Feelgood 12-03-2010

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Feelgood Friday, March 12, 2010

In the bag Miriam O’Callaghan and others reflect on the highly successful Fashion Targets Breast Cancer campaign: 8,9,10

QUICK FIX

We road test the new Yantra Mat: 6

THANKS MUM

Ten gifts ideas to bring a smile to her face on Mother’s Day: 5

Picture: Nick Bradshaw

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NATURAL BEAUTY Ageing gracefully is the way to go: 14

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Chickenpox is a common childhood illness, but can pose an extra hazard for at-risk adults, reports Arlene Harris Kate O’Reilly WHAT’S ON ENDOMETRIOSIS DAY: To coincide with World Endometriosis Awareness Week 2010 (March 8 to 14), the Endometriosis Association of Ireland will hold an information afternoon tomorrow in Kerdiffstown House, Johnstown, Naas, from 2 to 5pm. The session will include talks on chronic pain management and nutritional therapy for endometriosis. Partners, friends and family members are welcome. More information at www.endo.ie.

MBS FESTIVAL: The Mind Body Spirit Festival opens today at the RDS Dublin and runs until Sunday with over 150 exhibitors. The full list of free lectures and workshops is on www.mindbodyspirit.ie Admission is F12 (senior citizens F8 and under 12s free.)

TRAILTREKKER 2010: TRAILTREKKER is the Oxfam 100km team challenge across the Mourne Mountains and Cooley Peninsula. On September 4 and 5 teams of four will walk through some of Ireland’s most spectacular terrain in under 36 hours. Register for the event, or find out more at www.oxfamireland.org/trailtrekker BEALTINE FESTIVAL: Bealtaine, Ireland’s festival celebrating creativity in older age, will run for the month of May this year with thousands of events taking place across the country.

Co-coordinated by Age & Opportunity, the festival encourages participation in the arts by older people as artists, performers, event organisers and audience.

Following a debut event on the beaches of Donegal in May 2009, Dawn Chorus is returning to waterfronts all across Ireland this year. The Association of Irish Choirs and Active Retirement Ireland is encouraging choirs to sing on a scenic waterfront in every county at dawn on Sunday, May 30.

To get involved contact The Association of Irish Choirs on 061-234 823 or Active Retirement Ireland, 01- 679 2142.

The hugely successful Blow The Dust Off Your Trumpet , which began in the National Concert Hall, is also taking place in Cork in 2010. Older people are invited to come along with musical instruments they once played and join an orchestra. Contact NCH, Dublin on 01-417 0063 or Cork Arts Office on 021-4924736. See www.bealtaine.com, or call Age & Opportunity on 01-8057709 for more details.

AWARE GROUP: The Mallow Aware Support group meet every Thursday in Le Cheile Family Resource, Fair Street, Mallow at 8pm. Further information from 066-7194713 or www.aware.ie.

Aware’s LoCall Helpline is 1890 303 302.

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

Be alert to dangers

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OST of us have experienced it — the incessant itch, the high temperature and the chalky feel of Calamine lotion. Yes, it’s that time of year again when parents all over the country will be on the lookout for the tell-tale signs of chickenpox.

It’s a common viral infection which predominately affects young children and, while, for the most part, they are well able to fight the illness, it is other members of the population who are most at risk.

Dr Martin Daly, former president of the Irish Medical Organisation, says people should be aware of the hidden dangers of this common childhood illness.

“Most families will have been visited by chickenpox at some stage and in the majority of cases it is mild to moderate,” he says.

“However, it is the ‘at-risk’ members of the population that doctors are most concerned about. People on chemotherapy or immunosuppressive drugs for conditions such as inflammatory arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease, and pregnant women with no primary immunity, are all susceptible to a more severe form of the illness,” he warns.

The Galway-based GP says that mother and child can be affected by chickenpox during pregnancy and if pregnant women MILD RISK: Chickenpox can prove mild in come in contact with the illness, they many cases for children, but there can be should seek medical advice immediately.

“It is possible to test for immunity with a complications. Picture: iStock simple blood test and there are specific

antiviral treatments available.”

Symptoms include: ■ High fever ■ Aches and pains in joints ■ Eruption of an itchy rash of fluid-filled blisters.

It takes about three to four days for the main crop of spots to erupt and the patient will remain infectious for about seven days after the last spot has risen. But Dr Daly says it’s important to treat the condition properly or long-term scarring could occur.

“Scratching the spots can lead to a secondary skin infection and may require additional treatment with an antibiotic,” he says. “It can also lead to scarring of the skin. “In the vast majority of cases, treatment will be on symptomatic relief with paracetamol for the fever and various anti-itching lotions for the rash.”

In countries such as the US there is a vaccination programme for chickenpox, however this is not available in Ireland.

Parents are advised to remain vigilant for their children’s sake and for people around them who may be at risk from the illness.

If you are worried that your child may have developed chickenpox, seek medical advice from your GP. ■ Care ViraSoothe is now available in pharmacies for F7.50 for 50g and F10.99 for 75g.

HEALTH NOTES MEDICAL scans just got a whole lot easier with the arrival this week of Euromedic Cork. Based in the sky-reaching Elysian, the centre is open to public and private patients.

To mark its opening, Euromedic Cork is offering 100 free MRIs and half price utltrasounds and CT scans. However, a GP referral is needed first.

Other services include: MRI, ultrasound X-Ray, DXA (bone density scan used to identify osteoporosis) and mammography.

The Euromedic international group employs 6,000 people throughout Europe, 150 of whom work in Ireland.

VISIT SHY: More than half of Irish people rarely visit their doctor according to a new survey. Picture: iStock

World Leadership Day is a global, grassroots initiative with the aim of changing leadership thinking around the globe. To mark the event in Ireland, personal and business coach Ann Kelly is hosting a not-for-profit seminar entitled New Horizons of Leadership, 7pm to 10pm on Monday March 15 at The Grain Store, Ballymaloe, Shanagarry, Co Cork. All welcome. For more information visit: www.thegrainstoreatballymaloe.com/#/leadership/4537939512

MORE than half of Irish people visit their doctor rarely, according to a new online survey by Aviva Health Insurance. Opting to wait until they were ill, 53% of respondents said they only visit their GP “once they notice the illness symptoms appearing and getting more serious”.

A worrying one-in-five reported that they

“don’t bother much about health”. And less than a third, 29%, said they believed a healthy diet, regular exercise, low stress and regular health checks will keep them in good shape for longer.

The independent research was commissioned by Aviva as part of a Facebook survey into the health of the Irish nation.

ATHLETES may be turning to milk following an increase in the number of research studies to support its sporting benefits.

Until now most research on the benefit of milk to athletes focussed on men. However, a recent study by researchers at McMasters University in Canada has shown that women can also reap the potential benefits of milk in their exercise and training regimes.

The new study investigated whether women consuming skimmed milk versus a sports drinks with an equal number of calories, would gain lean muscle mass and lose fat mass after resistance exercise.

The women consuming the carbohydrate drink gained weight post-training. Lean muscle mass increased in both those groups, but with a greater gain in those drinking milk. Fat mass was decreased after training in the milk drinkers only.

“This study provides further evidence to support how milk, a high quality natural and inexpensive drink, can be a useful part of training and sporting programmes for athletes,” said Dr Catherine Logan, nutrition manager with the National Dairy Council.

Irene Feighan

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

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THE SHAPE I'M IN

PAT SHANNON

Horgan Pharmacy Group

Hopes now on ice PAT Shannon — who competed for Ireland in the men’s skeleton bobsleigh event at last month’s Winter Olympics — had never been hoping for a medal, but he was disappointed not to be one of the top 20 finalists.

“The medal was always a little out of reach. I’ve been doing the sport five years. The top athletes have been involved for 10 to 15 years, which counts for a lot. I finished 25th, so I was a little bit disappointed, but everybody says your first Olym pic Games are the most difficult. You’re full of nerves and excitement, all at the same time,” he says.

With the 2010 Winter Olympics seeing one fatality (Georgian competitor, Nodar Kumaritashvili’s sled slammed into a metal pole), Pat says bobsleighing can be scary.

“You’re lying on what looks like a tea-tray and you’re going down, head first, on the ice. You’re going up to 140km an hour and your chin is about an inch off the ice. It’s a little scary — all you’ve got between you and concrete walls covered in ice is a skin-tight lycra suit. You wear a helmet — that’s all you’ve got to protect you.”

While Ireland’s women’s bobsleigh team were on tenterhooks for days in Vancouver, wondering if they’d be allowed to compete, Pat kept his head down during this period. “I just had to concentrate on what I had to do. I suppose, it gave me a bit of freedom, because it took the media attention off me,” says the 32-year-old Wexford man, who describes his Olympic experience as fantastic.

“I’m really happy about it all. I was so proud to be Irish when I got to the finishing line. My parents and family weren’t able to be there, but to see the Irish flags flying all over the place was wonderful,” says Pat, who’s single and works with his dad in construction — he has been unemployed since last summer, which, he says, facilitated his Olympic training.

