cried a few months ago when a friend lost his son. Before that I cried over Gerry Ryan — we’d gone to primary school together.

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

I’m a great fan of US politics and I read a good analysis of what sort of president Bill Clinton was recently. I tend not to read novels, though I liked Garrison Keillor’s Lake Wobegon Days, which I read on holiday.

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What trait do you least like in others?

Lack of sincerity is always a killer. I also dislike a lack of a sense of humour — people like that are to be avoided.

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What trait do you least like in yourself?

I’d be better if I’d return more of my friends’ phone-calls. I’m a very chatty, sociable animal, yet I’m terrible for returning calls.

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Full of life

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Another new chapter for Amy S

HE may be famed for her a combination of good luck and the ability to role as Daisy, the ditzy burn the candle at both ends as the receptionist in RTÉ’s reason for her two successful careers.

The Clinic, but the only “I got into both by complete chance and I resemblance do apAmy preciate Huberman how inshares with credibly the character lucky is her fresh I’ve been looks and on both warm smile. counts,” At just 31 she says. years of age, “I started the Dublin acting in actress has the had an illusUCD trious Drama career to date and Society despite being and catapulted into the wrote in limelight as the wife between of one of Ireland’s acting biggest sporting stars jobs to (rugby captain, Brian keep O’Driscoll), she myself looks set to continue busy. making headlines of FAMILY SUPPORT: Amy with her dad Harold and mum “But Sandra at the recent launch of her book in Dublin. her own accord. now I Picture: VIPIRELAND.COM With eight years find the experience in front creative of the camera, Amy has turned her hand to juices flow a little easier at night. I know it’s writing and has just published her first nov- a little anti-social to be nocturnally creel — Hello Heartbreak. ative but sadly my brain is often pathet“I got the idea for the book from being a ically barren at 9am. spectator in day to day life,” she says.

“I find both jobs so challenging and “There are enough things we come across rewarding that I couldn’t imagine not in our ordinary little lives: people we meet, doing either one. Writing and acting situations we hear of and events we find exercise different creative faculties ourselves in to inspire anyone to start writing.”

A graduate of UCD and DIT, Amy has always had a love of reading but says her passion for writing developed through her love of acting.

“I always loved English at school, but for me it was probably more the time I spent in the acting game that nurtured my love of storytelling. I love the process involved in acting out a character for film and television, but getting the opportunity to be master of my own characters in my writing was incredibly rewarding.”

Her new book tracks the highs and lows of Izzy Keegan — a 27-year-old singleton who fails spectacularly at love. And while the character is far removed her own romantic life, Huberman admits that she can see some elements of herself in the fictional heroine.

“The character of Izzy does have a lot of me in her,” she says. “The book is definitely a fictional piece and so are the events and circumstances, but as this is my first novel, I do think I used a lot of my own voice in Izzy.”

A warm and friendly woman, Amy was bound to succeed but she modestly attributes

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HAPPY COUPLE: Amy kisses her new husband, Irish Rugby captain Brian O'Driscoll during their wedding last month at St Joseph's Church in Aughavas, Co Leitrim. Picture: Julien Behal/PA Wire FRIDAY, AUGUST 27, 2010

and I find it a real treat to be able to get time with both.”

The novice novelist says that most people will have a story to tell if they just give themselves the chance to put pen to paper (or finger to keyboard).

“If you think you would like to start writing, just sit down and do it. You’ll surprise yourself with what’s in your head. Even if you’re not sure where to start, just get some ideas down on paper and allow it an opportunity to evolve.

“You really won’t get anywhere by saying you ‘must start one of these fine days’. Even if it doesn’t get published, so what — you’ll go on the best adventure ever and learn a lot about yourself along the way.”

As the wife of the Irish rugby captain, Amy will be embarking on another new adventure set against the backdrop of a traditionally male world.

However having grown up with two brothers, I have no doubt that she will be well able to hold her own.

“I’ve always really enjoyed my brothers company and the three of us get on really well,” she says. “It’s nice to get a boy’s perspective on things sometimes.

“And I have never really craved a sister because when it’s all you know you don’t really care for anything else,” she adds.

But her mother Sandra was also an only girl and they have a great

now as a new author, gives her voice to the main character of her debut novel I’ve definitely had my wardrobe malfunction days, but I don’t agonise too much about it. I know what I like style wise and I enjoy clothes and fashion. But I’m not going to take it too seriously bond together.

“My mum is my best friend and I would be completely lost without her,” says Amy. “She had two brothers, too, and we’ve always been incredibly close.”

Despite her hectic lifestyle Amy, who regularly gives her time to charitable causes, is working on her second novel and when she is not acting or spending time with her husband and family, the new bride manages to find time to keep fit and look after her health and fitness.

“I try to get to the gym twice a week and get out for a walk on the days in between,” she says. “And I do drink a lot of water and try to eat my daily quota of fruit and vegetables.

“I’m a ‘little and often’ person when it comes to food — it’s supposed to be good for your metabolism — and a getting a good night’s sleep also helps,” she adds.

Though she has an enviable figure, Amy doesn’t adhere to a strict diet.

“I think you have to allow yourself a treat,” she says. “Life is far too short to punish yourself all the time. A little of what you want is good for you and will probably sedate the cravings for a bit too — it really is all about quantity control.

“But I have a major sweet tooth and my biggest weakness is fizzy jellies. I sometimes try to trick myself by substituting sweets with dried apricots and natural licorice.”

Amy is also conscious about the effects of too much sun and took great care while on honeymoon in Tanzania.

“I’d say I have medium tanning skin, but I always wear quite a high factor,” she says.

“And in recent years I’ve started wearing a hat to protect my face in the strong midday sun.”

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For almost a decade, the Dublin woman has been in the public eye and, as her star is still in ascent, it doesn’t look like she will be slowing down any time soon — so how does she handle the pressure to look good all the time?

“I’ve definitely had my wardrobe malfunction days, but I don’t agonise too much about it,” she explains. “I know what I like style wise and I enjoy clothes and fashion. But I’m not going to take it too seriously.”

“It’s personal choice and expression, so I don’t think anyone should get slated for what they wear,” she adds.

This refreshing attitude extends to her private life and Amy and her new husband are keen to keep their home life to themselves — to this end, she understandably didn’t want to talk about her wedding or their plans for the future.

“We want to try and keep our marriage for ourselves,” she says. “But I am looking forward to enjoying married life and in the meantime to keep on writing and acting for as long as possible.”

My health and fitness tips ■ I TRY to get eight hours sleep, drink plenty of water, eat right and exercise. But I think laughter helps keep people young and should be up there on any top health and beauty list.

■ I’m very into skin care. Prevention is definitely better than cure. I use an SPF every day, even in the winter.

I use Clinique’s City Block, as it is also a great make-up primer too. I cleanse and moisturise every night. In the morning I give my face a splash of water and throw on some more moisturiser. I’ve also recently gotten into serums under moisturisers to give your skin an added moisture boost.

■ My daily diet is never the same. I always start the day with a cup of tea. Normally I have a bowl of cereal with it, or a cereal bar if I’m running late. I might have a sandwich or salad for lunch and then dinner could be anything. I love Thai food and adore anything spicy, or with a kick of chilli. I read somewhere that chillies are meant to boost your metabolism.

I’ll try to get my five a day too, by making a smoothie, or making sure to have some veggies with dinner.

■ I drink a lot of water and always have done. I think it’s just a habit you need to get in to and then you don’t even think twice about it.

■ I go to a fantastic gym called Fitness Together in Rathmines where they have amazing trainers

Picture: Nick Bradshaw

Arlene Harris hears how the actress and celebrity,

Picture: Richie Stokes

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to make sure you’re not slacking off. It mostly consists of core training, with some light, high rep weight training too, with cardio on the treadmill or cross-trainer. They always mix things up to prevent it getting boring and you always feel so virtuous for having been.

I try to go twice a week.

■ On the days I don’t go to the gym, I try and get out for a little bit of exercise.

Myself and a few of my friends use it as a way to catch up too and go for walks together and exchange all our gossip. If we’re feeling brave we might actually run some of it.

