feelgood march 23 by Evening Echo

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Feelgood

Friday, March 23, 2012

Saying it with ďŹ&#x201A;owers Thanks to your support of Daffodil Day for 25 years, cancer patients and their families continue to receive precious care: 8,9

HELLISH HEELS

Pumps or stilettos? Expert advice on high you should go: 4

BROKEN DREAMS

Dad on the grief of losing his stillborn son: 11

GIMME MORE

Picture: Denis Scannell

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Blogger and mum of six cooks up book of dishy recipes: 12

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2 News front Kate O’Reilly WHAT’S ON ■ LEARNING FESTIVAL: The 9th Cork Lifelong Learning Festival runs from Mar 26 to Apr 1, with hundreds of free events including talks, workshops and taster sessions that celebrate learning of all kinds, whatever your interest, age or ability. Learn about keeping your back healthy with yoga at a free workshop on Monday at 10am and Thursday at 12.30pm in Cork Movement Centre, 4 Washington St (call Nicole on 086-0433324). An open session with Fiona O’Connor on the best diet for your child’s health will be held on Tuesday at 7pm in Cork College of Commerce (021-4222100). Also on Tuesday, the Social and Health Education Project (SHEP) is hosting an interactive public talk, Visionary Leadership in these Challenging Times from 8 to 10pm at the Gresham Metropole Hotel (www.socialandheath.com or 021-4666180). The festival programme is available from libraries or online at www.corkcity.ie/learningfestival ■ AFTERNOON TEA: Take afternoon tea in the Ambassador Hotel, Cork tomorrow, with funds raised going to the Irish Premature Babies accommodation fund. The tea party will be held from 1 to 4pm and will include lots of hair and beauty pampering treats and advice. Raffle prizes include makeovers and hotel breaks; tickets are €20 from Sinead O’Neill on 085-1424018; www.irishprematurebabies.com ■ FIGHTING BLINDNESS: Irish charity Fighting Blindness will host a free information evening at 7.30pm on Wednesday, Mar 28, at the River Lee Hotel, Western Road, Cork. The public is invited to attend to learn more about the charity and the support systems in place for people affected by sight loss, as well as recent breakthroughs in research into blindness. Speakers will include the Head of Biochemistry at UCC and Fighting Blindness funded researcher, Prof Tom Cotter. Call 01-709 3050; www.fightingblindness.ie ■ PETO WALK: The Cork Peto Group brings therapists from the Peto Institute in Budapest to work with children and adults with physical disabilities at their centre in Bandon. The group will hold a fun fundraising walk around Bandon this Sunday at 2.30pm. Registration is at the Ash Tree Bar, Old Chapel at 2pm, €10 adults and children free. For more details contact Mary on 086-3163575. ■ DYSLEXIA MEETING: The Cork branch of the Dyslexia Association of Ireland (DAI) will hold an information meeting on Assistive Technology for second-level students with dyslexia, at Bishopstown Community School on Monday next at 7.45pm. Guest speaker is Siobhan Colclough from the Disability Support Centre, UCC. Admission is €10 and parents, students and teachers are all welcome. Call 087-9831837. ■ STROKE SUPPORT: Cork City Stroke Support Group meets on the last Wednesday of every month. This month’s meeting on Wednesday, Mar 28, from 2 to 4pm in the Activity Centre, St Finbarr’s Hospital, Cork, will include the AGM and an introduction to Pets for the Disabled. Contact the Irish Heart Foundation on 021-4505822 for more information. ● Items for inclusion in this column can be sent to koreilly8@gmail.com

FeelgoodMag

Feelgood

FeelgoodMag

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Pregnancy hormones can increase some women’s libido. But others may have little interest in sex, says Arlene Harris