What shape are you in?

I’m pretty happy that I’m in good shape. I peaked at the right stage for the games. I normally train six days a week — I take Fridays off. My training is all athletics-based.

Do you have any health concerns?

No, I’m pretty lucky. I get checked out once a year by the doctor — it’s a requirement of the sport. I’ve got no problems at the moment, touch wood.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I drink anything from one to three litres of water a day. I tend to eat a lot of meat, but I vary the type — sometimes steak, other days pork. I like vegetables and I try to get in three pieces of fruit a day. I’m more of a protein-and-vegetable man than a carbohydrate one. I take carbs closer to competition.

What would keep you awake at night?

I do a lot of travelling, which plays havoc with my sleep

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patterns. That’s the only thing that would really have me struggling to sleep.

How did you deal with stress in the run up to the Winter Olympics?

I just said to myself ‘there’s no pressure,’ and relaxed as much as possible. I’ve been doing World Cup competitions for four years and you get used to the nerves. You need to be relaxed to do the sport. I do a bit of meditation. Particularly on the day of a sliding competition, I take my mind off it, just let things happen — I might watch a film, read a book or listen to music.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Michael Johnson — his double success over 200m and 400m was the first for a man in Olympic history. And Carl Lewis, who became only the fourth person to win the same individual event four times. These guys didn’t just have one-off successes. Their achievements spanned years.

When did you last cry?

At my Uncle Martin’s funeral, a few years ago — he passed away from cancer.

What’s your earliest memory?

Cycling for the first time on a bike that was too big for me and holding onto the handlebars, which were above my head. I went for a bit of speed and fell over.

What’s your favourite smell?

I love the smell of coconut candles and soaps.

What would you change about your appearance?

I’m a pretty happy-go-lucky guy. From doing the bobsleighing, I’ve got scars on my shoulders. It’d be nice to get rid of those.

Do you pray?

I do, but not often as I should. I do believe in something out there.

What trait do you least like in others?

Meanness or ignorance. I love to help people and I don’t like when others don’t want to help someone out.

What trait do you least like in yourself?

I’m pretty self-accepting.

What would cheer up your day?

Just getting a text message from a friend always cheers me up.

Helen O’Callaghan

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a y D ! s ’ r e h t Mo

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Weight management clinic at the Bon Secours Hospital Dietary intake and physical activity are the two major lifestyle factors that can be modified to encourage weight maintenance or weight loss.

We have the following available to help you to set personal goals for making healthy lifestyle choices to improve your health and wellbeing.

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Opening times Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm LATE CLINIC TUESDAYS

POSTER BOY: Pat is in good shape but peaked in his fitness when he participated at the Winter Olympics.

Picture: ©INPHO/William Cherry

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FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2010

Contact us to make an appointment on

021 4941930

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A vulnerable journey The entire balance of the relationship between mother and child reverses when she develops Alzheimer’s disease, as David Marlborough knows only too well

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RECENT report by Kings College in London estimates that over 115 million people globally will suffer from dementia by 2050. This is a frightening statistic and a 10% increase on figures released as recently as 2005. However, it’s only when cold statistics meet stark reality and a relative becomes stricken that the nightmare begins.

My mother, Phyllis, an otherwise youthful 70, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in early 2008. There had been inconclusive yet telltale signs before this — confusion, forgetfulness, mixing up dates, etc — but, you think, these could be merely symptoms of the memory loss which ageing often brings. For me there was a kind of gradual dawning which finally cemented when, sometime the previous summer she couldn’t find her way back to her car after visiting her GP. Alzheimer’s gradually depletes the brain cells of the person in question, causing, in addition to the initial memory loss, impaired rationality and bodily functions, confusion and bizarre/inappropriate emotional reactions. Essentially, the body’s nerve centre, little by little, and in disturbing fashion, shuts down.

In Ireland, over 44,000 people, the vast majority of these above the age of 60, are estimated to be currently affected by dementia. Alzheimer’s disease, the most common cause of dementia, accounts for 66% of all cases. While the incidence of the condition increases with age, dementia is not a natural part of ageing and the condition can affect younger people too.

The ubiquity of Alzheimer’s makes the disease no less frightening nor does it dull its impact on the family and friends of the victim. As it “progresses” along its terrible journey it can drive families apart and may even adversely affect the carer’s health. As it takes hold, like some tragic parasite, your loved one’s unique personality disintegrates gradually before your eyes, with you powerless to prevent this.

I now watch my mother who bore and raised her son and daughter fade away to become as vulnerable and dependent as a small child. A woman who once played tennis now recites children’s nursery rhymes. Phyllis’ deeply caring, Christian personality always led her to assist older people with things like bringing them to Church. Now friends and family accompany her.

The entire balance of the relationship between mother and child reverses and roles shift. The former Beirut hostage Brian Keenan recently said that his mother developing Alzheimer’s brought them closer together. An interesting viewpoint but one that contrasts sharply with most other people in this situation — the general consensus being one of an inexorable drifting apart. It’s the ultimate long goodbye.

My father’s own health problems (a heart condition with the strong possibility of a bypass in the near future) means that he, of necessity, can’t be as available to her as he might otherwise be. Indeed, in order to safeguard his health, we have secured a place in a nursing home for Phyllis where she has settled well.

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SNAPSHOTS OF A LIFE: Main picture, David and his mother Phyllis at Brittas Bay, Co Wicklow, last June; above, Phyllis as a young woman in the 1950s and below, David’s Holy Communion Day, spring 1981 with Phyllis, sister Louise and dad Patrick.

I now watch my mother who bore and raised her son and daughter fade away to become as vulnerable and dependent as a small child. A woman who once played tennis now recites children’s nursery rhymes Daily ongoing difficulties include incontinence, rising after only a few hours sleep, unpredictable movements, and going through phases of incessant demands, inappropriate sexual references and in some cases a new-found aggression. As Phyllis was always a placid, gentle person our family has been, thankfully, spared this last problem.

Emotions experienced by family carers include sadness, incomprehension, worry, and isolation alongside helplessness, impatience and frustration. Unfortunately, the formidable challenge of coping with an elderly Alzheimer’s relative is only aggravated in light of the resources available to families which could kindly be described as “patchy”.

The entire process after the initial diagnosis becomes fragmented and seems to be a constant Kafkaesque game of pass the parcel be-

tween the geriatrician, public health nurse, social worker, GP, the limited, but invaluable, support provided by The Alzheimer’s Society and Carer’s Association and the HSE. All along this terrible journey yet another official form of some description will require filling out, further eroding already considerably depleted, patience.

Indeed the perverse situation has developed whereby, in order to secure a permanent place in a public nursing home, the Alzheimer’s sufferer has to be admitted to hospital first. If no acute turn of events brings this about then the relative may be forced to consider bringing their relative to A & E. Scarcely an option any caring family would relish having to consider. The alternative is expensive private healthcare.

As long as they remain in their own home,

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the patient should have a caring and supporting environment with persons familiar to them. They should be encouraged to remain physically and mentally active. Routine light housekeeping tasks as well as hobbies such as knitting, crochet or painting are all worthwhile. Games relating to the use of memory, such as I Spy or Chinese Whispers, may entertain, as well as help stimulate the mind.

It’s an oft-repeated truism that how civilised a society is can be ascertained by how it treats its most vulnerable. The Alzheimer’s patient is one of the most vulnerable people you could possibly meet.

■ For more information visit the website: www.alzheimer.ie

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MOTHER CARE Carol O’Callaghan searches the shops and surfs the internet to find her ten top gift suggestions for mum this Sunday

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BODYMOVES

by Debra Daley details how exercise can help with, and deter, illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes and arthritis, as well as using exercise to make a positive difference to bodyexpanding pregnancy. About F18 from bookshops nationwide.

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Fresh fruit and vegetable juices can help you achieve your five-a-day. The AWT juice machine, by Breville, cuts down on chopping by allowing you to put large fruits in whole. F151, from electrical shops.

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A new range to Tesco is Treaclemoon body scrub, which includes a choice of refreshing ginger, fruity strawberry, and cool vanilla fragrances. F3 each.

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Most women love candles, and the orange blossom from Marks & Spencer brings with it a beautiful fragrance of spring, packaged in a smart presentation box. F13.

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Almond hand-and-body cream, a mango shower gel, and a loofah are packed into a zingy, citrus-printed washbag. Perfect for overnights away from home. F13 at Marks & Spencer.

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Anti-ageing enthusiasts might be interested in Slendertone Face, seen above. Its makers say the device will stimulate facial muscles to make the face look smoother and more toned. See www.slendertone.ie for stockists — F300.

The Breville AWT health grill allows you to cook without adding fat, and helps remove excess fat from meat. As everything is cooked on both sides, simultaneously, it cuts down on cooking time, too — F61, from good electrical shops.