■ I go through phases of taking supplements — at the moment I am taking a multi-vitamin, plus an omega-3 fish oil supplement which is great for skin and hair and the old joints if you’re exercising. I also believe in vitamin B complex if you’re feeling a bit stretched or over-stressed with work.

■ Rest is really important. We all try to do too much and our bodies can only sustain being pushed to the limit for so long.

■ I am hugely into teeth and brush mine at least three times a day, floss at night, as well as using a mouth wash at the end. Even though I eat sweets I have never had a filling, but because I do indulge my sweet tooth I make sure to brush as often as I can.

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Spa watch

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Pery hits the right spot Name: No1 Pery Square, Hotel and Spa Address: Pery Square, Limerick Telephone: 061 402402 Email: info@oneperysquare.com Internet: www.oneperysquare.com Spa treatment: Voya Cost: Facials F85-F110

Healthy options made us feel less like gluttons — but there were plenty rich, complicated dishes too for foodies. My vegetarian main course arrived a moment after my friend’s — roasted heart of palm with ginger-poached cucumber and confit fennel — and I thought a prank was being played on me. It was tiny. The waitress saw my face and quickly suggested some side dishes so we ordered the creamed potatoes. Admittedly, the meal was delicious. My friend’s halibut dish was of a more standard size and she repeatedly said it was fantastic.

Excellent service and the food was fresh and beautifully prepared and presented.

Score: 8

Reviewer: Caroline Delaney Treatment: Revive and Alive Voya Facial.

Irish seaweed features prominently in Voya products and their silky, luxurious feeling is distinctive and refreshing.

There are no harsh chemicals and it feels good to know that an organic Irish industry is involved. The unhurried treatment was a pleasure and really hit the spot.

Score: 9 Staff: From the moment we stepped through the door we were made feel like very welcome friends. Tea and chocolate brownies were served in a lovely drawing room while our bags were brought to our room.

Restaurant service was efficient and pleasantly informal. Spa staff seemed to enjoy their work, which translates into good service.

Score: 10 Hygiene: Spotless but not soulless. I especially loved the foot soak and scrub area — lots of hot and cold water and softening potions and no need to worry about splashing and slopping water around. The layout involves lots of little nooks and cosy spaces so you don’t even realise somebody must

be very busy tidying up.

Score: 10 Spa quality: We felt like we were the only ones in the spa, though staff mentioned that they were fully booked. The relaxation room lived up to its name with huge, soft beds and we could happily have spent a whole afternoon there. Stone corridors with

windows opening onto a lovely courtyard added to the ‘getaway’ ambience.

Score: 10 Food: Despite all our good resolutions made that morning in the spa we decided to go all out and enjoy starters — even though we also had an eye on the dessert menu before even ordering anything.

Accommodation: The comfiest bed she had ever slept on was my friend’s summary — and I had to agree. The beds weren’t overdone with quilts, comforters, throws and cushions like in some hotels. Crisp, white cotton sheets are far more appealing than dozens of lumpy, velvet cushions. A ‘sunflower head’ shower got my vote straight away and I loved the separate bath — cold drips from a shower can be very offputting while you are trying to enjoy a bath.

The toiletries in the bathroom were l’Occitane which we were more than happy to use. The room was equipped with a TV, hairdryer and iron and ironing board. The welcome notes in the room mentioned hair straighteners or curling tongs as well as hot-water bottles available from reception upon request.

Score: 10 Total score: 57 out of 60

Just the place for wellbeing Name: Caisleán Uí (Wellbeing Retreat) Address: Castlefreke, West Cork Telephone: Marie on 086-2699461 Email: caisleanui@gmail.com Internet: www.henrywellness.com Cost: B&B F95 single room/ F150 double room, weekend packages starting from F170 per person/ F300 per couple

ally a hairdryer’s a bonus, but I poked around in my bedroom to find all kinds of girly provisions from a nightie to pink nail polish. Attentive Marie encourages you to tuck into seconds at the dinner table — but personal trainer Karl will make sure you burn it off afterwards.

Score: 10

Reviewer: Deirdre Reynolds

Hygiene: After its recent renovation, Caislean Ui still has that ‘new’ feel. The floors are spotless, paintwork pristine and the bathroom tiles have never met mildew in their life. The no-shoe policy means you can potter about barefoot without gathering an inch of grime. The room is yours in privacy for the weekend — so there’s no housekeeping hammering down the door in the morning. Instead you’ll find a stash of fresh fluffy towels in the wardrobe.

Score: 9

The concept: Get in top shape or simply chill out at this stunning clifftop health resort. Celebrity personal trainer Pat Henry and son Karl (RTÉ’s Operation Transformation) host wellbeing weekends for stars and Z-listers alike at the rural escape. But while guests might recognise telly regulars Pat and Karl, it’s mum Marie who’s at the heart of the healthy hideaway. With a combination of home cooking, fresh air and exercise, it’s a sort of staycation for your whole system.

Score: 8 Packages: Rest or reps — the choice is yours. Visitors have their pick of Do Nothing, Activity, Detox and Intensive Bootcamp weekends — or a combination of all. I braved an outdoorsy Activity Weekend of early mornings, steaming porridge and surfing, kayaking and cycling. Whether you decide to camp out on the couch with a book or work up a sweat by the sea, the Atlantic air is sure to blow away the cobwebs. I arrived a knot of road rage and left looking like a rosy-cheeked extra from Little House on the Prairie.

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Score: 8 Accommodation: With massive, comfy beds, crisp snowy sheets and blackout curtains, beauty sleep is guaranteed — and after all that exercise, you won’t need to count sheep. Dripping with chandeliers, antique furniture and plush fabrics, the themed bedrooms inject a little Hollywood chic into your countryside stay. I embraced

my inner Madame Butterfly in the oriental cocoon of The Red Room. In the morning, throw back those curtains to reveal ravishing views of the ocean, before freshening up with a monsoon-like shower topped off with fat, snuggly towels.

Score: 10 Staff: Marie has thought of literally everything to make guests feel at home. Usu-

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Food: What’s the point in working off all those calories, if your only going to lump them back on at dinner? Luckily, mealtimes at Caiselan Ui were mouth-watering but light on calories.

Using local, organic goodies, Marie whipped up a smorgasbord of fresh-fruit smoothies and creamy porridge for breakfast, a spread of homemade bread, salads and couscous for lunch and seasonal veg and fish for dinner. She didn’t grumble that I forgot to forewarn her I’m vegetarian — instead producing a scrumptious veggie shepherd’s pie for my delectation the next day.

Score: 10 Total score: 55 out of 60

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Psychology 7

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Unconditional love in the home, at school and at work enables people to be their best self

Early relationship with carers key to health

Introduction to Depth Psychology “To confront a man with his own shadow, is to show him his light” - Carl Jung.

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Tony Humphreys

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HEN children do not experience unconditional love in the holding worlds of family, child-minding and pre-primary, primary and post-primary schools, inevitably, they suffer loss of selfLABOUR OF LOVE: Recognition is an essential requirement esteem. When their regular relationship experiences are of a within the workplace for workers to be engaged, productive conditional nature — “be good”, “be perfect”, “be quiet”, “be hardworking”, “be like me”, “be top of the class”, “be a and creative. Picture: Getty Images winner” — they wisely conform or rebel or develop an avoidance strategy against these proscriptions.

When they conform, they will do all in their power to measure up to the unrealistic expectations because they know that to fall short is to risk the greatest blow of all — harsh The cave dwellers are the rebels, the troublemakers, rejection or being a disappointment, with the consequence of the gossips who do little but protest loudly. Their fears of being ignored. Those children who rebel and act-out the rejection are hidden behind their aggressive and bullying hurt, equally, do all in their power to ensure they get responses. They too, hate responsibility and are expert at attention, albeit for being difficult and troublesome. ‘passing the buck’. Sadly, their behaviour alienates others Some children attempt to go under the radar so that the (recognition in itself) and work organisations will do anything risk of rejection is reduced but, nonetheless, they cleverly get attention for being the “invisible” child — the one that causes to get them to move out — even paying them off. Redemption for these unhappy individuals also lies in discovering that no trouble — “you’d hardly know he’s there”. The wise ploy they are worthy of love for their unique self and that being being employed here is avoidance — “the less I do, the less confused with particular behaviours has been a painful jourlikely that I’ll fail to meet the conditions for recognition” — ney. thereby reducing the risks of being rejected.

