Feelgood 28-10-2011

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Feelgood

Friday, October 28, 2011

Pedal power Valerie Lyons is among the 90,000 people who enjoy the health benefits of the Cycle to Work scheme: 8, 9 Picture Nick Bradshaw

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GROWTH SPURT

Movember prostate cancer campaign goes from strength to strength: 4, 5

IT’S SPOOKY

Get into the Halloween spirit with our magic, food and beauty tips: 11, 12, 13

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2 News front Kate O’Reilly WHAT’S ON ■ CHARITY JAZZ: The Bowery and The Slate, on Tuckey Street in Cork, are hitting all the right notes for this year’s Jazz Festival with no cover charge for any of their live gigs. Instead they are asking people to contribute to The Surgeon Noonan Society — the UCC charity raising money to send medical aid to Africa. The weekend begins on The Bowery Rooftop today at 5pm, with The Surgeon Noonan Jazz Fundraiser which will feature live jazz from saxophone player Gary Baus and complimentary pizzas, drinks and prizes. This will be followed by a live show from Cork band Fred, with support from Marc O’Reilly.

Visit www.facebook.com/BoweryCork ■ PLAY GAMES: This week is National Game Playing Week, when schools and families all over the country are encouraged to get together and have fun playing board games. School Game Playing Day kicks off the week today. Pupils bring in their favourite board games to play in class, while also raising money for their school or chosen charity. Families are also encouraged to host a Family Games Night. Go to www.ngpw.ie.

■ CANCER EVENING: The HSE Primary Care Teams in north Kerry are hosting a breast cancer awareness evening on Wednesday next November 2, in the Listowel Arms Hotel at 8pm. Norma Relihan, lecturer in breast diseases, at Cork University Hospital, will give a talk on early detection, breast examination, symptoms, treatment etc. A dietician will speak on healthy eating and a physiotherapist will talk on the importance of keeping active. Health information relating to breast awareness, stress management and healthy lifestyles will be available and people are advised to come early to browse around the stands and ask questions to HSE Primary Care Team members. Doors open at 7.15pm, with the awareness evening commencing at 8pm. For further information, contact Mary McMahon, HSE Public Health Nurse on 068-21222.

■ HEART CLINICS: The Irish Heart Foundation will hold free Blood Pressure and Cholesterol testing clinics at the Irish Heart Foundation Office, 42 Penrose Wharf, Cork, from 10am to 12pm on November 1 and in Midleton at the Family Resource Centre on November 2, from 2.30pm to 4pm. For details call 021-4505822, or if you have questions about stroke or heart disease you can contact the helpline at 1890 432787.

■ MISSION TO MARS: Calling all prospective Martian Explorers! Head out to CIT Blackrock Castle Observatory this mid-term to learn all about the Red Planet — Mars. Taking place daily from October 29 to November 6 at 2pm, the Mission to Mars workshops will teach you the secrets of Mars and fun facts like how old you would be on the planet. The workshops are suitable for eight to 12-year-olds (and six and seven-yearolds if accompanied by an adult). Places are limited to 25 per session. The cost is €5 per explorer, with parents free.

Visit www.bco.ie or call 021-4357917.

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

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Having dad present at your child’s birth works for most couples but, it’s not always the best option, says Arlene Harris

Right to choose L

AST week, Nicolas Sarkozy and his Italian-born wife, Carla Bruni, became the proud parents of a baby girl named Giulia. But contrary to what is expected of modern fathers-to-be, the French premier was not at his wife’s side when she gave birth. Instead he was attending urgent talks with the German chancellor and didn’t meet his daughter until several hours after her arrival.

The nature of the French president’s job probably meant that his absence was unavoidable. But despite the ever-increasing trend for fathers to witness the birth of their children, many professionals believe their presence could hinder the proceedings.

Community midwife, Margaret Hanahoe says it is sometimes preferable for partners to remain outside the delivery suite during labour.

“Before the 1960s, men were never seen in the labour ward,” she says. “When I started in the National Maternity Hospital in the mid-1980s, they were allowed in with their partners but not during examinations, instrumental deliveries or sections — in fact for not very much at all.

“I don’t know if this was better or worse than it is today, but sometimes I would suggest that partners not be present if he was likely to faint, if the relationship had broken down or if I felt he would inhibit the woman rather than help.

NEW MUM: Carla Bruni-Sarkozy carries Giulia home from the clinic where she was born. Her husband Nicolas Sarkozy wasn’t present at the birth.

Picture: AP Photo / Lionel Cironneau

“Dr Michel Odent is a highly-regarded childbirth specialist who believes labour can be longer, more painful and more complicated because women sense their partners’ anxiety and become nervous. He says babies’ arrival in the world would be more straightforward if women were left alone with only a midwife to help them, as they used to be.

“Having said that, most of the women who use the community midwife service have very supportive partners who are not there to observe, but to help as much as they can — in this sense, their presence is hugely beneficial, but I definitely don’t think that men should be forced to be there,” she says.

Consultant obstetrician professor John Higgins agrees: “It has become almost compulsory for fathers to be present,” he says. “But their presence can actually be unhelpful if they have a fear of blood, are likely to faint or really don’t want to be there.

“Also, while attention is focused on the mother and baby, the unnoticed father may have to witness procedures which leave him shell-shocked.

“Overall, I think the presence of the father is a great idea and it is the choice of most couples. However, it is not obligatory and I would advise couples to have an honest discussion beforehand to make a decision which suits both of them.”

HEALTH NOTES IN TUNE: Sharon Corr is among those who have teamed up with Oxfam to help promote their donation campaign.

Family, friends and supporters around the finish area of next Monday’s National Lottery Dublin Marathon are encouraged to don fancy dress and get into the spirit of this special Halloween Marathon. There will be spot prizes for best dressed and runners are also invited to dress up for a chance to get free entry into the 2012 Marathon and Race Series. Full information is available on www.dublinmarthon.ie.

Oxfam Ireland is running a new campaign titled Make Space for Oxfam. Over the past year donations to Oxfam shops have reduced by up to 40% and stock levels are now critical in many shops.

Musician Sharon Corr and broadcasters Miriam O’Callaghan and Tom Dunne have teamed up with Oxfam to support the campaign and they each have donated an item that means something special to them.

The Make Space for Oxfam campaign asks the public to donate items to Oxfam that are taking up space in people’s wardrobes, shelves and homes.

To watch the videos and hear the stories behind Sharon Corr, Miriam O’Callaghan and Tom Dunne’s donations see: www.oxfamireland.org/shop and/or www.facebook.com/oxfamireland.org.

Rathwood, the shopping and activity centre located in the Wicklow/Carlow/Wexford www.irishexaminer.com www.irishexaminer.com

border, is looking for 300 volunteers to take part in its Santa Run on Sunday November 13 at 11am. The 3km Santa run is in aid of the National Rehab Hospital and Suzanne O’Neill Fund. All levels of fitness and ages are welcome. Adult participants will pay a €20 fee to receive their Santa outfits, while children can enter the fun run for €5 and receive a Santa hat. Entry forms are available from Rathwood www.rathwood.com/SantaRun.html.

Fertility treatment can double the long-term risk of ovarian cancer, especially low-grade tumours, a study has found.

Stimulating the ovaries of women undergoing in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) increased the chances of patients being diagnosed with invasive or low-grade

www.irishexaminer.com feelgood@examiner.ie

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2011

cancers 15 years later.

The Netherlands Cancer Institute study found that ovarian cancer rates were twice as high among women who had the treatment, which forces the ovaries to produce extra eggs. The main impact was on non-fatal, slow-growing “borderline ovarian tumours”. Ovary stimulation led to the risk of this type of low-grade cancer being raised four-fold.

Although not considered dangerous, borderline ovarian tumours still require extensive surgery. The incidence of invasive tumours was more than three times higher than expected after 15 years among women who had undergone IVF. However, despite this result being “concerning” to scientists, it was not considered statistically significant.

Editorial: 021 4802 292

Advertising: 021 4802 215

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In Profile

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THE SHAPE I'M IN

Lorraine Barry

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE ADVERTISING

Staying in step A

S a child, Lorraine Barry didn’t realise there was anything unusual about what her mum did for a living. “It was only as an adult that I appreciated the phenomenal work she had done,” she says of Billie, who began the Billie Barry Stage School in 1964 with just 36 students.

Today the school has 800 students and has put such household names as Brian McFadden, Angeline Ball and Samantha Mumba through their paces.

In her mid-40s and married to Gerry Hargadon, Lorraine took over the leadership and operation of the school about 12 years ago.

Her children, Robyn, 19, and Ryan, 17, look likely to be closely involved with the school.

With Peter Beckett as musical director, Lorraine has produced, directed and choreographed an action-packed variety entertainment show featuring all of the school’s current students aged four years to 24. The Billie Barry Stage School presents The Time Of Our Lives from November 1 to 5 at the Gaiety Theatre, Dublin.

What shape are you in?

I had an accident in mid-August while on holiday in Portugal. I got out of the swimming pool and slipped back in again. I fractured my ankle in two places. I had a huge amount of work done for the show, but Robyn had to become my feet for the last few pieces that needed choreographing. I’m in the middle of physiotherapy but I’m back walking again now.

Other than the last few weeks, is exercise a part of your life?

I teach 21 classes a week so that’s a huge amount of exercise. I live in Clontarf and my favourite thing is to walk from there to Dollymount. It’s my life-saver.

Do you have any health concerns?

I earn my living from my feet — they’re what I really need to protect. In the last 12 years of running the business I’ve never had a day sick. I’ve had the odd cold but nothing I’ve had to take to the bed with.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I absolutely love fruit and never go a day without having a substantial amount. I always have a banana, a bunch of grapes and mandarin oranges at school with me.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

A bucket of popcorn at the movies. Sometimes I think I go more for the popcorn than for the movie. And it has to be hot, straight from the machine.

What would keep you awake at night?

The financial side of a show like the one we’re currently doing. It’s costing a huge amount to put on and we have to recoup that over six performances. We do a show on this scale every three years. I had a meeting with the parents of all the students and — despite the economy — everybody rallied around and wanted to do the show.

How do you deal with stress?

I’m a great list-maker. I tick things off as I go — I get a real kick out of crossing things off my list.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

I’m a huge Marx brothers fan. Their comedy is so clever and I have all their movies. I

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Tel: 021 4802265 lori.fraser@examiner.ie

DANCE SUPREMO: Lorraine Barry is recovering from a broken ankle.

Picture: Nick Bradshaw

idolised Harpo Marx. He never spoke in the movies but he was an amazing talker — he was on everybody’s dinner list. He was a magnificent musician, a harpist, so I’d organise to have a harp in my home.

What’s your favourite smell?

I love the smell of freshly-cut grass because it reminds me of summer.

What would you change about your appearance?

Everything. I hate photographs of myself.

I’ll have a full body transplant. But I believe in going with what I have and topping it all with a smile.

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When did you last cry?