Shelves were cleared in hours when it was announced that Boots No.7 protect and perfect intense beauty serum was clinically proven to repair signs of ageing due to sun damage. Now easier to come by, it’s a nice little boost for tired skin. From F29.

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Enjoy a Mother’s Day cuppa with this floral mug, a teapot-shaped infuser, organic honey and oat biscuits and a packet of Fairtrade tea from M&S, F10.

George Clooney made a sketch, and donated it to decorate this charity mug and tin, which is sold to help combat poverty and aid child protection.

Details from www.whateverittakes.org — F12.

■ SEE ALSO KATE O’REILLY’S TIPS ON PAGE 13 ■ FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2010

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The Yantra Mat is the latest stress reduction product to hit the market.

Tanya Sweeney puts it to the test

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IKE Jordan, cellulite and Twitter, stress is an ever-present and inescapable part of modern living. In small doses, stress can be quite manageable, even handy — it helps put a fire under our feet, enabling us to get things done. But life is moving along at breakneck speed, and we don’t get much of a breather between one stressful period and the next.

Between financial worries, a slew of deadlines, a hectic social life and everything else that comes with a busy lifestyle, I’m certainly feeling the crunch. In fact, I can’t recall the last time I had a truly stress-free day. The physical symptoms of stress are fast catching up with me: sleepless nights, a fuse that’s shorter than Kylie Minogue, a smattering of tell-tale spots.

We’ve been advised to do a lot of strange things in the quest of a stress-free life: drink certain teas, use reiki, or even talk to ourselves in the mirror. But the latest bizarre weapon in the battle against stress — a mat not dissimilar to a bed of nails — takes some beating.

The Yantra Mat is made with 210 spiked flowers, and on first impression, looks like no-one’s version of a comfortable experience.

Yet it works on the principle of acupressure and Chinese medicine. According to the laws of acupressure, you essentially kick-start your body’s natural curative abilities by providing pressure on the back at over 8,800 points.

“When acupressure points are stimulated, the muscles relax and oxygen flows better around the system,” explains stress management consultant Sarah Bird. “Because of that, you get a sense of wellbeing. It helps to energise the body.”

At the recent Yantra Mat’s launch in Dublin its PR women are suitably effusive.

“I’ve never slept better,” exclaims one. “I lay on it facing down recently, and my stomach upset was gone within 20 minutes,” quips another.

In Sweden, where the Yantra Mat is already popular, 96% of users also experienced positive benefits — 41% of those surveyed experienced better sleep, 45% noted an improvement in their wellbeing.

But is this just PR piffle, or are these Yantra Mat users onto something? Time to find out.

At first, the mat is hard to touch — the flower-shaped spikes almost graze my hand when I pick it up (stress level on a scale of one to 10... about a gazillion). Yet once I put it on the floor my body weight is distributed onto it, it feels peculiarly manageable. Not exactly comfortable, but not as painful as I thought it might be.

After 20 minutes, I’m certainly feeling much less stressed. In fact, I can feel an odd, energising sensation rippling through my back and limbs. But, I wonder, does relaxation happen simply because you’re taking time out of your schedule to do nothing?

“Taking 20 minutes out of the day for

PLACE MAT: Tanya Sweeney using the Yantra Mat, an acupressure mat which is believed to relieve aches and pains, stress, low energy and to help with sleeping more comfortably. Picture: Maura Hickey

When you’re FLAT OUT

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yourself is a great thing,” says Bird. “But you’ll find that if you simply lie on the floor without it, you’ll notice a difference.”

The next day, I decide to try the mat again while lying on the sofa watching America’s Next Top Model. After accidentally drifting off to sleep for 30 minutes, I wake to find Tyra slaying the dreams of another young hopeful. But rather than be groggy and grumpy, as is my normal fate after a daytime nap, I am alert and refreshed. I sit down to write an article that I’ve been putting off for days, and am pleasantly surprised to find that I’m focused and sharp.

After a week of using the mat, the deadlines, dinner invites and to-do lists are still coming in thick and fast. However, I’ve noticed one small change — I am sleeping better. Previously, I had been suffering a 4am showdown with the bedside clock, but now I am sleeping right through the night.

I’m still experiencing moments of stress and

panic — the mat hasn’t been able to turn me into a serene yogi just yet — but I look forward to the simple act of taking time out to do nothing but lie still and breathe.

“People are stressed about family, relationships and losing their jobs, and they’ve lost confidence in their abilities,” says Bird.

“Some stress happens when we feel hopeless and helpless. When you’re overwhelmed your stress response kicks in. When this happens the brain releases the hormones cortisol and adrenaline. But when we’re constantly under stress we’re releasing cortisol all the time, and it can damage the immune system, making us weakened.”

All this means that stress can manifest itself in many physical forms. It can raise blood pressure, suppress the immune system, increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, contribute to infertility, and speed up the ageing process. Long-term stress can even rewire the brain, leaving us more vulnerable

to anxiety and depression. Cortisol is also stored in the abdomen and turns to sugar, which explains why many stressed people carry the telltale roll of fat around their middle.

“The first thing to look out for is disturbed sleep patterns,” advises Bird. “You also start to get tension in your neck and get regular headaches. In more extreme cases you start to get stomach problems.

“You’d be surprised how many people forget to breathe when they’re stressed,” smiles Sarah. “You need to stop in the middle of your routine and do it regularly throughout the day. Drinking lots of water too keeps your brain hydrated and in good working order.”

■ The Yantra Mat is available from leading health stores, pharmacies and sporting outlets for F49.90. See www.yantra.ie for more information.

Help yourself to some relaxation time ■ Proteins maintain and strengthen the body’s muscles, and this goes a long way towards fighting stress. Take 3,000mg of vitamin C per day to help maintain a healthy nervous system while under stress. B-vitamin supplements can also strengthen your nervous system whether you’re already depleted by stress or storing up for an onslaught of stressful circumstances.

■ Sex releases endorphins (the brain’s feelgood hormone) and the chemical oxytocin, which creates a feeling of wellbeing.

■ Exercise also creates an endorphin rush, allowing our body to externalise and release frustrations by calming the nervous system.

■ A wind-down bottle of wine sounds great in theory, but it places the body under even more stress afterwards.

The liver and nervous system are under attack as alcohol depletes Vitamin B in the body.

■ Aromatherapy oils like lavender, lemon, rose and peppermint are known for their calming properties.

Put a few drops on a tissue and inhale or add some drops to boiling

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water to scent a room.

■ Certain herbs are lauded for their relaxing properties, among them valerian, kava kava and ginseng. These are available from health food shops nationwide.

■ Herbal teas such as green tea and chamomile tea are loaded with antioxidants, which combat the effects of environmental stress like pollution.

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When your children behave destructively, you must be firm and insist they take responsibility for their own actions

A time for tough love parent can respond by saying: ‘I’m glad to hear, now, about where you are in all of this, but I need for you to first take responsibility for the aggressive manner of your response and to pay for all of the things you broke.’

Differences arise in all relationships, but how these are handled is critical to a family’s well-being. Even if this was one of the first ‘nos’ the young person has encountered, his violent response was about getting his own way — it was not due to being spoilt. Unless the young person is confronted with responsibility for his own reactions, then his progress toward maturity is blocked. Parents need to ensure the young person is not allowed to slide out of the responsibilities arising from his/her outburst.

Children and teenagers are members of a family and live under the same roof. There HEN a child or teenager are responsibilities that go with these circumgoes on the rampage in response to a ‘no’ from a par- stances, and the earlier that children are give ent, what is the parent to do? A clip around their responsibilities, the better. If parents the ear would only be fighting fire with fire, want to have a mature and responsible 15 and would not be a good example of a ma- year old, then they need to have started with the 15 day old. As children get older, the ture way of managing conflict.

The best response to a child attempting to age-related responsibilities need to be laid firmly at their door. When young people are gain control through destructive behaviour not co-operating, it needs to be quickly chalis for the parent, in a safe way, to hold the child firmly, preventing further intimidating lenged — not 10 or 20 years later — so that behaviour. When it is a teenager, the parent any blocks to the mutual co-operation that is critical to effective famishould keep a safe distance, maintain strong ly functioning are reeye contact, and request firmly that (s)he immediately desists from the threatening be- solved.

Examples of the rehaviour. If the teenager continues, then, the parent should ring the police. This response sponsibilities of children and teenagers are: tidyis both a kindness to self and to the son or ing away their toys, daughter.

Once the dust has settled, resolution is re- tidying their room, goquired. Separateness, which is critical to res- ing to school, household chores, taking due care olution, has three aspects: of their clothes and be1. The young person is not his or her longings, responding to difficult behaviour. reasonable requests, be2. The young person’s trail of destruction ing kind to parents and is about him or her. other members of the 3. The parent’s response is about the parfamily, learning from ent. mistakes, doing their The maintenance of the relationship is school homework, beparamount when a parent is responding to ing home at an agreed children’s or teenagers’ challenging behaviour. No behaviour justifies breaking the hour, attending the relationship, to do so is more troubling than weekly family meeting.