Unconditional recognition is an essential requirement withWhat has all the foregoing to do with unconditional love in in workplaces and, when it is present, a new category of emthe workplace? Everything, since our childhood experiences ployees — ‘engaged’ workers — is more likely to emerge. shape our adult lives. Employees are categorised under three These employees operate from a solid interiority of indepenmain headings: those who are Highly Engaged, those who dence and deep regard for self and others and who view work are Disengaged and those who are Cave Dwellers. as love made visible. These mature employees will integrate work as an important part of their lives and they will bring The highly engaged employees are the ones for whom the fullness of their commitment, intelligence, creativity and organisations develop all sorts of reward packages because of affectivity to the workplace. their dedication and productivity. When children, these emIn the words of the late poet philosopher John O’Donohue: ployees were the ones who conformed to parental unrealistic “It is futile to weary your life with the politics of fashioning a expectations and their dependence continues to be reinforced persona in order to meet the expectations of other people.” in the workplace. Their individuality and maturity have been Without unconditional love no safety to be self and no maquietly suffocated by conditional recognition for their turity is present. Unconditional regard is not a ‘soft’ issue as achievements. The terror of failure continues to dominate many managers who are in fearful places believe; indeed, it is their lives and the pressures they put on themselves to perthe ‘hardest’ challenge of all. The ‘success’ (highly engaged) form, they also put on others — colleagues and their own culture that emerged in the last two decades has not served us children. They are not happy and yet, to their own cost and well — it was and still is characterised by depersonalisation, to the cost of others, they often occupy the upper avarice, individualism, narcissism and a lack of accountability echelons of power — political, work organisational, and authenticity. educational, financial and social.

Individuality, authenticity and accountability are the essenUnless they come to an unconditional acceptance of themtial bases for emotional, social, spiritual and economic prosselves and separateness from the responses and expectations of others, they will continue to live lives of quiet desperation but perity. However, these necessary qualities are only possible in a climate of unconditional love, in places where we live, also be a threat to the well-being of others. learn, work, play and pray. In the presence of the current dark economic fallout and the denial evident in the Catholic hierAs children, the disengaged employees are the ones who developed the avoidance strategy and they do the least for the archy, the urgency to address unconditional love has been never more pressing. most money in the workplace. These employees are difficult to motivate as they tend to go for the average, avoid risk-taking, are passive and fight shy of responsibility — ■ Dr Tony Humphreys is a clinical psychologist, author, national and international speaker. He is also director of three all ways of offsetting criticism and rejection. Unless they free UCC courses on interpersonal communication, parent menthemselves from the fear of failure, of what others think of them and inhabit of their own individuality and take responsi- toring and relationship studies. Details of these courses are on his website: www.tonyhumphreys.ie or contact Margaret at bility for self and their own actions, they will remain hidden 021-4642394. under the blanket of avoidance.

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 27, 2010

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8

Cover story

HAPPY EVER AFTER

FUN ENCOUNTER: Audrey and David Goodstein met on the stairs at a party in Dublin and have never looked back. Picture:Eamon Ward

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Summer lovin’

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9

Holiday romances aren’t always brief encounters. Arlene Harris meets three couples whose relationships went the distance

A

CCORDING to Olivia Newton John, summer loving happens so fast. But while the sun, sea and sangria may cause thousands of holidaymakers to swoon under the moonlight, the promise of undying love often fades as quickly as a suntan when lovestruck couples face the harsh reality of everyday life.

But some people refuse to give up on their newfound love and despite the distance between them will go out of their way to ensure their summer dreams don’t rip at the seams.

AUDREY GOODSTEIN met the love of her life in 1993 while at a party in Dublin. Having just come out of a long relationship, she had no intention of searching for a replacement but was wooed by a dark-haired English man who was on holidays in Ireland.

“I was walking down the stairs when I saw this good-looking guy at the bottom,” recalls the Galway woman. “I introduced myself then went off to join some friends — but while I didn’t fall for him straight away, I did think he was nice.”

David, on the other hand, was smitten.

“I was with my friend who is a beautiful blonde and everywhere I went, David seemed to be following us — I was convinced he fancied her and was contemplating telling him to just get on with it,” laughs Audrey.

But he only had eyes for one girl and when the other guests began to leave, the would-be couple got talking.

“We ended up chatting for most of the night and decided to meet up the next day,” she recalls.

“I called in sick the following morning and we met up for lunch and then I went with him to the ferry port — after that I was completely hooked.”

Despite their brief 24-hour meeting, both parties knew that they wanted to see each other again, so agreed to meet in Wales five weeks later.

The couple met again on a Saturday morning and the following day, the London lad proposed to his Irish rose.

“It was such a whirlwind romance and we actually tried to get married on the ferry between Ireland and England — but it wasn’t feasible,” says Audrey.

Sensibly, they opted to sort out their living and work arrangements and finally tied the knot three years later. And 17 years after that fateful day in Dublin, they are happily married with two children and are living in Clare.

“I think we were very fortunate to find each other like we did,” says the 40-year-old mum. “The chance of meeting your soulmate like that is like something out of a Mills and Boon book.

“But if the feeling is there, you have to go with the flow — if it is meant to be then it will be worth it in the end.”

David, 45, had no hesitation in wooing the girl of his dreams — even if it meant travelling across the Irish Sea on a regular basis.

“As soon as I saw Audrey, I knew that she was the one I wanted to be with,” recalls the project manager. “I fell for her immediately and although we lived in separate countries, I didn’t mind because the excitement of seeing each other really kept the relationship alive.

“And I know I’m not alone in this because while I was going over and back to Ireland to visit her, I would regularly meet other people who were doing the same thing.

“I think people should stop worrying

and after a month-long visit to Ireland in September, Amanda agreed to marry Sean, 46.

The couple, who married in 2008, are now living in Kildare and are expecting their first child. And the blooming mum-to-be doesn’t think there is anything unusual about their courtship.

“I hear stories like ours all the time,” she says. “When people are away on vacation, they are more relaxed and open to change so can end up falling for people that they wouldn’t meet at home.

“Of course, not every holiday romance works out — most of them last the duration of the trip. But if you feel there is something worth saving, don’t let it die without trying to make it work. I’m certainly glad that we gave it our all.”

RIGHT WAVELENGTH: Angela Veale and her husband Jeff Gonet met on a boat on way to a yoga retreat in the Bahamas. Picture: Dan Linehan about logistics because it all adds to the sense of adventure.”

AMANDA MCCABE also went to great lengths to spend time with her future husband, Sean whom she met in an airport.

The American woman was at a wedding in Ireland in 2007 when she decided to take a break in Spain.

“A few days after the wedding, my friends and I decided to have a girls’ holiday before I went back to the US,” says the 35-year-old. “We had a fantastic week in the sun but had to endure an extended wait in the airport on our return to Ireland.”

The waiting area was packed with weary travellers, most of whom were catching a few minutes shut-eye as they prepared for

their journey home. But two passengers were awake and got talking over the dreary selection of pastries in the airport café.

“Because of the early hour, the daily bake hadn’t been delivered and there was only one sorry-looking doughnut sweating under the counter lights,” recalls the former chef.

“I was grimacing at the paltry offering when a voice behind me said if I didn’t order the pastry fast, he was going to have it.

“It was such a disgusting looking specimen that I laughed out loud and immediately the ice was broken.”

Over coffee, the pair struck up conversation and even sat together on the flight back to Dublin.

Once they arrived on Irish soil, the realisation that Amanda was returning to the US

the following day began to sink in.

“We spent the whole day together and before I went back to the States, made plans to see each other again,” she says.