We recently had an audition for panto in the Gaiety. I watched one little girl, who was in panto last year but won’t be this year. She was so gracious to the other children who were successful. She went to all of them and said ‘you are going to have so much fun’ and when people commiserated with her that she didn’t have a part she said ‘oh no, I did it last year’. I got very emotional and thought what a beautiful side to her nature.

What trait do you least like in others?

I hate when people tell lies.

What trait do you least like in yourself?

I wish I could generally be less stressed.

Do you pray?

I do, daily.

What would cheer up your day?

One of my students coming up and giving me a hug. It can come from nowhere.

Someone tiny wrapping themselves around my leg makes that day very special.

Helen O’Callaghan

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Male health cancer 4 Prostate

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Movember, the campaign which raises millions worldwide for prostate research, began

A growing attachement to a very good cause ON THE MENU: Restaurateur Nick Munier of Hell’s Kitchen and Masterchef Ireland fame, will be taking part in the Movember campaign.

CANCER SURVIVORS: Notable men on the local and international stage, affected by prostate cancer disease include, from left, Labour TD Willie Penrose, actor Robert de Niro, RTE newscaster Michael Murphy and former US Secretary of State, Colin Powell.

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ON’T be alarmed if your mate or the man in your life suddenly begins to sprout facial hair and declares his intention to grow a handlebar moustache. Chances are, instead of developing a hidden desire to emulate Inspector Poirot, he is taking part in Movember, a worldwide event to raise funds for prostate cancer research.

What began as a challenge between a group of friends in Sydney, Australia, Movember, the moustache growing fundraiser, has snowballed and is now an annual global event.

Justin Coughlan, or JC as he is commonly known, is one of the founders of the campaign which he says has become a vital means of informing men about the need to take care of their health.

“In 2003, a group of us were in our local pub in Sydney and were commenting on the demise of the moustache,” he says. “When we were young everyone from Magnum PI to our sporting heroes had mo’s and even though most other fashions made a comeback at some time or other, this was the one thing that remained extinct.

“So we decided to do something about it and 30 of us set ourselves a challenge — starting with a clean-shaven face we each had to grow a moustache during the month of November and compare results at the end.”

This prompted such a big response from colleagues and friends that the following year the guys decided to use the event as a fundraiser.

“As men are inherently lazy and rarely look after their own health, we decided to raise the awareness of an illness which causes a lot of unnecessary deaths — prostate cancer.

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“So the second year we got 500 guys to sign up and raised money for cancer research then by the following November, we had over 9,000 ‘mo-bros’ and raised over 1 million Australian dollars (€744,000) which the government agreed to match — we knew we were onto something big.”

Since its humble beginnings in an Australian bar, there are now 1.1m registered ‘mo-bros’ and the charity has raised €123m for prostate cancer to date.

“The success of Movember has been phenomenal,” says its 38-year-old founder.

“We are now all over Europe as well as New Zealand, Canada, the US and South Africa. This network is crucial to making men aware of the dangers of prostate cancer and what signs to look out for. Women talk to each other but men tend to ignore warning signs and go down the pub for a laugh instead.

“On average, every man wearing a moustache for this month will get about 60 queries, multiply that by the amount of guys taking part in the campaign and you have a whole lot of publicity.

“Raising funds for cancer is really important, but raising awareness is even bigger, so I would say to every guy out there, grow a mo for the month of November — it’s fun, it’s different and it could save someone’s life.”

The second most common cancer in men worldwide, it’s predicted that the number of prostate cancer cases will almost double to 1.7m by 2030. Currently, one in 12 Irishmen can expect contract prostate cancer in their lifetime but the majority will not die from it.

Notable men affected by the disease include, Labour TD Willie Penrose, Today FM DJ Tony Fenton, RTE newscaster Michael Murphy and GOAL founder John O’Shea.

International high-profile prostate cancer survivors include: Robert de Niro, Rudy Giuliani, Colin Powell and John Kerry.

Supporting the Irish Movember campaign is restaurateur Nick Munier of Hell’s Kitchen and Masterchef Ireland fame. As the father of three boys, he feels that men’s health needs to be publicised and growing facial hair is an easy and fun way to draw attention to the topic.

“Most men steer clear of their doctors’ surgery regardless of how unwell or depressed they might be,” says the 43-year-old. “I am a great believer in getting help and have

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actually been in therapy myself, so I think this campaign is a fun way of showcasing a very serious illness and prompting more men to check themselves out — then if they are at all worried about prostate cancer (or any other health issue), they should go to their GP immediately.”

With a career in the public eye, London-born Munier has to be conservative in his choice of facial hair but urges others to have a little fun.

“I would love to grow a great big handlebar moustache but it think it would be wiser for me to stick to a small neat one,” he says.

Karen Flynn, cancer information nurse with the ICS, says the disease can be silent in the early stages but once it progresses there are tell-tale symptoms.

“Prostate cancer can be present without any symptoms,” she explains.

“Early stage prostate cancer often doesn’t have any symptoms and this can depend on the size of the cancer or the size of the prostate gland.

“Prostate cancer usually only causes symptoms when the tumour (cancer cells) presses on the urinary tube passing through the prostate or disturbs the bladder. These symptoms are very like symptoms of an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH) hence the need for investigation”.

Warning signs include: ■ Trouble starting or stopping the flow of urine ■ Needing to pass urine more frequently than normal ■ Passing urine more often at night ■ A feeling of not having emptied your bladder fully.

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as a moustache-sprouting fun idea among men in a pub. Arlene Harris reports

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ICHAEL DALY is one of many men affected by prostate cancer in Ireland. Diagnosed in 2009, the Galway man had surgery and is proof that early detection can be the difference between life and death.

“My brother-in-law was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2005 and sadly passed away a couple of years later, so my wife asked me to get a health MOT,” says the 54-year old. “I had no symptoms whatsoever. I wasn’t that concerned, but I just went to please my wife Jacqueline, and thank God I did.

“During my check-up, the doctor decided to do a PSA (prostate specific antigen) test to check the protein levels in the blood. This test showed that mine were quite high — so he suggested I went to see a specialist and in March, 2009, I had a biopsy done and a tumour was discovered.”

Michael’s cancer was established and developing rapidly, and had surgery six months later — the operation was delayed due to cuts to the local health service. Two years later, he has a clean bill of health.

“My surgeon took the only route available to me, which was a radical prostatectomy — this was a lengthy operation, which involved me being opened up from navel to groin and everything relating to the prostate, including the lymph nodes, being removed,” says the father-of-one. “I had 27 stitches on the outside and a colossal amount on the inside — it was a big operation.

“The discovery of the cancer was an awful shock and the surgery took its toll, but I still can’t bear to think what would have happened if I hadn’t been nagged, lovingly, by my wife to go to the doctor,” he says.

Approximately 3,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year in Ireland. Given that he had no symptoms, Michel was extremely lucky. It took 11 months to recover from his operation.

He says every man should have regular check-ups and visit the GP if anything is amiss.

“Early detection is really crucial,” he says. “Some men have symptoms like having to get up to the toilet a lot in the night, but I had no indication, my cancer was quite advanced. If I hadn’t gone for that check-up, I might not be here.

I still can’t bear to think what would have happened if I hadn’t been nagged, lovingly, by my wife to go to the doctor

“Prostate cancer can be a silent killer and men are very bad for looking after their health. But the PSA test only takes five minutes and it could save a life. I would say to any man to go to the doctor and get checked out for prostate cancer as their family needs them to be around.

“Myself and a few other cancer survivors have set up a group locally to offer each other support during recovery, which can be emotionally difficult. And my wife has started a similar group for spouses, so if anyone in the Ballinasloe area is looking for support, drop us an email at jackmikeseamus@hotmail.com and we’ll introduce them to a group of people going through the same experience — having someone to talk to really helps,” he says.

Michael shaved his head this week to raise funds for prostate cancer awareness and to produce a DVD on aftercare. In keeping with the Movember spirit, he will grow his moustache in November and will shave it off at the end of the month.

Picture: Hany Marzouk

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● The Irish Cancer Society invites all prostate cancer patients and survivors to attend the Supporting Men with Prostate Cancer conference on Saturday, November 5, in the Croke Park Conference Centre, Dublin. For more information visit www.cancer.ie/prostateconference or contact Valerie on 01-2310518

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● For more info on how to get involved in Movember visit www.movember.com and for advice and info on prostate cancer visit www.cancer.ie or call the National Cancer Helpline on 1800-200700.

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2011

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6 Life challenge

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Actress Jenny Kavanagh is fronting an educational campaign to educate people about psoriasis. She tells Helen O’Callaghan how she is coping with the disease

Not what you think A

COUPLE of years ago, Jenny Kavanagh — best known as Cleo in Fair City — was doing a big storyline for the RTE soap.

“It was summer,” recalls the 23-year-old actress. “And the wardrobe department had to put me in polo-necks and sleeves in the blistering heat.”

Jenny is one of the 100,000 people in Ireland estimated to suffer from psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune disorder in which lesions appear on the skin — people affected shed skin cells four times faster than non-sufferers.

Her psoriasis was diagnosed 10 years ago but she believes she has had it since she was eight.

“My father had it too. Until I hit 18 it was just dots on my elbows and knees and on my scalp. Then, at 18, I got a really bad outbreak — it was all over my stomach and under my chest. After that I got it every winter and it seemed to be linked with sore throats.”

Two years ago, Jenny developed a form called guttate psoriasis, where small red scaly teardrop-shaped spots appear on the arms, legs, and middle of the body. “It was like somebody pebble-dashed my body with psoriasis. I got it mainly on my torso and stomach. That’s when I thought I have to get a grip on this.”

Then Jenny discovered Amatsu, a Japanese osteopathic therapy that focuses on spinal and skeletal re-alignment. Around the same time she began to radically alter her exercise and dietary habits. “Before that, I’d be lucky if I drank a glass of water a day. Now, I easily drink two litres daily. I can’t stand fast food now. Fruit and vegetables are my favourites: I’m having avocado and chicken salad for dinner tonight. I enjoy cooking my own food and knowing what I’m eating.

“I do some cardio work and weights in the gym. I might do 20 minutes a day in the gym or spend a week going for walks. A year ago I did a charity climb to Everest Base Camp. Psoriasis is so unbelievably linked to how your body is on the inside. I haven’t had an outbreak since I started looking after myself. It’s amazing how much you can get out of your body if you put the right things in.”

Jenny, who — no matter what she does — can’t seem to shift the psoriasis from her scalp, is the public face of an educational campaign entitled Psoriasis – Clear as Mud. With World Psoriasis Day taking place tomorrow, the campaign aims to dispel misconceptions associated with the condition. A recent survey found 9% of Irish people believe psoriasis is a liver disease. And 7% believe psoriasis is contagious, while a further 7% feel people suffering from the condition shouldn’t work as chefs or in personal care.

