Feelgood 05-03-2010

Zone:XH

XH - V1

Feelgood

Friday, January 21, 2011

Life is sweet

Nicole Dunphy, owner of Pandora Bell Confectionary, on getting the work-life balance right 8, 9 Picture: Kieran Clancy

TERAPROOF:User:irenefeighanDate:19/01/2011Time:17:01:38Edition:21/01/2011FeelgoodXH2101Page:1

YES, YOU CAN

Celebrity hypnotist Paul McKenna talks happiness and money: 4, 5

SILENT LOSS

Understanding the causes of miscarriage: 11

FACE OFF

Six beauty rules for you to break: 14

TERAPROOF:User:margaretjenningsDate:19/01/2011Time:16:56:59Edition:21/01/2011FeelgoodXH2101Page:2

Zone:XH

2 News front Kate O’Reilly WHAT’S ON ■ SPORTS CONFERENCE: The Livinghealth Clinic in Mitchelstown will hold its first annual sports injury prevention conference tomorrow from 9am to 1pm. The conference will deal with topics such as common sporting injuries, concussion, nutrition for sport and exercises to aid in the prevention of injury.

Dr Eanna Falvey, consultant sports physician at Livinghealth Clinic and team doctor to the Irish rugby team is one of the keynote speakers.

This free event is aimed at sporting clubs in Munster and further information is available on www.livinghealth.ie or by calling 025-52000.

■ DEPRESSION AWARENESS: The theme of Depression Awareness Week (DAWN) 2011 which runs until Sunday is ‘Sometimes it’s easier to type than to talk’. Aware is highlighting its new online support group service, which it believes will help to overcome some of the barriers to seeking help. Aware offers a number of support services for individuals and families affected by depression including: a loCall Helpline (1890 303 302); an email support service wecanhelp@aware.ie and support groups in locations around the country.

■ ACUPUNCTURE WEEK: The second annual Acupuncture Awareness Week takes place around Ireland from tomorrow until January 29. There will be free open evenings next Tuesday in Sneem Hotel, Co Kerry from 7.30 to 9pm and on Wednesday in Dooley’s Hotel, The Quay, Waterford at 7.30pm.

In Cork, there will be talks at Brookfield Health Sciences Complex, UCC, from 7.30 to 9.45pm on Wednesday. See www.acupuncturecouncil.ie.

■ DARE ADVICE: Application advice clinics on the Disability Access Route to Education (DARE), which will be of interest to teachers, parents and students applying for college, will be held tomorrow from 10am to 2pm at venues nationwide. See www.accesscollege.ie.

■ ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY: An interactive event highlighting technologies that enhance student independence will take place at UCC this Wednesday in Devere Hall in the Student Centre from 11am to 3pm. This event is designed to raise awareness of the various types of assistive technology that can be used to support students with disabilities. For more, contact 021-490 2985 or email l.doran@ucc.ie ■ RCSI LECTURE: The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) public health lecture series continues on the last Wednesday of every month until May 2011. Next Wednesday, the topic is advanced diagnostics in cardiovascular disease by Professor Dermot Kenny, Clinical Research Centre, Beaumont Hospital.

Register online at www.rcsi.ie/minimed.

■ HEART CLINIC: The Irish Heart Foundation will hold a free blood pressure and cholesterol testing clinic at the Parish Centre, Carrigaline, Cork next Wednesday, from 10am-12pm.

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

FeelgoodMag

Feelgood

FeelgoodMag

XH - V1

Arlene Harris sets the record straight on the latest health scare in the media — this time about breastfeeding

Breast is still best N

EW mothers are confused by the news that exclusively breastfeeding babies until six months is not necessarily the best option.

Reporting on a new study published in the British Medical Journal, many news stories carried the worrying report which claimed that young babies who are fed only on breast milk may develop allergies, aversion to certain types of food and obesity.

For the past decade the World Health Organisation (WHO) has been advising that babies should not be given solid food until they are five to six months old. It also encourages women to breastfeed exclusively until that time. (When I had my first child 12 years ago, I was advised to avoid solid foods until he was six months old.)

This latest advice, from a report led by Dr Mary Fewtrell of the British Institute of Child Health, appears to contradict this advice, claiming that babies may be ‘nutritionally compromised’ if not introduced to solid food at an earlier stage.

But some experts are not convinced by the recommendations. Sue Jameson is a lactation consultant and breastfeeding coordinator for Cuidiú. She says this information is misleading and mothers should not change their feeding practice without proper instruction from a trusted professional.

“This new report is not based on an actual study nor is it in line with any of the advice from the WHO,” she says. “It was

VITAL FOOD: Favouring early weaning is not the same as being anti-breast. Picture: iStock based on a review of past research and no scientific evidence was used — so I would strongly urge all mothers to continue with whatever feeding routine they have been advised to do.

“Sensational headlines have claimed that experts have done an about-turn with regard

to the amount of time women should breastfeed their babies and — much as I don’t support this latest piece of so-called research — the press has been misleading. The report is not advising women to breastfeed for less time, but encouraging them to introduce solid food earlier.”

The breastfeeding expert says this message could not have come at a worse time as recent epidemics make it more important than ever to continue feeding babies with breast milk.

“Not only does this information have no solid base but it could also make women feel that they have to stop breastfeeding and during a time when swine flu and other seasonal ailments are rife, it is vital that babies get all of the antibodies they can from their mothers’ breast milk.

“My advice to anyone who is confused by this report is to visit their GP, lactation consultant or contact a support group like La Leche or Cuidiú.”

Director of the HSE Community Mothers’ Programme, nurse Brenda Malloy, echoes this advice: “There is some ongoing international research into breastfeeding but we are still adhering to the guidelines as laid down by the World Health Organisation,” she says.

■ www.cuidiu.ie www.lalecheleagueireland.com www.breastfeeding.ie

HEALTH NOTES A CUT ABOVE: Sean Dunne from Foundation, Greg Clarke from Collage, Saundra Fabian from Salon Forty Two, Mark McCauley from Kazumi, Dr Caitriona Henchion medical director of the IFPA and Maura Derrane at a photocall to promote European Cervical Cancer prevention week.

MEN who are struggling to make their partner pregnant could boost their chances by taking antioxidants, new research suggests.

Vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E, L-carnitine, zinc and magnesium may boost the quality of sperm, according to a review of 34 trials. Experts from the Cochrane Library analysed trials which dealt with male subfertility in more than 2,800 couples. The experts noted that chemicals called reactive oxygen species (ROS) are thought to cause damage to cells, in particular sperm cells, which may result in lower sperm counts and interfere with the ability to fertilise eggs.

The damage caused by ROS could be cut by taking antioxidants, the review suggested.

Broadcaster Maura Derrane will launch European Cervical Prevention Week on Sunday, January 23.

During the week, women’s health specialists are calling on women to avail of a free screen from a GP or family planning clinic of their choice.

This service is funded by the National Cervical Cancer Screening Service, CervicalCheck.

To promote awareness about the disease the Irish Family Planning Association has teamed up with the Irish Hairdresser Federation and all 350 member salons will present a Pearl of Wisdom campaign badge and an information leaflet to every woman who has a hair appointment during the week.

■ For details visit: www.ifpa.ie

www.irishexaminer.com www.irishexaminer.com

Picture: Marc O’Sullivan

Going through the ups and downs of menopause? Then bio identical hormone treatment, or natural hormone therapy, could be a solution. Harley Street Dr Paivi Ahtonen, an expert on bio-identical hormone treatment, will address a meeting on Thursday, January 27 at Issacs Hotel, MacCurtain Street, Cork, from 7- 8.30pm. Dr Ahtonen will also discuss the male menopause. For details phone: 086-1992821.

Flahavan’s is sponsor of Skipathon 2011, the Irish Heart Foundation’s health awareness and fundraising initiative.

The Skipathon will take place in primary schools across the country from April 4-8. It is expected more than 650 schools will take part in the initiative. Everyone who takes

www.irishexaminer.com feelgood@examiner.ie

FRIDAY, JANUARY 21, 2011

part is entered into a draw for prizes, which takes place on May 23. The top prize for the winning school is F2,000 for gym equipment. For more information visit: www.irishheart.ie and you can also join up to the Flahavan’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/flahavans.

Women who suffer repeated miscarriages are more likely to have a family history of heart disease, new research suggests.

Recurrent miscarriages — often defined as the loss of three or more pregnancies in a row — are uncommon and affect about 1% of people trying to conceive.

The exact cause of the condition is unknown but around three-quarters of women who suffer recurrent miscarriage will go on to deliver a healthy baby in the future. ● See page 11

Editorial: 021 4802 292

Advertising: 021 4802 215

TERAPROOF:User:jaycarcioneDate:19/01/2011Time:17:08:47Edition:21/01/2011FeelgoodXH2101Page:3

Zone:XH

In profile

XH - V1

THE SHAPE I'M IN

Ann Widdecombe

Dancing queen A NN WIDDECOMBE finally got voted off BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing in early December, but not before the former British Conservative Party politician had had the time of her life.

While her moves on the dance floor were definitely not elegant, the 63-year-old — who partnered Anton Du Beke on the show — says it was hugely enjoyable and there weren’t any really tough moments. “I certainly had fun. Just the reactions of the audience made it for me.

Some of the routines were quite difficult to learn, but I never got up in the morning and said I wish I didn’t have to go to training.”

The one-time Home Office minister, who is currently working on her fifth novel, is now set to join the all-star celebrity line-up for the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour 2011, which performs in Dublin’s O2 over the three days, January 28 to 30.