Three weeks later, Sean — a roofing contractor from Kildare — found himself in Boston as the couple started to get to know each other better.

“Sean spent a week with me and by the end of it, we knew that we wanted to try and make a go of things,” says Amanda. “So I gave him a speech about not wanting to get into a pointless long-distance relationship and if we were going to continue, we had to make some sort of commitment to each other — I think it had an impact.”

Having met in June, the couple continued to fly across the Atlantic to see each other

ANGELA VEALE met her soulmate Jeff Gonet while on a spiritual retreat in the Bahamas in 2007. And fate obviously had a hand in their introduction as he literally almost missed the boat.

“I was on a scholarship in New York when my friend and I decided to go to a yoga retreat in the Bahamas,” she recalls.

“We were going to spend a week without alcohol and meat so before we took the boat, we spent a happy afternoon drinking margaritas and eating ribs in the local Hard Rock Café — needless to say, I was feeling quite mellow.”

Sitting back enjoying the ride, the Cork psychologist noticed a figure on the beach who was frantically trying to catch the attention of the boat’s captain — luckily the skipper had been notified and turned around to collect the late arrival.

“I didn’t pay any attention to Jeff when he climbed on board as I was more interested in the scenery around me,” says the 42-year-old. “But he did try to talk to me and over the course of the next few days I became more aware of him.

“We circled each other for a while and ended up meeting for an early morning swim or an evening walk most days.”

Despite the restrictive environment of the ashram, the couple forged a friendship which they felt had the potential to blossom.

“Initially I didn’t think there was much

point in pursuing the relationship as Jeff lived in Boston where he worked as a financial controller and, while I was staying in New York, I had every intention of returning to Ireland in June,” Angela says.

But over the intervening weeks the couple made several trips up and down the eastern seaboard to visit each other and the more time they spent together, the stronger their feelings became.

So Angela extended her visa by three months to spend more time with Jeff and before she returned to Ireland in September they vowed to make an effort to see each other regularly.

“The long distance was very difficult and while I couldn’t see a way forward, I didn’t want to finish things either — it felt like we were in limbo,” says Angela. “So we sat down and worked out the pros and cons of the relationship and the logistics of getting together.”

Two years after their initial meeting, Jeff proposed and the couple got married this summer. They are currently living in Cork, where Jeff runs a yoga centre and Angela lectures in UCC. “If you feel strongly enough about something, you should really give it a shot,” Angela advises. “I knew that my relationship with Jeff was different than any I had before so I just trusted that it was right for me.”

Husband Jeff, 55, knew the moment he laid eyes on Angela that she was ‘the one’.

“It was definitely love at first sight for me,” admits Jeff. “I can picture the moment so vividly and can even remember exactly what she was wearing. But as we were going to a yoga retreat, I had mixed feelings about starting a relationship there.”

But the attraction grew and the Boston man got to know his would-be-wife slowly over the week — culminating in a kiss that sealed their future.

“When we kissed on the beach, I knew that I wasn’t going to let Angela go,” he says.

“Before I met her, I always ran away from emotion, but I knew that I had to follow my heart — and I’m so glad I did.

“Love like this doesn’t come around very often, so when it does, you have to reach out and grab it.”

Making it last in the real world LIAM LALLY of Accord says that while a romantic liaison may be part and parcel of a good holiday, the relationship must be tested in the real world.

“If a person meets somebody on holiday, they should find out whether the romance can weather the challenges that life throws up during the rest of the year,” he says.

“They need to experience each other across a wider spectrum of environments — in a normal working week,

with family, colleagues and friends.

“Then they will be better placed to make the decision of whether or not there is sufficient attraction and compatibility between them to progress the relationship,” he adds.

lem for some couples.

CONS:

■ Both parties are usually more relaxed and open.

■ Long-distance relationships can be difficult to maintain.

■ The stresses of daily life can take its toll.

■ Cultural differences can pose a prob-

FRIDAY, AUGUST 27, 2010

PROS ■ Holiday romances are free from everyday stress.

■ Relationships that start on holiday can have the added value of a shared experience. ● For relationship advice, visit www.accord.ie or call 01-505 3112.

CUPID’S WINGS: Sean and Amanda McCabe started talking at Dublin airport and didn’t want to part when she had to return next day to the USA. Picture: Michael O'Rourke.

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10 Medical matters

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Q

MY husband has Parkinson’s disease and a friend has recommended magnesium supplements. Is there a test to check magnesium levels and would it help his condition?

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

A. Magnesium is a mineral that is vital for energy production, muscle contraction, nerve function and maintaining strong bones. Lack of magnesium is rare, the symptoms include muscle cramps, fatigue, loss of appetite, confusion, poor memory, apathy, numbness or tingling and seizures — these are features found in many conditions including Parkinson’s disease.

A person with mild or moderate magnesium deficiency may have no or few symptoms. Some studies have shown high concentrations of aluminium and low levels of magnesium in the brains of people with Parkinson’s disease Lack of magnesium tends to occur in people who abuse alcohol or absorb less magnesium due to malabsorption, malnutrition, low levels of calcium, kidney problems, uncontrolled diabetes, after surgery, severe burns or overactive parathyroid gland.

Unfortunately routine blood testing is of limited value. Many people may have normal blood magnesium levels but have low intracellular levels of magnesium. The body attempts to keep blood magnesium levels relatively stable and will release magnesium from bone and tissues to do this. Tests using NMR spectroscopy measuring the red blood cell magnesium level are more reliable but are expensive and not available routinely.

Conventional medications for Parkinson’s disease can help manage problems with walking, movement and tremor.

The supplement Coenzyme Q10 may be of benefit as people with Parkinson’s disease can have low levels of this. Regular physical activity and exercise even 10-15 minutes a day will maintain muscle strength and mobility. Tai chi or yoga can help improve flexibility and balance. Dietary sources of magnesium include dark green leafy vegetables, bananas, dried apricots, avocados, nuts such as almonds or cashews, brown rice, whole grains, as well as peas and beans.

The recommended daily requirements of magnesium for adult males is 350-400mg — if taking magnesium supplements check this is the dose of elemental magnesium.

BANANA BOOST: Bananas are an excellent source of magnesium, which is vital for energy production, nerve function and maintaining strong bones. Picture: Getty Images

have giardiasis than adults. This parasite is usually transmitted through contaminated water and can survive normal amounts of chlorine used to purify water supplies. It’s known to cause “traveller’s diarrhoea” with symptoms lasting more than 10 days, that begin after return and there is also weight loss. Contaminated food, swimming pools and direct contact with infected people or animals are other sources. Giardiasis affects the body’s ability to absorb fats, so this means the diarrhoea is severe and watery, smells foul, floats and is shiny. Other symptoms include stomach cramps, wind, loss of appetite, sometimes a Q. My eight year old had diarrhoea that low-grade temperature. lasted for three to four weeks after returnDoctors confirm the diagnosis of giardiasis ing from a camping trip. No one else was by taking stool samples, sometimes several affected. We thought it was a touch of samples may be needed before the parasites “gastro”, but when it continued for so long are found. A more sensitive test called the his doctor did some tests and a parasite in- ELISA test can be used also. In most cases, fection — giardiasis — was found. How do treatment with five to seven days of antiparayou get this and does it have any long-term sitic medication will help recovery within a effects? week. Take a dairy-free acidophilus also. If giardiasis isn’t treated, symptoms can last up to A. Children are three times more likely to six week or longer. It’s contagious, so it’s im-

portant to protect the rest of your family. It isn’t unusual for an entire family to have this parasitic infection, with some family members having diarrhoea, crampy abdominal pain and others with few or no symptoms.

Most people recover well with treatment.

Possible complications include lactose intolerance. Occasionally infective gastroenteritis can unmask other conditions, such as coeliac disease or inflammatory bowel disease, so ongoing symptoms should be investigated.

To prevent infection wash raw fruits and vegetables well before you eat them. Instead of drinking water directly from mountain streams boil for at least five minutes, purify using filtration or bring your own water.