Meanwhile, almost four in 10 male and close on one-in-five female sufferers say they don’t see a healthcare professional in relation to their psoriasis.

Jenny acknowledges the frustration and embarrassment that the condition can cause.

“I remember a friend once saying: ‘Yuck! Is that contagious?’ Need I add: she’s no longer a friend.”

In terms of romantic relationships, she has “never been with somebody who wouldn’t give me a hug because I have a dry patch on

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SHARED CONDITION: Lisa O’Connor, right, and her mum Mary both suffer from psoriasis. Lisa developed the disease following a car accident when she was four years old. Picture: Patrick O’Leary

BIG SUPPORTER: Jenny Kavanagh supports the Clear As Mud campaign. The Fair City actress has suffered from psoriasis since childhood. Picture: Conor Healy Photography my leg — they would ever so quickly be out of my life”.

But psoriasis can impact on the quality of life of the sufferer’s family, partner and work colleague, according to another study carried out as part of the Under the Spotlight campaign, also launched to mark World Psoriasis Day. The study found 98% of family members of people living with psoriasis are psychologically affected by the condition, citing worry, frustration, emotional stress and concern about the illness and its treatment as their main issues. Over half said looking after the patient took a great deal of time — citing the requirement for putting on different creams at different times of the day as a huge issue.

Almost one in two families admitted their social life had been badly affected.

Cork-based Lisa O’Connor, 32, has had psoriasis since she was four — it came on after she was involved in a serious car accident with her dad. “Right now, I’ve got psoriasis from my ankles to my hips and buttocks. I’ve got it inside my ears and I always have it on my elbows. I could spend half an hour every morning putting on my creams.

At night I have to apply a tar and steroid cream. Then I wrap my two legs, from toes to thighs, in cling film. I go to bed like that.”

Lisa also attends hospital three times a week for light therapy.

While admitting to the odd whinge, she doesn’t let her psoriasis get to her. Until re-

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cently — when the mum-of-two saw it begin to impact on her six-year-old daughter, Dawn.

“For me, that’s been the hardest thing. At the swimming pool, Dawn was starting to notice people staring at me or saying stuff.

Children will just come out and say ‘why do you have all those sores on your legs?’ Dawn asks ‘Mommy, does it hurt when people stare at you? It’s not nice’. I feel she’s trying to protect me.”

Lisa’s mum, Mary, developed psoriasis a few years ago after her husband suffered a sudden heart attack. “On me, it’s just a patch, about the size of the palm of your hand,” says Mary, who recalls wishing when Lisa was a child that she, as a mother, could take the condition from her daughter.

“I remember saying to her once when she was covered from head to toe: ‘if only I could take it for you’. We used to have to apply a thick cream to her scalp every night, then fine-comb the flakes of dry skin from her hair the next day.

“But Lisa has always had a very good outlook. As a family, we never made her psoriasis anything to shy away from or hide.” ● A video capturing Lisa and her mother’s experience with psoriasis is available online at www.underthespotlight.ie, along with information and expert advice. ● Visit www.mypsoriasis.ie/clearasmud for information on psoriasis and the treatment options. The site includes lifestyle tips and advice on coping with the skin condition.

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Psychology

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Neglect does not irretrievably ‘hardwire’ infants.

Damage can be undone with unconditional love

Our rigid labels Tony Humphreys

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INISTER of State for primary care, Roisin Shortall, spoke at a recent early childhood conference about “transforming social services for mothers and infants” because of overwhelming evidence that the early years affect the child’s later emotional well-being, health, education and employment.

One of the speakers, George Hoskins, an authority on crime prevention, and chief executive of Wave Trust in Britain, said “dysfunctional children create stupendous costs”. What was not said is that the financial costs pale compared to the emotional costs for the child.

It was also said that children who experience neglect, abuse, and emotional abandonment become ‘hard-wired’ in their responses (become aggressive, withdrawn, depressed, anxious and insecure), and that children who receive ‘good enough parenting’ (mature and loving support and a predictable and consistent environment) become ‘hard-wired’ to expect security, care and love. (This term ‘hard-wired’, though it appears scientific, is meaningless. ) The key message voiced was that ‘the most critical aspect of the infant’s life is the relationship between baby and key carer, usually the mother.

I have concerns about aspects of the conference. To begin, putting all the responsibility for the mature rearing of a child on a mother’s shoulders and not emphasising that when a child fails to experience a caring relationship with his/her father, the child may close himself/herself off to reaching-out to males.

It takes the world to rear a child and each adult who interacts with a child affects how that child sees himself.

Somebody told me of a three-year-old who had received a gift in the post from her grandfather and when requested to send a thank-you card she said strongly, ‘no, I won’t, he never looks at me and never speaks to me.’

A similar story is about a young man who is terrified when he is in the company of women (‘my mother was scary’, he told me) but is comfortable in the company of men (‘my father was kind, though passive’).

Yet another story is of a teenager who displayed huge aggression towards teachers, both male and female, except with one male teacher who befriended him and was kind and supportive (both parents had harshly abandoned the teenager).

In formulating policies for the rearing of children, it is vital that all adults who are likely to encounter the child have a consciousness of their own and the child’s unique self and worth. What did not emerge at the conference was that the relationship that parents or other significant adults have with self determines how they relate to children. Psycho-social opportunities for these adults to come to consciousness of their dark interiority are essential for their own and children’s well-being.

I have been saying it for years — all parenting starts with self, all teaching starts with self, all healthcare starts with self, all management and leadership start with self. Teaching people the skills of affectionate and empowering rearing of children works only when the adults have that kind of relationship with self.

My greatest concern about the notion that children be-

Feelgood

Seeing children as dysfunctional and suffering from disorders results in lowering their self-esteem rather than affirming their unique presence and their individuality come ‘hard-wired’ in their reactions to neglect is that they are subsequently viewed as ‘dysfunctional’. Indeed, I challenged a colleague, Dr Allan Schore, at a recent conference titled Why Psychotherapy Works, to explain why he described a child’s response to threats to his/her well-being as adaptive when they occur but, later on in years, describes these responses as disorders.

The more common disorders that children are labelled with are ADD, ADHD, ODD, dyspraxia, dyslexia and Asperger’s syndrome. In America, 750,000 children are labelled with ADHD and about 2.5% of all children are labelled bi-polar depressed and are on anti-depressants.

When I work with an older child or teenager and we establish a strong relationship bond the ‘hard-wired’ defensive responses are gradually replaced with a receptivity to care and expression of love and friendship.

Similarly, it is more accurate to say that when a child in his/her early years experiences neglect, that he/she creatively develops powerful defences against further hurt and only at a later point in time, when they consistently experience love and have belief, will they again risk trusting that they are, indeed, loveable and powerful.

What is also missed by this ‘hard-wired’ concept is that the defensive responses formed in the early years also serve the creative purpose of acting as a substitute for the real experience of being loved for self. Typical defensive/substitute behaviours developed are over-pleasing, passivity, aggression, illness, perfectionism, high academic/sport performance, being ‘difficult’.

All of these creations get a response from adults and thereby reduce the child’s felt invisibility. If, later on, children experience being loved for themselves they employ their intelligence and creativity, but openly rather than defensively.

Seeing children as dysfunctional and suffering from disorders increases their invisibility, and lowers their self-esteem (rather than affirming their unique presence and individuality) and their power beyond measure to determine when it is safe or threatening to be self.

Dr Tony Humphreys is a clinical psychologist, author, national 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, www.tonyhumphreys.ie

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2011

7

The perfect keepsake to celebrate a baby’s birth

€50 A framed Irish Examiner front page from the day baby was born.

Contact the Irish Examiner on Tel. 021 4272722 Email: counter@examiner.ie

TERAPROOF:User:paulokeeffeDate:26/10/2011Time:17:41:31Edition:28/10/2011FeelgoodXH2810Page:7

Zone:XH

Psychology

XH - V1

Neglect does not irretrievably ‘hardwire’ infants.

Damage can be undone with unconditional love

Our rigid labels Tony Humphreys

M

INISTER of State for primary care, Roisin Shortall, spoke at a recent early childhood conference about “transforming social services for mothers and infants” because of overwhelming evidence that the early years affect the child’s later emotional well-being, health, education and employment.

One of the speakers, George Hoskins, an authority on crime prevention, and chief executive of Wave Trust in Britain, said “dysfunctional children create stupendous costs”. What was not said is that the financial costs pale compared to the emotional costs for the child.

It was also said that children who experience neglect, abuse, and emotional abandonment become ‘hard-wired’ in their responses (become aggressive, withdrawn, depressed, anxious and insecure), and that children who receive ‘good enough parenting’ (mature and loving support and a predictable and consistent environment) become ‘hard-wired’ to expect security, care and love. (This term ‘hard-wired’, though it appears scientific, is meaningless. ) The key message voiced was that ‘the most critical aspect of the infant’s life is the relationship between baby and key carer, usually the mother.

I have concerns about aspects of the conference. To begin, putting all the responsibility for the mature rearing of a child on a mother’s shoulders and not emphasising that when a child fails to experience a caring relationship with his/her father, the child may close himself/herself off to reaching-out to males.

It takes the world to rear a child and each adult who interacts with a child affects how that child sees himself.

Somebody told me of a three-year-old who had received a gift in the post from her grandfather and when requested to send a thank-you card she said strongly, ‘no, I won’t, he never looks at me and never speaks to me.’

A similar story is about a young man who is terrified when he is in the company of women (‘my mother was scary’, he told me) but is comfortable in the company of men (‘my father was kind, though passive’).

Yet another story is of a teenager who displayed huge aggression towards teachers, both male and female, except with one male teacher who befriended him and was kind and supportive (both parents had harshly abandoned the teenager).

In formulating policies for the rearing of children, it is vital that all adults who are likely to encounter the child have a consciousness of their own and the child’s unique self and worth. What did not emerge at the conference was that the relationship that parents or other significant adults have with self determines how they relate to children. Psycho-social opportunities for these adults to come to consciousness of their dark interiority are essential for their own and children’s well-being.

I have been saying it for years — all parenting starts with self, all teaching starts with self, all healthcare starts with self, all management and leadership start with self. Teaching people the skills of affectionate and empowering rearing of children works only when the adults have that kind of relationship with self.

My greatest concern about the notion that children be-

Feelgood

Seeing children as dysfunctional and suffering from disorders results in lowering their self-esteem rather than affirming their unique presence and their individuality come ‘hard-wired’ in their reactions to neglect is that they are subsequently viewed as ‘dysfunctional’. Indeed, I challenged a colleague, Dr Allan Schore, at a recent conference titled Why Psychotherapy Works, to explain why he described a child’s response to threats to his/her well-being as adaptive when they occur but, later on in years, describes these responses as disorders.

The more common disorders that children are labelled with are ADD, ADHD, ODD, dyspraxia, dyslexia and Asperger’s syndrome. In America, 750,000 children are labelled with ADHD and about 2.5% of all children are labelled bi-polar depressed and are on anti-depressants.