Ann is gearing up to perform a dance routine with her harshest critic, Craig Revel Horwood. “I wasn’t going to take part until I was told I’d be dancing with Craig. That, I thought, was too funny an offer to pass up.”

For his part, Craig says he can’t wait to get his hands on Ann. “Watching Anton carry Ann round the dance floor like a pantomime dame has been rather painful, but nevertheless extremely entertaining. Ann is a good sport. I can’t wait to get my hands on her and create a fabulous routine which people will talk about for years to come.”

What shape are you in?

I’m in very good condition. I don’t do any exercise. I just walk on the moors.

Do you have any health concerns?

No, I absolutely feel in the peak of health.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I don’t really go in for healthy eating. I’m not a faddy eater. I just eat what I enjoy.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

For the moment, it’s the whiskey and soda I have in bed at night.

What would keep you awake at night?

The only time I’d lie awake is if I have a bad conscience.

How do you relax?

I walk on the moors. I also like to sit by the fireside.

I had a bereavement a few weeks ago. My brother, Malcolm, died. Other than then, I probably cried some months ago. I can’t remember why. I don’t cry very often

What trait do you least like in others?

Coarseness, as expressed in language.

What trait do you least like in yourself?

I’d quite like to be a bit more patient.

Do you pray?

Of course I do, every day, it’s important to me.

What would cheer up your day?

Having a real open fire.

Dental Implant Centre Hungary The Modern Day Dentistry for the Perfect Smile

Cosmetic & Reconstructive Dentistry at

Affordable Prices

“Dental Implantology Jawbone Structure Tooth Substitution / Work Guaranteed” | Advanced Modern Dental Treatment | Treatment Carried Out By Recognised Dental Surgeons | Transport From Airport & Surgery Included | Medical Doctor Present Throughout All Treatment | Aftercare in Ireland Registered With The Irish Dental Council - Reg. No: 149/07 Registered With The UK General Dental Council - Reg. No: 119427

Helen O’Callaghan

STILL FLYING: Ann Widdecombe and her dance partner Anton Du Beke after they left the Strictly Come Dancing show. Picture: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

King Charles II because I think he’d be jolly good company, write Jane Austen because she’d observe everything so deliciously maliciously, and Mother Teresa because we’d need a steadying influence with those other two.

Dr. Borbath will be in Dr Friday A The Rochestown Park Hotel, on Cork Contact Anne Ma on Friday February 18th

What would you change about your appearance?

I’d probably straighten up my teeth.

Contact Anne Maher on 056 7769373 or 087 9887256 or email dentalanne@yahoo.co.uk

What’s your favourite smell?

Heather.

When did you last cry?

I had a bereavement a few weeks ago. My brother, Malcolm, died. Other than then, I probably cried some months ago. I can’t remember why. I don’t cry very often.

Feelgood

3

www.dentalcenter-hungary.com FRIDAY, JANUARY 21, 2011

TERAPROOF:User:margaretjenningsDate:19/01/2011Time:16:21:49Edition:21/01/2011FeelgoodXH2101Page:4

Zone:XH

A different perspective 4 xxxxxxxx

XH - V1

Ed Power on a book that has ruffled feathers by advising parents to use a stern hand

Feelgood

5

Hypnotist and self-help guru Paul McKenna tells Hannah Stephenson that happiness has very little to do with wealth — though he has achieved both

Best of both worlds

A

YALE professor has just flung a Chinese firecracker into the child-rearing debate. In her controversial new memoir, Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother, Amy Chua castigates “weak” western parenting and extols the virtues of the ‘take no prisoners’ Far East alternative.

In her telling, Chinese parenting assumes children are strong rather than weak, that they thrive rather than buckle under pressure and that imbuing self-esteem is far less important than forging an unbendable drive to be the best. Recounting her experience of raising two girls in the United States (she is second generation Chinese), Chua portrays the Tiger Mum as a general issuing orders rather than a nurturing figure, someone as prepared to bully and demean as to placate their kids with soothing words.

“Western parents are concerned about their children’s psyches,” she writes in the book.

“Chinese parents aren’t. They assume strength, not fragility, and as a result they behave very differently.”

From an Irish perspective her approach can seem intolerant, even verging on the emotionally abusive. Early on, Chua describes a family dinner to celebrate her birthday. As the meal begins her four-year-old daughter hands her a homemade card, which Chua deems to be of insufficient quality.

“I gave the card back to Lulu. ‘I don’t want this,’ I said. ‘I want a better one — one that you’ve put some thought and effort into. I have a special box, where I keep all my cards from you and Sophia, and this one can’t go in there.’ I grabbed the card again and flipped it over. I pulled out a pen and scrawled ‘Happy Birthday Lulu Whoopee!’ I added a big sour face... ‘I reject this.’”

As her daughters reach their teenage years, her grip on their lives grew ever more vice-like. They are not allowed to choose their own hobbies; sleepovers with friends are forbidden; straight As compulsory. When one of them fails to master a difficult piano piece after hours of practice, Chua puts her dolls’ house in the car and threatens to donate it to the Salvation Army. Later she tells her other child that she will burn all her soft toys unless she does better at violin.

Not surprisingly, the book is proving hugely controversial. Some commentators have accused Chua of more or less advocating systemic emotional abuse. Others look to China, with its roaring economy and apparently endless supply of top-class graduates and wonder if the West can learn something from the world’s most dynamic superpower.

Children who are expected to overachieve often work hard to please their parents but fail to grow into rounded adults, says Sheila O’Malley of practicalparenting.ie.

“A friend of one of my daughters — her parents are tough on her if she doesn’t get 100% in exams. She is in the room knocking herself out, doing whatever she needs in order to come up with the goods. When she walks into the room, her eyes are downcast, she has a very poor sense of herself. She has very poor social skills. She doesn’t play any sports. If you spend your entire life striving to do one thing, other areas may be under developed.

“Self-esteem is a key part of a child’s future.

It is important to raise them with a sense of

Life xxxxxxxx direction

XH - V1

T

O the moderate wage earners among us, it sounds a bit rich when self-help guru Paul McKenna starts spinning a line about how money and material goods don’t buy you happiness.

For the DJ-turned-hypnotist who is currently considering buying Michael Jackson’s palatial Los Angeles home for F22.5 million, it’s a rather ironic statement considering his latest book, I Can Make Your Happy, is going to make him even more dosh.

But the 47-year-old, whose wide circle of celebrity friends and clients includes Simon Cowell, the Beckhams, David Walliams, Sophie Dahl and Robbie Williams, is adamant the theories in his latest advice manual are correct. In one study, he notes, researchers found the richest people in America’s Fortune 500 were no happier than Masai tribesmen in East Africa.

“I know plenty of people who have all the houses and possessions, toys and security that money can buy, and none of that makes them happier than other friends who earn a perfectly ordinary wage,” he writes.

McKenna is like a walking advert for his own publications — thin, rich, supremely confident and happy — all subjects on which he has guided the masses. He veers between DJ-speak and psychobabble, one minute joking about the media interest in his bid for the Jacko house, the next launching into monologues on scientific studies and Zen masters.

The book is aimed at three types of people: hardcore miseries, people who become depressed from time to time and those who are happy but want to feel even happier.

“I’m in the last category,” he asserts. “I’m pretty happy. Rarely would I feel down about things. But being happy is not about being up all the time. I don’t feel up all the time, I feel pretty good most of the time. Simon Cowell said to me recently that I’m the most positive person he knows.”

McKenna’s current home is a sumptuous five-bedroom house in the Hollywood hills, where neighbours include Britney Spears, Robin Williams and Eddie Murphy.

After his initial success in Britain, he set out to escape the taxman and conquer America several years ago — and with a reported F18 million TV deal and sales of zillions of books, he’s done it. There, he is making waves in reality TV and currently working on The Fixer, in which he helps people with various problems, from a stutterer to a woman with a rage disorder.

Yet he has never found a permanent partner with whom to share the trappings of his

STILL LOOKING: Paul McKenna says he knows plenty of people who have all the houses and possessions, toys and security that money can buy, but they are not happier than other friends who earn an ordinary wage.

Picture: PA Photo/Handout.

FAMILY FIRST: Amy Chua with her daughters Lulu (left) and Sophia, and husband Jed Rubenfeld, a Yale law school professor.

When the tiger roars having been nurtured and loved. If you don’t have that it is likely that knock backs will set you back.”

Tiger mums are correct that children require discipline, says parenting counsellor Elizabeth Bowler. However getting the balance right is just as crucial. “When you are stopping the children from expressing themselves and living your live through them, then it’s an issue.”

Cleaving to the way of the Tiger Mum can undoubtedly produce results, renowned psychologist Oliver James told a British newspaper recently. The deeper question is whether you want your child to grow up be the future world chess champion — or to be a normal, rounded human being.

“If you are determined to have a Tiger Woods or a Williams sister, then you probably can follow the advice of the Chinese parenting formula offered by Amy Chua,” he tells The Guardian. “If you want your child to be laid back, that is another matter.”

For her part, Chua says placing heavy expectations on one’s children is a long standing part of migrant culture in the United States.

A Tiger mum is as likely to be an Irish or Mexican immigrant, she says, as someone from Shangai or Beijing. “When I show this book to immigrants and immigrants’ kids, they were like, exactly, this is how it is. It’s funny, they relate, it’s not controversial for them. Now among my western friends it provokes extremely intense reactions in all directions. Some, including my closest friends, are shocked and aghast.”

How did her children react to this aggressive parenting? Her eldest, Sophia, became a straight-A student (she starts at an Ivy League college later this year). However, her youngest Lulu, rebelled, at first passively then with increasing aggression. Tensions finally boiled during a family holiday in Moscow.