It is a separate issue when the parent, on the young person’s challenging behaviour. examining his or her own behaviour, discovA child (or adult) is not his troubling beers that ‘I have spoilt my son and neglected haviour, and so, in maturely responding to this behaviour, parents must do their best to myself in being over there for him and under there for myself.’ The parent has the responsistay connected with their son or daughter, and be clear about him/her taking responsi- bility to correct this serious imbalance, and take the necessary actions to be there for self bility for their threatening behaviour. The message is ‘I love you, but I will not tolerate and create the opportunities for her son or being threatened and I need for you to take daughter to be responsible for his or her self and actions. Strong boundaries around these responsibility for the outrageous outburst’. responsibilities are crucial.

Often the enmeshment of the teenager’s Parents are certainly responsible to their behaviour with the parent’s response makes children and teenagers, in terms of bringing it impossible for true resolution to emerge.

For example, when a parent blames herself them from a place of total dependence to utter independence. However, parents are not — ‘I’ve totally spoilt him’ — she deprives the young person of taking responsibility for responsible for their children, but they do his own actions. The parent loses the oppor- have a responsibility for their own selves and all feelings, thoughts, words and actions. In tunity to get to know the son or daughter by inquiring — when the timing is right — homes where such responsibility operates, it is not a case of parents saying ‘do as I say’, ‘how was it that you responded in such a destructive way to my ‘no’ to your request?’ but a clear situation of ‘do as I do’.

The young person may respond ‘but you always give me what I want’ or ‘I’m embarClinical psychologist Dr Tony Humphreys will speak on the inner story of suicide on Tuesday, March 16, at North Prerassed about telling my friends I won’t be sentation Secondary School, Cork at 7.30pm. His book able to go to the disco’, or whatever. The Myself, My Partner, is currently available.

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FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2010

A DIFFERENT VIEW ON LIFESTYLE

Your guide to fitness, health, happiness and lifestyle.

Great writers and mentors. Where you come first.

Every Friday.

For a different view

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8 ALMOST 3,000 new cases of breast cancer were diagnosed in Ireland in 2008, confirming that one in ten Irish women are likely to develop the disease at some stage in their lifetime.

We need to be reminded of these shocking statistics because although much of the population has been affected by the recession and feels powerless to bring about change, this is an area of life where being proactive can bring about real change.

Supporting the Fashion Targets Breast Campaign is a way in which every one of us can help to raise awareness about breast cancer and reduce the numbers of women affected by it.

The campaign was launched by Elle McPherson in 2005 and since then many well-known celebrities, at home and abroad, have supported it and in the process helped raise F700,000 for breast cancer research, highlight the need for early detection and remove any stigma attached to the disease by linking it to the glamorous world of fashion.

Wearing t-shirts, carrying bags (and in some cases doing both) some of our bestknown personalities have taken time out from their busy lives to support this worthy cause.

ARLENE HARRIS caught

up with key people who have taken part over the past five years.

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ALL FOR THE CAUSE 2010

MODEL QUOTE

Miriam O’Callaghan

Supermodel, Erin

O’Connor was keen to

B

ROADCASTER Miriam O’Callaghan is no stranger to charitable causes, and, despite her busy life, readily agreed to model the 2010 FTBC bag designed by Tory Burch (F45).

“FTBC is an extremely important campaign, because it’s an eye-catching, attractive, high-profile way of getting women to think about their health and their bodies,” says Miriam.

“We all live very busy lives these days, between work and family commitments, and the very last thing we usually think about is our own health,” says the mother of eight. “So, this campaign is a way of making people more aware, and, as we all know, early detection in cancer diagnosis can often make the difference in the final outcome.”

The 50-year-old presenter has first-hand knowledge of the devastation illness can cause within a family. “I have no personal experience of breast cancer in my immediate family, but I know plenty of friends and work colleagues who have gone through this traumatic experience,” she says.

“On a personal note, my darling sister, Anne, died aged 33 from stomach cancer and it makes you very conscious of the disease and the importance of early detection,” she says.

And, through her work, Miriam has met many women who have been affected by cancer.

“I have fronted the ICS Breast Awareness Campaigns on many occasions, so I was fortunate enough to meet many wonderful survivors of breast cancer,” she says. “I was always so impressed by their courage and good humour in the face of great adversity.”

Why should people support the campaign? “I realise it’s a difficult time, financially, for many people in Ireland, so I wouldn’t suggest that they go out and buy a bag, unless they can truly afford it,” she says.

“Getting together with friends, chatting, and having coffee mornings to spread the word and make other people more aware of breast cancer would be just as useful.”

2009 Ray D’Arcy

B

REAST CANCER is predominantly a female condition, but a small percentage of men (1% in Ireland) also suffer from the disease, so when we asked broadcaster Ray D’Arcy to take part in the campaign last year he had no hesitation.

“Both of my grannies’s died from cancer. it is a terrible, unforgiving disease that touches all of us in some way or other,” he says. “But breast cancer is not an exclusively female problem, men can be affected too, either by contracting the disease or by losing a loved one — it is something that af-

launch the 2007 FTBC campaign as she had been personally affected by the disease. “My grandmother unfortunately passed away from breast cancer,” she said.

“I was small when she died, but the death affected everyone in the family in a way that we still think about what she went through. And, actually, rather sadly because what wasn’t available at the time.

“She was just 53, but I think we have taken Picture:Nick Bradshaw/ fotonic

fects us all.” During the 2009 campaign, the 45-year-old presenter modelled the men’s FTBC t-shirt and also sportingly agreed to be photographed wearing the FTBC Paul Smith tote bag.

“It was a small thing to do if it was going to make people sit up and take notice,” he says. “I recently joined hundreds of others in having my head shaved for the Today FM Shave or Dye campaign which we are currently running in aid of the Irish Cancer Society.”

“This was quite a poignant exercise as we spoke to so many people who had lost loved ones to cancer and there were so many of us healthy people running around with bald heads — it highlighted the fact that shaving our hair off was a small price to pay and we’ve raised F500,000 so far.”

With a three-year-old daughter of his own, Ray is keen to promote healthy living and body awareness. “We have become an unhealthy nation and something needs to be done about that,” he says.

positive action as a result of something so tragic and we are all aware of what we need to do to maintain a positive lifestyle.”

“When I was growing up exercise was a given and people seemed to lead healthier lives. We need to instil some sort of health consciousness into our children.

“Early detection is the key and making people aware is crucial.”

Why should people support the campaign? “It’s a win/win situation,” he says. “If you buy the bag you get a designer item for a reasonable price while helping to raise awareness and funds for a good cause. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter — all you need to ask is where did you get the Picture:Mac Innes Photography bag and you’re away.”

FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2010

2008 Lorraine Keane

T

V PERSONALITY Lorraine Keane has been involved in every FTBC campaign since it launched in Ireland, in 2005. As one of six sisters, she says breast cancer is a very real threat to women.

“I’m very much a woman’s woman and am surrounded by females who are very important to me,” she says. “From my mother and my sisters to my daughters, my friends and my relatives — any one of them could be affected.

“So, I would shout it from the rooftops, if I could — prevention is better than cure. We all need to do what we can to prevent this desperate disease.”

The 36-year-old is not taking any chances when it comes to her own health — breast awareness has become part of her regular routine.

“Since I became a mum, I worry about my health a lot more,” she says. “Every night, I pray to let me live as long as possible, so I can see my girls grow up — not being around for them doesn’t bear thinking about.

“Ronan Keating told me that if his mum had been screened for breast cancer earlier, she would probably not have died so young (she was 51). And he and his family are working tirelessly to ensure that other women don’t suffer the same fate,” she says.

The mother-of-two has been involved in many FTBC campaigns and still has all of the products relating to the cause.

“I still have all of my FTBC t-shirts and bags — I can’t bring myself to get rid of them. Because whenever I get the opportunity to use them, it’s reinforcing the issue of breast cancer,” she says.

Lorraine says women can, and should, be helping each other to fight this disease.

“Women are incredible creatures — we are always looking after everyone else, so it is about time that we looked after each other.

“Talking about breast cancer, and supporting the cause, will help thousands of women going through treatment right now, and even if just one woman makes the decision to visit her doctor and catches the cancer early, then it is all been worthwhile.”

Why should people support the campaign? “Buy the bag, if you can afford it, and, if not, set a date with your friends and organise a coffee morning or make-up night, and get everyone to donate a couple of euro — you’ll have fun and will raise money for a great cause,” she says.

Picture:Mac Innes Photography

PAGE 10: ■ 2007: Amy Huberman ■ 2006: Blaithnaid Ní Chofaigh

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RAISING AWARENESS

2007

Amy Huberman

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HEN actress and novelist Amy Huberman was asked to take part in the 2007 FTBC campaign, she jumped at the chance.

