Feelgood 26-03-2010

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Feelgood

Friday, March 26, 2010

Check-out time

We can’t get enough of sky-high heels but our tortured feet are paying the price: 8, 9

ESCAPE ROUTE

Cancer patient gets vital post-op treatment in Austria: 4, 5

PURE BLISS

We chill out at two top Irish spas: 11

Picture: iStock

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EGG-CELLENT

Parade of Easter eggs put to the taste test: 12

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Dialogic reading allows you and your child to read together and aids development skills, says Lisa Matassa Kate O’Reilly WHAT’S ON STRESS WORKSHOP: The community-based Life Long Learning Festival runs until Sunday in and around Cork city, and has many interesting events, all free. Managing Stress in a Recession is a daylong workshop for men which takes place tomorrow from 10am to 5pm at the Social and Health Education Project Training Centre (SHEP) in Ballincollig. The workshop is free but booking is essential. Tel SHEP on 021-466 6180.

UNRAVELLING DNA: CIT will present a free workshop for those who are interested in learning more about DNA tomorrow from 11am to 12.30pm and from 3pm to 4.30pm in the Central Library, Grand Parade, Cork. Dr Siobhán O’Sullivan will will examine the genetic basis of diseases, such as cystic fibrosis and hemochromatosis and explore genetic fingerprinting used in crime detection and paternity testing.

Booking is essential. Contact Sharon Lawton on 021-4335108 or email Sharon.lawton@cit.ie.

FAMILY FUN DAY: Cork City Council is inviting the public to experience a rural farmyard in an urban setting as part of the 7th Cork Lifelong Learning Festival on Sunday from 2 to 5pm at the Cork Foyer Complex (site of Corrigan’s City Farm), Assumption Road, Blackpool. See and pet a wide variety of farm animals with a visit from the AgriAware Mobile Farm.

Stroll through the allotments and pick up tips from a horticulturist. Sample the delights of a farmers’ market. There will be free face painting and a balloon modeller and a safe toddler play park.

An indoor workshop making paper chickens facilitated by the Graffiti Theatre Company runs from 2.30 to 4.30pm. Places are limited to 10 children (four to eight year olds) who must be accompanied by an adult.

For more details call Barry Waddingham, Foyer Manager on 021-428 8524 or see www.foyer.ie.

Check www.corkcity.ie/learningfestival or pick up a programme guide from your local library.

ALLOTMENT DEMO: There will be an Introduction to Allotment Gardening at Ightermurragh Garden Allotments Ladysbridge, Co Cork tomorrow at 11am.

Admission free, but booking essential through Liam Murphy on 086-3003810 MCGUIRE PROGRAMME: Recovered stammerers who have taken part in the McGuire Programme will talk at a free open evening in the Montenotte Hotel, Cork on Tuesday next from 7.30 to 8.30pm. A course will be run in Cork in May. Call Joe O’ Donnell on 074-9125781 or see www.stammering.ie Items for inclusion in this column can be sent to koreilly8@gmail.com

Turn over new leaf

B

OOKS open the world up to your child. Time spent reading together is time well spent, especially if you engage in a relatively new approach called dialogic reading, which has been shown to play a key part in maximising children’s language development and narrative skills.

Developed for two age groups (two to three year olds and four to five year olds) it’s about putting the child in the driving seat and encouraging them to become the teller of the story. The adult simply facilitates by asking (open and closed) questions and becoming the audience. For younger children it could be something closed and simple like asking the child to name an item, or exploring a little further with an open question like: “What’s happening on this page?” Older children might engage with “wh” prompts — who, what, when, where, or why questions such as: “Why did the duck go over the hill?” Experts recommend dialogic reading with your child at least three times per week.

The aim is to encourage the child to say a little more than they would do naturally — leading to more rapid development in their language skills. Many parents do this intuitively, but dialogic reading provides a structure and proven methodology to follow.

The basic principle is the PEER sequence: prompts the child to say something, evaluates the response, expands on this and repeats the prompt to make sure

NEW FOCUS: Experts recommend dialogic reading with your child at least three times weekly. Picture: iStock the child has learned from it.

Child psychologist Grover J Whitehurst, the first director of the Institute of Education Sciences in the States, is the brainchild behind dialogic reading. Much of his re-

search shows that children who have been read to in this way are often substantially ahead of those who have been read to in the more traditional approach.

The term dialogic reading is not widely known in Ireland but the technique closely mirrors some methods used to promote literacy and language development. “Shared reading experiences are important for children,” says Carol-Anne Murphy, a lecturer in the department of speech and language therapy at the University of Limerick.

However, Murphy highlights the need for parents to consider the child’s level of interest in it. “Reading should be enjoyable and shouldn’t be forced on children. They should get a sense of books being fun and colourful rather than just one big lesson.

Allowing children to play with books from a very early age is a good start.”

Murphy says the dialogic approach is a good way to give structure to the whole shared reading experience and avoids one of the possible pitfalls of interactive learning — the parent assuming teacher mode.

Dialogic reading can also play a part in helping children at risk of reading and language learning difficulties. “Prevention is hugely important,” says Murphy. “The aim is to arrest problems before they manifest themselves. However, it shouldn’t be seen as a panacea for children at risk who may need other interventions.”

■ More information: www.readingrockets.org/article/400

HEALTH NOTES GRUB’S UP: At the launch of the Waterford Food Festival were, from left, chefs Louise Clarke, Nude Food; Eunice Power, Powersfield House; Conor Foran, Lawlor’s Hotel; Paul Deevy, Richmond House; and Shane McGrath, Cliff House Hotel.

FOR an estimated half a million people in Ireland, the Easter egg fest soon to descend upon us means one big headache — or migraine. Chocolate is one of the most frequently cited migraine triggers.

“Over 20% of sufferers cite dietary factors as triggers,” says Donna Walsh, information officer at the Migraine Association of Ireland (MAI).”Chocolate always ranks highly on this list but it’s often too tempting to say no, especially around Easter when it is everywhere. Our advice is to try organic or darker versions as it is often the additives in cheaper alternatives that trigger the attack.”

For further information on migraine see: www.migraine.ie or call the MAI helpline on 1850-200378.

PUT the Waterford Festival of Food in your diary. The best of locally produced food can be tasted at events in Dungarvan from April 16 to 18.

Cookery demonstrations will take place on Saturday, April 17, and Sunday, April 18, featuring chefs Neven Maguire, Derry Clarke, Paul Flynn and Catherine Fulvio.

Also worth checking out are the Bus Bia trips, children’s workshops, the Agri Aware Mobile Farm and a picnic in the park.

The highlight of the festival is the all-day Farmers’ Market which takes place on Sunday. See www.waterfordfestivaloffood.ie TRINITY College Dublin researchers have identified that genes which are part of the

Picture: Dylan Vaughan

Cell Adhesion Molecule (CAM) pathway may be involved in genetic susceptibility to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The risk genes identified by the researchers share a common function: helping brain cells to connect to each other.

Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder affect about one in 50 Irish adults. Treatments are available, but response is variable and the underlying biology remains elusive.

This new finding, although not likely to represent a diagnostic test, suggests the mechanisms involved in connecting brain cells may be a target for developing new treatments. The findings were published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry.

MEP Marian Harkin is happy to declare that homeopathy works for her — and 100 million other Europeans.

The MEP hosted the third EU Homeopathy Day event in the European Parliament this week. She was joined by a panel of experts in the field of complementary medicine.

“We know what patients want, free choice of therapy, affordable treatment and integration of homeopathy into health services nevertheless there is no real priority given to homeopathy and complementary medicine in the EU,” she said.

Three out of four Europeans know about homeopathy and of these 29% use it.

Irene Feighan

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

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FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2010

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THE SHAPE I'M IN

Packie Bonner

Driving ahead FORMER football goalkeeper for the Republic of Ireland Packie Bonner is best remembered for his penalty save in Genoa at the 1990 World Cup, which — along with David O’Leary’s successful strike — earned Ireland a place in the quarter-finals.

Donegal-born Packie, who turns 50 in May, is now the FAI’s technical director and plays a pivotal role in the development of youth soccer. Married to Ann and dad to Melissa and Andrew, he believes sport, music, dance and theatre should be compulsory in primary and secondary school.

Packie, who was Grand Marshal of the St Patrick’s Day parade in Dublin last week, says: “Students should have the option to take sport as a subject in the Leaving Cert similar to what my children had in Glasgow. Both eventually went to university and are still involved in sport and dance.