“I’m not what you want — I’m not Chinese,” the 13-year-old told her mother. “I don’t want to be Chinese. Why can’t you get

FRIDAY, JANUARY 21, 2011

that through your head? I hate the violin. I hate my life. I hate you, and I hate this family.”

The outburst gave Chua pause and she admits to finally backing down and softening her approach. From then on, she allowed Lulu far greater independence. “I have many regrets,” she said in an interview this week. “I wish that I hadn’t been so harsh at the time. I wish I hadn’t lost my temper. I wish that I’d paid a little more attention to the individual personalities of my two children. I think I would have given my daughters, in retrospect, a little more choice. They have much more freedom now. I’m very, very proud of my girls. They are confident, happy girls with huge personalities.”

Expect the book to generate further controversy when it goes on sale here next month.

■ Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother, Amy Chua, F22.45, Bloomsbury.

�������������� ���������������

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

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

Feelgood

success, although he has romanced some beautiful women over the years, including former TV presenter Penny Smith. Would he like to settle down?

“Arguably I have,” he says, slightly defensively. “I’ve had many girlfriends over the years, some relationships for a shorter amount of time and some for much longer.

“I remain friends with many of my ex-girlfriends. I’ve never cheated. I know plenty of people who are married and cheat. So why are they better than me, then?”

He says sometimes he feels he would like to settle down and have a family. He came close to marrying model Clare Staples but they grew apart, he says.

“Once something becomes a priority, then usually I go and do something about it, but I’m quite happy at the moment.”

McKenna, the son of a builder and home economics teacher, had an unremarkable childhood in Enfield, Middlesex. He didn’t excel at school and was seen as a bit of a geek. On leaving, he began DJ-ing in Topshop at Oxford Circus and went on to work for Capital Radio, where he interviewed a hypnotist who fuelled his interest in the field.

The rest is history. But the feelings of being a geek endured.

“There was a lack of self-acceptance. I didn’t like myself entirely. If I felt geeky, the solution was to overcompensate, to be richer, more famous, date more beautiful girls, have a bigger car, have a bigger house.

“Part of my development was to acquire more stuff externally to compensate for the lack of happiness, acceptability, whatever it was on the inside.”

Today, he claims he would be as happy as he is now even if he wasn’t a multimillionaire. “While having enough money to make life comfortable will definitely increase your happiness, there quickly comes a point at which it makes no difference at all. Give most people F100,000, their happiness levels go up dramatically. Give them F200,000 and it doesn’t double.”

To relax he practises this ‘fabulous technique’ he’s learned about called ‘Big Mind’, a state of absolute bliss which he says he can do in less than 20 minutes.

“I’ve had to work hard at relaxing but I’m much better now. I make time nearly every day to go into a positive, relaxing, guided meditative state.”

And, of course, he doesn’t have to worry about the bank balance.

■ I Can Make You Happy, by Paul McKenna, is published by Bantam, F11.60.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 21, 2011

������ ���� ����� ����� ��������� ��

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

TERAPROOF:User:margaretjenningsDate:19/01/2011Time:16:52:54Edition:21/01/2011FeelgoodXH2101Page:6

Zone:XH

Taking responsibility 6 xxxxxxxx

XH - V1

Diabetes is no longer a barrier to living well, says Sharon Ní Chonchúir

Learning to manage D

IABETES is a serious condition.

Being diagnosed with type one or two diabetes has long-term health implications. However, it is also a condition that can be controlled. With the correct approach, people with diabetes can lead long, healthy and productive lives.

This is the message international medical experts want to share at a conference in Dublin on January 28. Diabetes — Ask the Experts is a free event aimed at diabetes patients and the general public.

Prof John Nolan, from St James’s hospital, Dublin, is conference organiser.

“The idea is to allow people with diabetes the chance to meet directly with experts in the area, and to ask their own questions about what is new and what is on the horizon, in terms of treatment,” he says.

The conference is sure to be of interest to many, as the number of people diagnosed with diabetes is increasing dramatically year on year. In 2005, there was an estimated 141,000 adults in Ireland SELF CONTROL: Dr with either type Stephen Edelman, an one or type two American expert who diabetes. This is has diabetes, will expected to indiscuss the importance crease by 37%, or of self-management of approximately the condition at a 50,000 people by conference in Dublin.

2015.

“There are many people out there, at the moment, who are unaware they even have the condition,” says Prof Nolan.

Diabetes has economic consequences, too.

The annual cost of diabetes to the Irish health service is estimated to be F580m. Approximately 10% of the total healthcare budget is spent on the condition, and 15% of hospital beds are taken up by patients suffering with complications caused by diabetes.

So, what exactly is diabetes and what is its effect on health? It’s a chronic disorder in which the body’s ability to use sugars is reduced as a result of an insulin deficiency.

Type one diabetes affects 0.4% of the population, and occurs when the pancreatic cells that produce insulin are killed off by the person’s own body.

Type two diabetes is influenced by lifestyle factors, such as diet, weight and exercise levels, all of which contribute to a gradual reduction in insulin secretion. This type of diabetes is increasingly common in all age groups, particularly those over the age of 40.

Both types of diabetes can have a serious impact on health.

Early symptoms include thirst, tiredness, weight loss, blurred vision and overproduction of urine (especially at night). In the long term, badly-managed or undiagnosed diabetes can lead to vision loss, stroke, kidney failure,

GET FRUITY: A balanced diet low in saturated fat, salt and refined sugar but rich in fruit and veg can help prevent or delay diabetes.

Picture: Getty Images

T

HE Diabetes Prevention Programme (a major American medical trial carried out from 1999 to 2001) showed that diabetes can be prevented or delayed by 58% if you pay attention to lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise.

meals based on starchy foods such as bread, potatoes, cereals, pasta and rice.

■ Eat a healthy, balanced diet, low in saturated fat, salt and refined sugar.

■ Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables and

■ There is no need to eat special diabetic foods. Cut down on sugary foods and look for reduced sugar and sugar-free foods instead.

heart attack and limb amputation. Steps can be taken to avoid such outcomes, according to the experts speaking at next week’s conference.

Dr Stephen Edelman, an American expert who has diabetes himself, will discuss the importance of self-management of the condition.

“I got diagnosed with type one diabetes at the age of 15 and I’m in my mid-50s, now,” he says. “It was 1970 and diabetes was like a death sentence. One of my toughest experiences was the first cadaver I dissected in medical school. He was only 26 years old and had died of type one diabetes.”

Things have moved on dramatically since then. Thanks to an increased understanding

of the importance of nutrition and exercise and improvements in medical care, Dr Edelman, and other diabetes patients, can look forward to a long and healthy life.

This is the message he has been spreading since he founded Taking Control of Your Diabetes in 1995. This non-profit organisation teaches patients about self–care.

“There wasn’t enough education being aimed at the people affected by diabetes,” says Dr Edelman. “I wanted to show them how to manage their diabetes for themselves.”

At the conference Prof John Nolan will talk about future perspectives for diabetes care and research in Europe. Prof Jeya Henry, an expert on functional foods, will cover the importance of diet. And Prof Jaakko

■ 80% of people with diabetes are overweight. If you are overweight, reduce your food intake sufficiently to lose 1kg a week.

■ Get active. Exercise is vital.

■ Never drink alcohol on an empty stomach and if you are going to be out late, always top up with a snack while you’re out.

Have another snack before going to bed and check your blood sugar levels.

■ Carry identification stating you have diabetes or the symptoms of a hypoglycaemic attack could be mistaken for drunkenness.

Tuomilehto will talk about how to prevent diabetes. “This will be a unique event,” says Prof Nolan. “It’s an opportunity to have questions answered by some of the world’s leading experts.”

The event will take place in the Convention Centre from 7pm to 8.30pm, on Friday, January 28. You can register your interest at www.diabetesasktheexperts.com.

“It’s all about you taking control of your diabetes and your future,” says Prof Nolan.

“It’s important to learn as much as possible about the condition in order to develop the care skills necessary to manage it.”

■ Visit www.diabetesasktheexperts.com and www.diabetes.ie for more information.

■ In 2005, there was an estimated 141,000 ■ Diabetes is expected to increase by 37%, or adults in Ireland with diabetes approximately 50,000 people by 2015 Feelgood FRIDAY, JANUARY 21, 2011

TERAPROOF:User:GREGMCCANNDate:19/01/2011Time:16:20:03Edition:21/01/2011FeelgoodXH2101Page:7

Zone:XH

XH - V1

Psychology Physical attraction, to whatever gender, is a means of fulfilling our need to belong

University College Cork Oral Health Services Research Centre

Sex and sexuality HANDS ON: An enduring relationship is based on our ability to embrace our own and our partner’s wholeness.

Tony Humphreys

Feelgood

• • • •

TOOTHPASTE STUDY

Are you interested in participating in a toothpaste study?

Do you have sensitive teeth?

Are you aged between 18 - 50 years?

Are you willing to attend our clinic in Wilton for 5 visits from January to April 2011?

If so please ring 021 4901213 or 021 4901210 for further information Thank You

Cork Buteyko Course for Snoring and Asthma commencing Sunday 30th January 50% less wheezing and coughing & 70% less need for reliever medication within TWO WEEKS. 50% less preventer medication within 3–6 MONTHS. (Mater Hospital, Brisbane) 75% less snoring within TWO WEEKS.

By Patrick McKeown, author & International practitioner.

As seen on RTE Health Squad, Irish Times and Irish Independent.