Have a strict “hand washing” policy in the house. Encourage your children to wash their hands after every trip to the bathroom and especially before eating.

Always have children wash their hands well after handling animals including aquariums.

An infected family dog or pet, livestock or wild animals may pass the parasite to children and other family members.

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

Q

Catherine Shanahan MUM’S WORLD Feelgood

UEUE jumpers are to me what defecating dogs are to flower-proud gardeners — more maddening than a red rag to a bull. Those who ignore the code when I have stood quietly in line fan an anger few would suspect and none would care to unleash.

There are two types of jumpers: those who breeze by in the phony pretence of not having noticed the orderly row, and those whose brass necks are a buttress to the barbed comments of other irate queuers.

I encountered the first category while queuing in a mobile phone shop. With me was one small girl, reluctantly buggy-bound and ratty for want of a nap. Also in tow was one small boy whose only escape from boredom was the in-shop display where each mobile phone was recklessly twinged and pinged by the stretchable string holding it to the wall.

I stood there for half an hour as sales assistants put a slew of mobile phones through their paces for other less-stressed shoppers searching for the perfect appliance to meet their many needs. I waited grudgingly, because I had to, because that is what people in a queue are supposed to do and, more pressingly, because I needed someone to fix my outmoded phone.

I waited and waited and with each passing minute the in-shop display came closer to calamity, the small girl grew tetchier and tetchier and my forebearance dwindled, withered and died.

Finally, three phone deals closed simultaneously and it was my well-deserved turn to be served, when, out of the blue, and showing more flair for sidestep than Phil Bennett, two ladies of an age who ought to know better waved and smiled at the sales assistant who was clearly unsure what position they

FRIDAY, AUGUST 27, 2010

held in the queue. “Who’s next?” the flustered assistant asked. Flashing well-bleached teeth and a clear belief in their divine right not to stand in line, the deceitful duo pointed towards themselves.

In that moment I understood the madness of the Jet Blue flight attendant Steve Slater who dramatically quit his job when one rude passenger too many blew his final fuse. If I could, I would have shoved the two down a chute to whatever fate awaited them.

Instead, I grabbed the small boy, tightened my grip on the buggy, and sped from the shop, seconds from pulling a Slater.

The anger is still in my system. I wrote about my experience in an effort to purge the rage. Aggression levels per cubic foot are probably higher than the ire of an average Ranger fan. Whoever said the greatest remedy for anger is delay surely never stood in a queue.

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Speaking up

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Arlene Harris hears of one woman’s life-long battle with Tourette syndrome

Breaking the taboo

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AMELA HACKETT is a chatty, youthful looking, grandmother of three. At 60 years of age, she has seen and been through a lot but only began to live life to the full when a few months ago, she revealed a secret that has caused her stress for decades.

For as long as she can remember the Dublin woman has been battling with a condition that was only recently diagnosed as Tourette syndrome (TS).

“Ever since I was a child, I knew that there was something wrong with me, I felt different to everyone else. I could never sit still and was always doing strange things like shrugging my shoulders, jigging about and blinking my eyes — people were always giving me a hard time about it.”

While Pamela sensed she was behaving differently to her friends and family, she didn’t realise there was a name for her illness and spent five decades trying to mask the symptoms which became more apparent when she was under stress.

“It has always been virtually impossible for me to stay still — whether it was facial tics, shrugging, tummy tics or shaking my legs — I was constantly moving in some form or other,” she says. “And the more stressed out I got, the worse I would become.”

Over the years, the mother-of-two (who also suffers from epilepsy) learnt how to mask her symptoms but the constant pressure of trying to conceal her natural instinct left her permanently tired which in turn made her more stressed and so the condition continued.

“People put it down to my nerves, but I knew that it was a way for me to alleviate tension,” she explains. “The more anxious I felt, the worse the tics would be. So I always tried to remain unnoticed by staying as far out of the limelight as possible — the fewer people that were aware of me, the less stress I would feel.

“I worked for years as a secretary, managed to hide the signs really well, but not knowing what was wrong with me on top of trying to hide my tics, was really taking its toll.”

Then 10 years ago, Pamela was listening to a radio programme and heard someone describing the very same symptoms she has endured for a lifetime. She finally had a name for her condition.

“I knew as soon as I heard them talking about TS that it was exactly the same as what I was going through — I had all of the symptoms apart from the swearing (coprolalia) so I was convinced I had found an answer and immediately made an appointment to see a doctor about it.”

“Within minutes of my consultation, the doctor confirmed that I had TS (I was also diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder) — I wish I had found out earlier, but it was such a relief to finally put a name to it and also to get some help dealing with it.”

Pamela was put on an antidepressant which helped to ease the anxiety, which is at the forefront of TS, and was also given advice on how to deal with the symptoms.

“The medication has definitely helped and I also know that I need to have a nap every day to ease the tiredness that comes with the territory,” says Pamela who currently cares for her 90-year mother who has Alzheimers.

But despite having identified her condition,

Feelgood

TICKING ALL THE BOXES: Despite living with Tourette syndrome since childhood, it was only recently Pamela Hackett was diagnosed with the condition.

she only began to open up about it earlier this year.

“When I first discovered I had TS, I was delighted to have some help and finally know how to deal with it,” she says. “But I still wasn’t happy talking about it, as there is a huge stigma attached to it. Any problem relating to mental health seems to terrify people and they want to keep it quiet, so I also kept it hidden for ages, but then I just thought — to hell with it.”

By talking about her condition, Pamela realised she would be breaking a taboo and helping countless other people with TS and other similar illnesses. And tonight she will be featured on an RTÉ programme about the condition.

“The more people talk about things, the easier it is to deal with them,” she says. “Nobody ever talks about mental illness and 50 years ago, people would have been locked up for having a condition like mine.”

“But I do have Tourettes — so what — if I can deal with it, then surely everyone else can.”

Professor James Lucey is the medical director for St Patrick’s University Hospital in Dublin. He diagnosed Pamela’s condition a decade ago and says while TS can be treated, the degree of success lies heavily with the family and friends of the sufferer.

“People with TS can learn how to suppress their tics and keep them hidden until such time when they can be released in privacy,” he explains. “Medication also works well but demystifying the condition is paramount when it comes to alleviating the stress of the sufferer.”

The professor says if the person with TS feels comfortable, they are less likely to be stressed and if their tics can be accepted as part of their make-up, it will be much easier for them to live a normal life.

“Most people will have support from family and close friends but if loved ones can

learn not to react to tics then it will do a lot to diminish stress.”

Prof Lucey also says that breaking down the stigma attached to TS and other mental conditions will help to make life easier for sufferers.

“Tourettes has been stigmatised in comedy broadcasts and people with the condition are being exploited by exposure to ridicule,” he says.

“Society has to take responsibility for the fact that people with mental illness have become a source of entertainment — and this is a great pity.

“But this is born out of ignorance and fear so the most important way of helping people with TS and similar conditions is to talk about it and make it acceptable.”

■ This is me: Me and my tics RTÉ One, tonight at 7.30pm.

■ For information visit: Tourettes Association of Ireland — www.tsai.ie ■ A new play about TS by award-winning Youghal playwright Elizabeth Moynihan entitled TIC will open at the Focus Theatre on August 30. For information visit www.focustheatre.ie or call 087-274 4125.

Brush up on the facts

Well-known people with TS

■ Tourette syndrome (TS) is an inherited neurological condition.

■ Howard Hughes — famously rich eccentric

■ It affects one in every 100 children.

■ Dan Ackroyd — actor

■ The key feature of TS is tics, involuntary and uncontrollable sounds and movements.

■ Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart — composer

■ In most cases TS is also linked with other behaviours such as OCD and ADD.

■ Tim Howard — goalkeeper (pictured)

■ 90% of people with TS do not swear uncontrollably (coprolalia).

■ TS starts in childhood and around half of those affected will carry it on through adulthood.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 27, 2010

■ Dr Samuel Johnson — writer

■ Howie Mandel — comedian ■ Jim Eisenreich — basketball player

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12 Food survey

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Called to the bar C

EREAL bars as snacks offer limited nutritional value but are better than sugary, fatty sweets and most biscuits. The best of them have good fibre content so they generate slow-release energy to sustain us at work and our children at school.