Sport’s a great way for all ages to interact, make lifelong friends and create a healthy lifestyle,” says the man whose football career saw him win 80 caps for Ireland.

What shape are you in?

Pretty good — as technical director for the FAI, I’m involved in rolling out UEFA coaching courses, which involves an element of practical football sessions. I don’t have the time to train like I used to, but I try to walk at least three times a week and I play golf when the diary allows.

Do you have any health concerns?

Not that I’m aware of. I pick up the odd cold now and then but I shrug it off quickly — I’m not one for giving in if I can help it. If I’m having an off day or feeling under the weather, I try to take time out to sleep, relax and walk.

Also I turn my phone off — we should have a mobile and email-free day once a month.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I eat lots of seafood. I enjoy fish of any kind, even the bony ones. I eat it at least twice a week with fresh vegetables. I drink tea, but I really should be drinking more water.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure when it comes to food?

Chocolate, something which I didn’t eat too much of when I played professional football.

What would keep you awake at night?

I’m generally a good sleeper — by the time I’m finished in the office, I’m pretty tried. I need at least eight hours a night to function properly. If I can manage an extra hour here and there all the better. Thankfully, I don’t have too many sleepless nights, but if there’s a work issue that needs addressing, it can play on my mind.

How do you relax?

Golf, fishing and walking. I was brought up beside the sea and it’s in my blood. Anytime I can get to Donegal and get out in a boat to fish is magical, especially when I catch one or two. I got introduced to golf when I was in Scotland and I really enjoy it. If I can’t fish or golf, walking’s the next best thing — a great way to clear the head.

A UNIQUE GIFT

A PERSONALISED IRISH EXAMINER FRONT PAGE

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Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Lorraine Kelly [Scottish TV presenter], whom I met recently. She’s a bundle of fun, great craic. She’s big into Scottish Football and frequently goes with her son and husband to see Dundee United.

What would you change about your appearance if you could?

Get my six pack back to the days of playing football.

When did you last cry?

Unfortunately too many times to count — I’m a big sop. At funerals I can’t hold back the tears. My dad always comes to mind — he died when I was 22, just when I was starting out on my career. He missed it all.

What’s your favourite smell?

Chanel No 5.

What trait do you least like in others?

Lack of integrity. Life’s full of it, people saying one thing and doing another. I like people who tell you straight — then at least you know.

What trait do you least like in yourself?

I’m too judgmental. I set very high standards for myself and as a result expect the same — unfairly on occasion — from those around me. It came out in a personal profile that was carried out on my behalf. I now need to be aware and temper that particular trait.

Do you pray?

Yes. I like Clarendon St Church, off Grafton St in Dublin. It’s a perfect place to visit for a moment or two of reflection. It takes you away from the mad world.

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FEELGOOD

What news would cheer you up right now?

That we’re coming out of recession, that a positive atmosphere is going to be created by achieving some great results in sport and that we’re going to have a lovely warm summer. And personally, a meeting being cancelled, which would free up some time for me.

Helen O’Callaghan

LEADING MAN: Packie Bonner in Dublin recently as grand marshal of the St Patrick’s Day Parade. Picture: Gareth Chaney Collins

THE FEELGOOD PERSONALS FOR COST EFFECTIVE ADVERTISING Phone: LORI FRASER Tel. 021-4802265 Fax 021-4273846 lori.fraser@examiner.ie Every Friday.

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FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2010

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daffodil Margaret Logan developed lymphoedema during treatment for breast cancer — but XH - V1

Painful legacy of my F

Picture: Maura Hickey

Feelgood

FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2010

OR the past three summers, Dubliner Margaret Logan, picturered left, has spent three weeks in Austria. But the 48-year-old mum of one hasn’t been on holiday. Instead she’s been a patient at the dedicated specialist clinic for lymphoedema sufferers located in Walchsee — where the former garda has been receiving vital intensive treatment she can’t get in Ireland.

Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002, Margaret had a lump removed from her left breast, as well as 15 lymph nodes from under her arm. She’s one of the 12%-25% of patients who get lymphoedema (abnormal build-up of fluid leading to swelling, caused by damage to the lymphatic system) following surgery and/or radiotherapy for breast cancer.

A chronic, incurable condition, lymphoedema causes pain, discomfort and increased susceptibility to skin infections, such as cellulitis. It can also be physically demanding — Margaret must carry the extra weight of her swollen arm.

“The extent to which it develops depends on how long it’s gone untreated,” says Susan O’Carroll of the Irish Cancer Society’s Cancer Information Services, who emphasises the importance of early symptom-recognition (may be slight initially and include heaviness in the arm, difficulty doing simple tasks, ring/watch-strap feeling tight) and early intervention.

Yet, in Ireland, only one in two patients with breast cancer-related lymphoedema know they’re at risk of developing the condition, according to a DCU/Irish Cancer Society study of current lymphoedema service provision in Ireland, published last month.

Margaret doesn’t recall any mention of lymphoedema until she was undergoing radiotherapy. “I was told to do certain exercises but I wasn’t told why. I thought it was to keep the post-operative swelling down. No one emphasised I should do the exercises indefinitely, that lymphoedema could strike weeks, months or even years down the line.

“As soon as I was able to reach the clothes line after my operation, I stopped the exercises. Five weeks into radiotherapy, my arm started swelling. The nurse gave me a compression sleeve, not one tailored for me but an off-the-shelf one. After a week, the swelling went down and I threw away the compression garment.”

Along with skin care, exercise and manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) — a special massage technique, encouraging flow of lymph fluid out of the arm — compression, in the form of bandaging or wearing a compression sleeve, is one of the cornerstones of care for lymphoedema sufferers. It’s vital — once swelling has been reduced through MLD — that the patient immediately begins wearing the made-to-measure compression garment before the affected limb has the chance to swell up again. Yet, the DCU/Irish Cancer Society report found patients in Ireland can wait an average of 23 days to receive their compression garment.

Three in 10 people get cellulitis in the area affected by lymphoedema. Margaret Logan is one of them. Struck by severe pain in her arm, she initially put it down to her young

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cancer treatment I was told to do certain exercises but I wasn’t told why.

I thought it was to keep the post-operative swelling down.

No one emphasised I should do the exercises indefinitely, that lymphoedema could strike weeks, months or even years down the line son, Oisín, lying on the arm.

“I went to the doctor. He said I should have come sooner,” says Margaret, who recalls a “vicious circle” beginning, where she’d get up to six bouts of cellulitis a year with increased swelling in the arm following each one.

“The swelling got steadily worse until I had 60% excess fluid in my left arm compared to my right. My oncologist, whom I was still seeing for check-ups, would say ‘you’re very unfortunate to have lymphoedema’ but I wasn’t being treated for it.”

Again Margaret isn’t alone, says Dr Pamela Gallagher, senior lecturer in psychology at DCU’s School of Nursing and one of the authors of the Living With Lymphoedema In Ireland report.

“Thirty-three percent of patients we surveyed with breast cancer-related lymphoedema felt they hadn’t received sufficient treatment to manage the condition,” she says.

Advised to keep her arm elevated — which she interpreted as putting it in a sling, something she later discovered was causing further damage — it was four months after she got lymphoedema that Margaret heard about a private therapist who offered MLD.

Feelgood

Plans for the day

■ DAFFODIL Day takes place today across Ireland. The Irish Cancer Society hopes to raise F4m, with all funds going towards provision of free direct patient-care services, including the Cancer Information Service, 16 hospital-based oncology liaison nurses, a nationwide night nursing service and financial aid to cancer patients.

■ Up to 30,000 people will be diagnosed with cancer during 2010, with over 43,000 new cases expected annually by 2020.

Cancer affects one in three. The biggest risk factor for developing it is increasing age followed by lifestyle choices (smoking, poor diet, inactivity).

■ The biggest gap in delivery of cancer information is at point of diagnosis, which is why the Irish Cancer Society is this year expanding its Cancer Information Service by setting up at least five Daffodil Centres in a range of hospitals nationwide. Daffodil Centres will be located in the main foyer of the hospital, near the main entrance.