Loving feeling S

HE’S not known for being shy but US celebrity Jessica Simpson has hit the headlines with a revealing insight into her sex life. The voluptuous blonde — whose career flits between singing, acting and presenting — is due to give birth next month and revealed last week that far from making her tired and emotional, her pregnancy has heightened her sex life with her fiance, Eric Johnson. The 31-year-old Fashion Star mentor told radio presenter, Ryan Seacrest, that she has felt more sensual since becoming pregnant. “I am definitely feeling intimate,” she said. “I’m kind of unstoppable right now.” Margaret Hanahoe, community midwife at the National Maternity Hospital in Dublin, says many women feel a surge of hormones during pregnancy, and, while some shy away from intimate relations, others have a bigger sexual appetite. “The pregnancy hormones can have effects either way,” Ms Hanahoe says. “Some women find their sexual activity increases — perhaps because there is no fear of pregnancy. While others find they have no appetite at all. Both feelings are normal, as the hormones of pregnancy respond differently with every woman.” Some couples go the other extreme and abstain, as they are afraid it may damage the baby, but the midwife says sex during pregnancy is fine, and, at full-term, may even

BABY LOVE: Eric Johnson and a pregnant Jessica Simpson attending the 25th Annual Footwear News Achievement Awards at the Museum of Modern Art last Nov. Picture: Mike Coppola/Getty Images induce labour. “Men are sometimes afraid to have sex as they are worried about hitting the baby’s head, but it is perfectly safe to continue having sex in pregnancy. How-

ever, sometimes different positions may make lovemaking more comfortable. For example, in late pregnancy an all-fours position or lying on the side may be easier. “Prostaglandin is the hormone used to induce labour and it can be found in sperm, so I would recommend sex to women to help induce labour. But although it can be successful, there are plenty of cases where it doesn’t work, because the cervix is not ready,” she says. Sex, however, is not advised if the waters are broken. Niamh Healy is an antenatal teacher with Cuidiu. She says some women lack libido during pregnancy and it is important for both parties to be happy with the level of intimacy. “When talking about this in class with parents, we cover how wide the range of libido can be in pregnancy — from nil to a raging sex drive — for the women and the men,” she says. “This is normal, but mismatches in libido can cause problems in relationships and talking about it can be very helpful. “No one should be put under pressure to do anything they don’t want to do, and sometimes compromises can work, or being inventive and thinking up new ways of being intimate. It’s important that both truly believe that the love is still there, even if the sex drive is temporarily low,” Ms Healy says.

HEALTH NOTES If you are planning to climb Everest it may be prudent to pack some ibuprofen, research suggests. A study has shown that the drug, commonly taken to relieve pain and inflammation, reduces the risk of altitude sickness. Symptoms of the condition include headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Left untreated, it can lead to potentially fatal water retention in the brain. Scientists in the US studied 58 men and 28 women who hiked to an altitude of 12,570 feet in the White Mountains of California. Of those treated with three doses of ibuprofen on the way, 43% suffered from altitude sickness, also known as “acute mountain sickness” (AMS). In comparison, 69% of hikers who were given a non-active dummy drug experienced symptoms. The findings were published in Annals of Emergency Medicine. The next time you visit your GP make sure you get your blood pressure checked on both arms. A significant difference in the readings suggests a higher risk of death from heart attack, stroke or other causes. A study, carried out by the University of Exeter, of 230 patients with high blood found those with marked differences in systolic pressure were more likely to die earlier. The results were published in the British Medical Journal.

www.irishexaminer.com www.irishexaminer.com

DOUBLE CHECK: Blood pressure on both arms should be checked. Picture: iStock

The Fort 2 Fort Challenge offers cycling enthusiasts, the option of cycling either 50km or 80km around Cork Harbour to raise funds for the Mercy University Hospital Foundation and Lions Clubs of Cork. The charity cycle will begin at 10am on Sunday, Apr 1, at Trabolgan Holiday Village and end at Fort Camden in Crosshaven. Registration is €50 at www.mercyhospitalfoundation.ie The ISPCC in Cork is recruiting new Childline volunteers. Those interested are invited to an information meeting at 6.30pm at the ISPCC Cork office in Penrose Wharf on Mar 27. For more details contact Sinead McKee at smckee@ispcc.ie or on 021-4509588.

www.irishexaminer.com feelgood@examiner.ie

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012

Family carers are “under siege” according to The Carers Association with the Government’s current review of policies, including the Domiciliary Care Allowance. The organisation is urging carers to attend its upcoming ‘Listening to Carers’ forums which will be held for carers from Cork and Kerry in the Imperial Hotel, Cork on Tuesday, March 27, from 10.30am to 1.30pm and for carers from Tipperary, Clare and Limerick at Limerick’s South Court Hotel, on Monday from 10.30am to 1.30pm. To register contact your local Carers Association centre or Karen Phelan on 056-7753600; www.carersireland.com.