When I work with an older child or teenager and we establish a strong relationship bond the ‘hard-wired’ defensive responses are gradually replaced with a receptivity to care and expression of love and friendship.

Similarly, it is more accurate to say that when a child in his/her early years experiences neglect, that he/she creatively develops powerful defences against further hurt and only at a later point in time, when they consistently experience love and have belief, will they again risk trusting that they are, indeed, loveable and powerful.

What is also missed by this ‘hard-wired’ concept is that the defensive responses formed in the early years also serve the creative purpose of acting as a substitute for the real experience of being loved for self. Typical defensive/substitute behaviours developed are over-pleasing, passivity, aggression, illness, perfectionism, high academic/sport performance, being ‘difficult’.

All of these creations get a response from adults and thereby reduce the child’s felt invisibility. If, later on, children experience being loved for themselves they employ their intelligence and creativity, but openly rather than defensively.

Seeing children as dysfunctional and suffering from disorders increases their invisibility, and lowers their self-esteem (rather than affirming their unique presence and individuality) and their power beyond measure to determine when it is safe or threatening to be self.

Dr Tony Humphreys is a clinical psychologist, author, national 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, www.tonyhumphreys.ie

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2011

7

The perfect keepsake to celebrate a baby’s birth

€50 A framed Irish Examiner front page from the day baby was born.

Contact the Irish Examiner on Tel. 021 4272722 Email: counter@examiner.ie

TERAPROOF:User:margaretjenningsDate:26/10/2011Time:17:16:43Edition:28/10/2011FeelgoodXH2810Page:8

Zone:XH

Male story health 8 Cover

Male Get moving health

XH - V1

9

Since 2009, 90,000 bikes have been subsidised by employers in an environmentally-friendly scheme that encourages exercise and cuts traffic, says Helen O’Callaghan

THE WORK CYCLE

W

ITHIN one month of the Government introducing the Cycle To Work scheme in January, 2009, it was in place at Children’s University Hospital, Temple Street, Dublin. Demand for parking was high, unsurprising since the hospital caters for 110,000 patients and 140,000 visitors every year.

“The first few employees who signed up were cyclists who wanted to upgrade their bikes. But then momentum gathered — one nurse on a ward would buy a bike, and, within a week, four or five nurses on the same ward would have bought one. Now, close on 19% of staff have availed of the scheme,” says Padraig Ryan, the hospital’s transport coordinator.

Since 2009, 90,000 bikes have been purchased nationwide through Cycle To Work.

“It’s a fantastic initiative, encouraging people to cycle for health, social and environmental benefit,” says Heather Boyle, sports administrator with Cycling Ireland, who says the scheme has had a knock-on effect on membership of her organisation. In 2010, membership increased by 45%. Between 2010 and 2011, it further increased by 25%. It’s definitely due to Cycle To Work and to a cultural shift towards cycling in Ireland.”

In conjunction with Trinity College, Bike To Work — which administers the scheme — conducted a survey of participants. Fifty two percent of respondents had not owned a bike before getting one through Cycle To Work and the majority of these were aged between 35 and 54. This highlights one of the successes of the scheme — “it has encouraged those in an age group traditionally shown not to cycle to start cycling to work,” said the researchers.

The employer buys a bike, at a cost of up to €1,000, for the employee. The cost is deducted from the employee’s pre-tax salary over any period up to 12 months. The employee saves PAYE, PRSI and universal social charge on the amount paid for the bike.

“The scheme addresses our problems with energy security and our problems with inactivity,” says James Leahy, director of Bike To Work and a member of the Irish Bicycle Busi-

Feelgood

ness Association (IBBA). But, says Leahy, the goal isn’t about employees cycling to work five days a week. “It’s about giving them the flexibility to integrate it into their lifestyles.”

The survey found 13% of those who hadn’t previously owned a bike now cycle to work every day, while 57% do so at least once a week. At Temple Street hospital, one employee cycles 13 miles from Ashbourne, while another does 15 miles from Stepaside, though not every day. “We’ve got one lady from Wicklow who cycles to the train station. Others cycle to the Luas, fold up their bikes and get the Luas to work. There’s a lot of multi-modal transport,” says Ryan.

The Trinity College study found the health benefit was the top motivator for people taking up Cycle To Work (second was cost, followed by convenience and time saving). “Cycle To Work helps reduce absenteeism — if you lead a healthier, more active lifestyle, you’re less likely to be sick,” says Ryan.

A London School of Economics study found regular cyclists take, on average, one less sick day per year. Another British study of 9,000 civil servants found cycling 25 miles a week halves risk of fatal and non-fatal heart disease.

Cycling is a cardiovascular exercise and this activity, done regularly, has an important effect on how you process the fat you consume — there’s less risk of it being laid down in arteries, says Alan Donnelly, professor of exercise physiology at UL. Cycling represents good mobility work for the knee joint, once saddle height is correct.

“And because you’re gripping the handlebars, there’s some core work going on because you have to balance on the bike,” says Donnelly, who says that, apart from accident risk, cycling’s less likely to lead to injury compared to other sports — so it is a good exercise if you’re injury-prone.

Cycling has its limitations. “You need a certain amount of weight-bearing exercise for bone health. Cycling doesn’t give you that.

Ideally, you’d combine it with a weight-bearing exercise like walking or jogging. But Cycle To Work is one of the best recent investments

T

■ 13% of those who hadn’t owned a bike previously now cycle to work daily while 57% do so at least once a week

■ A London School of Economics study found regular cyclists take on average one less sick day per year

■ Aside from other spin-off benefits, it’s estimated that the scheme has generated over €138m in direct and indirect sales

SPOKES MAN: Director of Bike To Work James Leahy says the scheme “addresses our problems with energy security and our problems with inactivity.” in public health. It gives people a way of accumulating the recommended 30 minutes of daily moderate to vigorous exercise,” says Donnelly.

Workplace disincentives to signing up for Cycle To Work include lack of a secure place to leave the bike and lack of showers. Temple Street hospital has pulled out the stops to support cyclists.

“Prior to the scheme, we’d already implemented bike-to-work friendly measures, such as striking a deal with Raleigh, which reduced cost of bikes for staff, giving out free, high-vis-

ibility gear to cyclists, installing a new bike shed and running bike-maintenance classes,” says Ryan. “We don’t just get the bike for the employee and send them off on their own.”

Research has found that a significant number of parents — who bought a bike through Cycle To Work — came back and bought a child’s bike. The IBBA recommends “the eligibility of child seats and trailers for bicycles through the Cycle To Work scheme be clarified as many cyclists combine the school run with their commute.”

Aside from spin-off benefits to the economy

— the IBBA estimates the scheme has generated €138m in direct and indirect sales, led to the setting-up of 50 new bike shops and preserved or created 750 jobs — Cycle To Work has also contributed to road safety. Last month, the Road Safety Authority said Dublin has the safest roads of any capital city in Europe. Why? Because of greater enforcement by Garda traffic corps, the ban on HGV trucks in the city centre — and a massive increase in the number of cyclists.

■ Visit www.bikescheme.ie.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2011

HREE days a week, Valerie Lyons, 42, cycles 5km from her home in Killester to her job at KBC Bank on Dublin’s Sandwith Street. Divorced with two children — Daniel, 8, and Ciara, 5 — she signed up for Cycle To Work last year.

“There was the financial attraction of getting a tax-free bike. I’d had a bike but it got rusty from not using it. Through Cycle To Work, I looked for the bike for me. It’s very light, made of titanium and cost €550. I’d never have spent that much on a bike — I got it for €250 in terms of net cost. I wanted, without too much effort, to incorporate exercise into my daily routine. I like to keep fit and, as a mum of two, I found my available time for exercise had dramatically depleted. I could exercise when the kids are with their dad but the reality is I have to squeeze a million things into that time so exercise was being neglected.

“I feel a lot more toned now compared to when I didn’t cycle. But cycling only tones the bottom half — your legs. My speed has increased. When I started I found the hill at North Strand quite difficult. Now I just fly up it. When you’re on the bike on a crisp morning, you arrive into work quite energised and it’s the same going home.

“I think the bike makes you want to be fitter. You’re thinking ‘could I make myself go faster if I had stronger core muscles — how will I do that?’ Or ‘I’m a bit sore after cycling — maybe I’ll go for a swim to relieve it’. In the last two months I’ve started going to the gym twice a week and I started sailing this summer.

“I’ve never considered cycling to work as a money-saving thing. Before I got the bike I took the scooter to work and that costs very little to run.

“I wear a helmet and a high visibility jacket but I’ve had plenty of angry moments when another road-user has done something that risked my life. Most of my route to work has a bike lane but it’s a joke because it isn’t dedicated.

There are buses behind, beside and in front of you.

On a bike, you can’t fight a bus or a taxi — you’re the weakest member of that community.

“When I bought my bike, Daniel already had a small bike with stabilisers that he’d outgrown.

He asked ‘what about my bike, Mum?’ I bought him a new bike six months ago.

We cycle together when my daughter’s on a playdate.

“At work, a lot more men than women cycle to work. As a woman, you have to be glamorous so you need a suit in the office that you change into.

That takes a bit of organising. Your hairstyle’s going to be a bit frazzled but you get around it.

“Nobody would know the girl who

On a crisp morning you arrive in energised comes in wearing helmet and shorts is the girl who comes out of the toilet minutes later.”

Owen Flynn, 24, cycles a mile every day to Dairygold, Mitchelstown, Co Cork where he does shift work in the packing department. He got a bike through Cycle To Work over a year ago.

“I’d seen colleagues coming in on summer mornings on bikes and I thought I’d give it a shot myself. Before that, I walked to work, which took about 20 minutes. Now I’m there in five. I cycled to school years ago but before I signed up for Cycle To Work I hadn’t had a bike for a couple of years.

“The bike cost €1,000. Because of the scheme it worked out a lot cheaper. I’m not big into sport and, while I used to walk to work, I wasn’t power-walking. I feel much fitter because of cycling in every day. You work a lot of your body when you’re pedalling. Much of my route is uphill and when I first got the bike that was tough. Now it’s no problem.

“Getting on the scheme has led to me going off for an hour’s cycle on days off. It’s great to get out on a good day — you feel a lot better.

Some drivers don’t have much respect for cyclists though but when I’m going to work I take the back streets through town.”

HEMMED IN: Valerie Lyons says most of her work route is on a bike lane but because it’s not dedicated, buses and taxis also use it.

Picture: Nick Bradshaw

NEW HIGH: Owen Flynn’s uphill route to work used to pose a challenge, but now it’s no problem. Picture: Denis Minihane

As a woman, you have to be glamorous so you need a suit in the office that you change into. At work nobody would know the girl who comes in wearing a helmet and shorts is the girl who comes out of the toilet minutes later

TERAPROOF:User:margaretjenningsDate:26/10/2011Time:17:16:43Edition:28/10/2011FeelgoodXH2810Page:8

Zone:XH

Male story health 8 Cover

Male Get moving health

XH - V1

9

Since 2009, 90,000 bikes have been subsidised by employers in an environmentally-friendly scheme that encourages exercise and cuts traffic, says Helen O’Callaghan

THE WORK CYCLE

W

ITHIN one month of the Government introducing the Cycle To Work scheme in January, 2009, it was in place at Children’s University Hospital, Temple Street, Dublin. Demand for parking was high, unsurprising since the hospital caters for 110,000 patients and 140,000 visitors every year.