HELPING HAND: Daffodil Day Nurse Nuala Dee at the launch of the Irish Cancer Society Daffodil Day 2010 in the Sheraton Hotel and Spa Resort, Fota. Picture: Richard Mills “I did an intensive course of treatment — 10 sessions over two weeks, which reduced the swelling a good bit. Maintaining it was the problem. Nobody told me I should keep going for MLD. I’d wait a couple of weeks ’til the arm started swelling up again. I was paying for it all myself. It wasn’t until I went to Austria for treatment that I realised I should be having weekly treatments,” says Margaret, who has been having weekly MLD since 2008.

She has gone to Austria for three-week yearly treatment stints under the National Treatment Purchase Fund. “Getting to Austria under that scheme involved a lot of red tape but with the help of my oncologist and MLD therapist, I got there.”

At the clinic Margaret gets two daily sessions of MLD and vital advice. “They tell you about diet and teach you exercises. They really recommend swimming so I now do my exercises three times a week in the pool.

They made me realise lymphoedema is forever, asking me: ‘Who’s going to put on your compression sleeve when you’re an old lady?’

For the first time I was taught how to self-bandage. Now I do it nightly — by morning the swelling has reduced quite a bit.

“I was prone to infection, with each one causing untold damage. In Austria they advised a small dose of antibiotic — to try out for a year. It’s kept the cellulitis at bay. In Austria, I lose between 500ml-600ml of fluid from my arm — when I phone my son, who’s now 10, I tell him I’ve lost the same amount as a can of Coke. But every year when I get there my swelling’s at a higher level than the year before, so for me it’s about maintenance.”

In Ireland, services are a far cry from the Austrian model. “They’re very ad-hoc and scant. It’s difficult for patients to get the intensive treatment they need. There’s a lot of inequity — some counties provide a service, others don’t. Where services exist, they’re over-subscribed and under-resourced,” says Susan O’Carroll. One in five patients surveyed for the Living With Lymphoedema In Ireland report said distance from services was a barrier to treatment.

Issues around sustainability of services also pose a problem. “In most services we surveyed, there was, on average, only one person trained in the special techniques needed to manage lymphoedema. If that person leaves, they’re often not replaced,” says Dr Gallagher.

FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2010

■ A cancer nurse will run each centre.

Supported by trained volunteers, s/he will address the information/support needs of those concerned about cancer, through listening, providing information/advice and, if necessary, accompanying people to appointments/treatments.

■ For more info, visit www.cancer.ie

Around Ireland, women struggle with the fallout from service gaps. The impact isn’t just physical. It’s psychological and financial too. Susan O’Carroll points to the disfigurement of a swollen arm, difficulty in finding clothes that fit and the fact that people often supplement limited treatment with private therapy, which can cost up to F60 a session.

Margaret’s approach is to “control my arm rather than let it control me”, but lymphoedema has taken a toll.

Two years ago, she retired on health and safety grounds from her Garda job. “Not to be dramatic about it but I couldn’t risk being stabbed in the arm.”

Wearing hot, uncomfortable bandages at night interrupts her sleep and simple household tasks requiring lifting and carrying are beyond her. “I’ve always loved clothes. Now, I’m forced to buy bigger sizes that fit my arm but don’t fit elsewhere.

“I had breast cancer and I just want to move on but my swollen arm is a daily reminder of what I went through.”

■ The Irish Cancer Society has a factsheet on lymphoedema, call 1800-200700. Visit www.lymphireland.com or www.inni.org.

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Tallaght scandal highlights need for a psychological element in the training of key professionals

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ALLAGHT HOSPITAL’S neglect of service-users — 58,000 unread x-rays and a present figure of 3,500 unopened GP referral letters — brought a tide of Government opposition demands for the resignation of the Minister for Health Mary Harney and the CEO of the HSE, Professor Brendan Drumm.

Opposition party politicians do themselves no favours when they use health scandals to target the Government.

They would be better served in providing solutions for the very serious delays experienced by the public and by general practitioners.

The Irish Hospital Consultants Association (IHCA) delivered a quick response to what they described as the “delayed radiology reporting” but curiously made no mention of the thousands of unopened letters. The Association claims that the consultant radiologists, “both individually and collectively, brought the growing delay in reporting x-rays to the attention of hospital management over the past number of years. In excess of 40 letters were written to hospital management”.

There is something missing in the response: why were the consultants not shouting from the rooftops before the neglect was uncovered by an outside source? There are plenty of eager opposition politicians all too ready to take up the case and no shortage of journalists either. The IHCA is pointing a finger at the HSE which, it claims, is not best placed to investigate the untenable situation.

What needs to be clarified by the Tallaght Hospital administrators is how come they did not act on the 40-plus letters? Were their hands tied by HSE policies? We need to know where the accountability lies so that the situation is not repeated.

There is no guarantee that any professional training — medical, religious, political, social, psychological, educational, managerial — produces maturity, a truth that has not been acknowledged. Indeed, the contrary would seem to be the case, because there is no requirement for those individuals — with the exception of psychotherapists and psychoanalysts — to examine their lives.

Much of the neglect that has led to the present Church, political, financial and health scandals would not have happened if we had mature individuals manning these professions. There is a clear need to examine the nature of the training undergone by key professionals in our society and to determine its effectiveness in dealing with the unresolved emotional baggage we all bring to our adulthood.

There is a cleverly-designed assumption that education brings maturity but the facts do not support this claim. For instance, what happened and what is still happening in the banks gives little grounds for hope of mature change.

The Church is also struggling with accountability and, sadly, some medical professionals appear reluctant to appear as a witness in the case of professional neglect by a colleague. If politicians want to demonstrate eligibility to govern, let them first take the beam out of their own eyes and practise mature responses to uncovered neglects — wherever they occur. Making political mileage out of such

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ANSWERS WANTED: We need to know who is accountable for the situation at Tallaght Hospital.

Picture:Mark Stedman/Photocall Ireland.

What needs to be clarified by the Tallaght Hospital administrators is how come they did not act on the 40-plus letters.

We need to know where the accountability lies so that the situation is not repeated

tragedies is a recipe for further disasters and does not augur well were any of the opposition parties to become a government party.

■ Dr Tony Humphreys is a clinical psychologist. He is the

author of several books on practical psychology including The Mature Manager. For details of course and lectures visit: www.tonyhumphreys.ie

FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2010

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THOSE KILLER HEELS

As bunions force celeb Victoria Beckham to reserve her eight-inch hells for special occasions, Helen O’Callaghan asks the experts what steps us ordinary mortals can take to prevent our feet from developing those painful lumps and bumps

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ICTORIA BECKHAM has stepped out of her eight-inch high heels, beaten by a bunion. Recent glimpses of the 35-year-old have confirmed that she’s consigned her teeteringly-high, narrow-heeled shoes to the back of the closet, favouring instead ballet pumps, flip-flops and trainers.

With bunions commonly caused by the prolonged wearing of poorly-fitting shoes (usually those with a narrow, pointed toe box that squeezes the toes into an unnatural position), Beckham may take some small comfort from the fact that she’s joining a vast sisterhood of women who are affected by the dreaded bunion. While foot-health related statistics are thin on the ground in Ireland, a study by the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society found that 55% of women have bunions.

The same study discovered that nine in 10 women in the US wear shoes that are too small for them, while a 2009 study of 2,000 people by the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists in Britain found 37% had bought shoes in the summer sales knowing they were the wrong size. And a recent Compeed study of 1,000 British women revealed that almost half shared Victoria Beckham’s sentiment — she once said: “I can’t concentrate in flats” —

when it comes to stilettos. 48% of British diatrist at the Dundalk Foot Clinic. “Feet are weight-bearing so they can stretch and women said they feel more confident change over time. People think they’re when wearing high heels at work and nearly a quarter feel more assertive and ac- one size, but hammer toes and bunions, lumps and bumps that stick out, even knowledged by others. pregnancy can all change the size and But bowing to the dictates of fashion shape of the foot. isn’t the only factor A high percentage behind our cramof people are ming our feet into wearing shoes that shoes that pinch and are fashion-shaped squeeze. Women’s rather than feet are getting bigfoot-shaped,” says ger, with the average Blake, who points size rising from a out that men — five to a six in the unlike women — past five years. “A won’t put up with lot of women with uncomfortable size nine feet have shoes in the intertoe problems. est of fashion, They’ve spent their which might exlives cramming their WRONG SIZE: Bandon Podiatrist Nuala plain why bunions feet into size eight Lowney says many women with large feet are nine times shoes, simply because it’s impossible cram them into smaller shoes and develop more common in problems. Picture: Des Barry women than men. to get shoes above But tight-fitting, that size. Some women get around it by buying men’s Ec- heeled and pointed shoes aren’t always directly to blame for bunions. They may co shoes or trainers,” says Bandon-based simply exacerbate a predisposition to foot podiatrist Nuala Lowney. deformity — because if your granny has As we age, our feet tend to spread in distorted feet there’s a good chance you size but few women get their feet measured after age 20, says Justin Blake, a po- will too.