They should have some protein to keep hunger away and decent amounts of whole, relatively unprocessed cereals to fight cholesterol and provide a good blend of soluble and insoluble fibre to keep the

Roz Crowley

Nature Valley Apple Crunch Granola Bar, F2.69 Six bars are packed in pairs which weigh in at 42g. The calorie count is high at 185 calories, with fair 1.7% saturated fats, 0.8% salt. Compact and crunchy, they have a good 53% whole grain rolled oats, fairly high 27.9% sugars which includes 2% honey, dehydrated apple and molasses. Nicely crisp and chunky with a fair 5.7% fibre from the oats. Calorie-wise best to take one from the twin pack at a time.

Score 7.5

gut working efficiently.

The worst bars have too much sugar.

However, when reading labels take into consideration there is often natural sugar in the dried fruit. Watch salt amounts too. Over half a percentage is too much.

The bars we tested had, thankfully, no additives worth mentioning. Prices were also quite even, taking weight into consideration. For those counting calories, remember just one bar could amount to a tenth of our daily allowance.

Flahavans Oaty Flapjacks, F2.89 Six 40g squares have 37% porridge oats and 5% oat flour with 11% chocolate chips. Despite the cane sugar and golden syrup, the result is not over-sweet. There is a slight crunch, a slight chew and the chocolate melts nicely in the mouth. Saturated fats are moderately high at 12.1% and protein at 5.7% decent enough. 0.15% salt is acceptable. Fibre is reasonable at 4.4% and sugars high at 24.7%. 193 calories per bar is high, though these bars are bigger than many we tested. Best to avoid other treats when eating a whole one. A good all rounder as a tempting treat for lunches.

Testers liked this one best.

Harvest Moon Fruit & Fibre Cereal Bars Aldi, F1.59 Six 28.5g bars are light compared to other samples. Soft and sweet, they are quite sugary with the hazelnuts (2%) offering a little relief. Coconut chips add extra bite, but the sweetened banana chips add to the over-sweetness with sugars high at 31%. Fibre is moderate at 5.1%, protein is good at 7.2%. Overall too sweet and not enough bite.

Score: 4.5

Six 45g bars have a heavy texture like fruit cake. The aroma and taste is of cinnamon which is sweet. With a 36% blend of wheat flour and rolled outs, quantities are not specified on the label, but the floury texture dominates. 10% raisins and some apple are a good idea, but there is also a lot of sugar added bringing all sugars to a high 34%. There are added vitamins and quite high salt at 0.5%. Texture is clammy and heavy in the mouth and not preferred by any of the tasters. Labelling is confusing with too many languages.

Score: 4

Alpen Fruit & Nut, F2.18

Sirius Muesli Bars Lidl, F1.79

Five 28g bars are high in puffed rice which, along with whole oats and whole wheat, amount to 36%. The texture is chewy. 4.5% chopped hazlenuts and almonds are barely discernible, but 17% raisins are obvious providing most of the flavour. Skimmed milk powder adds to the nuts and oats to provide a good 7.1% protein, but fibre is low at 2.4%.

Sugars are a high 31.8%. A 109 calorie-count per bar is moderate but the bar is not as satisfying as others.

Eight 25g bars have 3.1% dried cranberries which add to the flavour and provide a nice fruitiness and added nutrients. 18.9% roasted oatflakes, 5.2% wheat flakes, 5.2% spelt flakes, 2.1% barley flakes provide good substance, natural cereal flavours and texture.

There are also lighter 11.3% wheat and rye flakes and cornflakes. While they don’t taste oversweet there is a high 24.2% of sugar, provided mainly by glucose syrup. Vegetable fat brings a total high of saturated fats to 5.8%, but fibre is reasonable at 4.6%. Salt is a fair 0.3% and protein good at 6.4%.

Calories are a low 95.

Score: 6

Score: 6

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Jordans Frusli, F2.39 Six 30g bars are chewy with a decent 25% dried fruit and 33% wholegrain oatflakes. Sugars at 30.2% seem high, but much of this comes from the fruit (strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, raisins) and honey. While there is some glucose syrup, there is also raw cane sugar which is less refined. Some chopped almonds add to the bite. Saturated fats are commendably low at 1.7%, fibre is 4.5%.

There is 5% protein and a moderate 113 calories per bar. Overall, a bar that is not too sweet with fair enough number of wholefoods.

Tasters liked the fruits.

Score: 7

Score: 8

Kellogg’s Elevenses Raisin Bakes, F2.67

Picture: Getty Images

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Weetabix Milk Chocolate Oaty Bars, F1.99 Five 115g bars are high on Toy Story imagery. The bars themselves have a squiggle of tasteless milk chocolate on one surface. Chewy in texture with a little soft crunch from puffed rice, there is also 29% rolled oats. It is a little short on flavour and oversweet, though sugar content is moderate at 13.5%. Fibre is surprisingly high at 26.9%. Saturated fats are 2.1%, and there is good protein at 6.9% from the oats and skimmed milk powder.

Score: 6

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Male health

Know the danger signs

T

HE lifetime risk of being diagnosed with bowel cancer is around one in 25 for men, and yet there is a growth in waiting lists in Ireland for bowel cancer screening colonoscopies. In fact, bowel cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in Ireland, after lung cancer.

Not surprisingly, the Irish Cancer Society is hugely concerned at the continuing growth in the lists of people waiting more than three months to undergo a colonoscopy, the most effective procedure for diagnosing bowel cancer.

According to data provided by hospitals to the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF), which manages public hospital waiting lists, there are now 1,073 people waiting more than three months for a colonoscopy, up 13% since last May. “We know that there is space for every patient waiting to be treated immediately by referring them to the NTPF,” says head of advocacy and communications Kathleen O’Meara. “We don’t know why hospitals are not using the resource that is available to them to clear their backlog. It is important that hospitals, and indeed patients themselves,

BODY SIGNALS: Pain or discomfort in the stomach can often be a warning sign of bowel cancer.

Picture: Getty Images

Deirdre O'Flynn MOSTLY MEN are aware that the NTPF service is available.”

Warning signs for bowel cancer include a change in bowel habits lasting more than a month, bleeding from the back passage, regular feeling of trapped wind or fullness in the stomach area, feeling as though there is something left to pass even after bowel movement, pain or discomfort in stomach area or back passage, weight loss for no apparent reason, ongoing tiredness or weakness.

Risk factors for bowel cancer include age, a family history of bowel cancer, a family history of polyps (abnormal growths of tissue in the lining of the bowel), a diet high in fat and low in fruit, vegetables and fibre, lack of physical activity, obesity, alcohol, and smoking.

“We understand that the NTPF has written letters to patients currently waiting more

than three months to tell them they are entitled to a free colonoscopy. We do not know why patients are not taking up the offers in greater numbers, but the response rate to these letters is surprisingly low, at less that 20%,” said Ms O’Meara.

If you have been waiting for longer than three months, contact the NTPF (LoCall

1890 720 820) to discuss referral for a colonoscopy to a private hospital free of charge. If you are concerned about bowel cancer, call a specialist cancer nurse at the Irish Cancer Society’s National Cancer Helpline on Freefone 1800 200 700 (open Monday to Thursday, 9am — 7pm and Fridays 9am – 5pm) or visit www.cancer.ie

Left holding the baby Fears over failure to while mum goes to work find blackout causes YOU could be left holding 35 years would also like the baby if Irish women this opportunity. get their way. More than Mothers in Dublin were half of Irish women (51%) among the least willing to would split their maternisplit their maternity leave ty leave with their partner (49%) but more than half of if they could, according mothers in Ulster, Conto research by naught, and Munster felt it QUINN-healthcare. was a good option.

Three in five younger Sarah O’Neill, occupawomen (61%) would be tional health adviser with happy to split their maQUINN-healthcare, advises ternity leave with their mothers — and it’s good partner if the option was Picture: Getty Images advice for men also — to available, according to a ensure that you both are survey of 1,000 women commisfully aware of maternity (and pasioned by QUINN-healthcare. Just ternity) entitlements before you under half (49%) of mothers over go on leave.