Freecall: 1800 931 935 or visit www.asthmacare.ie

Picture: iStock

W

E ARE not born homosexual or heterosexual or bisexual; we are born sexual. We are not born carnivores, vegans, vegetarians; we are born with an appetite. Sexuality ensures the survival of the human species, and is the most powerful way to attract a member of the same or opposite gender. While heterosexuality and homosexuality involve sex between a male and female, two males or two females, sex is principally about finding a relationship.

In heterosexual relationships (can we please drop the word ‘straight’?), sexual attraction often initiates the relationship, but is love, friendship, companionship, shared ideas, creativity, and interest in each other’s lives that determine the endurance of the relationship. What is most likely to decide the longevity of a relationship of whatever adult nature (can we also resist using the term LGBT — lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual?) is the degree to which each party to the relationship comes into consciousness of his or her own wholeness and that of his or her partner.

From my clinical and life experience, it is evident there is wisdom and creativity in relationships and attractions — be that a male towards a male, a male towards a female, a female towards a male, a female towards a female and a male or female who feels drawn to both genders. There is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ relationship. There are different kinds of relationships and each relationship has a deep purpose, and that is to love and to be loved. Sex is never primary — the need is to belong.

Think of a boy whose mother molly-coddled him, but whose father treated him as an embarrassment, a ‘mummy’s little boy’, ‘a weakling’. The child may rebel against his father’s rejection by continuing to be over-attached to his mother. Later, unless that over-attachment is resolved, he’ll attract a woman like his mother, or he may never leave the side of his mother. Because the boy lacks ‘iron’, the strong, masculine qualities of determination, independence, confidence, sureness, the boy, as a young man, may be attracted to a male who has these qualities, something he has to keep hidden from his mother.

The father may blame the mother — ‘you ruined him’ — but it’s only when the truth is told that progress in the mature development of the child and indeed the parents themselves can occur.

In the case of the father, the untold truth is he didn’t assert the truth of his worries and fears about how his son was being reared. This serious omission begs the question: what is it in the history of the father’s relationship with his mother, and other women, that makes him fearful of being authentic? The same is true for the mother — what, in her earlier relationships, led her to such a profound absence of consciousness that a child is his own person and not someone through whom she should live? When adults don’t reflect on, or are not challenged to examine, the nature of their relationship behaviour, everybody suffers.

When we see relationships in a total rather than a fragmented — sexual way — we can best understand what may be happening for individuals. I say ‘may’, because only the young or older person can fully know and invite me into their world.

How many of us truly sit with a son or daughter or student

or employee, stay quiet and actively listen? Advice-giving, preaching, remonstrating, cajoling, bribing and threatening halt any possibility of progress between the individuals in conflict, but the adult who is employing the defences described above has a lot of soul-searching to do.

Certainly, those who have been bullied because of their gender preference deserve all the love, support and championing that individuals across all walks of life can provide. It is heartening that people in influential places — Barack Obama, for example — are openly and globally supportive of people with same-gender attractions.

Nobody doubts that there is a social context to the bullying of peers who are seen as ‘queer’, ‘different’, ‘bent.’ Introducing programmes that celebrate difference in people (the nature of each human being is unique) and behaviour (all behaviour makes sense) will ease the threats to young people who are terrified of ‘being outed’. What is interesting is that much verbal sexual taunting is not specific to peers with a different gender attraction, but it is specific to each boy or girl who attempts to demean another. It is in this area that I feel policies and strategies on bullying — whatever its nature — have missed an essential intervention possibility.

I would be interested to know how many of the major bullies that young people encountered are still alive or deeply troubled, or have not thrived educationally or are already in broken-down relationships.

When any word comes from another person’s lips (inverse: slip), it is a creative slip of the tongue, because a person’s sexual bullying is 100% about him or her, and provides the opportunity, when there is a mature adult present — in the school yard, classroom, staff room, school bus, sports clubs and gymnasium — to compassionately challenge the person who is bullying.

I was very struck by the figure of 80% of teachers who witnessed what they termed ‘homophobic bullying’. How did they respond? How we approach a young male or female who is bullying is vital — if we give any hint of rejection, judgement, disappointment, then the young person will close up all the more. School principals and teachers require help and support to understand and examine the sources of the bullying behaviour perpetrated. Whether you are young or old, male or female, no matter what role or status you have, your behaviour belongs to you and is for you. Now we can relate.

Dr Tony Humphreys is a clinical psychologist, author and international speaker. His recent book with co-author Helen Ruddle, Relationship, Relationship, Relationship: The Heart of a Mature Society is relevant to today’s topic.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 21, 2011

7

Think of it as a blank canvas Have your say in shaping your newspaper at www.irishexaminer.com/readerpanel

TERAPROOF:User:margaretjenningsDate:19/01/2011Time:16:48:27Edition:21/01/2011FeelgoodXH2101Page:8

Zone:XH

Cover story 8 xxxxxxxx

Adapting xxxxxxxx to change

XH - V1

9

In these tough times anyone with a job doesn’t want to rock the boat but there may be options to better manage your work and life balance, says Kathy Foley

Flexitime is just the job I

F you were lucky enough to be in New York this week, you might have had to rub your eyes in disbelief. Could they be filming yet another series of Sex and the City?

Because that was Sarah Jessica Parker in front of the camera, but she looks a little less glamorous and rather more tired than she used to.

In fact, Parker has just started filming I Don’t Know How She Does It, a big-screen adaptation of Allison Pearson’s novel about the challenges faced by a high-flying working mother trying to balance her work and home life, and do it all perfectly.

The message, if not the setting, will ring true with many Irish women. Juggling work life and home life is tough, if not impossible, at times. Back in the boom, flexible working became more common as companies sought to retain their best staff, but how possible is that now? Given the current recession, anyone lucky enough to have a job doesn’t want to rock the boat. They don’t even want to imperceptibly nudge the boat. Nobody wants to be seen as the demanding, difficult employee, so many workers struggle on with rigid schedules and old-fashioned work practices.

“Employees are afraid to raise the issue of flexible working in the current market,” says John Deely, an occupational psychologist with Pinpoint Career Guidance. “There is a sense that if you have a job, you are lucky to have it.

People are more conscious of ‘face time’ in the office.”

But even in these difficult economic times, you might be surprised at how open employers can be. “There hasn’t actually been any major shift in reducing flexibility,” says Hazel Whelan of Recruitment Plus. “Certainly not in my area of medical, pharma and healthcare. It’s true that now perhaps the motives are different in some companies, where it is about finding cost-effective ways of holding onto good people.”

According to the most recent figures available from the Central Statistics Office (2008), 36% of people had flexible working arrangements available to them. Just 30% of men said this was the case, compared with 42% of wom-

VISIBLE PRESENCE: Those working flexi-hours often have to work harder to show what they are doing, says Sean Murphy, the deputy CEO of Chambers Ireland.

Feelgood

Will left the 9 to 5 grind a decade ago

Many companies now can’t reduce their staff numbers any more so there is a market again for flexible working conditions en. Older, more senior professionals were most likely to be able to work flexibly, with junior staff in the hospitality sector least likely to have that option.

Many companies have also come through their cost-cutting phase and already let some people go, says Deely. “They can’t reduce their staff numbers any more or they won’t have the capacity to do business, so there is a market again for flexible working conditions.”

For people working in large corporate organisations, requesting to switch to a four-day week would be “reasonable”, says Deely, adding it might be possible to do the same in smaller companies of about 100 people, depending on the nature of the job. Alternatively, employees can offer to work at home one or two days a week. “If you commute for an hour each way, that is a two-hour headstart on your working day,” he says.

Job-sharing is another possibility, he adds, although it is rarely feasible for senior staff. Larger companies may also look kindly on requests to start early and finish early, study leave or a reduced work schedule in summer.

Before approaching a supervisor or manager to discuss flexible working options, be ready.

“Be prepared to put your case and highlight the advantages for them,” says Whelan.

But don’t be fooled into thinking flexible working is the easy option. “Those working flexibly often have to work harder to show what they are doing,” says Sean Murphy, the deputy CEO of Chambers Ireland.

Jobs are undeniably scarce these days, but those looking for work may also be surprised at the adaptable options available in some sectors. “We have had a number of companies offering part-time contracts with a view to dipping their toe in the water. They might hire someone to do a two-, three- or four-day week with a view to growing that to a full-time position over time,” says Whelan.

“Even a part-time position is good for people to keep their skills updated, maintain and grow their network of contacts and keep their ear to the ground for other opportunities. As the saying goes, it is easier to find a new job when you have a job.”

The ultimate in flexible working is becoming your own boss. If running your own business seems daunting, remember it doesn’t have to involve 80-hour weeks, but may consist of part-time consulting or service work. “When you work for yourself, you do not have to do the nine to five or keep your door open eight hours a day,” says Adrienne Rogers, the assis-

tant CEO of Cork City Enterprise Board.

“Maybe you can have a mobile office and be available for three hours in the morning.”

Consider if you are suited to entrepreneurship before taking the plunge. Shy and retiring types need not apply, says Deely. “You need to be good at what I call ‘hustling’ or getting business. You can be the most fantastic surveyor or IT network manager in the world, but if you are no good at hustling, you will get nowhere.”

Working alone can be isolating and there are stresses to carrying all the financial, legal and practical responsibilities yourself. If you are worried about feeling isolated, research local networking groups, or consider getting a business partner or finding a mentor.

“Some people really like working at home,” says Deely. “They are disciplined and like their own company. Other people miss that social energy and sense of camaraderie that you can have when sharing an office. It might really help to have a business partner if their skills complement yours or a mentor who would know your field and be good at assessing the issues. Just feeling that esprit de corps and knowing you have a buddy really helps.”