“There’s clinical evidence that if you x-ray the foot of a 14-year-old girl, you will see if she’s likely to get a bunion in later life. If yes, there will already be some deviation of her metatarsal — the long bone in the big toe,” explains Nuala Lowney.

A bunion is the result of a foot deformiVictoria Beckham now only ty, in which the big toe invades the space dons her eight-inch of the other toes, producing a bony bump high heels for special that may become sore and inflamed. In occasions such as the some cases, stress on the big toe joint 18th Annual Elton causes wear and tear that may result in John AIDS Foundation arthritis. If other toes become severely constricted, walking can be difficult.

Academy Award Party But the future isn’t necessarily grim for earlier this month in bunion-sufferers, and surgery (bunionecWest Hollywood, tomy involves chiselling off the bony proCalifornia. tuberance at the end of the metatarsal and Picture: Larry Busacca/Getty repair of the tendons/ligaments) isn’t the Images only answer, says Lowney, who points to

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Glamour wear

Day wear

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Victoria Beckham went for the comfort of her pumps recently as she landed at Heathrow Airport in Middlesex, before boarding a private plane.

prescription orthotics — custom-made inUnfortunately, otherwise sensible people soles that correct foot posture. “In an atcan become very silly when it comes to tempt to address long waiting times for fashion shoes, forgetting that footwear foot surgery in Glasgow, patients on an serves an important function. “I regularly orthopaedic waiting list were sent to a po- see women with long-standing corns in diatrist, who prescribed an orthotic to retheir little toe, a symptom of pressure,” lieve foot pain. Many pasays Nuala tients didn’t need surgery afLowney. ter,” she says.

“The onOur feet are the foundaly way to tion on which everything get rid of else in the body is supportthe corn ed. In an average lifetime we is to rewalk the equivalent of four move the times the circumference of pressure. the earth. Yet we tend to igBut when nore our feet (one study you ask found 20% of people cite your feet their feet as the most to funcunattractive part of their tion — body), prioritising instead while the fashion footwear that en- BIG FOOT: Dundalk Podiatrist Justin Blake inches up says as we age our feet spread, but few cases them. in the air Niall Donohue is a podia- women get them measured after age 20.

— you trist at the Dublin-based Por- Picture: Barry Cronin increase tobello Podiatry Clinic, the preswhere the most common footwear-related sure across the ball of your foot. A corn problems seen in patients are corns and can often ulcerate. Then the woman has a calluses. “We’re also seeing more ingrown wound. If she doesn’t have good circulatoe-nails caused by wearing incorrect tion, it won’t heal.” footwear.”

The right shoe, says Lowney, houses the On a list of what will most likely bring foot. “Keep your heel below one and a people to their doctor for medical advice, half inches, but you don’t want to be dead he says patients tend to put their feet last. flat either. Wear a shoe with a firm heel “They tend to come in when something’s counter (bit that wraps around your heel painful or has got worse. If there’s no gen- and controls heel posture). Ensure your eral underlying medical problem, their shoe has a retaining medium — a strap or feet are simply uncomfortable. But if they lace across your midfoot — and choose have diabetes or a vascular insufficiency, something with a cushioned sole so your they can ignore foot problems at their feet are protected from the ground.” peril. One of the most common signs of The good news? Foot-friendly shoes rheumatoid arthritis is pain in both feet, don’t have to be frumpy. “You can get which has been ongoing for a number of shoes in lovely soft leather and in attracmonths.” tive colours,” says Lowney. “If you wear With Ireland’s first School of Podiatry appropriate footwear 80% of the time, — at NUI, Galway — opening its doors you’re not traumatising your foot on a to students in 2008, Justin Blake believes daily basis. You can then wear what I call there’s a greater understanding now about ‘car-to-bar’ shoes for short periods, at the how foot complaints can affect general weekend or when going out.” health and wellbeing. “There’s more ■ For more info or to find a podiatrist awareness of how hip, knee, back and foot near you, visit The Society of Chiproblems can be inter-related. Doctors are ropodists and Podiatrists of Ireland website more ready to refer onto podiatrists.”

– www.podiatryireland.com.

OK, IF YOU MUST WEAR THOSE STILETTOS...

1. Make sure the shoe fits properly. If your foot is sliding to the front, leaving a gap behind your heel wide enough for your favourite lipstick, then leave it back on the shelf. If your toes are being squeezed then pressure and pain builds up in the foot.

2. A thicker heel gives greater balance and stability. It helps to relieve pressure by evenly distributing the weight of your foot.

Switching from 1½-inch to 3-inch heels helps to reduce the risk of developing problems with the Achilles tendon.

3. Cushioning works wonders. While you can get great relief from a full shoe insert, sometimes the pain is concentrated in the ball of the foot. To minimise the pain, try the latest silicone metatarsal pads. They are great shock absorbers, adding an extra layer of padding where it’s needed.

4. Open-toe high heels are kinder to corns and calluses.

■ Note: If you are experiencing on-going foot pain consult a podiatrist.

Picture: Steve Parsons

Feelgood

BODY AND SOLE Ballet-pumps: They’ve got no structure and don’t support the foot, causing strain to back-of-leg muscles and to tendons/ligaments around the ankle and under the arch of the foot. Their flatness is also problematic. “You need a quarter to half-inch heel to help with natural gait. And because they’re so low cut, they’re very tight across the wider part of the foot, thereby squeezing the toes,” says podiatrist Justin Blake.

Nor are they warm enough for winter, warns podiatrist Nuala Lowney, who has treated ballet-pump wearing schoolgirls for chilblains this winter.

Ugg boots: “Good in that they give you plenty of room and are soft and cushioned,” says Justin Blake, who warns that Uggs offer no real internal support. Other experts say they’re equivalent in support to walking barefoot and can cause pain in knees and legs.

Trainers: Feet have more sweat glands per square inch than anywhere else in the body — 250,000 to be exact, and the average pair of feet give off about half a pint of perspiration a day, something to be mindful of when wearing trainers. “Trainers are good so long as they have a leather upper rendering them breathable,” says Lowney.

“If the upper and lining are made of synthetic materials, the air can’t get through, creating the perfect environment for growth of fungal spores, so you could end up with athlete’s foot.”

KNOW YOUR BUNIONS

Picture: Getty Images

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SO what exactly are bunions, corns and calluses?

Bunions are a prominent bump on the inside of the foot around the big toe joint.

Corns are an accumulation of dead skin cells usually found on the toes, forming thick hardened areas. They contain a cone-shaped core whose point can press on a nerve below causing pain.

Calluses are also an accumulation of dead skin cells that harden and thicken over an area of the foot. They are the body’s defense mechanism against excessive pressure and friction. Calluses are normally found on the bottom of the foot, the heel, and/or the inside of the big toe.

THE CAUSES Bunions, corns, and calluses can each be caused by tight and/or poor fitting footwear. Each can also be caused by:

Bunions: ■ Footwear that is too narrow and/or too small ■ Constrictive toe boxes (toe area) ■ Tapered toe boxes can cause bunions, even to the point of needing surgery ■ Hereditary tendency to bunions Corns: ■ High heels or tight-fitting stockings or socks ■ Deformed toes ■ The foot sliding forward in a loose-fitting shoe Calluses: ■ Excessive pressure on a specific area of the foot ■ High heels and shoes that are too small ■ Flat feet, high-arch feet, excessive weight, loss of the fat pad on the bottom of the foot Info taken from www.workshoebeach.com

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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

MY mother has Alzheimer’s disease and is living at home with us. She is getting worse of late and is beginning to get irritable with the children, even forgetting their names sometimes.

They’re beginning to ask why she is behaving so strangely and if she “crazy”.

How can I explain to them what’s happening to my mother? They have a very loving relationship with her, and I would like them to maintain it for as long as possible.