“The first few employees who signed up were cyclists who wanted to upgrade their bikes. But then momentum gathered — one nurse on a ward would buy a bike, and, within a week, four or five nurses on the same ward would have bought one. Now, close on 19% of staff have availed of the scheme,” says Padraig Ryan, the hospital’s transport coordinator.

Since 2009, 90,000 bikes have been purchased nationwide through Cycle To Work.

“It’s a fantastic initiative, encouraging people to cycle for health, social and environmental benefit,” says Heather Boyle, sports administrator with Cycling Ireland, who says the scheme has had a knock-on effect on membership of her organisation. In 2010, membership increased by 45%. Between 2010 and 2011, it further increased by 25%. It’s definitely due to Cycle To Work and to a cultural shift towards cycling in Ireland.”

In conjunction with Trinity College, Bike To Work — which administers the scheme — conducted a survey of participants. Fifty two percent of respondents had not owned a bike before getting one through Cycle To Work and the majority of these were aged between 35 and 54. This highlights one of the successes of the scheme — “it has encouraged those in an age group traditionally shown not to cycle to start cycling to work,” said the researchers.

The employer buys a bike, at a cost of up to €1,000, for the employee. The cost is deducted from the employee’s pre-tax salary over any period up to 12 months. The employee saves PAYE, PRSI and universal social charge on the amount paid for the bike.

“The scheme addresses our problems with energy security and our problems with inactivity,” says James Leahy, director of Bike To Work and a member of the Irish Bicycle Busi-

Feelgood

ness Association (IBBA). But, says Leahy, the goal isn’t about employees cycling to work five days a week. “It’s about giving them the flexibility to integrate it into their lifestyles.”

The survey found 13% of those who hadn’t previously owned a bike now cycle to work every day, while 57% do so at least once a week. At Temple Street hospital, one employee cycles 13 miles from Ashbourne, while another does 15 miles from Stepaside, though not every day. “We’ve got one lady from Wicklow who cycles to the train station. Others cycle to the Luas, fold up their bikes and get the Luas to work. There’s a lot of multi-modal transport,” says Ryan.

The Trinity College study found the health benefit was the top motivator for people taking up Cycle To Work (second was cost, followed by convenience and time saving). “Cycle To Work helps reduce absenteeism — if you lead a healthier, more active lifestyle, you’re less likely to be sick,” says Ryan.

A London School of Economics study found regular cyclists take, on average, one less sick day per year. Another British study of 9,000 civil servants found cycling 25 miles a week halves risk of fatal and non-fatal heart disease.

Cycling is a cardiovascular exercise and this activity, done regularly, has an important effect on how you process the fat you consume — there’s less risk of it being laid down in arteries, says Alan Donnelly, professor of exercise physiology at UL. Cycling represents good mobility work for the knee joint, once saddle height is correct.

“And because you’re gripping the handlebars, there’s some core work going on because you have to balance on the bike,” says Donnelly, who says that, apart from accident risk, cycling’s less likely to lead to injury compared to other sports — so it is a good exercise if you’re injury-prone.

Cycling has its limitations. “You need a certain amount of weight-bearing exercise for bone health. Cycling doesn’t give you that.

Ideally, you’d combine it with a weight-bearing exercise like walking or jogging. But Cycle To Work is one of the best recent investments

T

■ 13% of those who hadn’t owned a bike previously now cycle to work daily while 57% do so at least once a week

■ A London School of Economics study found regular cyclists take on average one less sick day per year

■ Aside from other spin-off benefits, it’s estimated that the scheme has generated over €138m in direct and indirect sales

SPOKES MAN: Director of Bike To Work James Leahy says the scheme “addresses our problems with energy security and our problems with inactivity.” in public health. It gives people a way of accumulating the recommended 30 minutes of daily moderate to vigorous exercise,” says Donnelly.

Workplace disincentives to signing up for Cycle To Work include lack of a secure place to leave the bike and lack of showers. Temple Street hospital has pulled out the stops to support cyclists.

“Prior to the scheme, we’d already implemented bike-to-work friendly measures, such as striking a deal with Raleigh, which reduced cost of bikes for staff, giving out free, high-vis-

ibility gear to cyclists, installing a new bike shed and running bike-maintenance classes,” says Ryan. “We don’t just get the bike for the employee and send them off on their own.”

Research has found that a significant number of parents — who bought a bike through Cycle To Work — came back and bought a child’s bike. The IBBA recommends “the eligibility of child seats and trailers for bicycles through the Cycle To Work scheme be clarified as many cyclists combine the school run with their commute.”

Aside from spin-off benefits to the economy

— the IBBA estimates the scheme has generated €138m in direct and indirect sales, led to the setting-up of 50 new bike shops and preserved or created 750 jobs — Cycle To Work has also contributed to road safety. Last month, the Road Safety Authority said Dublin has the safest roads of any capital city in Europe. Why? Because of greater enforcement by Garda traffic corps, the ban on HGV trucks in the city centre — and a massive increase in the number of cyclists.

■ Visit www.bikescheme.ie.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2011

HREE days a week, Valerie Lyons, 42, cycles 5km from her home in Killester to her job at KBC Bank on Dublin’s Sandwith Street. Divorced with two children — Daniel, 8, and Ciara, 5 — she signed up for Cycle To Work last year.

“There was the financial attraction of getting a tax-free bike. I’d had a bike but it got rusty from not using it. Through Cycle To Work, I looked for the bike for me. It’s very light, made of titanium and cost €550. I’d never have spent that much on a bike — I got it for €250 in terms of net cost. I wanted, without too much effort, to incorporate exercise into my daily routine. I like to keep fit and, as a mum of two, I found my available time for exercise had dramatically depleted. I could exercise when the kids are with their dad but the reality is I have to squeeze a million things into that time so exercise was being neglected.

“I feel a lot more toned now compared to when I didn’t cycle. But cycling only tones the bottom half — your legs. My speed has increased. When I started I found the hill at North Strand quite difficult. Now I just fly up it. When you’re on the bike on a crisp morning, you arrive into work quite energised and it’s the same going home.

“I think the bike makes you want to be fitter. You’re thinking ‘could I make myself go faster if I had stronger core muscles — how will I do that?’ Or ‘I’m a bit sore after cycling — maybe I’ll go for a swim to relieve it’. In the last two months I’ve started going to the gym twice a week and I started sailing this summer.

“I’ve never considered cycling to work as a money-saving thing. Before I got the bike I took the scooter to work and that costs very little to run.

“I wear a helmet and a high visibility jacket but I’ve had plenty of angry moments when another road-user has done something that risked my life. Most of my route to work has a bike lane but it’s a joke because it isn’t dedicated.

There are buses behind, beside and in front of you.

On a bike, you can’t fight a bus or a taxi — you’re the weakest member of that community.

“When I bought my bike, Daniel already had a small bike with stabilisers that he’d outgrown.

He asked ‘what about my bike, Mum?’ I bought him a new bike six months ago.

We cycle together when my daughter’s on a playdate.

“At work, a lot more men than women cycle to work. As a woman, you have to be glamorous so you need a suit in the office that you change into.

That takes a bit of organising. Your hairstyle’s going to be a bit frazzled but you get around it.

“Nobody would know the girl who

On a crisp morning you arrive in energised comes in wearing helmet and shorts is the girl who comes out of the toilet minutes later.”

Owen Flynn, 24, cycles a mile every day to Dairygold, Mitchelstown, Co Cork where he does shift work in the packing department. He got a bike through Cycle To Work over a year ago.

“I’d seen colleagues coming in on summer mornings on bikes and I thought I’d give it a shot myself. Before that, I walked to work, which took about 20 minutes. Now I’m there in five. I cycled to school years ago but before I signed up for Cycle To Work I hadn’t had a bike for a couple of years.

“The bike cost €1,000. Because of the scheme it worked out a lot cheaper. I’m not big into sport and, while I used to walk to work, I wasn’t power-walking. I feel much fitter because of cycling in every day. You work a lot of your body when you’re pedalling. Much of my route is uphill and when I first got the bike that was tough. Now it’s no problem.

“Getting on the scheme has led to me going off for an hour’s cycle on days off. It’s great to get out on a good day — you feel a lot better.

Some drivers don’t have much respect for cyclists though but when I’m going to work I take the back streets through town.”

HEMMED IN: Valerie Lyons says most of her work route is on a bike lane but because it’s not dedicated, buses and taxis also use it.

Picture: Nick Bradshaw

NEW HIGH: Owen Flynn’s uphill route to work used to pose a challenge, but now it’s no problem. Picture: Denis Minihane

As a woman, you have to be glamorous so you need a suit in the office that you change into. At work nobody would know the girl who comes in wearing a helmet and shorts is the girl who comes out of the toilet minutes later

TERAPROOF:User:margaretjenningsDate:26/10/2011Time:17:09:19Edition:28/10/2011FeelgoodXH2810Page:10

Zone:XH

10 Life struggle

XH - V1

Margaret Sexton finds working in Britain difficult, Arlene Harris reports

Staying a mum across the miles

W

ITH her youngest child happily ensconced in a school routine, Margaret Sexton Fitzpatrick decided to train as a midwife.

A mother of seven children, (aged between 23 and 11) the Cork woman had always had a fascination with the profession and decided to dedicate time to learning a skill which would help to boost her confidence and provide much-needed additional income.

After four years of intense study she obtained an honours degree only to be told that her efforts were all in vain as there were no jobs for midwives in the province.

Determined to put her education to good use, she decided to put her talents to use elsewhere and now she commutes between the picturesque town of Clonakilty and the busy wards of a West London hospital.

“I had always wanted to be a midwife and when my children had become less dependent on me, I decided to go to college to get qualified,” says Margaret. “I started the course in 2006 at CUMH and spent four years studying. I really enjoyed my time there, but the whole process was very hard on the family. However, I felt it would all be worth it when I got my degree and started working in a hospital in Cork.

“But just as we were nearing our finals we were told there would be no jobs waiting for us after we finished — it was so demoralising. I felt so selfish, having put my husband

(Tim) and the kids through years of hardship so I could achieve a piece of paper.”

Then Margaret heard on the grapevine that some English hospitals were recruiting so she went onto their websites for a tentative look.

“I had a quick look online and saw there were jobs available in London so I broached the subject with Tim,” she says. “He is a haulage contractor and works odd hours so it was feasible that I could spend time away from the home while he looked after the family — particularly as the older ones were at college during the week.