Rogers also encourages would-be entrepreneurs to think laterally about their options. “Depending on the business, perhaps you could throw yourself out there for six or eight months growing the business, spend a month doing accounts and admin work and then take two or three months off.”

OPTIONAL ROUTINE: By working for yourself you can avoid nine to five, says Adrienne Rogers, assistant the CEO of Cork City Enterprise Board.

A

RCHITECT Will Andrews is an old hand at flexible working, having escaped the nine-to-five grind 10 years ago. What pushed him, to go out on his own?

“It was the idea that you would be focused more on the work you were getting done, rather than appearing at your desk at specific times,” he says.

“That seemed much more logical, to me, and was a good-quality motivator to get work done.”

In the past decade, he has worked under a variety of conditions, including sharing a work space with other architectural practices and working for someone else in the mornings, and for his own practice, Will Andrews Design, in the afternoons and evenings.

Now, he mainly works at home, although regularly makes site visits and meets with builders or planners.

Being your own boss can be stressful, he says. “You do not have a defined cut-off time, so it never goes away. You have to be careful, or it can end up taking over your life.”

Being able to organise his time in ways that suit him remains the primary advantage of his flexible work life, he says. “I can do things like research and marketing during the day, if necessary, and then catch up on

SWEET SUCCESS: Nicole Dunphy, of Pandora Bell confectionery, with her daughter Beth (2) at home in Limerick. Dunphy says managing her own timetable can be a boon and a disadvantage. Picture: Kieran Clancy

You have to N switch off.

Otherwise you are just going 24/7

ICOLE DUNPHY worked in the “grown-up environment” of RTÉ Lyric FM for eight years, where she was not bound so much by working hours, but by her responsibilities as a producer. “It was flexible, but you would still be anchored to what you were working on,” she says.

Over a year ago, she decided to leave and turn her passion for artisan food into a business, setting up Pandora Bell, which sells branded sweets and chocolate. She has already won the IMAGE Young Businesswoman of the Year award.

Dunphy says managing her own timetable can be a boon and a disadvantage. Long lunches are a thing of the past, but she can now pick up her daughter Beth early from the crèche.

“Sometimes when she goes to bed, I potter away at work things, finish up emails, pack orders for the next day and make sure

FRIDAY, JANUARY 21, 2011

things don’t get on top of me. That suits me fine, although I have to be careful not to do it every night. You have to switch off, otherwise you are just going 24/7.

“I deal with quite a lot of small shops owned by one person who does everything, so I also notice quite a few of the orders come in quite late in the evening. There is a whole network of people who are not only switched on to work from 9 to 5.”

For all the challenges, Dunphy says she loves her new flexible life. “I like the idea of growing something yourself, like nurturing a plant or something. I am getting better with dealing with all the ups and downs. You realise if something goes wrong, it goes wrong.

A lot of the time, it’s out of your control.

“It’s been a big sense of achievement for me. I think ‘My God, look what I can do. I can just totally change my entire life and make it work.”

ALL IN GOOD TIME: Architect Will Andrews opted for self-employment to better manage his work schedule.

Picture: Nick Bradshaw

billable hours at evenings or the weekend.”

“I can also see my nieces and nephews after school, or meet a friend for coffee. It’s really handy to be able to be available, like that.”

For Andrews, who is also chair of the Dublin Cycling Campaign (www.dublincycling.ie), his adaptable work life also gives him time to promote and develop cycling in Dublin. “It’s great to be available during the day to do pro bono or voluntary work,” he says.

Do the business online NEW figures from research company Accenture show that digital the marketing spend by Irish businesses will increase 15% this year, but you can market your services or business using social networking for little or no cost.

These days, any self-respecting business uses Facebook and Twitter, but it’s pointless and can even be damaging unless done properly. Have a distinct personality and engage with customers, while resisting too much overt plugging.

Good examples of Irish

small businesses using social networking successfully are Murphys Icecream (www.murphysicecream.ie), The Gutter Bookshop (www.gutterbookshop.com) and James Whelan Butchers (www.jameswhelanbutchers.com), all use Twitter and Facebook, as well as their own websites, to draw customers in with friendly, useful content such as recipes or suggestions for reading material.

Expand your social networking horizons by using

your expertise to provide useful, succinct answers to questions on Quora, an open research forum, and building contacts through the online business network LinkedIn. Consider advertising on Facebook, too. It can be cheap and highly targeted.

Try out some specific social networks for entrepreneurs, such as StartupNation.com, but learn to recognise the difference between productive social networking and timewasting.

For inspiration on innovative ways to use social media, have a look at cybercom.ie, mashable.com/social-media, blog.3sixty.co.uk and wearesocial.net.

Zone:XH

10 Medical matters

XH - V1

Q

I GOT the swine flu vaccine last year, am I covered for this year’s outbreak? I care for my elderly mother, who is housebound. Should she be vaccinated also?

Dr Niamh Houston

FAMILY

TERAPROOF:User:margaretjenningsDate:19/01/2011Time:14:32:38Edition:21/01/2011FeelgoodXH2101Page:10

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

A. Yes, you are protected against swine flu if you received last year’s H1N1 vaccine but not against any other strain of influenza.

The swine flu pandemic is over, but the H1N1 virus is still out there, making the rounds as a ‘regular’ strain of seasonal influenza A. The flu vaccine is made each year to protect against the three influenza viruses expected to be the most common during that year’s flu season. The flu vaccine for 2010-2011 protects against the 2009/10 pandemic H1N1 flu, as well as against another strain of influenza A and B virus.

In Ireland the number of new swine flu cases has risen significantly. Swine flu has made up almost 90% of the confirmed influenza cases so far this season. Swine flu has aggressively targeted the under 65s, elderly people have stronger immunity to swine flu but are at greater risk from the other current strains of flu — H3N2 and B strains.

However, Swine flu vaccination is still recommended.

Influenza viruses mutate so quickly that the previous season’s vaccine can be ineffective for the next flu season, this is why vaccination is needed every year.

As a carer you are in the “at risk” group for swine flu, as well as pregnant women, people with long-term medical conditions, young children and health care workers. It takes up to two weeks to build immunity after the flu vaccine, and the vaccines’ effectiveness is usually strongest during the first six months.

This year’s flu is having a serious impact on pregnant women. There is a major concern that many pregnant women have not yet had seasonal flu vaccine. In the current flu season, pregnant women in particular are likely to be exposed to the H1N1 virus and are at higher risk of complications, including death. The greatest risk is of severe chest infection, due to the flu itself, or to secondary bacterial infection-commonest in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.

Pregnant women admitted to hospital with swine flu are three times more likely to deliver pre-term babies and their babies are five times more likely to be stillborn or die in the first week of life. There is increased severity if the pregnant woman has asthma,

VIRAL OUTBREAK: Swine flu accounts for 90% of the confirmed influenza cases so far this season in Ireland. Picture: Getty Images smokes or is obese. It is safe to gave the flu vaccine at any stage of pregnancy which also protects the new -born for the first four to six months after birth.

Q. I have had glaucoma for years.

Could vitamins improve my vision or protect me from further vision loss?

A. Probably not. Don’t depend on herbal or vitamin remedies to treat your glaucoma.

If you have glaucoma sip fluids frequently.

Drink only moderate amounts of fluids at any given time during the course of a day.

Drinking a quart or more of any liquid within a short time may temporarily increase eye pressure. Exercise safely. Regular exercise may reduce eye pressure in open-angle glaucoma. However, eye pressure may increase after exercise in one form of glaucoma known as pigmentary glaucoma, and it’s advised to avoid vigorous exercise and head-down yoga positions. Controlling weight and blood pressure will help reduce your risk of developing glaucoma.

Glaucoma is not just one eye disease, but a group of eye conditions resulting in optic nerve damage, which causes loss of vision.

Abnormally high pressure inside your eye usually causes this damage. It is the second leading cause of blindness . Regular eye checks (every year after age 60) with your optometrist or eye doctor are the key to detecting glaucoma early enough for successful treatment.

Diabetes, underactive thyroid, shortsightedness or a family history of glaucoma can increase your risk of developing glaucoma.

Also severe eye injuries, retinal detachment, chronic uveitis or iritis can result in increased eye pressure.

Treatment often starts with prescribed medicated eye drops from your doctor. If you are prescribed more than one type of eyedrop, make sure to check how long to wait between applications. Close your eyes for one or two minutes after putting the drops in and press lightly at the corner of your eye near your nose to close the tear duct. This will help reduce absorption into your blood stream and minimise side effects unrelated to your eyes.

Laser surgery, filtering surgery or drainage implants are types of operations available to treat glaucoma if you can’t tolerate medications or if they’re ineffective.

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

I

Catherine Shanahan MUM’S WORLD Feelgood

HAD a quasi-Eureka! moment at the hairdressers the other day: not enough to make me want to dash naked through the estates of Donnybrook, but sufficient to trigger a little surge of serotonin.

It happened as I browsed through a rip-off the National Enquirer, blinded by the detail of Kate Price’s sex life in a publication strangely savvy to the needs of dog owners and readers with an appetite for the ridiculous, borne out by a centre-spread starring Mandy the Labrador who overcame cancer only to be kidnapped by aliens.

Besieged by glossy magazines and earwigging on a neighbouring conversation about an au pair and a salacious affair, it became suddenly clear that needing a hair cut was one of the few justifiable excuses for escaping the demands of motherhood. The sisterhood understands that a hairdo can make or break a woman and every support is offered when a girl feels her tresses are in need of attention. A manicure or pedicure is stretching generosity, but anyone with half an ounce of female DNA knows and understands the anguish caused by a bad hair day.