A. Alzheimer’s disease gradually a robs a person’s memories that make up the tapestry of their life. When your children ask questions, it is best to respond with simple, honest answers. Explain that their grandmother has a disease and older adults can get an illness that causes them to act differently and to forget things. While they may look the same on the outside, their brains are changing on the inside. This can make them say or do things that are out of character. Your children may feel rejected if their grandmother does not recognise them. Remind your children that Alzheimer’s disease makes it hard for their grandmother to remember things but they are still an important part of her life.

They also may feel responsible if accused by your mother of moving personal objects such as keys or a purse, so remind them that they are not to blame when this occurs.

Some children may fear that Alzheimer’s disease is contagious, or that you may also suffer with it. Reassure them that they and rest of the family are not at risk.

Prepare your children for changes in their grandmother’s behaviour, and that there will be good days as well as bad days. Reassure them they are loved, no matter what happens. Tell your children it’s normal to feel sad or angry or frustrated with their granny.

Explain that her behaviour isn’t intentional, and it’s a result of her illness.

Children are amazingly resilient. Simple activities such as setting the table together, listening to music or going through old photo albums will help them stay connected with their granny. Preserve memories in many ways, for example, a scrapbook with mementoes, letters, or photos. Make a video or record personal stories together.

Prepare you and your family for a decline in your mother’s ability to function and cope, and that this may vary from day to day. She is fortunate to have you and your family around her and while this arrangement may change, you will be able to look back at the successes and ways you took action to live with Alzheimer’s disease.

See www.alzheimer.ie or 1800-341341, www.carersweek.ie.

Q. I am breast feeding my new-born and find my breasts feel heavy and uncomfortable. I am delighted that the

CLOSE TIES: When a grandparent is suffering from Alzheimer’s, it can be a worrying and confusing time for children.

Picture: Getty Images

breast-feeding is going so well, but is there anything I can do relieve the tenderness?

A. On the second or third day after birth when your breasts begin to produce milk, they may swell to up to three times their normal size. This can feel mildly or extremely uncomfortable but it’s a good sign that your milk will flow freely. The swelling usually calms down within a few days.

Engorgement occurs when breasts become full with milk and swell, becoming heavy and tender to touch. This may continue for longer if the milk is not drained properly — which can happen if the baby does not latch on well or does not drink as much as you produce. You may notice it painful to feed your baby but the more milk she drains, the more your swelling will reduce. Pay close attention to how your baby latches on. If your nipples are flatter than usual, place your thumb and forefinger above and below the nipple, and gently press inwards and then together so your nipple protrudes.

Once your baby is latched on, the pressure from her mouth should keep your nipples erect. You may find it helpful to feed on demand, or more frequently if she is not a demanding baby. In a few days, your breasts will match demand with supply.

A simple centuries-old remedy for engorged breasts is to place a cabbage leaf between your breast and bra for 10-20 minutes every four hours. This can help to draw excess fluid away from your breast and reduce swelling.

Gently massaging your breasts encourages milk to flow to the nipple and drain away.

Check your breasts after each feed for lumps or tender areas. If engorgement continues and the milk is not drained, the milk ducts may become blocked and mastitis may develop.

Homeopathic remedies that may help include calc carb, pulsatilla, and lac caninum.

Choose a remedy that best suits your symptoms and take it in 30c dose every two hours for 12 hours, and then four times a day for another three days and reassess.

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

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Catherine Shanahan MUM’S WORLD Feelgood

EW fashion faux pas outdo sweat stains, fanny packs or fat pants. Everyone, bar J-Lo, knows catsuits went out with the flood. Even the least hip acknowledge hairbands are a bad look for men.

But the crème-de-la-crème of couture crime is surely the festering trend of the mother/daughter copycat look, where both buy in Topshop, sport hairstyles harder to tell apart than the high-rise quiffs of the Grimes twins, and whose ochre glow reeks of a shared bottle of San Tropez.

Such a mother/daughter combo featured recently on the Late Late Show. “You two could be sisters,” exclaimed host Ryan Tubridy. He had a point: both women were blonde, French-polished to perfection, with smiles whiter than the driven snow.

I find this disturbing on a number of lev-

els. First off, no offence to my own mother — she was a far more attractive woman at my age than I am now — but there are close to 30 years and many fashion cycles between us. Calling us ‘sisters’ could cause upset.

Equally, I have no desire to dress like my daughter Dearbhail. I don’t wear polo necks well. My legs are too short for Ugg boots, even replica ones. Leggings do little for me.

Hats are generally cat.

Age-wise, there is even more clear blue water between Dearbhail and I than between me and my mother. I doubt I will ever hear her ask “WHERE did you get that?” unless in a rhetorical sense and with the emphasis more on ‘that’.

There are websites that push this mini-me look in shameless commercial terms — buy

FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2010

two matching dresses for mother and daughter and pay the price of one. And my personal favourite — the three-way look — ‘Mummy, Dolly and Me’.

The only time dressing like family ever cut ice with me was the day I first broke bread, hot on my sister’s heels.

With just 11 months between us, Communion was a shared rite, together we queued for the host, cloned in dazzling white. Dresses and veils identical — even our shoes were the same — but I took it all in my stride because at least the dress was my own. For a day I escaped the younger child’s fate of the inevitable hand-me-down.

Children are offspring, not siblings, and most prefer it that way. A family resemblance is all very well but cloning has had its day.

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Separate rooms help me totally switch off Name: Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa Address: Clonakilty, Co Cork Telephone: 023-8833143 Email: reservations@inchydoneyisland.com Internet: www.inchydoneyisland.com Spa treatment: Seawater bath and seaweed wrap, muscle melt massage Reviewer: Siobhán Cronin Treatment: My partner and I decided on a trio of treatments but declined the ‘couples suite’ option. For us, it was separate rooms, and a total switch-off from conversation and the thoughts of the day.

Inchydoney uses Elemis and Les Luneides products in all its treatments. The seawater bath (F40) involves being submerged in a large Jacuzzi bath, filled with warm seawater, for a 20-minute period. The heat of the room, combined with the heated water, meant the 20 minutes was more than enough time for me to enjoy the soothing sensation and I opted to hit the stop button just before my time was up and just relax in the warm water.

The treatment prepared my skin perfectly for the next experience in our trio of treats — the seaweed wrap (F45 for 20 minutes).

This was my second time to have this type of wrap, and I am fast becoming a fan.

The initial sensation of having your whole body ‘buttered’ in cool mud is a bit disconcerting, but it’s well worth the subsequent feeling, when the plastic cover is applied and then an over-blanket, and the mud starts to melt its way into your warm skin.

As your body temperature rises, it creates a wonderfully sensual cosy feeling — much

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mediately apologised and adjusted the air conditioning.

Score: 8/10 Hygiene: The treatment rooms were spotless, but I would have liked more space in the lockers and the changing room itself.

Score: 7/10 Spa quality: Although I opted out of the ‘couples suite’ offering, I was put in a room where the table of fruit and refreshments was set for two, leaving me feeling rather ‘abandoned’ by my invisible mate. It would have been a bit more tactful if the extra place setting had been removed, so I didn’t feel like such a ‘loser’ sitting there between treatments.

Score: 6/10

ONE AND ONLY: A treatment room at Inchydoney Island Lodge and Spa — couples suites are available but our reviewer chose to go it alone. like slipping into an oily warm bath. It wasn’t long before I nodded off and when my therapist woke me I was slow to take my shower to wash off the drying mud. My partner loved this treatment, too, and admitted he had a little snooze as well. Finally, we enjoyed the muscle melt massage (F80 for 45 minutes) a relaxing and not overly-vigorous kneading of the body, which left

A chilly journey but worth it SPA Name: The Heritage Golf and Spa Resort Address: Killenard, Co Laois Telephone: 057-8645500 Email: info@theheritage.com Internet: www.theheritage.com Spa treatment: Heritage Spa Experience and Mud Chamber (F180) Reviewer: Siobhán Cronin Treatment: Although the underground tunnel from the hotel to the spa at the Heritage hotel is rather long and chilly, the beautifully presented spa that awaits you is worth the trek. And all the better if you are greeted by Raouel, the jolly host who gave us a quick but hilarious tour of all the facilities, from the hot and cold tropical Experience Showers room, to the tepidarium, caldarium and rustic sauna. “Screaming is optional,” he shouted, above the roar of the ice-cold waterfall shower.

The second part of the treatment was a half hour in the mud chamber for two. A note: make sure you don’t book this for a first or second date, because ladies will find themselves clad in nothing more dignified than a pair of disposable skimpy knickers.