“So I applied for a job in St Georges Hospital in Tooting last November and was really surprised when they offered it to me — I grabbed it with open arms.

“With all the red tape that had to be sorted out (social security, police checks, etc), I didn’t actually start working until April when I moved into a purpose-built residence for healthcare workers. Leaving home was a big step and when I first arrived, I found the transition very hard, I cried a lot and really believed I was doing the wrong thing.

“But Tim reminded me that I needed the experience in order to apply for full-time positions at home in the future, so I put my head down and got on with it.

“I love my job and my immediate bosses are very accommo-

J

Catherine Shanahan MUM’S WORLD Feelgood

UST as grown ups know better than to blow their wage packet on a shopping spree, their children should be told that their Christmas wish list cannot consist of the entire contents of a Smyth’s catalogue.

I suggested that my two kids label their favourites with post-its for Santa’s benefit, but I think not even his surprise could have rivalled mine when I later flicked through it.

Barely a page escaped.

They did hit on the odd bargain but any savings were small change against a backdrop of every conceivable Disney Princess accessory; Sylvanian Families and their gazillion play sets (garden, bedroom, bathroom, ballroom — I could go on, but it would fill the column); Transformers 3 Bumblebee costume; Peppa Pig Tea Set; Star Wars Lego (Ewok Attack); a yellow Go Kart; a Nintendo 3DS; an Optimus Prime Cyber Blaster, and, of course, an Xbox. And that was just for starters.

Such was the scale of their inventory, Santa, I warned, could reasonably be expected to reject it. If he did not, the upshot was too awful to contemplate: Santa, bowed by the weight of expectation, would wind up, like Quinn Healthcare, in administration, or worse, liquidation, or, a bankrupt, forced to transfer the family grotto to the nephew in Florida where no arctic court would ever reach it.

ALL TOGETHER: Margaret Sexton Fitzpatrick on her graduation day last year when she qualified as a midwife, with her husband Tim and children Clodagh, 22, Daniel, 21, Stephen, 19, Matthew, 17, Cillian, 14, Emili, 13, and Tadhg, 10. Clodagh is holding her son, Tomas, 2. dating about my need to go home every couple of weeks,” she says.

“When I am on the ward I don’t have a minute to think about the family, but as soon as I go back to my room I get very lonely and wish I was at home, so I have to keep occupied and my self-imposed routine is work, sleep and back to work again.”

And how are the family coping without her? “Tim seems to be getting on fine at the moment. He is much busier than usual, and as well as running his own job and doing the accounts and invoicing which I used to do for him, he is also looking after the kids.

“They have also been brilliant. They all have tasks to help keep the place ticking over — little jobs, like putting out the clothes or washing the dishes,

HOME ALONE: Margaret Sexton Fitzpatrick finds working abroad lonely.

Picture:Gerard McCarthy

For those allergic to any whiff of Christmas before the ghosts of Halloween have even surfaced, I apologise for using the C word. I did not request the Smyth’s winter catalogue. I am far too disorganised. It landed in my porch, dropped by a man who sped off in a van faster than you could shake a sprig of mistletoe. I noticed he did not bother with the houses on either side where only adults reside and I wondered how he knew where the children were living. I have no memory of ever giving Smyth’s my details.

Things have moved on significantly from my day when no-one mentioned the festivities before December 8 and only then because the farmers — in town to pay homage to Christianity’s biggest miracle — kickstarted the Christmas market on their traditional pre-season shopping spree.

These days, the lead-in begins before the clocks change, and in some cases, before the summer ends. An hotel that shall remain nameless had an inflatable roof-top santa when Met Eireann was still forecasting a heatwave. Had I a dart gun, I’d have punctured him.

Christmas is December 25 so let’s keep the celebrations in check. Start too soon, and, like the favourite toy that through too much play loses its appeal, we’ll have tired of Christmas well before it begins.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2011

all help to keep things running smoothly.

And I talk to all of them every day and am kept up to speed on everything from what’s going on at school to what the postman brought that morning. I’m even sending texts to my teenagers on a Saturday night to ensure they are where they are supposed to be.

“We’re not leading a normal family life at the moment, but we are making the best we can out of this situation. I had initially intended to do this for a year, but it might have to go on for a bit longer. Until the situation changes at home and the staff embargo is lifted from hospitals, people will have to take drastic measures in order to keep things afloat.

“I would love to be working in a hospital in Cork, but until that becomes a possibility, I’ll just have to continue living two lives.” ● Margaret’s story is just one of many featured on The Commute, RTE One, Monday, October 31 at 9.30pm

I apologise for using the C word. I did not request the Smyth’s winter catalogue. It landed in my porch, dropped by a man who sped off in a van faster than you could shake a sprig of mistletoe

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Positive living

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Halloween celebration

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You can weave your own spells to transform your life from doom to gloom, says Jane Alexander. And no better time to experiment than during magical Halloween

Get into the spirit H

ALLOWEEN is in the air and with it comes a distinct whiff of magic. Relentless news bulletins on the growing global recession cast doom and gloom rather than spells: we’ve never been in greater need of a sprinkle of fairy dust.

Magic comes in all shapes and sizes and from many sources, sometimes quite unexpected. The smart thing is to recognise it when it crosses your threshold. Is magic something scary? Not at all. Can it help us in tough times? “Absolutely,” says white witch Silja, author of The Green Wiccan Books of Shadows (Cico Books). “It doesn’t make things certain, but it changes our odds for the better.”

Spend a few minutes every day looking in a mirror. Say the phrase: ‘I love and approve of myself’ while gazing deep into your eyes

Here’s how to maximise the magic in your life...

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Shamans believe the natural world talks to us in symbols, so watch out for messages as you go about your daily life — for instance, a plant pushing up through concrete could be a sign to ‘never give up; even when things seem impossible’. But signs don’t just come from the natural world. If you keep coming across Stop or Slow down signs as you drive, maybe you need to take it a bit easy.

tothemythic — two Twitter accounts which often offer words of inspiration. Or, for a mixed view of life, follow me @exmoorjane.

And unfollow or defriend the doom-mongers if you can — negativity breeds negativity.

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Wear your luck round your wrist with a magical amulet. Asiya (www.asiya.co.il) has a range of powerful Kabbalistic amulets on red string bracelets to attract good luck and spiritual wellbeing (they ship to Ireland).

Closer to home, Spirit of the Green Man (www.spiritofthegreenman.co.uk) has a lovely range of magical jewellery.

Turn your evening bath into a gentle prosperity ritual, suggests Silja. Add a handful of crushed fresh basil leaves to the water and say nine times: “Change of luck come to me, as I will it, so mote it be!” After each repetition, immerse yourself completely in the water. As the water goes down the drain, visualise any bad luck or negativity disappearing with it.

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Create a ‘treasure map’ to attract what you want from your life.

Cut out pictures and phrases that inspire you from magazines and paste them onto a large sheet of paper. Pin your collage where you will see it every day.

The subconscious mind understands images easier than words and will try to make the magic happen — often in unexpected ways.

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Spend a few minutes every day looking in a mirror. Say the phrase: ‘I love and approve of myself ’ while gazing deep into your eyes. Repeat it 21 times a day for 21 days. Self-acceptance is the first step in manifesting the reality you desire.

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By curling, crossing, touching and stretching our fingers into mudras (yoga for hands), we can help draw whatever we desire towards us.

Try the ‘Jupiter’ mudra for good luck and to break through barriers. Clasp your hands together and then stretch out your index fingers. Hold for several minutes.

Feelgood

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Keep five almonds — preferably still in their shell — on the left side of your body according to white witch Silja. “The almonds attract luck and prosperity, and the left side of your body governs intuition and creativity to help you go after that abundance.”

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Carve your wish (using a pin or a needle) into a green candle (green attracts abundance and fosters harmony). If you need money, Silja suggests you etch onto the candle the amount you need. Light it for a few minutes every day, ideally at dawn. As the sun rises, so will your luck.

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When you shower, imagine you’re stepping under the clean, pure waters of a beautiful waterfall. Visualise the magical water washing away all traces of tiredness, leaving you full of energy and optimism. Use an uplifting shower gel like Aromatherapy Associates Revive body wash which contains heart-cheering neroli and optimistic pink grapefruit and bergamot.www.aromatherapyassociates.com

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Use social media as a form of oracle. Look out for that tweet or Facebook status that chimes a chord. I follow @Zen_Moments and @in-

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2011

Cooking is pure alchemy — you mix together a few ingredients and fire transforms them into something entirely different. Bake cupcakes, imagining all your hopes and dreams as you stir the mixture. Add physical fairy dust by sprinkling them with sparkles….

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Crystals are pure dragon’s treasure — the earth’s hoard. Let your intuition pick the stone ‘meant’ for you. Rose quartz fosters unconditional love; citrine is believed to bring wealth if you keep it in your purse.

Trywww.crystalhealingshop.com

● Jane Alexander is the author of more than 20 books on health and wellbeing (some on Kindle), including The Energy Secret and The Mind Body Spirit Miscellany. See her author page on Amazon.

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Food survey

XH - V1 Halloween celebration

A trick or treat?

WE SAMPLE SOME

NUTS AND BRACK

Roz Crowley

ON OFFER: SuperValu is celebrating Halloween by cutting the prices of its barm bracks, which start at €1.

Launching the range are (left) Lucy Darragh and Ruby Kelly.

H

ALLOWEEN falls on Monday and is a fun start to the week.

It’s also a good time to celebrate seasonal produce — and with nuts and apples falling off the trees we can have a healthy feast.

Barm brack is traditional and it’s a relatively healthy treat, with sweetness provided by dried fruit and not a huge amount of fat and a reasonable amount of fibre.

As many of the brands vary so little from year to year, we are sharing our brack survey this time with some examples of bags of fruit and/or nut selections.

While the bracks were in general quite

Clancy’s peanuts, raisins and chocolate buttons, 400g, €2.49 (62c per 100g), Aldi

Picture: MAXWELLS

good, I was hugely disappointed in the quality of the fruit and nut collections. The fruit was unimpressive, but in most cases, the nuts were even more so. Stale and soft nuts lose a lot of their nutritional value when poorly stored and packed. It’s important consumers vote with their feet by refusing to buy inferior quality products.

Forest Feast mixed nuts and raisins, 200g €1.89 (94c per 100g)

For those who like a bar of fruit-and-nut chocolate, this is a treat, but with more fruit than chocolate.

There is 40% of raisins, which are large and plump, and the 40% peanuts are commendably unsalted, but not quite as crisp as they could be. The 20% chocolate buttons are not the best quality chocolate, a little oversweet, but are good enough to deliver flavour and texture.

This pouch has an equal share of raisins and sultanas, at 20% each, neither of which is plump or fruity. 20% blanched peanuts are a bit dull, while 15% paleskin peanuts a bit crisper. The walnuts are good quality and the almonds and hazelnuts are whole, while the halved brazil nuts are the tastiest.