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TAKE

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STAY WELL: Studies show children come down with bugs more frequently at the start of the school year. Irish natural medicine company Naturalife is recommending three products to help keep your kids safe and well this winter: Udo’s Oil: This Omega 3-6-9 blend contains all the fatty acids to help with concentration in school. Try it blended into smoothies and yoghurt, F25.99 for 500ml.

Echinacea: It has been shown to boost the immune system and reduce colds. Naturalife Kids Echinacea is alcohol free and naturally sweet tasting, F6.97 for 500ml.

Probiotics: To help beat tummy bugs and boost immunity, Naturalife recommend Udo’s Choice Children’s Blend Probiotic, F15.99 for 60 tablets.

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GPs COULD be failing to spot serious underlying health issues which may cause some people to suffer blackouts, a health watchdog said today.

A blackout, most commonly fainting, is a temporary loss of consciousness followed by complete recovery.

The British National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice) has warned that family doctors could be missing serious reasons why people suffer them, such as heart disease or epilepsy.

It called for doctors to treat

all cases as serious unless proven otherwise and to refer to specialists if there are doubts about the cause.

An estimated 50% of people will suffer blackouts at some point in their lives, with most being simple faints.

Reasons for fainting can include standing for a long time, feeling stressed or anxious, failing to eat properly or a sudden unpleasant sight or experience.

However, if there are uncertainties, doctors should offer a number of tests, including an ECG.

with Kate O’Reilly

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INNER CALM: Naturopath Jan de Vries has been using flower essences in his clinics for many years and has developed 12 specific blends including Child Essence which is designed to help a child feel calmer and promote confidence. It includes calming Cherry Plum Pink Cherry to promote feelings of being loved and comforted, Walnut for adjusting to changes, and Vervain to promote relaxation. Child Essence is F4.85 for 30ml from health stores.

DId you know...

Men are four times more likely than women to phone in sick due to work-related stress (Source: Medicash healthcare cash plan provider, Britain)

Back To School Survival

3

FLOWER POWER: The use of flower essences was developed in the 1930s

by Dr Edward Bach.

Kids Rescue Remedy, F8.95 is an alcohol-free version of his most famous combination essence in a kid-safe plastic bottle with dropper, created to help children during times of stress and anxiety. Rescue Pastilles also provide natural stress relief in an alcohol-free gummy lozenge. They come in a handy tin, F7.95, in original orange/elderflower and blackcurrant flavours from chemists and health stores.

See www.rescueremedy.ie for more information.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 27, 2010

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FIRST AID FOR FEELINGS: Combinations for Kids are part of the Indigo Essences range developed in Ireland by homeopath Ann Callaghan. She says one drop in a child’s lunchtime juice can make a difference. The following essences are particularly useful for children at school: Champion: For the child who is afraid of other children and often gets picked on.

Invisible friend: For the child who feels lonely in school and wants someone to be with them all the time.

Settle: Often children respond to stress by getting very jumpy. Settle helps them to feel calm.

Shine: Some children change their behaviour to try and fit in with other children. Shine helps children to know that the best thing you can do is be yourself. www.indigoessences.com

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The news on ...

MOROCCANOIL IF you haven’t tried Moroccanoil and you’ve got frizzy hair to beat the band, then you might want to give it a go. This legendary cult product is excellent for taming the wild bits of your barnet, and the brand has just added to their range of products, with the launch of Moisture Repair Shampoo F18, and Conditioner F19.80.

Enriched with argan oil from, well, Morocco, these products are excellent for helping to rescue holiday-ravaged hair.

For Irish stockists call: 00-44 800 310 1133.

Emily O’Sullivan

With autumn in the air, it’s time to drop the fake tan and consider a paler shade of cool

I

T’S AUGUST and I’m having a winter coat crisis. This might seem a little premature, but in my experience all the good coats go fast. Also, this is Ireland, and despite the fact that we have had a little blip of good weather over the past couple of weeks, autumn seems to hit us quicker than our European neighbours.

The impending change of season is the time to update your beauty look, too. Just like fashion, beauty doesn’t change immediately — you don’t suddenly dump your bronzer, frosted pink lipstick and turquoise nail polish and invest in a whole new set of products — it’s more of a gradual thing. You might start wearing a plum eyeliner with your bronzer, you might start mixing a little lighter foundation with your darker summer one, you might invest in a new lash-lengthening mascara or a sexy eyeliner.

The number one move to make when transitioning to autumn/winter is to bid farewell to fake tan. The new autumn look has a very specific direction when it comes to skin and grubby, patchy fake tans need not apply. A artificial glow may have been useful in summer (after all, no one wants to frolic around with blue-looking legs all the time), but as we move into a new season the bottle of fake tan should be returned to the cupboard.

Beautiful, natural-looking skin is a key direction now — it’s all about fresh, even, flawless complexions, that are delicate looking with a silky rather than a matte edge.

Don’t be afraid to use pressed powder here, but make sure you choose wisely, it’s very important not to make your skin look too set — go for as light and airy a formulation as you can find.

Blush is another big look for autumn/winter (this is the kind of product we just can’t

TAKE THREE KOHL EYELINERS

Seasonal adjustment

get through a winter without), but don’t go for big 1980s shades of fuchsia. While the trend is towards a sculpted look on the face (highlighting the cheekbones as beautifully as possible), the beautiful skin direction means that blush should be light, pretty and very natural. Try Clarins’s new Instant Blush. It’s become an instant make-up bag favourite for us.

Lancôme’s new collection also makes the skin a big focus with their new Rose Deco, a light pretty powder that’s designed to highlight and beautify the complexion with a pretty rosy glow. You can use the darker shades as a blush, too.

The biggest change moving to the new season is, naturally, colour. While summer was awash with light nudes, pretty bronzes and shots of corals, autumn/winter reflects a more sultry direction with shades of khaki, plum, violet, tobacco, denim blue and dark red lips.

Yes, there’s the smokey eye thing going on again (does it ever go away), but it has a more interesting edge this year with black kohl eyeliners blended with the new eyeshadow colours. Or try a different look from the traditional black eyeliner, with shades of black cherry (more wearable than you’d think), silvery-grey and dark autumnal green.

IF you buy one product this season… make it an eyeliner. It’s classic, versatile, sexy and never goes out of fashion.

Chanel Style Yeux Waterproof Long Lasting Eyeliner in Cassis, F20. A plum eyeliner doesn’t sound like something you’d want to own, but this one is really lovely. It has a nice, smooth texture that glides onto the eyes and doesn’t pull or drag the skin. Best of all, it really does last ages, so much so that it can be a little hard to take off. The twist-up application is great too, especially if you’re prone to losing pencil sharpeners.

Clarins Kohl Eye Pencil in Black, F15.50. A good, classic black eyeliner is an essential in most make-up bags, whatever the season, and this is a good straightforward option that gives a precise line and doesn’t smudge. It can drag a little bit, so if you’ve sensitive eyes, go for a softer formulation.

Rimmel Soft Kohl Eye Pencil in Stormy Grey, F4.53. Soft, well priced, easy to use and long-lasting — you don’t have to spend a fortune this season to get an effective eye pencil.

STUFF WE LIKE Lancome Rose Deco, F39. In winter your skin needs a lift and this product is a great way to get it. It’s super-pretty and very flattering. Dust it all over the face with a big brush for a fresh skin glow, or use the darker shades on the cheekbones for a more sculpted look.

Giorgio Armani Eye Palette no 10, F58.50. Expensive, but really very beautiful — this is a cracking collection of shades arranged in a cool little bullseye shape.

These “twilight” hues are really flattering, with pure mauve and ink black in a

Feelgood

satin finish and aubergine purple in a metallic finish. Blend them together for a sexy, sultry look or wear them on their own.