The mud chamber itself comprises an outer chamber in mosaic tiles, with a shower

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us both feeling like we would love to sneak back into our cosy double bed.

Score: 7/10 Staff: The staff were very helpful and welcoming. There was a slight delay between treatments because I cut my seawater bath short, but when I commented about the room being too warm, my therapist im-

Food: The food at the wonderfully-situated Gulfstream restaurant is sumptuous — we opted for sea bream for me and scallops and cod for himself. With lashings of crunchy vegetables and generous portions of potatoes, we felt the food was very rich for our newly-cleansed bodies, though we did our best to finish it.

Score: 7/10 Accommodation: We were allocated a lovely corner room, with a balcony view of the bay. The rooms are not overly spacious but they are well-positioned and boast all the extras you would expect.

Score: 8/10 Total score: 43 out of 60

LEISURE TIME: The Heritage Golf & Spa Resort in Killenard, Co Laois.

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Picture: Barry Murphy

room and changing area. Inside the inner chamber there are two heated seats and a bowl of organic mud for each participant.

Smooth the mud over your body as the chamber heats up and after about 20 minutes, an automatic shower sprays you from head to toe to rinse off the drying mud. The treatment is great fun, if a little quirky, and leaves your skin feeling wonderfully smooth.

Score: 8/10

Staff: The hotel staff were certainly very helpful, although on the night we dined there were a few hiccups — our booking was for two hours later then we had arranged — but the Arlington Room staff were more than happy to accommodate us anyway. The sommelier was very helpful, but our appetiser did arrive twice — not that we were complaining.

Score: 7/10

Spa quality:The spa itself is an award-winning facility, but it’s a pity you have to trawl through draughty corridors, and use two lifts to reach it underground.

It’s especially chilly when you are making the journey in your bathrobe and slippers.

Score: 6/10

Hygiene:Overall, there were no issues with cleanliness in either the bedroom or the spa, but I did find a towel in our bath-

Food: My parsnip and cumin soup was delicious and a healthy starter, but my risotto was a bit on the chewy side. My partner

room that was ripped along the bottom.

Score: 6/10

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was more than happy with his scallops and roast fillet of beef. We found the atmosphere of the hotel so inviting that we stayed a little too long in the Slieve Bloom bar, testing their cocktails.

Score: 7/10 Accommodation: Our junior suite had a balcony overlooking the golf course. It boasted a king size bed, two flat screen TVs, and a large dining area. Heavenly.

Score: 9/10 Total score: 43 out of 60

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Roz Crowley

T

HERE is good news for chocolate lovers this year — in general, prices have come down. From the best to worst, price per kilo is lower, so it looks like it’s a good year to buy chocolate eggs.

Of course, we know they are never as good value as a bar of chocolate, but, price-wise, there is plenty of choice. The more cocoa solids in chocolate the better, with room for less fat in the mixture, so it’s always better to seek high cocoa content — over 70% is best. To avoid piling on the pounds, eggs without creamy-filled chocolates are best, or at least be disciplined and allow only one at a time.

Chocolate keeps well, so there is no need to rush to eat eggs quickly.

To use up leftover eggs, chop into small pieces and: ■ Sprinkle on top of cappuccino, instead of cocoa powder.

■ Melt gently to make a sauce for ripe pears (a little cream or butter will keep it from hardening quickly).

■ Add dark chocolate to the end of cooking beef or any stews with chilli to enrich them.

For our 2010 survey, I had a look around at major brands, but there were not many differences in their offerings since last year, so I sought new ideas, while, at the same time, keeping an eye on prices.

Choceur Filled Milk Chocolate Mini Eggs, 280g F2.49, Aldi THESE wrapped little eggs are filled with different flavours of almond, chocolate mousse, hazelnut, vanilla crisp and strawberry. The only flavour that didn’t work for tasters was the strawberry which was over-sweet.

Cocoa solids are 32%. Calorie content at 236 calories for six mini eggs is fairly high , but we could have just two or three and still be quite satisfied.

Good for an Easter egg hunt.

Score: 5

Chockablock with eggs Marks & Spencer, six foil-wrapped eggs, 100g, F2.99 Packaged in attractive, yellow, real egg cartons, the six foil-wrapped, hollow, milk chocolate eggs are made from 35% cocoa solids. This makes a rich, delicious chocolate, which was enjoyed by all tasters. No calorific, sweet fillings to add guilt to the pleasure. One on its own is satisfying. Makes a nice family gift.

Score: 7.5

The Chocolate Alchemist Organic Milk Chocolate Egg with Fudge, 350g F19.50. The Chocolate Shop, Cork’s English Market, and speciality food shops nationwide Squares of fudge are stuck onto this fairly large egg. The fudge will please fudge lovers, but it is the chocolate which stands out. Rich, creamy, tasty and somehow wholesome, perhaps because it’s organic, with a decent 36% cocoa solids in the milk chocolate makes this a great all rounder and worth the price. A good new brand for chocolate lovers.

Score: 8.75

Choices Dairy Free Confectionery, 125g F3.99 Dunnes, The Health Store, Holland and Barrett, Superquinn, Super Value, Tesco, Nolan’s, McCambridges Made in Ireland by Celtic Chocolates, this egg is dairy, wheat, gluten and egg-free, and for all that still tastes good. For those with intolerances it’s an inexpensive treat.

Coconut oil, rice powder, inulin (a replacement for fat and flour) are used with a decent 38.5% of cocoa solids. Those without intolerances might notice a little edge to the taste, but tasters enjoyed it.

Score: 7

Nibchoc, nine assorted bites, 150g £5, plus £2 postage www.nibchoc.com WITH no dairy, wheat or refined sugar, these nine individually wrapped bites are vegan, diabetic and coeliac friendly (except their manuka honey nibs which are coeliac friendly only).

But with chocolate as raw and unrefined as this and with few flavourings added, it’s an acquired taste. It’s a guilt-free treat, but our tasters did take some convincing on overall taste.

Score: 8

Eve round chocolate bar, 200g F8.50, www.evechocolates.ie A huge selection of eggs in this speciality shop on Magazine Road, Cork, had us spoilt for choice. This new, round disc made of solid milk chocolate would make a good family gift: it’s easy to order by post. With a good 38% cocoa solids in the milk chocolate, it has a toffee/vanilla flavour which tasters of all ages loved. Fair value.

Score: 9

Aine handmade chocolate, 150g F8.50, wholefood shops and others, and at www.chocolates.ie

Favorina Chocolate Bunny Lidl, 200g F1.19

Made in Co Cavan, this milk chocolate egg sits on a little box with two chocolates, one with a creamy filling, the other a praline-style solid mixture, all wrapped in colourful cellophane for minimal waste. The egg shell is nicely brittle with a good, fresh, vanilla-style creamy taste made from 33% cocoa solids. The creamy chocolate in the box is less successful, being a little over-sweet. From another good Irish company worth supporting; all tasters were happy.

Score: 8

This foil-covered bunny packs quite a lot of Easter cheer for the money. The chocolate, however, despite containing 30% cocoa solids, has a slightly fatty feel in the mouth.

Score: 4.75

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TAKE IT EASY: Happier people are 22% less likely to develop heart disease. Picture: Getty Images

Don’t worry, be happy, have a healthy heart

I

T’S not easy to stay happy in the current climate, but being happy and staying positive may help ward off heart disease. That’s according to a study of 1,700 people in the US over 10 years.

The study in Nova Scotia, Canada, examined the impact of positive personality traits like happiness, contentment and enthusiasm on heart disease risk.

At the start of the study, the participants’ degree of expression of negative emotions like depression, hostility, and anxiety and positive emotions such as joy, happiness, and excitement were given a rating on a five-point scale.

By the end of the analysis, some 145 had developed heart disease — fewer than one in 10. The happiest people were 22% less likely to develop heart disease. And people with the most negative emotions had the highest risk for heart disease.

“I think it’s vital to remember that

Deirdre O'Flynn

MOSTLY MEN the most important mechanism of reducing your risk of developing cardiovascular disease is to stop smoking, exercise regularly, eat healthily and ensure your cholesterol is normal,” says Dr Angie Brown, medical director of the Irish Heart Foundation. High blood pressure, hypercholesterolaemia and diabetes need to be treated appropriately.