By now, I can count on one hand the number of childfree refuges left: the treadmill, the office, the pub, the hair salon.

Running on the treadmill is not unlike par-

enting — you can keep going forever but never get anywhere. The pub is fantastic on a Friday night if you can block out the fallout of another spoilt Saturday. The hair salon, however, is the five-star spa of frenetic living, a haven of relaxation, individual attention and an opportunity for quiet contemplation. The hum of 20 Andis and BaByliss hairdryers is no match for a toddler’s tantrum. I could sit forever in my synthetic leather styling chair if I didn’t have to go home and make spaghetti bolognese for the third night running. I have served leftovers for so long now that what the original meal was is well forgotten.

I would like a jungle gym for the over 30s as another form of refuge. A few giant slides would be nice, but perhaps beers instead of coffees. We could gather there for birthdays, sip a few cocktails and line up for the bronco. We could take our shoes off, let our hair down and forget, for a time, that we are parents.

I don’t need a Eureka! moment to tell me that children are for life, that mentally and emotionally they are the tie that binds. So keep the hair stylist on speed dial and call her whenever you can — the salon is a mecca for tired mums and a hairdo could just keep you sane.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 21, 2011

Besieged by glossy magazines and earwigging on a conversation about an au pair and a salacious affair, it became clear that needing a hair cut was one of the few justifiable excuses for escaping the demands of motherhood

TERAPROOF:User:irenefeighanDate:19/01/2011Time:17:30:14Edition:21/01/2011FeelgoodXH2101Page:11

Zone:XH

11

XH - V1

There is no simple explanation for miscarriage, says Lory Manrique-Hyland

Left feeling empty I

N late January of 2007, my husband and I discovered we were expecting again. I marvelled that I had conceived at the same time of year as our first child.

Due dates would be around my husband’s birthday. Early November was going to be a busy time in the future.

When they get pregnant, many women start planning the lives of their unborn. I was 12 weeks pregnant, and about to start sharing the news, when tragedy struck one morning, before work, and we lost the baby.

It was a physically traumatic miscarriage.

Our plans fell apart. I didn’t feel the devastation some women feel when they’ve miscarried on a first pregnancy. Some can’t stand to be around babies, to hear about friends’ babies, or to look at a baby. My attitude was pragmatic: I rested, then tried to conceive again. We’ve had another child.

Some women have repeat miscarriages and live in dread of losing another baby. A friend of mine in the US had nine miscarriages — ten if you count the death in utero of a baby girl at 25 weeks. She’s had two healthy babies.

Lilly, from Cork, is a mother of three teenagers.

She had a stillborn child, subsequently got preg- A NEW LIFE: Lory nant, then miscar- Manrique-Hyland miscarried on her ried. She felt an “awful loneliness, second pregnancy, but emptiness and subsequently had isolation” after another child. miscarriage, she Picture: Denis Minihane says, seeing the “horrible, dark screen of the scanner with nothing happening. No heartbeat.”

Being in mixed wards with women who were pregnant, or had given birth, was “torture,” and says there should be segregated wards for pregnancy loss.

Dr Sam Coulter-Smith, master of the Rotunda maternity hospital, in Dublin, says women undergoing pregnancy loss there are separated. Almost one-in-four pregnancies miscarries before 12 weeks. Though it seems miscarriages are rising, doctors say detection has increased. The advent of early verification, with pregnancy kits that test accurately from as early as six to eight days after conception, means that women are able to detect pregnancies that fail very early. These pregnancies would previously have gone unreported.

Miscarriage has many causes. Dr Louise Kenny, professor of obstetrics and consultant obstetrician at Cork University Hospital, says in 50-60% of cases of multiple miscarriages, no underlying issue with the woman or foetus can be found. In the remaining 40-50% of cases, most common is sporadic miscarriage, indicating a chromosomal problem with the foetus. Miscarriage may be nature’s way of dealing with a non-viable foetus.

Another cause of miscarriage is primary antiphosolipid syndrome (formerly known as

Feelgood

STAY HEALTHY OPTIMISE your general wellbeing before conception by: ■ Cutting out alcohol.

■ Stopping smoking.

■ Eating a balanced diet.

■ Maintaining a healthy body weight — this aids in conception and reduces complications in pregnancy.

■ Taking prenatal vitamins, including at least 400 mcg folic acid (more may be suggested for some women).

■ Consulting with your doctor to ensure that any pre-existing conditions or prescription medications you may be on don’t complicate your pregnancy.

SHARED EXPERIENCE: Almost one-in-four pregnancies end in miscarriage before 12 weeks. Picture: Getty Images

Hughes syndrome), an immune system disorder that causes patients to have thick blood which clots more readily. The Hughes Syndrome Foundation lists it as the “most common treatable cause of recurrent miscarriage,” limiting women’s chances of carrying past the first trimester to 20%. A simple blood test can detect its presence, and treatment is incredibly successful: it can increase a woman’s chances of successfully carrying to the third trimester by up to 80% — on a par with the average woman’s chances.

Dr Hassan Shehata, at The Miscarriage Clinic, in London (miscarriageclinic.co.uk), says “in some instances a mother’s immune system can actually turn on itself and damage her own pregnancies.” The clinic offers treatment for a group of natural killer (NK) cells, which, when active, can be toxic to the placenta. Research is on-going on the link between NK cells and miscarriage.

Other causes of miscarriage can be attributed to maternal infections and diseases that cross the placenta and hurt the foetus (such as

fifths disease or gonorrhoea), uterine or cervical malformations, and other disorders.

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are three times more likely to miscarry than women without.

A study published last year in the Canadian Medical Journal found a 68% increase in risk of miscarriage in pregnant women using anti-depressants. Low folate levels are also linked to an increased risk of miscarriage. A British-based study conducted in 2006 determined that stress tripled the risk of miscarriage; happiness lowered the risk by 60%.

Behaviours associated with a reduced risk of miscarriage are common sense: a balanced diet (fish, poultry, dairy, fibre) and healthy exercise; don’t drink and don’t smoke. My favourite find is that eating chocolate may reduce your risk of miscarrying by 17%.

Though Prof Kenny acknowledges this research, she prefers the balanced-eating approach.

Miscarriage is so common most obstetricians won’t investigate further until the third

FRIDAY, JANUARY 21, 2011

consecutive miscarriage. In up to half of women who’ve had three miscarriages, doctors will find an underlying cause. Often, after even multiple miscarriages, women go on to conceive and carry to full-term. Dr Coulter says that “miscarriages happen and are normal, and it doesn’t mean you can’t have a successful pregnancy the next time around.”

Pregnancy is not a pharmaceutical-friendly area, and Prof Kenny says research in the area as a whole is under-funded. That said, the Irish Health Research board have provided F1.6m of funding to The Scope Study, a major, international pregnancy-research initiative.

Losing a pregnancy is a terrible experience.

Prof Kenny says: “There is significant psychiatric morbidity associated with miscarriage and it can cause years of grief.”

Anna Maria Verling, midwife at the CUMH, says the “reaction of a person to miscarriage depends on them and their background.”

Some may cope better than others. The CUMH host bereavement and loss services with specially-trained midwives such as Verling; and a pregnancy loss clinic for women with recurrent losses. So does the Rotunda.

Dr Coulter-Smith says: “It’s always a good idea to talk about your feelings. Don’t dwell on questions, but seek advice.”

The Miscarriage Association of Ireland provides support and information (01-8735702, www.miscarriage.ie).

TERAPROOF:User:margaretjenningsDate:19/01/2011Time:14:42:58Edition:21/01/2011FeelgoodXH2101Page:13

Zone:XH

XH - V1

Male health

Baz’s bad habit up in smoke

B

AZ Ashmawy need look no further than daughter, Hanna (seven months), to find a reason to give up smoking. “When I look at her, I realise she’s going nowhere, so I need to be around for her,” says the 35-year-old presenter of Baz’s Culture Clash, Baz’s Extreme Worlds and the 2FM weekend breakfast show with Lucy Kennedy.

Add in the ‘moaning’ (his word) of partner, Tanje, and her four children, ranging in age from six to 14 and “the fun about smoking was gone for me, along with standing out in the cold, the cost of cigarettes and I was getting lethargic.”

A smoker of 20- to 25-a-day since the age of 13, he had another good reason to quit.

“My father died of cancer when he was 51 and he was a very heavy smoker, as well, and Tanje and my mother were aware of all that, so I just got sick of smoking, I suppose.”

He’s participating in the Aviva Get Fit Action Plan, a national health campaign calling on all men and women across Ireland to take positive action to be healthier in 2011.

Like many people, Baz goes through phases of a healthy lifestyle, followed by crashes into the dark side. “Tanja is really health and my big thing is that I go through stages, with flax

Deirdre O'Flynn MOSTLY MEN

BOXING FIT: Presenter Baz Ashmawy started smoking at the age of 13, later developing a habit of 25 cigarettes a day. He has finally quit. Picture: Shane O’Neill/Fennell’s

seeds and porridge, and the like, for breakfast.

I’m great for six months and then I go ga-ga for burgers and stuff, so I’m trying to re-educate myself,” he says.

Along with the changed attitude to smoking, exercise will be part of Baz’s new regime.

“Working out is a major uphill battle for me,” says Baz, who began his TV career as

one of the three presenters on the cult travel show, How Low Can You Go? He worked on that for five years, and later presented Failte Towers and featured on shows including Anonymous, and No Frontiers. “I don’t work out because I love it, I work out because I love lasagne.”