“I had no hesitation in taking part, as it was a great opportunity to raise awareness for such a worthy cause,” she says.

“But the day of the shoot was fantastic also — there was a really good vibe and a great sense of support between all of the women involved. It was like a feeling of solidarity to be doing something worthwhile as a group. We also had a great laugh,” she says. And I still have the t-shirt, although it is so old now, I wear it as pyjamas.”

Despite the fun on the day, the 30-year-old said her involvement with FTBC has highlighted the need to be breast-aware and not leave health to chance.

“Like many women of my age, I had not really paid much attention to breast cancer, thinking it wasn’t something to worry about until I got older. I thought I was invincible.”

But after taking part in FTBC, I realised it can affect women of any age, and circumstances, such as being on the Pill or having breast cancer in the family can make you more susceptible.”

The Dublin actress is grateful to have had no personal experience of the disease, but says that prevention is always better than cure.

“I make sure to do regular breast checks and know what feels right for me,” she says. “If I was worried about anything, I wouldn’t hesitate to go and get medical advice.

“We need to face the fear when it comes to these things, chances are everything will be fine, but ignoring it definitely won’t make it go away,” she says.

Why should people support the campaign? “FTBC is a very clever campaign, because of the correlation between wearing gorgeous t-shirts and bags, and advertising the need to be more aware about breast cancer,” she says.

“Everyone who buys FTBC products will be supporting the cause, and reinforcing the message that breast cancer is not something to be embarrassed about. So buy the bag, get talking and get yourself checked out.”

Picture: Barry McCall

Feelgood

■ For more information about breast cancer visit www.cancer.ie

MODEL QUOTE

2006

THE internationally renowned supermodel Elle MacPherson launched the campaign in 2005 and was quick to highlight that breast cancer can target anyone and encouraged people to buy the t-shirt and support the cause.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re old or young, rich or poor, fat or skinny — breast cancer is something that could affect you, your mum or your sister,” said the 45-year-old during the original campaign.

the facts about FTBC ■ Fashion Targets Breast Cancer was launched in Ireland in 2005 ■ To date the campaign has raised F700,000 for breast cancer ■ Funds raised have gone towards raising awareness about breast cancer and producing free information leaflets for women ■ The campaign product featured exclusive T-shirts from 2005-2007 ■ Diane Von Furstenburg and Orla Kiely designed FTBC bags in 2008 ■ Paul Smith designed a bag and t-shirt in 2009 ■ The 2010 FTBC bag was created by American designer Tory Burch. It costs F45 and will be available in Brown Thomas Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway and BT2 Grafton Street, Dundrum and Blanchardstown Shopping Center from Friday March 19.

FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2010

Picture: Barry McCall

Blaithnaid Ní Chofaigh

T

V PRESENTER Blaithnaid Ní Chofaigh was involved with FTBC in 2006, and has a personal interest in raising awareness about breast cancer. Her grandmother died from the disease and her older sister has just endured a gruelling battle with breast cancer.

“My sister is only 42 and I never thought I would be sitting with her in St Vincent’s hospital, while she went through weeks of treatment,” she says. “I used to think that breast cancer only affected older women, but this, truly, is a myth that needs to be addressed.”

The 39-year-old believes children should be made aware of their bodies from a young age and should know what to look for.

“The Irish Cancer Society (ICS) have always run really good campaigns and FTBC has been a phenomenal success, but I think it would be a great idea to get young women who have been affected by the disease to visit secondary schools and talk to teenagers about the need to be breast aware,” she says.

The death of her grandmother, and, more recently, her sister’s lumpectomy, have made Blaithnaid very aware of the dangers of breast cancer.

“My father told us when we were younger that breast cancer is hereditary and advised us to have regular check-ups, so, since my early 30s, I have been having a mammogram every year,” she says.

“Early detection is absolutely crucial and can mean the difference between life and death, so an annual check-up could make all the difference.”

Why should people support the campaign? “There are thousands of worthy causes out there and we can’t help everyone. But if you only gave your time to three charities this year, make FTBC one of them. We are all affected in some way or other and being breast aware could save your life.”

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Understanding the building blocks of the body, PART 2: FATS HOME COMFORTS THE book Great British Food, newly published by chefs at London’s Canteen restaurant is doing what many Irish restaurateurs and food producers have been doing for the last 20 years — bringing back a sense of pride in national cuisine.

This is comfort food which at the same time manages not to be stodgy.

For Patrick’s Day I like the idea of their eggs florentine, pictured, which introduces some green to the start of our national day.

A recipe for piccalilli uses seasonal cauliflower with green beans, red pepper, onion and some spices and mustard seeds to flavour them.

There is a good recipe for parsley sauce, which is delicious with bacon and cabbage, and their carrot cake has healthy walnuts and sunflower oil as well as plenty of grated carrot. In hardback on textured paper, the photographs are enticing.

Fair value from Ebury Press, F21.

Roz Crowley

W

HILE we don’t need a lot of them, we require fats to help in the construction of cells, particularly nerve tissue, to keep red blood cells healthy and move them around the body.

For those who exercise to extremes, fats that come from plant sources can help the immune system and even raise the metabolic rate.

Omega fatty acids found in oily fish are essential for: ■ good brain function ■ learning ■ mood regulation ■ dealing with cholesterol.

As vitamins A, D, E and K are fat soluble only, we need fats to process their benefits. We need just 10g of fat per day to do all this, but the bad news is that a mere 12g of butter or a 30g lamb chop (including the fat) will deliver that in one sitting. However, we don’t have to cut them out completely and pure butter is preferable to some margarines which contain hydrogenated fats.

With the winter we have just had, some of us were glad to have a little padding to keep us warm, but fats contain the highest number of calories per gram of the three food groups, doubling the amount found in carbohydrates.

If our visible fat is echoed in our organs we are in trouble.

Biopsies done of the livers and hearts of obese patients showing fatty deposits are disturbing.

But not all fats are bad.

The healthiest source is from plants in the form of oils such as olive and sunflower seed, and from seeds and nuts. The fat content of some nuts is higher per gram than of fatty meat, so we are back to the old chestnut of balance.

Olive oil is a fat, oily fish is fatty and both are excellent for health. However, while high in fat, they also bring to the table omega oils which are heart protective as long as they are also not used in excess. No matter how good for us, we still have to watch quantities.

WE MUST: Cut visible fat off meat before eating, including from ham, rashers, steak, lamb.

There is also invisible fat in meat which is why we shouldn’t eat even lean meat in large quantities.

Keep pork products to a minimum and watch the content of the Irish breakfast choosing either sausage, black pudding or rashers, not all three.

Eat stewed apple with pork dishes to help digest the hidden fat and have chutney and pickled gherkin style products on the

Feelgood

GOING GREEN

EXERCISE CAUTION side. Horseradish sauce, if not too creamy or processed, helps to digest beef.

■ Eat fish twice a week and the oilier the better — mackerel, canned or fresh sardines, fresh tuna and swordfish, herrings, fresh salmon, but any fish has good oils.

■ Eat hemp, flax, sunflower, pumpkin and sesame seeds, soybeans, walnuts, seaweed, wild birds, venison, chicken, eggs, which all have different types of beneficial oily fats.

Eat a tablespoon of seeds a day in salads, added to soups and as snacks. Use a tablespoon of olive oil a day on bread and to finish soups and vegetables to gain the best benefit from them. We lose out when we cook it.

■ Cut down (not out) on butter, replacing with olive oil which has added benefits. Cut down on cream and save as a treat.

■ Save biscuits, cakes, creamy-filled chocolates for monthly treats. Replace with a small amount of dark chocolate, which can help lower blood pressure, boost brain power and lift depression.

■ Read labels and avoid foods that

are high in saturated fats and hydrogenated fats.

WE MUST NOT: Deep fry foods and if we do, we must not overheat or re-use the oil. Keep deep frying as a treat and throw out the oil afterwards. It may not be economical, but worth it when we save on the health problems caused by the toxic chemicals created when oil changes its chemical composition with heat and re-use. This is another key to obesity and continuing research on what goes on in the body when it has to process already highly processed food is likely to deliver further confirmation that fresh food is best.

■ Eat too many saturated fats. These are the ones to avoid and are found in many commercially produced convenience foods.

■ Eat fried foods, crisp or burnt fat, hydrogenated fats or trans fats which are found in commercial cooking oil used in deep fat fryers as they last longer than healthier oils. Stir fry instead using a little water with olive oil to part steam the food.

FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2010

ST PATRICK’S DAY is a good excuse to eat green foods. Start the day with the Eggs Florentine, above, using a bed of spinach under a poached egg on a toasted muffin.

Follow for lunch with a pea soup. This is easy to make by slowly cooking a chopped onion in butter or olive oil with a chopped potato, then adding frozen peas and some good chicken or vegetable stock and bringing to the boil. Add a splash of milk and liquidise or mash. Serve topped with toasted golden linseeds and a blob of yoghurt.