“Exercise often makes people feel better and more energetic, so it’s important to fit activities that help you relax and get fitter into your schedule.

“It’s likely that if people are happy, they are more likely to be positive about achieving and maintaining a

Website takes stress Phone recycling to raise out of health cover hunt cash for injured players TRYING to compare health insurance costs is stressful.

But now, www.freetocompare.ie compares all the health insurance providers in the Irish market — VHI, Quinn Health and Aviva Health.

All plans are listed, with their main features for easy comparison and you can apply online.

Research shows that a huge number of Irish people do not compare more than three providers

TAKE

N

OW that the weather is getting warmer we are all out and about more, exercising, gardening or simply enjoying the longer spring days.

Where sport or exercise have caused aches and pains, arnica is a natural remedy often used to treat muscular aches, pains and stiffness, sprains and bruises or swelling after injury.

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when they are making a purchase, because it’s hassle and inconvenient to check prices from different sources. This means that customers often settle for a higher price than what is actually available.

Now, however, you can reduce the stress in your life by comparing financial products, other insurance products, utilities, travel and retail products on freetocompare.ie.

4

MUSCLE BALM: Lightly scented, Arnicare Arnica Soothing Spray, F7.95, provides the benefits of arnica in a convenient pump action spray. Use for quick and easy application to large or hard-to-reach areas of skin, following a bump or knock, or to ease aching muscles after exercise or gardening. Arnica Cooling Gel, F7.25, combines the natural benefits of arnica with grapefruit oil and menthol. It is especially useful to soothe and revive sore leg muscles. See www.arnicare.co.uk.

The IRFU Charitable Trust has launched a mobile phone recycling campaign to raise funds to assist injured rugby players.

“A serious injury is a frightening prospect for any player,” says Mick Quinn, of the IRFU Charitable Trust.

“Through the Trust, we maintain regular contact with injured players, and their families, to help them any way we can.

“With the help of BPI Telecom, we are asking people to do-

healthy lifestyle, which in turn makes you feel better.”

The study could not categorically prove that happiness was protective, but has enough evidence to suggest that people should try to enjoy themselves.

According to the researchers, happy people tend to sleep better, eat better, smoke less, and get more exercise. All of these things lower heart disease risk. Happiness may also produce a host of positive chemical changes, such a reduction in stress hormones, which is good for the heart. And it’s possible that people who are predisposed to happiness are also predisposed to less heart attacks.

DId you know...

Less than one-third of men wash their hands with soap after going to the toilet

nate their old mobile phones to raise money, so we can continue this service.”

As part of the appeal, the Trust will provide schools, rugby clubs and businesses with collection boxes, which will be collected free of charge when full.

■ For more information on this appeal, or to request a freepost collection bag, please email irfu-ct@bpi.ie or call 01-427 9787.

Source: London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

ARNICA FIRST AID: Arnica Montana, the active ingredient used in the Nelsons Arnicare range, is a small yellow flower with natural anti-inflammatory properties. Useful as a first-aid treatment after an injury, knock or fall, homeopathic Arnica 30c pillules F8.25, can help relieve sprains, bruising and swelling.

Available from pharmacies and health stores,

SOOTHING GEL: A Vogel Atrogel Arnica Gel, F9.25 for 50ml or F14.95 for 100ml, can be applied to help relax stiff or aching muscles, two to four times a day.

A relaxing soak in a warm bath with a capful of Atro-Bath Oil, F15.95 a blend of arnica, wintergreen and spruce in a moisturising base of almond and sunflower oil may also help. A Vogel say improved digestion and increased amounts of friendly bowel flora can reduce acidity and help with flexibility.

They suggest you eat more oily fish like herring, mackerel, salmon, tuna or fish oil supplements as these contain oils that have a positive effect on inflammation of soft tissue.

■ For more information see www.avogel.ie

FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2010

NO BRUISES: Studies show that arnica extract helps stimulate blood flow, so by applying topical arnica onto a bruise may help reduce discolouration of the skin, stiffness and soreness associated with bruising. However, arnica should not be used on broken skin.

Nelsons Arnicare Arnica Cream, 30g is F7.25 or 50g is F9.95. Lightly tinted green and specially formulated for children’s delicate skin, Arnica Kids Stick, F7.99 is pocket sized and easy to use.

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Clean off the tired rock-chick look and go for a perfect finish

The news on ...

Real women IT started with Dove, and now Bobbi Brown is the latest big-name company to use real women in its adverts, and it’s the first time a prestige make-up brand has done it. “Models are certainly beautiful, but they represent such a small cross-section of women that it’s unrealistic to expect everyone else to conform to their standards,” says Brown, pictured here. “I think women can gain a lot of confidence by seeing realistic, beautifully natural images celebrated in the media.”

Brown also has strong views on ageing: “I think we should start using the phrase ‘living’ instead of ‘ageing’,” she says.

“Lines are proof that we’ve lived life. We get them when we show emotion, when we laugh, and when we express ourselves.” Get tips at a Bobbi Brown counter or www.Bobbibrown.co.uk.

TAKE THREE

Time for some dusting

M

AKE-UP has marked itself out by having a slightly “undone” look over the past few years. Skin has been dewy, hair has been tousled and eyes have been smudged in a highly contrived “been at a festival for the past few days and haven’t really slept” type of way. But things are changing — slowly. Make-up is now becoming more polished — lipstick has nudged its way back into vogue, hair has been teased into curlers, and the precision sweep of liquid eyeliner has maintained a strong position on the catwalk and the street.

The women of Mad Men are style icons, while grungy rock chick style is showing its use-by date. And in beauty, for spring summer and through into autumn/winter later this year (as seen at the recent fashion weeks in London, Milan, Paris and New York), a more finished complexion is a very strong look — partly influenced by “the new pale” and partly by a return to simple, pared down natural make-up. If you’re not bigging up your eyes with layerings of eyeshadow and lashings of black eyeliner, then your skin needs to look flawless.

Foundation was once our one-stop shop for make-up for the skin, now we’re returning to a more set look with the use of translucent

Emily O’Sullivan

powder. The trick is keeping it look natural and light — a polished finish, rather than a powdery, cakey look — and that can take some perfecting.

We’ve been experimenting with translucent powders over the past few seasons and there are a lot out there that nail the look perfectly, although just as we found the perfect powder, the beauty company went kaput. If you can find any of Prescriptives Magic Liquid Powder in translucent, then nab it now. The company ceased operations

at the beginning of the year, but this is a gem of a product — it dusts lightly over the skin and really gives the complexion a glow.

We’re saving every last bit of ours for special occasions.

If you can’t get hold of this one, then don’t worry. There are lots of great translucent options around, with excellent offerings from Clinique and Laura Mercier. Go for a loose powder rather than a pressed one if you can — they might be a bit tougher to use “on the go”, but they give a more natural look. Dip in your brush, knock off the excess powder and dust on.

Naturally, because beauty doesn’t like to do things by the rule book, there are lots of powders around now that are edging beyond the idea of a neutral “finish”. Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel and Clinique all have powders that look like they shouldn’t work, but actually have a flattering, pretty and delicate effect to the skin. Benefit Cosmetics is another good company for bringing out products to really perk up the complexion, and look pretty over a pale and sheer foundation. Try the pretty-in-pink Dandelion — it might appear worryingly rose-toned in the pot, but it gives the skin a fresh, glowing look that’s the epitome of spring.

Pocket-sized perfumes THE 100ml limit on liquids in hand luggage has been wrecking havoc with our fragrance addiction. Until now. Top make-up companies are finally responding to our needs by producing miniature bottles. Now we can travel light, and smell good too.

Chanel No 5 Eau Premiere 40ml, F57.50. This modern incarnation of the classic Chanel No 5 is a fresher and lighter take on the classic scent — it feels younger and more modern. Housed in smart tall glass bottle with smart black lettering, this is one scent we’d be happy to take anywhere.

Estee Lauder Sensuous eau de parfum atomizer 50ml, F75.

This woody amber scent is supposed to represent warmth and femininity and it has a lingering beauty that’s hard not to like. Jasmine, magnolia, mandarin orange, honey and black pepper combine together wonderfully in a beautiful circle-shaped bottle with atomiser.

Lancome Hypnose Senses eau de parfum 30ml, F36. We’re not entirely big fans of the twisted lines on the bottle that houses this scent, but if you’re a fan of florals then this is a great choice with its floral chypre essence. Top notes of pink peppercorns move through to osmanthus flower before a finish of patchouli.