Giving up the smokes is tough. “I’m very

Course to help fathers Online prostate advice raise their sons service is launched IF you are a father or male guardian of a boy(s) under 12 years of age, you are welcome to come along to a free two-night course called Raising Boys for Fathers. This course is designed to help you in your role as a father. It will assist you to develop a strong relationship with your boy(s), as well as giving you practical

TAKE 1

advice to help your son develop into a well-rounded and mature young man. The course is facilitated by Health Promotion Services and the Primary Care Team. It will take place from 8pm to 10pm in Crossmolina, Co Mayo (January 31 and February 7).

For more information or to book a place, please contact Paul Gillen, HSE West, on 091-548323.

4

THE European Men’s Health Forum has launched a new online service enabling men to ask prostate-related questions and to get fast, free, confidential replies from specialist nurses and doctors. It’s anonymous, and is part of a European-wide project to find out what men want to know about their prostate.

Men’s prostates get larger as they get older, but that doesn’t make it any easier

to chat about. On this site, experts will answer your questions in complete confidence. You don’t even need to include your name — just leave your question and some basic information and the answer will be provided.

The Your Prostate website answers questions from men about all aspects of prostate health, from general concerns through symptoms, diagnosis, support, treatment and follow-up care. Visit it at: www.yourprostate.eu.

with Kate O’Reilly

EXTRA VITAMINS: Scientists now believe that the lack of sun exposure and therefore vitamin D in the winter may be linked with the increased risk of colds and flu during these months. Research suggests that 2200 IU per day is the optimal intake. Solgar’s Vitamin D3 2200iu costs F8.95 for 50 capsules. The homeopaths at Nelsons Dispensary also recommend a good quality Vitamin C supplement such as Solgars Ester C, F12.99 for 30 to help prevent and treat colds and flu. Nelson’s own organic Immune Boosting Tincture (F16.75) is designed to boost immunity and has the added benefit of being anti bacterial and anti viral. Nelsons Coldenza (F7.25) which is widely available in pharmacies and health stores, can help treat the symptoms of winter colds. One of the best selling products is Comvita Herbal Elixir (F10.95). For advice or to mail order call the Dispensary on 01-6790451.

Feelgood

13

2

HEALING HONEY: Unique to New Zealand, Manuka honey has traditionally been used for its health benefits, and its bacteria-fighting properties make it a useful remedy to prevent colds and flu. Naturalife, which distributes certified, MGO Manuka honey, recommend sweetening your breakfast with some Manuka MGO100 or MGO400 honey, or eating it as a dessert with natural yoghurt, after dinner. To treat a sore throat, cold or flu, allow one teaspoon of honey to gently melt in mouth, slowly coating the throat, four times daily. MGO Manuka honey 400 costs F22.95 for 250g, from health stores and pharmacies. For more information, please visit www.naturalife.ie, or call 0404-62444.

narky and moody at the minute, but, honestly, I see myself as young and I have a young family, so I couldn’t see it going on if I didn’t change,” Baz says.

■ Follow Baz’s progress, or get information on the Aviva get fit plan, on www.avivahealth.ie; www.facebook.com/avivaireland.

DId you know...

When a woman cries, chemicals in her tears send signals which reduce men’s libido (Source: Weizmann Institute, Israel)

Boost your immunity

3

IMMUNE SUPPORT: Higher Nature says its Immune+ product is a high potency, immune supporting combination which provides 1000mg Vitamin C (in two tablets), with blackcurrant, black elderberry and bilberry, plus zinc, all of which help support the body’s defence systems. F9.49 for 60 tablets, from pharmacies and health stores; www.highernature.co.uk

FRIDAY, JANUARY 21, 2011

4

EASE COUGHS: A. Vogel recommend Bronchasan pine cough syrup, one of Alfred Vogel’s oldest natural remedies, to help ease chesty coughs and soothe sore throats brought on by January weather. Bronchosan acts as a decongestant, using extracts from fir and spruce to help thin mucus in the lungs. Fresh pine-shoot extracts are antibacterial, helping to ease hoarseness and inflammation of the vocal chords. The syrup has a pear and honey taste and is suitable for adults and children over 12. It costs F9, from health stores and selected pharmacies, nationwide. See avogel.ie for more details.

Zone:XH

14 Beauty

XH - V2

Six smart ways to rebel against so-called conventional beauty wisdom with chipped nail polish. Well, you know what, chipped nail polish is completely acceptable now because more people are wearing brightly coloured nail polish, and most polish gets chipped after about two or three days.

Yes, the whole chipped look is getting a little beyond its sell-by date now, but while the more groomed out there will always scold at chipped nail varnish, the rest of us know it’s not something to get upset about.

And we quite like the “we don’t care” look it gives us. So there.

Break the rules

TERAPROOF:User:margaretjenningsDate:19/01/2011Time:15:02:15Edition:21/01/2011FeelgoodXH2101Page:14

Emily O’Sullivan

A

ROUND this time, a feeling of unremitting self-loathing starts to bubble up in me. It’s partly to do with those stupid resolutions that I felt compelled to make at the start of the year. Oh yes, back then, it seemed very likely that I would be able to kick my coffee habit on the head. Now, I slink into work under a dark cloud carrying my takeaway cappuccino like it’s my own private shame.

It’s partly to do with rules. And a hatred of them. No, I’m not a lawless renegade, but I do like to rebel a little... especially in a safe environment where my rebellion is guaranteed not to contravene any public laws and get me thrown in the slammer. And this month I am particularly delighting in the breaking of a few beauty rules.

Beauty rules are a bore — yes, some of them make sense: lip liner should never be worn outside the lips, foundation should be worn in moderation and eyebrows that are more Colin Farrell than Brooke Shields should, most definitely, be plucked.

But then there are some rules that we’re thoroughly bored of. Beauty changes. Styles move on. What looked utterly naff 10 years ago has started to look cool again. The ’80s are back — and we never thought we’d see those years again (that said, I can confirm here and now that I will never, never allow my hair to be sprayed with Pumping Curls and then scrunch-dried into a diffuser).

Styles that we thought we’d never see again, we’re suddenly rather attracted to (such as the completely shocking orange lip gloss).

We’ve picked out a few beauty rules that you might like to break this month. Go on: live a little.

1

FOCUS ON YOUR EYES OR LIPS Make-up artists have been banging on about it for as long as we can remember. The basic rule goes like this: if you are going to go for a made-up eye then you should keep your lips neutral and vice versa. So, essentially, a smokey eye goes with a nude lip while a red lip goes with a natural eye. But you know what, we’re over this one. Plus, it doesn’t

4

YOU SHOULD ALWAYS PENCIL IN BLONDE EYEBROWS People with blonde and very light eyebrows have been told for ages that they should be filling in those brows, but then, along came Lara Stone with her white eyebrows and suddenly every single fashion editorial you looked at last year featured girls with dark smouldering eyes and pale, almost imperceptible eyebrows.

Of course, it does help if you’re a pouty Dutch model with cheekbones to die for, but just because you’ve been told you should, doesn’t mean you must always fill your eyebrows in.

During the day, when your make-up is lighter, a little definition helps, but in the evening when you can really make your eyes the focus, comb your eyebrows and wear with deep dark sexy eyes. It’s a very fresh look.

LIP SERVICE: The rule forbidding the use of bright colours on the eyes and the lips at the same time is now well and truly broken.

Picture: Getty Images

even make sense anymore — it’s dull and dated.

We loved the look for Louis Vuitton’s spring/summer show with the molten bronze eyeshadow, peroxide hair and deep red glossy lips. It’s the antithesis of the eye-or-lip movement. Do be careful, though — going full on with both can occasionally err on the side of tarty so make sure to get the mix right.

2

ALWAYS TAKE YOUR MAKE-UP OFF BEFORE GOING TO BED. Sometimes we’re too cold to wash our face, or we’re too tired to go through a big cleansing routine, so sometimes we go to bed with our make-up

THE NEWS ON ...

on and we can’t say it’s made any difference to our skin although even if you’re not going to remove your eye make-up, it’s a good idea to either remove your base or put on some moisturiser).

We know deep down that it’s far better to remove your make-up, and nine times out of ten we do, but on that one time we’re not going to beat ourselves up about it because, really, it doesn’t make much of a difference.

Plus, it makes us feel a little bit naughty, and that’s always good.

3

6

SHOWING YOUR ROOTS IS THE LAST WORD IN LAZINESS Well, this one has been over for a while. Madonna is the biggest purveyor of this trend — she loves the look (Madonna’s roots have most probably been dyed to look like they are naturally brown, rather than the greyish shade that at 53 she would “naturally” have). Teen star Taylor Momsen is also a fan. So as long as your roots aren’t betraying your age, don’t worry about showing them off a bit (it’s also a great recession-friendly look — longer breaks between hair sessions is actually cool).

TAKE THREE

L’OREAL YOUTH CODE

PRETTY PINKS

IF you’re a fan of L’Oreal’s Youth Code, which was launched last year, then there are two new products out now you’ll probably be keen to get your mitts on. The Youth Code Youth booster serum, F37.49, is ten times more concentrated than the Youth Code day cream and is designed to give your tired, stressed skin a real boost and glow. If that doesn’t appeal, try the Youth Code night cream, F24.49, which complements the day cream very well and helps support the skin’s recovery process at night, we are told.

PINK. Well, it’s a bit of a take-it-or-leave it look in beauty. It definitely has it’s place — but it’s very cutsey and girly, so we’re not convinced that it’s for us. Still, as we edge closer to spring, pink is set (as always) to be a big look, with beauty looking to rose-toned fresheness to take away that grey, wintery edge.