Yves Saint Laurent Teint Radiance, F42. The look for skin for autumn/winter is flawless and velvety and YSL’s new foundation is a good way to nail it. It diffuses light to enhance the skin’s natural beauty and uses a hydrating complex that includes hyaluronic acid to keep the skin fresh and radiant-looking.

Clarins Instant Blush, F22. We included this a cou-

ple of weeks ago, but we like it so much we’re putting it in again. Despite the fact that it’s a garish looking bubblegum pink shade, it is sweet as can be on the face and gives a youthful flush to the cheeks. You really only need to use the tiniest amount, though, so don’t be tempted to put more than a dot on or you’ll get instant Aunt Sally cheeks.

Bobbi Brown Denim & Rose Face Palette, F52. Icy greys, shimmery blues, dusky pinks and fresh rose — this pretty little limited-edition palette is a great product to entirely update your look.

Go for a new-look smokey eye

FRIDAY, AUGUST 27, 2010

with the dark pretty denim shades and perk up your collection with the rose.

No7 Exceptional Definition Mascara, F16.50. A few of the catwalk make-up artists went for a “no mascara” look this season, but it’s not one we’re going to emulate. Instead, make the most of your lashes with this little offering from No7 — it defines, separates and plumps up the lashes effectively.

Estee Lauder Nail Varnish in Blue Dahlia, F17. Yes, there’s a super-hot Chanel shade we have our eye on, but we’re quite taken by this on-trend sexy blue shade.

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Natural health

Q

Megan Sheppard Do you have a question for Megan Sheppard?

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

I RECENTLY went for a gastroscopy and colonoscopy on the advice of my GP. I had been suffering from diarrhoea and constipation on a regular basis since the birth of my second son by c-section almost two years ago. I spoke to the consultant briefly afterwards who said there was some reflux in the stomach and that my bowel was quite twisted. He said the only solution to the problem was to take lots of fibre in the diet. What would you advise and is there any alternative medicine you would recommend?

infection or simply an inappropriate immune system response. Groups of inflammatory cells called granulomas form in the internal organs, particularly the lungs, and symptoms can vary from fever, weight loss, or joint pain.

It is common for the symptoms to disappear of their own accord within two years of developing this condition, which is why many patients who aren’t experiencing pain or discomfort are advised to do nothing.

Unfortunately you are experiencing this severe joint pain as a side effect of the condition, so it makes sense to actively seek relief rather than waiting it out.

Drinking aloe vera gel (40ml twice daily, morning and evening) will help to reduce inflammation in the system.

By far the most important measure that you can take to minimise the joint pain is to reduce your intake of protein-based foods since excess protein aggravates musculoskeletal stiffness.

A. I am surprised your time with the specialist consultant was so brief as a twisted bowel can present as a very serious condition, and certainly warrants some clear information as to how you can alleviate the symptoms and address the root cause.

The actual condition referred to as twisted bowel (volvulus) is typically treated with surgery, so we can assume that while there is twisting in your Q. I was very interested in your bowel, it is not severe enough to cause recent response to a question on great alarm. This is certainly a situation hypothyroidism. You recommended where a colon cleanse is warranted, TCM and Qi gong. Where are since obstruction is typically an issue, these treatments available? Also, is and good overall health begins with a acupuncture a suitable treatment for healthy and clean bowel. the condition?

A fibre-rich diet will certainly help with colon health, in particular I would A. Traditional Chinese Medicine recommend psyllium husks taken each (TCM) — including Qi gong, herbs, morning upon rising and each evening nutrition and acupuncture, is wonderbefore bed. Use 1 tablespoon in a ful for balancing and strengthening 300ml glass of water, increasing or dethe energies of the body, working by creasing the amount of psyllium detreating the ever-changing nature of pending on your symptoms. Psyllium is our bodily systems. wonderful for treating constipation and I thoroughly recommend Dermot diarrhoea, which is why it is ideal for O’Connor, who not only specialises in LIQUID NOURISHMENT: Juicing is a wonderful way to many gastrointestinal conditions.

Medical Qigong therapy, he also utilisdeliver nutrients to a system where the digestive system es acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and Juicing fresh organic fruits and vegetables will also help. Juicing is a won- is compromised. Picture: iStock nutrition in his Haddington Road derful way to deliver nutrients to a syspractice. Dermot can be contacted by www.vitalerbs.com, where 100 capsules cost tem where the digestive system is comprophoning 01-667 2222 or via email: der$9.43 (F7.44). mised. If you are concerned about the lack mot@acupunctureireland.com. of fibre in fresh juices then simply stir some As for recommending acupuncture, I am of the pulp back into the juice — most good Q. I have been diagnosed with sarcoidosure your practitioner will advise as to which juicers will leave a significant amount of fibre sis and have started on steroid treatment. I treatments are appropriate for your specific have severe pains in my joints and do not in the juice. situation. I have seen marvellous results with want to be take painkillers or anti-inflamFinally, you might want to consider a acupuncture with all manner of conditions, matory as well as the steroids. Could you herbal colon cleanse formulation. I like the including thyroid imbalance, so it is likely US Lower Bowel formula by Dr Christopher suggest any alternative treatment to ease acupuncture will at some point play a part in as it contains many herbs which help to sup- these pains? your healing journey. port and nourish the colon rather than just If you are unable to get to Dublin for an working to clean it out. It also contains pure A. Sarcoidosis is one of those conditions appointment with Dermot, then get in herbal ingredients with no fillers or additives. which has medical professionals somewhat touch with Susan O’Toole, (028-28960), Dr Christopher’s formulations can be bought baffled. Often discovered by accident during who is based in west Cork and also practices an unrelated chest X-ray, doctors are unsure from your local health store or online — I and teaches Qi gong along with Chinese as to whether sarcoidosis is the result of an usually purchase it from the US company herbal medicine and acupuncture.

Megan puts the spotlight on: Unlike chemotherapy drugs, which can also be toxic to healthy cells, herbal extracts were found to be deadly to cancer cells rather than normal cells

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T

HE Red Reishi mushroom, (ganoderma lucidum), pictured here, has been studied in the past due to its effect on various types of cancer, but recent research from the Beckman Research Institute in California, indicates that this unusual mushroom may be useful in the treatment of drug-resistant cancers.

Extracts of G. lucidum were tested on three different types of cells: ■ drug-sensitive small-cell lung cancer ■ drug-resistant small-cell lung cancer ■ normal lung cells.

The results showed that G. lucidum lung cancer cells responded to the herb much in the same way as they would react to chemotherapy drugs. Yet, unlike chemotherapy drugs, which can also be toxic to healthy cells, herbal extracts were deadly to cancer cells rather than normal cells, indicating they have some ability to specifically target cancer.

Cancer Fighting Mushroom This mushroom has been called “Mushroom of Immortality” and “God’s Herb” in Chinese medicine for centuries, and is considered to be one of the top herbal remedies used in TCM. It is believed reishi aids in health, youth and beauty — a supplement which we all could benefit from.

Studies on this magical mushroom have uncovered an array of benefits — reducing inflammation, increasing energy levels, regulating the immune system, protecting the liver, and improving the quality of sleep.

The immuno-modulating effects of red reishi is of particular interest in treating cancer. After just 12 weeks of orally ad-

FRIDAY, AUGUST 27, 2010

ministered red reishi extract, immune function was significantly improved.

One of the particularly interesting results is how quickly reishi acts within the body. It is thought that this may be due to the fact that it is a powerful adaptogen, with active substances such as water-soluble polysaccharides and triterpenes helping to rapidly normalise body systems and processes.

Reishi is now becoming widely available. Ask your local herbalist or health store for the whole mushroom to prepare as a tea or grind into capsules, or buy a supplement such as Mikei Red Reishi Essence where you only need to take one capsule daily (available online from www.haeon.com).

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YOUR GIFT

*

Free with the purchase of 2 or more Lanc么me products, 1 to be skincare.

Available at participating Lanc么me pharmacies from the 27th August to 10th September 2010. *One gift per customer, subject to availability or while stocks last. Available at selected Ireland retailers only.

Feelgood

FRIDAY, AUGUST 27, 2010