STUFF WE LIKE Chanel Empreinte de Chanel, F56.

Bronzer is so over… although, come June, we’ll all probably succumb to the temptation. In the meantime, this rosewood and beige powder from Chanel is the modern answer to bronzer — it gives a very flattering look, without the mahogany shimmer.

MAC Select Sheer Loose powder, F24.50. if you want your skin to look porcelain perfect, the powder should be almost invisible. This classic

Feelgood

powder from MAC does just that — the ultra-fine feel gives the skin a matte but glowing effect.

Yves Saint Laurent Palette Y-Mail Face Highlighter No 1, F53. Perfect for enhancing the complexion with a very slight pearly finish, this powder is great for loosely brushing all over the face, although you can also use it as a highlighter on the cheeks.

Estee Lauder Lucidity Translucent Loose Powder, F36. Good for a luminuous finish

that still manages to be natural, this is a good quality with red-carpet appeal.

Clinique Fresh Picked All Over Colour Powder Blush, F34. Prettily presented in a flower detail, Clinique’s All Over Colour does look a little scary in the pot, but a light dusting of it does bring a fresh radiance to the skin. If you’re worried about it, try using just a little on the cheeks.

Bobbi Brown Sheer Loose Powder, F34.50. Classic and good quality, Bobbi Brown’s translucent

FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2010

powder is just right for a sophisticated finish. We like using it at night — it lasts well and feels very comfortable on the skin.

Benefit Dandelion, F33.50. This pretty pale pink powder comes with a poor quality brush, but don’t let that put you off — grab your own good quality powder brush and dust on this flattering, fresh powder.

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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

C

I HAVE suffered since my early teens from psoriasis. I am now in my 30s and can honestly say that I have tried everything. It worsens during pregnancy and covers my head, hands, feet, stomach, thighs, arms, neck, face and breasts — pretty much everywhere. Normally it is worst on my scalp with the odd patch elsewhere. I would be grateful if you could please tell me if you know of anything which truly works, or at least provides some relief.

A. Psoriasis is a most unusual condition, where the skin appears to scale due to the skin cells themselves multiplying faster than they are able to shed.

Since you have been dealing with this condition for almost 20 years, I imagine you have tried most (if not, all) of the suggestions I have to offer, but feel that it is worth listing them anyhow — just in case one of them works a miracle for you.

I would be surprised if you haven’t already investigated fish oil supplementation since this is so widely documented as being useful in many skin conditions.

EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) is the active ingredient that you want to specifically opt for, and Healthy & Essential (045-892267; www.heathyandessential.ie) has developed a supplement called MorEPA which is extremely pure and has a very high EPA content. These capsules are also chewable and naturally flavoured with lemon oil — which makes them more appealing than most fishy capsules.

Obviously, external products can trigger psoriasis, and I am quite sure that you will already keep a close eye on which toiletries you choose. If you haven’t invested in a shower filter, then this is definitely worth putting at the top of your wish list. Skin conditions such as acne, eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis where the skin is irritated and broken means that the skin is even more permeable to toxins delivered via tap water, which in turn further exacerbates these conditions.

Chlorine destroys hair and skin proteins, so a shower filter will help to reduce hair dryness and itchy scalp conditions.

Freedom in Health supply two different types of shower filters — the first can be fitted between the hose and handle of your existing set-up, and there is a model for high pressure systems and one for low. The second is a separate handle unit, where the filtering mechanism is actually in the handle itself.

The shower filters cost F86.97 each, and the filter handle costs F46.99 from

Picture: Getty Images

took 500mg of vitamin C daily for 18 months (compared with those who avoided supplementation). The findings did ring alarm bells since clogged arteries are well known as a leading precursor to stroke and heart attack.

It is important to note that there was no internal build-up or clogging of the arteries, rather it was the intima media (inner lining and middle layer) of the neck arteries which was being measured.

In this case, thickening is a good thing.

The middle layer needs to be both thick and elastic in order to perform well since it is made up of collagen and connective tissue. Flaccid arteries which have thin middle layers with poor tone are certainly not preferable.

Interestingly, British scientists who were making a case for the benefits of HRT (hormone replacement therapy) actually cited the thickening of the intima media as being a beneficial side-effect since the strength and elasticity are considered to protect against heart disease.

http://freedominhealth.ie (021-458 0990).

I have often referred psoriasis sufferers to The Little Herbal Company (00 44-1484 685100; www.littleherbal.co.uk), which utilises two traditional African remedies which work synergistically to treat psoriasis effectively in most cases. The remedies are Themba, a topical cream made from the Kigelia africana tree; and Simba, a herbal supplement containing Hypoxis Hemerocallidea (otherwise known as the African potato tuber).

Q. I have always been interested in natural health and in particular the benefits of vitamin C. A colleague recently told me of some research which shows that vitamin C supplementation actually thickens the arteries. I cannot find the exact research, but was wondering if you knew of it, and what in fact the results were?

A. The research your colleague refers to took place around 10 years ago and measured the arterial thickening of participants who

Megan puts the spotlight on: Boosting Libido

ONTRARY to popular belief, men and women can have overactive or underactive sex drives, and more often than not it is a simple case of balancing hormones. There can be psychological causes, for men and women — so seek help from a therapist alongside using natural remedies. After decades of thinking that all issues pertaining to female sexuality were psychological in nature, scientists have discovered that hormonal imbalance is far more common.

Many of the herbs and plants used for centuries work on both sexes, even though the causes, symptoms, and effects are different. The Peruvian root, maca, is a great example of an adaptogenic herb that balances male and female hormones.

It has been used as a superfood and sexual healer for thousands of years — it was given to Inca warriors before battle to increase strength, and used to

Feelgood

FILTER CHECK: A shower filter is definitely worth putting at the top of your wish list if you suffer from psoriasis.

improve the fertility of humans and livestock. In men, maca improves libido and sexual performance without changing serum reproductive levels, so it can be used regardless of testosterone base level, and is not linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer, like conventional testosterone therapy.

A trial published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2001) showed that it has beneficial effects on semen quality.

Maca boosts sexual drive in women, and can enhance fertility.

It is a complete protein and high in vitamins and minerals, including calcium and

zinc. Maca increases energy levels, improves mood, and is a powerful antioxidant — it is ideal for women whose menstrual cycles are out of balance, PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), PMS symptoms, and to ease menopause.

Muira puama has a reputation for treating erectile dysfunction, but is effective in balancing the sex drive of both males and females. Rio Trading Company supplies rainforest remedies, such as maca and muira puama from reliable sources.

Available in health stores or from Rio Health www.riohealth.co.uk (00 44-1273 570987).

FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2010

Q. About two weeks ago you addressed the problem of plantar faciitis and mentioned a product called Natra-Flex balm. Could you please advise where this could be purchased as both myself and my father are suffering from the condition.

A. In my experience, the best place to get Natraflex balm from is the manufacturers themselves, either online at www.natrahealth.com or by phoning 00-44 1889271333. Expect to pay around £8.95 for 150ml of the balm, which is a unique formulation developed by NatraHealth to assist in relieving joint and muscle pain by using a synergistic blend of boswellia, capsaicin, and MSM (methyl sulphonyl methane — organic sulphur). This blend, also known as BC421, has been shown independently to effectively relieve pain in 75% of test subjects.

You could always ask your local health store owner to consider stocking this item, as it is a wonderful product and would no doubt secure them many repeat customers.

In a world where so many new and fabulous natural remedies are being developed almost daily it is difficult for health stores to keep up with what customers are looking for — and we all know that word of mouth is often a far more trustworthy source than paid endorsements for products.

ONE TO WATCH NERVES feeling a bit frayed? It could be that you are low on essential B-complex vitamins.

This group of vitamins play a key role in maintaining a healthy nervous system. If you are low in B vitamins, it’s likely you will suffer from stress-related symptoms such as anxiety, irritability and depression.

To be effective, the B vitamins must work together so it’s important to invested in a balanced formula. I’ve been using Solgar’s Mega Absorb Vitamin B complex for years and find it always makes the difference between being frazzled and focussed.

Other antioxidant vitamins important vitamins for stress are vitamins E and C, which protect gainst free radical damage, produced when the body is under stress. To boost your body’s store of vitamin B, eat more oats, barley, wheat bran, avocado, salmon and Brazil nuts.

Irene Feighan

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