Editorial: 021 4802 292

Advertising: 021 4802 265

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In profile

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THE SHAPE I'M IN

Davy Russell

Riding high D AVY Russell was understandably still delighted on bank holiday Monday after a great win on day three of the Cheltenham

Festival. The 32-year-old won the Jewson Novices Chase on Sir Des Champs, a horse trained by Willie Mullins. “I’m still over the moon. Cheltenham’s a very difficult place to get winners,” he says. Did he expect to do so well? “Yeah, he’s a nice horse. I was looking forward to him running.” Davy will be riding at the Fairyhouse Easter Irish Grand National Festival on Apr 8-10, but he isn’t making any predictions on how this will go. “I don’t know — we’ll have to wait and see,” says the Youghal man, who is single and is currently National Hunt ambassador for Horse Racing Ireland. “It was very nice to be asked to take on that role. It’s a pleasure to try and help out,” he says. What shape are you in? I’m in good order. I train just by riding out and doing a bit of running three days a week. I run anywhere — road, beach, field. Do you have any health concerns? There’s nothing running in my family that I’d have to keep an eye out for. I’ve been in hospital plenty of times, but just for broken bones. Last year, I broke my ankle. What are your healthiest eating habits? I eat normal, run-of-the-mill food — vegetables and meat. I eat carrots, cabbage, any kind of vegetable. My tastes are pretty simple — I’m not a fussy eater at all. What’s your guiltiest pleasure? I eat plenty of chocolate. I’d have it most days, particularly if I wanted a bit of energy.

not a man who cries easily. And, no, I didn’t shed a tear last week when I won at Cheltenham. What trait do you least like in others? I hate people who are false, who say one thing and do another. What trait do you least like in yourself? I wish I wouldn’t get as angry. I can be very argumentative, especially if I haven’t eaten properly in a few days. What other career might you have chosen? Farming. Do you pray? I believe in God, but I don’t pray. I haven’t since I was young. What would cheer up your day? The right music for the moment. Helen O’Callaghan

WINNING SMILE: Youghal jockey Davy Russell says he would like to be smaller and struggles with his weight. Picture: Chris Bellew / Fennells

Do you sleep well? I’m a great sleeper. Nothing would keep me awake — the very minute I get into bed I’m gone. How do you relax? Sitting on the couch, watching TV and going to GAA games.

Do people get your health message? Did you know that one in five Irish people are not fully confident that they understand all of the information they receive from their healthcare professional. In fact, one in 10 people admitted taking the wrong dose of medication because of failure to understand instructions.* As part of our joint initiative to promote health literacy, MSD and the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) are offering free Literacy Awareness and Plain English training for people working in the heatlh sector.

Cork - March 27

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party? Michael Collins — I grew up a fan; John Wayne, just from seeing him on TV and Georgia Salpa, because she’s beautiful.

GRESHAM METROPOLE Limerick - April 17

What’s your favourite smell? The smell of the sea.

CARLTON CASTLETROY PARK

What would you change about your appearance? I’m 5ft 11ins and I’d rather be smaller, just for riding horses. I struggle with my weight at 10st 7lbs.

Galway - May 1

GALWAY BAY HOTEL

When did you last cry? It’s a long time ago. I can’t remember when — I’m

Places are limited, so please reply to

info@nala.ie

I’m not a man who cries easily. And no, I didn’t shed a tear last week when I won at Cheltenham Feelgood

or call

01-4127900

to reserve a place. MSD provided a grant for the organisation of these seminars. *Lansdowne Market Research Omnibus Survey. September 2007

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012

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Watch your feet Flat kitten heels as worn by Michelle Obama and other celebs are less damaging to

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posture but lack the instant glamour of seven inches, says Deirdre Reynolds