The fruit lets this blend down, but is not bad as an alternative to other sweet treats for school lunches. Expensive for less than top quality.

Score: 7

Score: 6

Baker’s Basket fruit brack, Dunnes €2.99 The most flavoursome of the selection, this is a good, moist brack with a balance of fruit and crumb. A great all-rounder.

Score: 7.5

Nuts should supply us with an excellent range of protein fats and fibre, but none of these benefits are enjoyed with food that has lost its vibrancy.

Paradise Garden in Cork’s English market as well as farmer’s markets and some wholefood shops have good examples of loose, unshelled nuts. Try a few before investing in a Tesco Finest fruit-and-nut selection, 250g, €4.19 (€1.67 per 100g) We had high hopes for this expensive blend of a good variety of fruit and nuts. The almonds were the most successful of the nuts, but the cashews and pistachios were very soft and the hazelnuts were not fresh and crisp.

The dried apricots were low on flavour, the sultanas were large, but not plump, with the cranberries the most successful. Very disappointing for what should be a top quality product from a ‘finest’ range.

large quantity.

Nuts keep well in their shells and this way are good to have handy in a bowl for snacking. Keep a nutcracker nearby so it doesn’t have to be searched for, or have a rolling pin and teatowel ready to contain the bits. Almonds are difficult to crack with a rolling pin, but walnuts and hazelnuts are easy.

Mixed nuts in shell, 400g (€2.79 69c per 100g), Aldi This selection of 43% almonds, 42% hazelnuts and 15% walnuts should be full of protein, good fats and fibre, with no preservatives or added sugar or salt. However, most of the nuts were stale. The crop year noted on the bag is 2010, so perhaps it was a bad year for nuts. We accept that foods will vary from year to year, but we don’t have to buy them.

Score: 2

Score: 2.5

Rankin’s Irish barmbrack €2.69

Pat the Baker brack, €2.49

The fruit is just a little sparse, but the flavour is quite good, helped by a small amount of stem ginger, which adds interest. The texture is a slightly dry style, not incorrect for a brack, but in need of a little more moisture.

With quite a good balance of fruit and crumb, this has a slightly dry texture and is a lot better toasted. A light spiciness helps to provide flavour.

Score: 6

Score: 6.75

Supervalu in-house bakery Halloween brack, €3.29 Made in one of this supermarket chain’s in-store bakeries, this brack has a crisp, bread-like crust. The crumb on the inside is dry and has little flavour, with not enough fruit. There are some slivers of cherries with little taste. The taste and texture, however, are quite natural. Expensive for this level of quality. Cheaper special offers also available.

Score: 4.5

Feelgood

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2011

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Beauty

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Halloween celebration

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Chic dark blood colours and deep luscious plums will get you through Halloween

Go gorey, go red

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The news on...

KERASTASE FORCE

Emily O’Sullivan

I

DON’T do Halloween. Does that make me sound like the October equivalent of Scrooge? Okay, so I have two kids and we usually have a party and I cook Halloweeny food and stick up fake cobwebs and all that, but when it comes to dressing up, forget it. I loathe dressing up.

It’s partly Halloween itself, the eve of All Hallows: I don’t like the firecrackers, the darkness, the coins stuffed into cakes, I don’t even like the smell of it. And partly, it’s laziness — I can never be bothered to sort myself out with a costume — it seems like an awful lot of effort for little reward. Still, maybe I’m coming around. Last year I wore bright orange gloves and scarf with a black coat, which received a random compliment from an elderly gentleman as I strolled through Dunnes Stores. I hadn’t even realised at the time that I was in conspicuously Halloweeny colours. This year I might even splash out and get an orange nail polish or an orange lipstick to wear with a bit of black liquid liner.

Of course, the easiest and laziest way to get a Halloween beauty look is with a touch of Elvira chic — deep berry lipsticks and black eyeliner (grey streak in hair purely optional).

Me? I can’t do dark lipsticks — they make me look like I have just downed three bottles of red wine. But on darker skin tones they look absolutely fab.

Dark blood coloured and deep luscious plums are everywhere this season, so don’t be afraid to jump in. My advice would be to go for the most expensive brand you can afford (Giorgio Armani has lipsticks that are impossible not to love; while old faithfuls Clinique boast a great range of textures and colours).

Cheaper lipsticks are fine, but with dark lip shades, it’s definitely an idea to splash out on a luscious formulation that doesn’t sink into RIGHT SHADE: Dark blood lipsticks which are all the rage, come into their own for the the cracks in your lips or else you’ll end up Halloween celebrations. Picture: iStock looking properly ghoulish. If it’s only for Halloween, fair enough, then go super-cheap and buy a good lipbalm to wear underneath.

Once you’ve got the lips sorted, it’s on to need this Halloween to get any kind of dePure Color Intense Kajal Eyeliner in blackthe eyes (although, I would advise that going cent Goth eye look. ened black. It’s very deep, sexy and smudgy. for Elvira lips and Elvira eyes at the same Go as OTT as you want with vast smudgy What’s not to love? Of course, if you don’t time may give trick or treating youngsters the streaks that reach out to your temples and want to go down the “dress up” route, then odd nightmare or two, so best choose one or line those inner rims for a touch of excess. just keep it simple and opt for something like the other).

Thankfully, Estee Lauder has come up with a an orange nail polish — it might be kitsch, A black kohl eyeliner is basically all you new black eyeliner that fits all our needs — but sometimes kitsch is a whole lot of fun.

ARCHITECTE Kerastase products are definitely among my top hair brand, and this winter the company has launched a new product for those of us with seriously damaged locks. On a scale of 0 to 10, this one is for high scorers, starting at 8. New high-tech reconstructing technology means the new Force Archiecte works hard at repairing and resurfacing the hair, and it’s perfect for women out there who are still addicted to their straighteners. Love it.

Kerastase Force Architecte Renovating Dual Serum, €34, from Kerastase salons nationwide.

Take three...

SADLY, I will never be Megan Fox, but I can use her very lovely brows as inspiration this season. They really define her look, almost like Brook Shields’s did in the ‘80s. Amp up your grooming with a brow wax or threading, and then style them into shape with one of these nifty little gizmos.

Max Factor Eyebrow Pencil in Hazel, €6.49. As simple and as straightforward as you can get. And it’s effective. I use it every day and the pencil I own has been with me for at least two years. In terms of hygiene that’s possibly not so great, but in terms of waste reduction and budget conservation it’s ace.

Yves Saint Laurent Clinique Instant lift for Brows, €17. Love this one — it’s a double-ended eyebrow product, with colour on one end and brow bone highlighter on the other. The light, almost powdery pencil, is excellent for taming brows.

Benefit Brows a Go Go, €39.50.

Ouch, pricey. But the good news is that my first Brows a Go Go lasted two years, so it’s a good investment.

There’s a great brightening eyeshadow (excellent for everyday wear), an under eye brightener, mini tweezers, two powder, a black liner and a little brush.

Nifty indeed.

STUFF WE LIKE Givenchy Phenomen’ Eyes Mascara, €28. It’s Halloween so now is as good a time as any to opt for a mascara wand that does a darned good impression of a medieval instrument of torture. If you’re looking for lashes that are shamefully full, then this spikey-headed gem is the way to go. It gets right into the root of the lashes to give them a real boost of volume and length. Love it.

Lush Skulduggery, €3.80.

You can always rely on lush to come up with excellent, tastefully “themed” goods at Halloween. This

Feelgood

lovely citrussy bath ballistic is a decorated skull, which sounds worse than it is. I think it’s a great present to bring to a Halloween party, wrap it up in the lovely pumpkin wrap scarf, €3, and you’ve got a sweet little gift for under a tenner.

Giorgio Armani Rouge D’Armani Lipstick in Rouge 401, €26. I love this lipstick. It’s lovely — it glides on and feels comfortable on the lips for ages. This colour is excellent for Halloween — it bypasses that garish orange you see everywhere, and instead

is a much richer, deeper shade of red. Beautiful.

Max Factor Max Effect Mini Nail Polish, €4.99. Sometimes on occasions such Halloween, subtlety is not the way to go and this is a big juicy smack of orange for the nails. It’s a good one for a bit of fun — cheap, easy to wear for a day and perfectly seasonal.

Bobbi Brown Creamy Lip Colour in Black Cherry, €22.50. If you’re after a dark sensuous lipstick to give that edge of Elvira then this is

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2011

the one to go for. It has a rich matte creamy texture and is devilishly deep in tone. Wear it with a pale complexion to modern Goth chic.

The Body Shop Spiced Pumpkin Bath & Shower Gel, €6.95. It doesn’t get more seasonal than this — Pumpkin Shower Gel. Whatever about playing crab apple and eating colcannon, we’d much prefer to lock ourselves away in a bathroom and enjoy some quality time with a spiced pumpkin scent. Let someone else answer the door to the trick or treaters.

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Malehealth health 14 Male

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Head start on injury C

ONTACT sports — such as hurling, football, soccer, and rugby — have become more physical in recent years. Indeed, a study over the 2008-2009 seasons showed that footballers are three times more likely to be concussed during a game than hurlers.

“Concussion is an issue and risk in all contact sports like GAA, and people need to recognise the injury and treat it effectively just like they would any other, such as a knee or ligament injury,” says Dublin footballer Paul Griffin, who is also a physiotherapist.

“Proper assessment and management of a suspected concussed player needs to be enforced. Unfortunately, as players we are our own worst enemies and often don’t take this into consideration. Players will have to be protected from themselves, and so it becomes the responsibility of managers, coaches, selectors and even parents or partners, to ensure the proper medical attention is

Deirdre O'Flynn MOSTLY MEN given to any player they suspect may have been concussed.”

Griffin is an ambassador for Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Ireland which has launched a Mind Your Head poster campaign to educate players about the signs and symptoms of concussion. The campaign will be distributed to over 2,000 GAA clubs, reaching out to players of every age and level.

Concussion is not diagnosed by just loss of consciousness. A mild concussion can cause the player to become both dizzy and con-

INJURY ALERT: Paul Griffin at the Mind Your Head poster campaign launch in Dublin. It aims to educate players about the signs and symptoms of concussion. Picture:: David Maher / SPORTSFILE fused, often with a loss of memory of the event for just a few minutes. A severe concussion may involve prolonged loss of consciousness, with a delayed return to normal.

The abnormality in concussion does not present itself in terms of a blood clot or bruising to the brain, and so the role of clinical and neuropsychological assessment is essential should symptoms persist.

“If players return to the field with a concussion there is a risk of second impact syndrome, during which the brain swells rapidly,

HSE urges help for mental health issues

Volunteers needed for driving support team

ACCORDING to the World Health Organisation, one in four people will experience a mental health problem.

The HSE is highlighting the importance of seeking help, and listening to people who need support, through its ‘Your Mental Health’ campaign.

Visit www.yourmentalhealth.ie.