Later in the day, after the parade and a brisk walk, make a quick sauce for pasta by liquidising green olives with olive oil and adding some parmesan cheese in whatever proportion you fancy.

Try 200g olives to 200ml olive oil, 40g parmesan and a half clove of garlic. Heat gently before adding the cooked pasta to the saucepan. Finish with more parmesan.

Purslane, also known as pigweed, looks a bit like shamrock and is delicious as a salad on its own or mixed with other leaves. It can also be blanched and returned to the saucepan with olive oil for an easy sauce for pasta rice or added to stock to make a green soup.

To keep fat content low, change the proportions of meat to cabbage on the traditional bacon and cabbage plate. Use iron-rich curly kale as an alternative to cabbage, though cabbage has huge health benefits too. Cook in a little water in a saucepan with the lid on or use a steamer, or cook in the bacon water.

To catch up on vitamin C in this tough weather, we can be forgiven for importing fruit and it’s hard to beat kiwis for versatility. They also help to digest fats, so a good idea to eat after bacon and cabbage. Liquidise with a passion fruit and use as a sauce for a warm sponge or as a dip for shortbread biscuits.

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Dr Niamh Houston

FAMILY

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Dr Niamh Houston is a GP with a special interest in integrative medicine. If you have a question about your child’s health email it to feelgood@examiner.ie or send a letter to Feelgood Irish Examiner City Quarter Lapps Quay Cork

I’M very concerned about my nephew who seems to be withdrawn and not his usual self. I’ve discovered recently that he smokes ‘pot’ regularly.

He says he’s not addicted and that he uses it now and again just to help him relax.

Are there any long-term health effects from using cannabis?

A. Many people, especially teenagers, see cannabis as a harmless substance that helps you relax and “chill” not like alcohol and cigarettes that are bad for your health. Yet there is growing evidence to show that teenagers and young adults who use cannabis long term are more likely to have hallucinations, delusions or signs of psychosis than short-term users, or people who’ve never smoked marijuana.

Regular use of this drug can double the risk of developing a psychotic episode or long-term schizophrenia. Over the past few years research strongly suggests there is a clear link between early cannabis use and later mental health problems, especially in those with a genetic vulnerability. Also, adolescents who use cannabis daily are five times more likely to develop depression and anxiety in later life.

Around one in 10 cannabis users has unpleasant experiences, including confusion, anxiety and paranoia. These feelings are usually only temporary, but the effect can be more long-lasting than users realise.

Cannabis can interfere with a person’s capacity to concentrate, their short-term memory and reduce motivation. Users are more than twice as likely to be the cause of a fatal car crash.

The brain is still developing in the teenage years up to the early 20s. Any substance that affects neurological development has the potential to lead to long-term psychological effects. Cannabis has some of the features of addictive drugs such as tolerance (having to take more to get the same effect), withdrawal symptoms including craving, sleep problems, aggression, irritability, poor appetite and restlessness. Skunk (stronger type of cannabis) may be used as a substitute for ecstasy or LSD. There are about 400 chemical compounds in an average cannabis plant, the main psycho-active compounds rapidly enter the blood-stream and are transported directly to the brain and other parts of the body. These compounds tend to build up in fatty tissues throughout the body, so it takes a long time to be excreted in the urine. This is why cannabis can be detected in urine up to 56 days after it has last been used.

Cannabis is classified as a Schedule 1 drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act. ■ www.talktofrank.com is an excellent website ■ Also www.drugs.ie, www.addictionireland.ie

Picture: GettyImages

Any substance that affects neurological development has the potential to lead to long-term psychological effects Q. Is sex during pregnancy safe or not?

After a long time trying, I’m pregnant, and don’t want to do anything that will put the baby at risk. Can sex during pregnancy cause a miscarriage?

A. As long as your pregnancy is proceeding normally you can have sex as often as you like. Some women find that during the first trimester hormonal changes, fatigue and nausea can sap the desire for sex. During the second trimester, increased blood flow to your sexual organs and breasts can help rekindle your enthusiasm for sex. By the third trimester, weight gain, back pain and other symptoms once again can dampen the desire. There’s more to sex than intercourse — if you don’t want to have sex or it is difficult, try cuddling, kissing or massage. It is a common concern that sex during pregnancy can cause a miscarriage, especially in the first trimester. Early miscarriages are usually related to chromosomal abnormalities or other problems in the developing baby. Sex isn’t a concern as your baby is protected by amniotic fluid in your uterus, as well as a plug of mucous that

blocks the cervix during pregnancy.

As long as you’re comfortable, most sexual positions do not pose a threat during pregnancy. But if you receive oral sex, make sure your partner doesn’t blow air into your vagina. There is a small risk that a burst of air may block a blood vessel (air embolism), which could potentially be a life-threatening condition for you and your baby. Generally, anal sex isn’t recommended during pregnancy, it may allow infection-causing bacteria to spread from the rectum to the vagina.

You would be advised to avoid sex during pregnancy if you’re at risk of pre-term labour, have unexplained vaginal bleeding, are leaking amniotic fluid, have placentia previa (the placenta partly or completely covers your cervix) or if your cervix begins to open prematurely (cervical incompetence).

After birth, whether vaginally or by caesarian section, allow your body to heal.

Wait four to six weeks before resuming intercourse. This allows time for your cervix to close and any tears or a repaired episiotomy to heal.

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

Catherine Shanahan MUM’S WORLD Feelgood

HE who said men represent the triumph of mind over morals and women the triumph of matter over mind failed to point out the effect this fundamental difference can have on choice of children’s reading material.

The mother, with firm focus on didactics, is a fan of Aesop, where virtue is a winner and evil rues the day. The Boy Who Cried Wolf is a personal favourite — the honest man’s salutary tale.

The father also likes fables, but of a brand where the moral is hazy. His taste for the tasteless is reflected during a visit to the local library. His choice of title sounds not unlike the material kept well out of reach at the video store.

“Lemmy goes Diving” features the eponymous Lemmy, a young lad with attitude in spades. During a dive, he unearths some treasure which he is about to claim — when Bully Boy McCoy arrives on the

scene to try put his nemesis to shame.

There is pulling and pushing and scratching and swearing and tearing and biting galore until, out of nowhere, Lemmy throws a punch and bursts open bully-boy’s nose.

The damage inflicted by Lemmy’s haymaker is plain for all to see. Bully Boy McCoy winces in pain as Lemmy dances with glee and scoops up his treasure to take to the surface leaving bully-boy to the mercy of the sea.

The upshot of victory is fabulous wealth — we see Lemmy with a suitcase of ‘serious money’. Gratuitous violence equals good fortune is the moral of this little story.

That night as her children bed down, the mother picks up the book. Weary from a long day at work, she thanks the Lord for large print and illustrations that cut down on text. Her happiness is somewhat cur-

FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2010

tailed as Lemmy lands a right hook. She is downright perturbed when her son cheers him on, with “BASH HIM” “TAKE THAT” “BOOF!” Granddad drops by the next day and chances upon the same text. He smothers a snigger as he reads to his grandson and Lemmy lets fly with his fist. He spots that the book is on loan and wonders who made the selection. His enjoys Lemmy’s antics as much as his grandchild, even if his morals are open to question.

It is true, the mother thinks, that the public library is the most dangerous place in town. Let a man lose and God knows what he’ll choose to bring back into your home.

In search of an answer, she seeks out the father and asks what informed his choice.

“I’m surprised you should ask,” he said.

“It’s in my nature, as the scorpion said to the frog.”

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Cancer campaign to get men talking

A

WORD OF MOUTH: Broadcaster Gerry Ryan is to record a radio advertisement in support of Men’s Health Month.

S PART of its Men’s Health Month, the Marie Keating Foundation has launched a new website called getmentalking.ie to encourage men to get talking about their health.

One in nine Irish men is at risk of developing prostate cancer, one in 19 is at risk of developing bowel cancer and one in 205 are at risk in relation to testicular cancer.

“Using the latest digital technology through a dedicated website is our approach in encouraging men to tell their stories in a safe and non-threatening way,” says Lillian McGovern, chief executive of the Marie Keating Foundation.

“The power of this channel of communication cannot be underestimated and our hope is that many men will engage with us using this method.”

Armed with the knowledge that men are increasingly unlikely to visit a

Deirdre O'Flynn

MOSTLY MEN doctor or engage with the health services, the foundation has decided to develop a campaign which aims to literally get men talking.

With the use of YouTube and Facebook, the foundation’s hope is to encourage more men to talk about their health.

On the website, men can ‘ask the expert’, talk to one another, post content to the site and access information on the various types of men’s cancer. Throughout March, the foundation’s community

Quitline offers advice in Walk keeps heart foundation ‘healthy’ giving up smoking IF YOU’VE fallen off the wagon this Lent in your attempts to give up smoking, don’t despair. The Irish Cancer Society runs the National Smokers’ Quitline in partnership with the HSE. “The Quitline offers advice, information and support to smokers and has been proven to help smokers quit,” says Norma Cronin, health promotion manager, Irish Cancer Society.