The ups ’n’ downs of your footwear

FTER scaling to dizzy heights in recent years, this spring sees the return of the kitten heel. Measuring just 1.5 to 2 inches, the sensible shoes — seen on fashionistas such as US first lady Michelle Obama and Cameron Diaz — are five inches lower than the highest heels available on the high street. “In the vertiginous world of Posh and Gaga, I can’t see kitten heels taking off,” says Niamh O’Reilly, editor of Beautycouture.ie. “Sure, they may be more comfortable — but having mastered the art of walking in seven-inch heels, I think fashionistas here will find them a bit of a let down.” Alexa Chung, Jessica Alba and Kate Moss are just some of the stars who’ve been snapped putting their best foot forward in flats. Just like bunion-beset Victoria Beckham, however — who once claimed she “can’t concentrate in flats,” nine out of 10 Irish women say they would never hang up their heels, according to a survey by Debenhams. “Irish women are very resistant to flat shoes,” says Dr Benjamin Martin, of Optimal Chiropractic, in Ballincollig, Cork. “But there’s nothing sexy about conditions like bunions or Morton’s neuroma (enlarged nerve, usually occurring between the third and fourth toe), which can be caused by continuously cramming your feet into high heels. “Over time, altered walking in heels can cause arthritis in joints, including the knee and ankle, and lead to shortening of the calf muscle,” says Dr Martin. “Women who regularly wear high heels are also more likely to develop ‘hammertoe’ (weakening of the toe muscles causing them to look scraggly), ‘pump bump’ (where the strap at the back of the heel causes bones to grow) and metatarsalgia (pain in the ball of the foot).” “Not to mention the more immediate risk of falling or twisting your ankle,” he says. From ‘wow’ to ‘ow’, Lady Gaga, Rihanna and Kylie are just some of the stars to have taken a tumble in their lofty footwear. So, despite constant health warnings, why are we still falling for killer heels? “Women love the instant glamour you get from putting on a pair of high heels,” says Karen Nason, of Debenhams Ireland. “Heels used to be ‘occasion wear’, but shows like Sex and the City have made them de rigueur for every day. “Extreme high heels push out your bum and boobs and force your hips into a sexy swagger,” she says. “So take short steps, place your weight on the ball of the foot and lean back into the heel.” “By all means, wear your ‘killer heels’ on special occasions,” says Dr Martin. “But you shouldn’t wear heels higher than two inches on a daily basis. “There is an exponential increase between the height of the heel and the long-term damage caused — so reducing the height of heel you wear will go a long way towards minimising this.” “If you must wear heels, it’s a good idea to keep a pair of flats, or even kitten heels, handy to give your feet a break.”

Feelgood

THE EXPERIMENT

T a lowly 5’ 2”, tottering about in my mother’s heels as a child wasn’t so much ‘dress up’ as training. And while I haven’t gotten any taller in the years since, my footwear certainly has — averaging out at a 4-inch heel that nudges me just above the average height of a woman here. Wobbling from kerb to table, it’s easy to make fun of the girls who insist on wearing stilts on a daily basis. As someone who can never see at concerts, struggles to get served at the bar and was once even refused entry to a funfair ride because I didn’t meet the minimum height requirement in flats, for me it’s all about confidence. But what of my poor feet? I went walkabout wearing this season’s flat, mid and sky-heel heels and asked chiropractor Dr Benjamin Martin to give his verdict.

Heels used to be occasion wear, but shows like Sex and the City have made them de rigeur for every day. Extreme high heels push out your bum and boobs and force your hips into a sexy swagger FLAT PACK: Three of the celebrities who are known to wear flat or kitten heel shoes, from top, Alexa Chung, Jessica Alba and Kate Moss.

DOWN TO EARTH: Michelle Obama at the presidential residence during her visit to Ireland, last May, wearing her signature kitten heels. Picture:(AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Irish women are very resistant to flat shoes. But there’s nothing sexy about conditions like bunions which can be caused by continously cramming your feet into high heels — Dr Benjamin Martin

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012

Feelgood

1 inch: Clarks Bodkin Bay gold brogue, €109 The last time I wore footwear this flat was on a treadmill — but given that brogues are all the rage, I gave these gold ones a go. More used to stilettos, at first I felt quite dumpy plodding along at ground floor level. Once I got into my stride, however, my usually squished toes were revelling in the spongy inside — and the walk into town took half the time. DR BENJAMIN SAYS: “Of the three, these are the ones I’d recommend — they’re comfortable and still stylish. Heel-lovers whose muscles have become tighter and shorter may find walking in flats uncomfortable at first — regular chiropractic care and deep tissue massage can help rectify this.”