Feelgood

CHIPPED NAIL POLISH SHOULD BE REMOVED A while back, a close friend was admonished for coming into work

5

FAKE TAN IS BAD Fake tan has slipped spectacularly from grace recently. And that’s no bad thing. It’s excessive mainstream use meant the beauty world, which moves in cycles, was bound to decree that it was too overexposed. And so models went pale. And we all stopped wearing fake tan.

But the fake stuff is not to be completely dismissed — fake tan still has its place. Yes, we’re over being sprayed or standing there for 20 minutes waiting for sludgy stuff to dry on our body, and yes, it smells completely awful, but there is still a place for a light, subtle false tan — and come the summer, you’re probably going to be reaching for the stuff.

ly says it all — it’s a pretty palette. Actually, it’s a very pretty palette — just the right tone of delicate to make sure that you’re not left looking Barbie-ish. There’s a collection of rose shades, as well as chocolate and ivory — enough to make sure you can create a number of looks, from smoky eye to a light, flattering, day-time look.

Bobbi Brown Pretty Palette, F50. The name real-

FRIDAY, JANUARY 21, 2011

Benefit Ultra-Shine Gloss in Watermelon Pink, F21.50.

This is a juicy pink, if ever there was one. The new range of

glosses from Benefit certainly take shine to a new level, with a burst of zesty colour and strong glossy tone that thankfully isn’t sticky.

YSL Parisienne Eau de Parfum, F79.50 for 90ml. A sumptuous collection of violet, damask rose and zingy blackberry, YSL’s scent is nothing if not girly. If you love pink, we defy you not to love this one.

TERAPROOF:User:margaretjenningsDate:19/01/2011Time:15:21:32Edition:21/01/2011FeelgoodXH2101Page:15

Zone:XH

XH - V2

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 HAVE been battling cancer successfully since 2003. During this time I had chemotherapy three times and radiotherapy. Now it appears I have a problem with food. I am not eating and have lost three stone in weight. What can I do? I cannot afford to lose any more weight. I am on regular doses of Herceptin.

A. Herceptin is what is referred to as a “targeted drug”, which means it has been designed to follow a specific genetic pathway in the body. Typically used in place of chemotherapy, this relatively new drug is designed to target the HER-2 protein which occurs in one-in-four women with breast cancer. Studies have shown that individuals with this protein are at an especially high risk of developing aggressive breast cancer.

Recent trials on Herceptin found that women with early breast cancer who took the new drug after surgery and/or chemotherapy reduced their likelihood of having a recurrence of breast cancer by 52% and reduced their likelihood of dying from breast cancer by 33%.

Schisandra is an adaptogenic herb well known for supporting the body throughout both chemotherapy and surgery. It enables the body to increase resistance against physical, chemical and biological stresses, while helping to boost recovery by normalising physiological functions.

Adaptogens are very powerful, and work with your natural defence mechanisms to cause the least possible disturbance within your system. Viridian’s Standardised Schisandra Berry Extract (200mg) costs around F21.10 for 90 vegicaps and is available from Here’s Health (www.hereshealth.ie; 0214278101). Take one capsule twice daily to help eliminate toxins and accelerate recovery.

No doubt the physical and emotional stresses you have been experiencing will be a contributing factor to the weight and appetite loss. To give your body and mind a boost, it’s important to get professional support or use natural therapies of your choice (such as cranio-sacral therapy, meditation, yoga, Bowen technique, massage, homeopathy, flower remedies etc).

Many leafy greens and herbs, such as alfalfa, dandelion, sorrel, watercress, mint, spinach, parsley, wheatgrass, and chard work to heal the body while stimulating the appetite. I suggest you try taking a green juice daily — it is often easier than eating something when food is a problem. A combination of celery, mint, green apple, parsley, spinach and/or chard, and lemon makes a wonderfully healing juice which delivers a powerhouse of nutrients with little work required. Dark berries will also help to increase your appetite whilst packing a nutritional punch.

You can also utilise herbal tea blends. dandelion root, Siberian ginseng, peppermint, yarrow, oatstraw, parsley, safflower, thyme, tarragon are all great herbs to help improve

RIGHT STUFF: A combination of celery, mint, green apple, parsley, spinach and/or chard, and lemon makes a healing juice. Picture: Stockbyte

the desire to eat and assimilate food. Essential oils are a great aid to appetite as well — try pink grapefruit, sweet orange (or any citrus!), tarragon, thyme, frankincense or rosewood.

Q. I’ve had a post-nasal drip for a very long time. It’s only on the left side and I get pain from beneath my ear to under my jaw. My throat also feels raw. I have been to a consultant and he could find nothing unusual. However, I feel there is something blocking the mucous which gets caught in my throat causing a gland to swell. I also get very tired for several months from about September onwards each year.

A. An accumulation of mucous in the back of the nose and throat, which often leads to mucous either dripping down the back of the nasal cavity or the sensation of it dripping, post-nasal drip is often linked with rhinitis. It is typically caused by excessive mucous production or trouble with the elimination of mucous from the nose and throat region. Rhinitis is basically inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nasal passages.

To clear the nasal passages of mucous, the Ayurvedic traditional jala neti pot is very effective. The neti pot itself is similar to a small teapot, and is filled with a salt solution which is matched to the salinity of the body.

One teaspoon of pure salt to 500ml of water is the recommended proportional quantities.

The user leans forwards (ideally over a basin) while pouring the solution through one nostril, allowing it to pass through the sinus and exit through the other nostril.

I appreciate that this method does not appeal to everyone, so I am also going to

Megan puts the spotlight on:

I

CAME across an insightful story about colon health some years ago, The moral of the story has remained intact. It goes something along these lines: All of the organs of the body were having a meeting, trying to decide which was the most important and should be the one in charge.

I should be in charge, said the brain, and because I run all the body’s systems, nothing would ever get done without me.

I should be in charge, said the heart, because I pump blood to the brain and body — without me, nothing would work.

I should be in charge, said the stom-

Feelgood

15

ach, because I process food and give all of you energy.

I should be in charge, said the lungs, because without breath the body will die.

I should be in charge, said the eyes, because I allow the body to see.

We should be in charge, said the kidneys and liver, because without us the body cannot process toxins.

I should be in charge, said the skin, because I hold everything in!

Then the colon stepped up and said, “I should be in charge, because I’m responsible for

FRIDAY, JANUARY 21, 2011

recommend two modern alternatives — Nasaline, and Sinus Rinse. Both of these are available widely from chemists and health stores, and involve the simple use of a syringe-type device designed to clear the nasal passages and prevent re-infection.

The anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 and omega-6 rich fish oils can help keep airways clear of mucous, especially when the underlying problem is an allergic reaction. The essential fatty acids should also help with the feeling of rawness that you are experiencing in your throat.

MorEPA is a great way to get your fish oils. It is chewable and you only need to take one capsule daily. Two months supply, 60 capsules, costs F29.95 from Healthy and Essential (045-892267; www.heathyandessential.ie).

Two herbs, mullein and lobelia, are particularly effective in addressing gland troubles.

Simply brew up a strong infusion using three tablespoons of mullein and one tablespoon of lobelia in a cup of boiling water and soak a cotton bandage in the solution.

Wrap the bandage around your neck, cover with cling film and tie with a scarf for comfort and warmth. Leave it for as long as you can — preferably 30-60 minutes — and repeat twice daily until you feel relief from the blockage in your throat.

The tiredness you describe sounds very much in line with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

During the colder months with shorter days it is common to feel changes in mood, skin, energy, and general wellbeing as a result of the huge decrease in vitamin D levels.

You can purchase Biocare’s vitamin D3 2000IU drops from Here’s Health (details earlier) where 15ml costs F12.95.

Importance of your colon waste removal.”

At this, the other organs laughed and claimed that the colon was nothing but a smelly old sewer, and was the least important of all.

The colon was insulted, and decided to stop working completely. Within a few days, the brain had a terrible headache and couldn’t process thoughts clearly, the heartbeat was weak and irregular, the stomach was bloated, the lungs could only perform shallow breaths, the eyes were bloodshot with

cloudy vision, the kidneys and liver packed in due to toxic overload, the skin was spotty and dull, and in addition the arms and legs were tired and weak.

Another meeting was called, this time a very sombre gathering, and now all of the organs were in complete agreement… the colon is the most important organ in the body.

It surprises me how often individuals are treated successfully for completely unrelated symptoms and ailments simply by starting with a colon cleansing program. So, whether it be a mysterious rash, fatigue, or sinus troubles that you just can’t seem to shake — you will always benefit from keeping your colon in great health.

TERAPROOF:User:GREGMCCANNDate:19/01/2011Time:10:54:09Edition:21/01/2011FeelgoodXH2101Page:16

Zone:XH

16

XH - V1

Motivation is the Answer

Take action now!

At Motivation Weight Management Clinics, we clearly understand that it’s not just about what you eat but why you eat.

Book an assessment consultation in January 2011 for only €25 Normally €50

• Private individual Consultations with our caring Doctors and Consultants • Lose weight quickly but safely without feeling hungry or deprived • Over 100,000 success stories • Weight loss programme for adolescents • Behaviour Evaluation to identify the underlying causes of your weight problem • Our programmes are specially designed for men, women and adolescents with any amount of weight to lose • Recent clinical study shows that the Motivation Programme has an 86% success rate with people maintaining their weight loss for 4 years or more with follow-up.

• Now 15 years in operation

lost o h w y o R 7 stone

www.motivation.ie Call 1800 22 44 88 Today

• Grand Parade • Ballincollig • Carrigaline • Limerick • Clonakilty 023-8821956

NOW 22 CLINICS NATIONWIDE

Feelgood

FRIDAY, JANUARY 21, 2011