Aside from the fact that you’ll have more

TAKE THERE are many ways to show your mother how much you care this Sunday.

Some gift ideas are:

money if you stop buying cigarettes, smoking causes 30% of all cancers, including 95% of all lung cancers. Half of all smokers will die from tobacco-related disease. Quitting smoking is the single biggest thing you can do to improve your health.

If you would like advice, information and support with quitting, call the National Smokers’ Quitline (CallSave 1850 201 203, open 8am to 10pm, Monday to Saturday) or log onto www.giveupsmoking.ie.

4

ELEGANT ROSES: The Figs and Rouge range has the vintage garden aroma of Rambling Roses — an elegant gift for the mum who likes natural products.

The range includes cleanser, toner, day cream, shower gel, body and hand lotion and is free from parabens, synthetic colours and aromas. Figs & Rouge from F9.63 and stockists include Nelsons Homeopathic Dispensary, 15 Duke Street, Dublin, (mail order 01-6790451).

Boots recommend their Calming Sanctuary Bath Relaxer (F6.99) which is infused with jojoba oil, moisturising almond and primrose oils.

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information service will be focussed on men’s health. It will be visiting men’s groups and workplaces bringing with them the message of early detection and the benefits of talking about your health.

Information on men’s cancer will be made available through Marks & Spencer stores throughout March and merchandise will be on sale in-store.

RTÉ broadcaster Gerry Ryan is also supporting the campaign, recording a radio advertisement which will air throughout March.

It is hoped that men will log on to the site during the month to take part in this campaign. To encourage men to log on, the foundation will be running online advertising and doing online ‘give-aways’ to encourage traffic onto the site.

“We believe that the real ambassadors for this campaign are real Irish men telling their stories and sharing experiences and where better to do it than at www.getmentalking.ie,” says O’Sullivan.

CARDIOVASCULAR disease is one of Ireland’s biggest killers, so raise awareness by participating in the Irish Heart Foundation’s charity walk in May. From May 29 to June 5, the foundation’s overseas European walk will take place in Galicia, in northern Spain, along the last 140km of the Camino de Santiago. This is a great opportunity to raise funds for the Irish Heart Foundation and undertake one of the

most historic and spiritual walking routes in the world.

The foundation’s overseas walks are a key source of charity income, raising F200,000 annually. All money raised will fund the promotion and staffing of the national patient helpline, 1890 432787, which provides patients and their carers with information and support. Prior to departure, each participant must raise F2,500. Contact Tanya on 01-6685001 or tcomber@irishheart.ie.

DId you know...

A surge in teeth grinding is linked to stress caused by the recession Source: Dental Health Foundation, UK

Mother’s Day gifts PAMPER DAY: Treat your mum to a little pampering with The Party Blow Dry from Peter Mark. The Kerastaste Volumorphose treatment leaves hair feeling thicker with added body and volume. A Party Blow Dry adds F15 to the normal blow dry price with 20% off all hairdressing at Peter Mark salons. The BrookLodge Hotel & Wells Spa, pictured, offers a day and night this Mother’s Day. For F150 per person sharing, you get two treatments each in The Wells Spa, dinner in La Taverna Armento and accommodation.

FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2010

GIFT OF FLOWERS: Your mother’s love allowed you to grow from a tiny seedling, so Oxfam are asking you to plant sunflowers in her honour. By growing and pressing them for oil, people living with HIV and AIDS can earn an income to help them eat nutritiously. Sunflowers is one of the Oxfam Unwrapped gift sets for Mother’s Day and costs F23.50. All sets include some Fair Trade chocolate.

More details: www.oxfamirelandunwrapped.com.

NEW EXPERIENCE: With a One4all Experience Gift Card, your mum can choose from many packages including a day spa in Kerry, learning to cook in Wicklow, taking a flying lesson over Dublin or unwinding in a five star hotel in Cork. One4all has designed the user friendly Silver, Gold, Platinum or Elite Experience gift packages which allow her to choose her preferred gift based on her desired spend (prices from F50).

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The news on ...

UNSTRUCTURED CURLS IF YOU’VE got wavy hair a la Pixie Lott, then you’ll be delighted to know that according to Jake Davis, senior stylist for John Frieda, “unstructured curls” are one of the big looks for spring/summer 2010.

It’s all about “loose and natural, random textures, an undone look”, says Davis.

“This curly look is soft and moves away from the very overdone Hollywood curled look — spring/summer is relaxed and about lazy days and warm weather, not the glamorous siren look of the Christmas party season.”

If you’re more crazy frizz-meister than relaxed curly chic, then opt for John Frieda’s Dream Curls Curl Perfector Spray, F5.99, to tame things down.

Emily O’Sullivan

Women don’t need face-freezing cosmetic surgery to remain attractive and sexy

I

TAKE THREE

’M CONVINCED at some point soon there will be a backlash against our obsession with youth. From puerile plastic surgery TV shows about cosmetic vaginal reconstruction to alien-like women stalking the corridors of celebrity with blank Stepford Wives expressions, I’m quietly confident that plastic surgery, and the relentless obsession with ageing and imperfection, will be the harbinger of its own demise.

Extreme vanity is unattractive. Fact. Being comfortable in your own skin, on the other hand, is alluring. It’s sexy. It’s subtle and it’s magnetic. We’ve reached a state of near hysteria about the small creases that creep across our faces, but women who avoid cosmetic surgery and non-invasive procedures have a beauty that exposes the bizarre horror of bloated lips, stretched skin and expressionless foreheads.

Consider Helen Mirren, Susan Sarandon, Vanessa Redgrave, Meryl Streep, pictured here, Catherine Deneuve — they exude an elegance that women like Ivana Trump can only dream about. They are confident, relaxed and have an allure that transcends age.

They have, and are, ageing with grace and elegance. It can be done.

I recently watched The September Issue, a film about the uber-sunglassed Anna Wintour and US Vogue. But despite being one of fashion’s most commanding figures, Wintour was not the film’s star. Instead that plaudit landed with the magazine’s visionary creative director, Grace Coddington. Coddington’s appearance is dramatic: her shock of frizzy red hair frames a face ridged with lines and etched with experience.

At first, it takes you by surprise, but her beauty slowly unfolds before you, and by the end of the film, you are captivated by her, in-

SHOWER GELS

Ageing the natural way trigued, almost mesmerised — this is a woman working at the pinnacle of the fashion industry with expressions that you can read. It’s refreshing, honest and, yes, sexy.

I don’t know any women who’ve had Botox treatments. My friends are not primed and preened — they are mothers and working women who exude an earthy sexuality. They are anything but false, and they are admired by the men around them.

I can see the beginnings of lines and wrinkles on their faces, and I like it that way.

Bobbi Brown is one beauty guru that is touting the no-Botox route. Yes, she’s a businesswoman, and yes, she has a skincare and cosmetics line to sell, but she is frank when it comes to the importance of women being allowed to age naturally. “Of course we all want to look better — but that doesn’t have to mean looking younger,” she said in a Sunday Times interview.

Brown’s solution is her make-up face lift, a much publicised range of products that bring a lightness and brightness back to the face. Concentrating on deeply moisturising products that have a sheer look, Brown is reflecting the long-held make-up rule that, as you age, less is more.

Central to this look is a light foundation.

Heavy bases look truly awful on more mature skins, which need to inject a look of dewy freshness to keep it young-looking.

Yes, you might need to cover up dark circles and red veins and uneven skin tones, but you can do this with a concealer.

Don’t let dead skin cells build up on the skin — use a gentle exfoliator regularly, opt for a radiance-boosting moisturiser and get out for regular walks. It might sound simple but it does bring a freshness to the cheeks.

And that’s bound to make us all look younger.

I’M more of a soap bunny than a shower gel fanatic — after all, what’s the point of all that wasted packaging when it comes down to it? Still, there is something about a good quality shower gel that can set your day off in the right way. Here are three we like: Voya Squeaky Clean, F16. Infused with organic seaweed from Ireland’s Atlantic coastline, this is an energising body wash that gives a good woosh to the start of the day. It foams up well and the sweet basil and organic clove bud oils give it a great scent.

Score: 8 Clinique Deep Comfort Body Wash, F18.50. A lot of shower gels and soaps can be quite harsh and drying on the skin. Not so this one, a, literally, deeply comforting wash with a luxurious creamy lathering foam.

Score: 8 Original Source Mint and Tea Tree Shower, F2.39.

Hurrah, a shower gel that doesn’t make us feel too guilty.

This fabulously invigorating minty gel comes encased in a waterproof pouch that is recyclable and uses 75% less packaging than before. Bravo.

Score: 10

STUFF WE LIKE Nuxe First Expression Lines Eye Contour Cream, F20. This eye cream has a slightly oily texture but remarkably it is almost instantly absorbed into the skin. It’s packed with natural ingredients, such as blue lotus and poppy seeds, althea root, calmosensine, amaranth and musk rose. For best results, use morning and night.