■ Pictures: Maura Hickey

4 inches: Heatons black patent heel, €16 As a not-quite reformed heelaholic, for me these are the Goldilocks of shoes — not too high, not too low, but just right. The strap across the front stopped my foot from slipping out so that I could strut confidently and the dainty heel was just wide enough to avoid wobbles. The only problem is that the sole is quite thin, so you feel every step. Still, no pain, no gain, right? DR BENJAMIN SAYS: “While four inches is still too high for everyday wear, you’d probably get away with these heels for a few days in a row. Although the leg looks sexier in a pair of heels, long-term use can lead to problems like Achilles tendonitis, so try stretching your calf muscles out before and after wearing heels.”

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012

6 inches: New Look purple wedge, €75 When I initially clapped eyes on these sky-high wedges it was love at first sight. Given that I’m not a great one for clothes shopping, statement heels are my ‘thing’. But the wedge sole was so narrow that as soon as I strapped them on I was wobbling like a drunk — and after a close call on my way to the car, I admitted de-feet. DR BENJAMIN SAYS: “Strictly for special occasions — with a spare pair of flats in your bag. Heels alter your posture by moving pressure to the front of the foot, so the fact that they are a wedge should take some of the pressure off. Nonetheless, heels this high create imbalance — increasing the risk of a twisted ankle or torn ligament.”

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Watch your feet Flat kitten heels as worn by Michelle Obama and other celebs are less damaging to

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posture but lack the instant glamour of seven inches, says Deirdre Reynolds

The ups ’n’ downs of your footwear

Feelgood

THE EXPERIMENT

DOWN TO EARTH: Michelle Obama at the presidential residence during her visit to Ireland, last May, wearing her signature kitten heels. Picture:(AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Irish women are very resistant to flat shoes. But there’s nothing sexy about conditions like bunions which can be caused by continously cramming your feet into high heels — Dr Benjamin Martin

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012

Feelgood

■ Pictures: Maura Hickey

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012

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6 Psychology

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Suffering is often a metaphor for an underlying emotional problem, so a creative response is best

Symbol of hope

Feelgood

A course based on MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction) which offers stress reduction strategies, deep relaxation and awareness. This most widely researched course has been shown to have both physical and mental health benefits. This course is known to help many conditions such as anxiety, depression and fatigue, as well as supporting general health and well-being in your daily life.

SIX WEEK COURSES:

Monday April 16 - Vienna Woods Hotel, Tuesday April 17-Vienna Woods Hotel Wednesday April 18, Bandon. All Classes from 7-9pm. For more detailed information, bookings and brochure call Barry 086-8654326 Facilitated by Rosemary Treglia and John Cully.

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE ADVERTISING

Tony Humphreys

ECENTLY, I gave a keynote presentation on ‘finding compassionate care’ at the 19th international conference on palliative care in Dublin. A key message was that a distinction needs to be made between pain and suffering. A second message was that to truly understand human suffering we need to respond to it symbolically, rather than literally. Literal interpretations do little to resolve human suffering and block the emergence of more creative solutions. Pain is physiological and, most often, though not always, pathological, whereas suffering is psycho-spiritual, for it inevitably attempts to draw attention to a life unlived, to buried hurts and hidden vulnerabilities and to the presence of powerful protective forces against further emotional and social lessening of one’s presence. Suffering can also be spiritual, because it invites us to engage with those questions that define us. In my seven years in an enclosed Catholic monastery, and several times during my lifetime, I frequently endured ‘the dark night of the soul’ where a deeper meaning to our human existence eluded me. At these moments, I feel much closer to the mystery of who we are. Physical pain needs to be alleviated, whenever possible, for pain can erode a person’s aliveness and energy. Medication is a powerful force for relieving pain. Sometimes, when suffering is alleviated, pain can disappear. There is no greater suffering than psychological and spiritual despair, indeed individuals in dire distress may physically cut themselves to gain relief from that overwhelmingly sad emotional state. No matter how suffering manifests itself — emotionally, socially, behaviourally, physically, spiritually — its purpose is to enlarge a person’s sense of self and to find the meaning of our being here. As far as we know, what particularly distinguishes our species from others is that we alone suffer and endure the need and search for meaning. Responses to suffering are formed at an unconscious level and because the language of the unconscious is symbolic — the only universal language — we need to approach psychological and spiritual suffering with the tools of metaphor and symbol. For example, being socially anxious may symbolically represent being isolated from one’s own inner self; being fearful of public speaking may metaphorically mean not having a voice of one’s own due to childhood experiences of ‘being seen and not heard’ and lacking any ambition may symbolically represent a disconnection from one’s unique aliveness and individuality. Each person’s signs of suffering are different and there are as many answers as there are people. Rather than understanding suffering through symbol and metaphor, there has been a relentless search for physical causes, or signs of suffering are taken literally, which have limited our access to the depth, creativity and spirituality of our nature. This is evident in most modern psychotherapy, in cognitive-behavioural modification, neurolinguistic programming and pharmacology — all useful approaches, but by themselves superficial and unintentionally devaluing of our deepest being. We have been called the “Prozac nation” due to our be-