The website teaches visitors about their own mental health and how to look

THE Care to Drive scheme operated by the Irish Cancer Society (ICS) will soon be partnering with the Mid-Western Regional Hospital, Limerick. It is seeking reliable volunteers who have free weekday time to provide cancer patients with safe and comfortable transport to and from their appointments. In particular, the ICS is seeking volunteer drivers from the Limerick (city and county), Co Clare and North Tipperary areas.

TAKE 1

after it. It provides information on mental health topics, and shows how, and when, to access help and support services.

Visit www.seechange.ie for details on events. See Change is an alliance of organisations working through the National Stigma Reduction Partnership to change public attitudes and behaviour towards people with mental health problems.

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TRICK OR TREAT: As part of the 10th Trick or Treat for Temple Street children’s hospital, ‘spooky spotlight’ mini torch key rings, €2, will be on sale nationwide to raise funds. This year, people can also ‘Trick or Treat for Temple Street’ by hosting a ‘frightfully good’ fancy dress party; call 01-8784344 or visit www.templestreet.ie.

Professor Alf Nicholson, pictured, consultant paediatrician offers the following tips: ■ Don’t light bonfires and only attend professionally run firework displays.

■ Costumes should be easily visible. Children should carry torch or flashlight.

■ Avoid costumes which restrict a child’s vision. Remove masks when crossing streets.

Picture: Nick Bradshaw / fotonic

Feelgood

There will be three information sessions for people interested in volunteering at 11.30am and 1pm in Temple Gate Hotel, The Square, Ennis on November 7, Absolute Hotel, Limerick on November 8, The Great National Abbey Court Hotel, Dublin Road, Nenagh on November 9, and the Courtenay Lodge Hotel, Newcastle West on November 10. ● Contact Gail at the Irish Cancer Society at gflinter@irishcancer.ie or phone (01) 2310566. All are welcome.

resulting in serious brain injury,” says Barbara O’Connell, chief executive of ABI Ireland.

“Players should be able to make the connection of feeling nauseous, a few hours after taking a hit to the head, to being concussed.

In doing so, the player will know they have had an injury that needs to be seen to, and so be protected from any long-term damage, recovering to full fitness effectively.” ● For more information, log on to www.gaa.ie or www.abiireland.ie.

DId you know...

Sexual abuse is four times more likely for men with disabilities compared to men without disabilities (Source: University of Massachusetts Medical School, US)

THE HALLOWEEN SPIRIT

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GHOULISH GOODIES: “It is important to choose healthy trick or treat choices as they are not only better for our children’s bodies, but also for their teeth,” says nutritionist Mary Carmody (www.marycarmodynutrition.ie). “A traditional Halloween game like bobbing for apples is great fun and provides the nutrients they need.” Nuts and pumpkin seeds can provide essential fats and minerals often lacking in children’s diets, or try plain popcorn instead of crisps. M&S is offering 3 for 2 on their range of ghoulish goodies which are free from artificial colours and flavours, including this Humongous Popcorn, €5.99; spooky lollipops, €1.69 and Fangs and Brains jellies, €3.79.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2011

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HOUSE OF HORROR: TK Maxx has a range of Halloween costumes, decorations and ghoulish goodies in store with prices from €3.99, including this Little Devil costume, €6.99.

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BOO AT THE ZOO: Dublin Zoo is inviting all the little ghouls and goblins to come along and celebrate Halloween for the annual Boo at the Zoo party which takes place this Sunday.

Five-year-old Daniel Byrne helped launch the frightfully fun filled event with a two-year-old tarantula spider.

Dress to impress judges and be in with a chance to win some zoo prizes. Visit www.dublinzoo.ie for more info.

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Natural health

Q

Megan Sheppard Do you have a question for Megan Sheppard?

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

MY four-year-old daughter has recently started pre-school. She suffers from hay fever and constipation and our GP has advised Zyrtec and half sachet of Movicol daily for these conditions.

She has a good diet with plenty of fresh fruit and veg daily and would drink approximately 750ml of water a day. Are there any natural remedies you would recommend and could you suggest something to help build up her immune system over the winter months while at pre-school?

A. One of my favourite remedies for hay fever, and a very safe and pleasant remedy for little ones to take, is Oralmat.

Made from rye grass extract, it has been clinically proven to treat a number of respiratory conditions, particularly hay fever, as well as skin allergies. Oralmat drops cost around €25.80 from www.oralmat.co.uk.

An additional natural remedy which would be worth considering is blackcurrant (ribes nigrum). It not only has an affinity with the respiratory system and is commonly used by herbalists to prevent and treat hay fever, it also works to regulate the immune system, increasing resistance to colds and flu.

Individuals who suffer from hay fever have been shown to have over-reactive Picture: Getty immune systems, so adaptogenic solutions such as blackcurrant (and other modulating/regulating herbs such as astragalus) are the best way forward. Avoid anything that claims to “boost” the immune system.

Gamma linoleic acid (GLA) is present in significant amounts in blackcurrant oil, GLA being one of the essential fatty acids which helps to regulate the inflammatory response in allergy sufferers. Use it in smoothies, cereal, and salad dressings beginning two weeks before the hay fever season. Evening primrose, borage (starflower), and flaxseed oils are also good sources of GLA. Try cutting them out and see if it makes an Do include plenty of fresh dark berries in immediate difference. your daughter’s diet — blackcurrants, blueberries, mulberries, blackberries, boysenberries — all of these have very high antioxidant Q. My daughter has nail fungal on her toe nails. What options does she have before levels and contain an abundance of bioflabeing prescribed drugs from the GP? vanoids, carotenoids, and vitamin C. For the constipation — the blackcurrant oil A. Fungal infections are different to other will help towards the integrity and health of types of infection, in that they are a direct rethe intestinal tissues, however it is likely that sult of our innate immune status. We don’t this is emotionally based, since she obviously acquire immune protection against fungal dishas a healthy diet and gets plenty of water. eases simply by being exposed to the fungal Psyllium husks and kiwifruit can help (blend infection — the specific white blood cells rethese up in a smoothie with the fresh or sponsible for fighting off fungal infections are frozen berries). The other obvious concalled T-lymphocytes (T-cells), which are tenders, particularly where allergies are alproduced in the thymus gland. ready an issue, are dairy and wheat. These To bolster the immune system, you will can cause constipation in sensitive individuals.

15

need to work internally, with a focus on supporting your daughter’s thymus gland. Sea vegetables are a useful addition to the diet since they contain significant amounts of available iodine, nori is often a popular snack for kids. However, if your daughter is not keen on eating seaweed foods, then nascent iodine is a wonderful supplement worth trying. She will need to take five drops three to four times a day. Be sure that she has this on an empty stomach — frequent small doses are more effective than larger amounts taken less often.

My favourite topical remedies for addressing fungal nail infections include essential oils of manuka, tea tree, or lemon balm — all of which need to be applied neat to the affected area with a cotton bud.

Nascent iodine is available from Pauline Hamilton of Maiden Enterprises. She prefers to be contacted via email at info@magnesium.ie, or via post: Pauline Hamilton, Maiden Enterprises, Cloon, Castletownroche, Mallow, Co Cork. Her website is www.magnesium.ie.

Q. I have recently fractured my arm in three places, and was wondering what natural supplements you would advise to help with healing?

A. Since your fracture is still recent, you will need to focus on ensuring that the bone is healing well alongside some strengthening of the supporting muscles and ligaments. I would recommend comfrey (symphytum officinale), also known as knitbone and boneset, to help repair the bone. Not only has it found favour with many orthopaedic surgeons in the treatment of complicated fractures, but recently it was shown in trials to be at least as effective as anti-inflammatory drugs in reducing pain, inflammation and swelling.

Other options for natural supplements to treat fractures include MSM by itself (usually at a dosage of 1000mg, three times daily with food), and a combination homeopathic preparation of arnica with symphytum (symphytum is the homeopathic form of comfrey, also known as knitbone). Weleda has an arnica symphytum preparation which is readily available at most health stores.

The four main factors that will delay, and even prevent, bone healing are smoking, alcohol, fizzy drinks, and most anti-inflammatory medications.

Smoking can cause broken bones to take nearly twice as long to heal, while alcohol and carbonated drinks have been shown to inhibit calcium absorption, new generation NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can prevent the bones from ever fully healing.

Include plenty of fresh dark berries in your daughter’s diet — all of these have high antioxidant levels

■ NOTE: The information contained above is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a doctor first.

Megan puts the spotlight on:

W

HILE it sounds as if it should come straight from a Harry Potter novel, Dragon’s Blood is actually a bright red resin secreted from the fruit and stems of a plant (daemonorops draco). It is used therapeutically to arrest profuse bleeding, including haemorrhage. This means that it has been very popular for menorrhagia (excessive bleeding during menstruation), wound healing, swelling reduction, post-partum haemorrhage, and pain relief where haemorrhage, stagnation or obstruction of blood is the cause.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Dragon’s Blood is used to remove blocked chi energy, often thought to be at the root of blood stagnation.

Other herbs commonly used for this

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purpose include cayenne pepper and cranesbill (alum root).

While many practitioners are afraid of using this herb during pregnancy, it can help to prevent miscarriage, particularly in cases where spotting occurs. This is not something you would self-prescribe, rather you should seek the advice of a qualified and experienced herbal practitioner.

To arrest bleeding of a wound, or for nosebleeds, simply pack the wound with powdered herb/resin (you can combine this with cayenne and cranesbill — I also add goldenseal root to prevent infection where the wound

Dragon’s blood is deep). Putting powdered herbs up the nose can be a little more difficult than in a wound, so in this case you would dip a dampened handkerchief in the powdered mixture and insert this into the nostril. Leave it there for five to 10 minutes before removing the handkerchief. Wounds should be covered with gauze, and the dressings and herbs changed one to two times daily.

Cayenne in an open wound is not nearly as painful or distressing as

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2011

NO FLOW AREA: Use of Dragon’s Blood can help stem a nose bleed. Picture: iStock

it may sound, and it has certainly helped to save lives in cases where the bleeding was severe and the location of the injured person was remote. But it can burn the more delicate nasal membranes, so, when it comes to nosebleeds, if in doubt, leave it out.

Recurrent mouth ulcers are another health issue where Dragon’s Blood can help. Make a combination of Dragon’s Blood, frankincense and myrrh (you can use essential oils or resins for the last two ingredients) and apply with a cotton bud to the ulcer.

If you do want to use it as more of a magical ingredient, then Dragon’s Blood has long been used for space clearing, purification, and to promote luck, love, and success.

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■ NO. 3, OLIVER PLUNKETT STREET CORK ■ Bohan’s Opticians, Carrigaline ■ Mellerick’s Pharmacy, 18 Patrick St. Fermoy ■ Fairies Cross Medical Centre, Tralee FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2011

■ Unicare Pharmacies all over Munster ■ Brookes Pharmacy, 29 South Main St. Bandon ■ Crosses Pharmacy, 58 Main Street, Tipperary Town ■ Waterford Health Park