No7 Lift & Luminate Night Cream, F29.25. Great for dehydrated and dull-looking skin, Lift & Luminate is a firming and brightening cream that promises to work on the complexion in just four weeks. The cream has a lovely rich texture and has been making our skin feel silky soft and looking a

Feelgood

little more radiant. Three cheers.

Trilogy Age Proof CoQ10 Booster Serum, F28.95. Trilogy has become one of our standout brands of late — the products are simple, natural and effective. This new Booster Serum is specifically designed for maturing skin and has a collagen-boosting co-enzyme, as well as tamanu oil, which is rich in essential fatty acids.

It’s designed for use underneath your regular moisturiser and helps skin feel silky soft and very well hydrated.

Roc Retin-Ox Wrinkle Correction, F32.95. Retinol is still regarded as one of the most effective anti-ageing ingredients, so if you’re looking

for anti-ageing cream then this is as good a one to go for as any. It has a rich, satiny texture and a slightly shampooey fragrance, but it feels very gentle on the skin.

Clarins Gentle Peeling, F30. First launched in 1974, this cleanser has proved its staying power. It’s a clay-based product, which needs to only be left on the skin for a minute before washing it gently off. Great for brightening dull, tired-looking complexions.

Bobbi Brown Extra SPF25 Moisturising Balm, F50. We’re always including this one, but we do love it so, and it’s part of Bobbi Brown’s Make-up Face Lift. It’s a very sheer, very moisturising tinted balm that gives the skin a lift in

FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2010

the lightest way possible. It might feel strange if you’re used to wearing heavier foundations, but give it a go and you may well find yourself converted… forever.

Benefit Brows a-go-go, F39.50. It’s important to keep your brows looking defined as you age, as nature can thin and lighten them. Powders are much better than the harsh effect that brow pencils can create. This is a good kit because it has three brow shades, a great brightening eye shadow, and a creamy pink concealer that hides dark shadows under the eyes.

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Q

Megan Sheppard Do you have a question for Megan Sheppard?

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

Both supplements cost F19.95 for CAN I take milk thistle 60 softgels. along with warfarin? I’d l’d like to improve my Q. I have a most embarrassing health but am unsure problem: urinary stress incontias to whether or nence. I am unable to do any form not I can take this herb of exercise, particularly involving without side-effects. running, jumping, or squatting. I A. The short answer is no. While am quite sure that I am not the only milk thistle is a marvellous herb for woman who experiences this, and supporting liver function, and in fact would love to hear any advice that helping to regenerate this organ, it is you have on how I can repair this. I contraindicated for use alongside warwas fine before having my children. farin with the specific advice to use A. Stress incontinence involves the with caution under the guidance of a involuntary loss of urine, usually less qualified practitioner or to avoid the than 50ml, and doesn’t even require use of this herb. strenuous exercise for most women.

There is, however, a great way to Coughing, sneezing, or even laughing help your liver without interfering can trigger the bladder. This is cerwith your current medication. Plus it tainly a common after-effect of pregis cheap and simple. The method I nancy and childbirth, but age is also a am referring to is the daily addition of contributing factor. a green smoothie to your diet. All The area of concern is the pelvic you need to do is take two cups of floor muscles, which are put under loosely packed greens of your choice great stress during the increased de(you can even start with something mands of pregnancy and birthing, and light such as cos lettuce and work the added degeneration of tissue due your way up to the ‘greener’ greens to ageing and the drop in oestrogen such as spinach and kale), and blend (which decreases the ability to mainthem together with two cups of water tain muscular pressure around the ureand two cups of fruit. thra). Obesity can be an additional The result is a delicious fruity-tastfactor for some women, as can certain ing smoothie which contains all the prescription medication, alcohol and goodness of greens without that caffeine. ‘green’ taste. I will admit to being reThere is a simple exercise which luctant to try these at first, but after helps regain strength in the pelvic five years I am now convinced that floor muscle and eliminate urinary inthis is the easiest way to eat greens. continence issues. The pelvic floor The basic idea is that blending the stretches from the pubic bone greens is simply a way of pre-chewing them so that all the nutrients are GREEN GOLD: A daily smoothie of greens and fruit is a cheap through to the tail bone — literally at the floor of your pelvis. This muscle available (most of us don’t chew our and simple way to improve liver health. Picture: GettyImages acts as support for all of the organs food diligently enough to get the full contained within the pelvis, which includes benefits of the nutrients and to facilitate the the bladder. digestion process). years. Is there a fish oil which is appropriIdentify your pelvic floor muscle by stopVictoria Boutenko has been at the foreate for toddlers, or should I wait until he ping the flow while passing urine. This is front of the green smoothie movement, with is older? simply a way to help you locate the muscle, her informative book, Green For Life, proA. Fish oil is indeed beneficial for brain not the exercise itself, and should not be viding a wealth of information on the benehealth in people of all ages, with a focus in fits of getting your greens via a breakfast recent years on how it can help the develop- used as such since it can do more harm than good if done frequently. The actual exercise smoothie. She also includes a number of ing brain even before the child is born. (also known as Kegel’s) is to squeeze and lift first-hand accounts from people who have DHA (docosahexanoic acid) is the omega-3 the pelvic floor, holding for 1-10 seconds had wonderful results just by incorporating fatty acid which is critical in ensuring optithen release and relax for 10-20 seconds. this one addition to their diet, and some mal growth and functioning of the brain.

Work up to 12 repetitions — although it is recipes for you to try. Depending on your This is why it is present in breast milk. more beneficial to do one correct ‘hold and blender, you may need to blend the combiHealthy and Essential (www.healthyansqueeze’ than it is to do a dozen incorrectly. nation two or three times so that it is actual- dessential.ie; 045-892267) has a product It is a good idea to do these throughout the ly a smooth smoothie. (www.greenforcalled MorDHA Mini, which has been day — many women I know use a reminder life.com) specifically developed for children from the phrase such as “walk through a door = ages of six months through to five years.

Q. I am keen to give my 18-month-old From five years of age, EPA (eicosapentanoic pelvic floor” so that they can be sure to do a Kegel’s regularly over the course of each day. son fish oils to help his brain development. acid), becomes more crucial as the fatty acid Men benefit from these exercises too, as uriThe problem is that all of the supplements for brain food — so when your son reaches that I have looked at state they are not this age, you will need to switch supplements nary incontinence affects both genders, particularly those who are over the age of 60. suitable for children under the age of four to the MorEPA-Mini.

Megan puts the spotlight on: Medicinal thyme

T

HYME is easily grown and found in most gardens, and while the wonderful flavour is well utilised in the kitchen, it is also a highly valued medicinal herb.

17th-century herbalist Culpeper praised thyme as being “a notable strengthener of the lungs, as notable a one as grows; neither is there a better remedy growing for that disease in children which they commonly call chin cough [whooping cough].” It is just as valuable more than 350 years later in providing relief from sinus and nasal congestion, and you can benefit from using either the dried or fresh herb.

Thyme grows well in a pot or the garden, so can be grown whether your garden is a well-established plot or a windowsill. It is strongly antiseptic, due to the constituent thymol, which makes it a brilliant choice for respiratory infections, asthma, and hayfever.

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You can either use two to three drops of essential oil in a bowl of boiled water as a steam inhalation (or use an oil burner), or add a handful of fresh herb to the water (around 500ml) and leave it somewhere out of reach, where it is unlikely to be knocked over by little ones.

Dried herb can be used, although not quite as effective, use a couple of heaped tablespoons. This works well when used as a personal steam inhalation where you cover your head and the

Thyme is strongly antiseptic which makes it a brilliant choice for respiratory infections, asthma, and hayfever

bowl with a towel and breathe deeply with your eyes closed for about 10 minutes at a time up to three times daily.

An effective antifungal, thyme is useful for ringworm, athlete’s foot, thrush, and even expelling parasites such as worms, scabies and lice. Dilute the essential oil in a base oil and dab onto external fungal infections, scabies or lice.

Use as a medicine internally (not to be used at all during pregnancy), by steeping 1tsp of dried herb or 1tbsp fresh herb with one cup of near boiling water as an infusion.

FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2010

ONE TO WATCH Taking the Medicine, Druin Burch, Vintage Books, F12.35 THIS is not a book for the squeamish or for anyone about to undergo an operation. NHS doctor Druin Burch time-travels through the history of medicine, pointing out that medics along the way “have killed their patients far more often than they have saved them”. With evidence-based medicine — double blind, placebo — accounting for 10% of medical interventions, Burch acknowledges sometimes things go wrong.

Thalidomide is one such example.

Doctors confidently prescribed the drug to pregnant women, relying on the manufacturer’s declaration that it was safe to use. It took thousands of birth deformities before the drug was withdrawn.

Irene Feighan

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FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2010