MINDFUL LIVING F n ng b l nc n e t today’s ch ng ng rl

A BITTER PILL: While medication can reduce the symptoms of distress, it cannot address the deeper issues that underlie it. Picture: iStock lief that relief from suffering and happiness can be found in some sort of pill. Indeed, there is now almost a pill for every ill and for every thrill. However, such reliance on drugs has not healed inner hurts or brought a spiritual meaning to our lives. What is especially worrying is that, even though research by Irving Kirsch, professor of psychology at Plymouth University, suggests that anti-depressants don’t work (what effects some change is the placebo effect — the ‘hope’ response), most people still persist in seeking a chemical rather than a psycho-spiritual resolution to their suffering. Sometimes, anti-depressants or tranquillisers can reduce the symptoms of distress but cannot resolve the deeper emotional and spiritual issues that underlie it. Depression is a suffering that many individuals experience. Symbolically, depression is about what has been “pressed down” of our true nature and the fear or terror of allowing what is buried to come to consciousness. Depression is created by the deep emotional self, the soul, to draw attention to the blocks to expression that exist and, at the same time, attract a substitute attention to one’s presence. Without some attention, the self plunges into despair and, metaphorically, wants to ‘disappear’ from the profound suffering of invisibility. The therapeutic secret of depression is not found by suppressing it with biochemical agents, but by inquiring into its meaning. When we encounter unconditional holding, non-judgement, compassion and patience, the soul will reveal what is hidden and offer a healing direction — as it does so often in our dreams. In my own life, and with many individuals I have accompanied on their inner journey, depression has been the blessing that provided the opportunity to become more conscious and to change our lives. ● See: The Emperor’s New Drugs: Exploding the Antidepressant Myth, The Bodley Head, by Irving Kirsch, €17.15. ● Dr Tony Humphreys is a consultant clinical psychologist, author and national and international speaker. His book The Power of ‘Negative’ Thinking is relevant to today’s column.

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012

Target more females in Munster and Cork than any other daily newspaper. To reach them, advertise in ‘Feelgood’.

Call Lori Fraser Tel: 021 4802265 lori.fraser@examiner.ie

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Brookfield Home Care Services Leamlara, Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork

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We all want the best for beloved members of our family in need of support and care. While sometimes full-time care in a nursing home is the only option, our preference is a helping hand to ensure the person in need of care can stay in the place they know and love best, with all their familiar things around them. Brookfield Home Care Services is here to help, providing care when it’s needed most. Building on Success. With a track record as an experienced and recognised Care Provider based in an established state of the art clinical facility, Brookfield Care Services near Carrigtwohill has already built up a deserved reputation for responsive, person centred, quality care provision through its nursing home service. With both General Care Units and a separate specialised Alzheimer Care Unit, it demonstrates a commitment to high standards as evidenced by statutory inspection reports spanning an eight year period. “Sometimes I come away from the nursing home broken-hearted by what Alzheimer’s is doing to my mother. But mostly I come away humbled by the kindness and goodness that is part and parcel of life in Brookfield Care Centre.” Mary Hassett, Cork.

A Extending to the community with Brookfield Home Care Services, the same high standards can be brought directly to your own home. This new sister company offers a muchneeded solution to people

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Small wonder that it is held in such high regard by residents, families and medical professionals alike.

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and families within the North and East Cork area who are in need of tailored home care services, including disability and dementia support. It’s a service that will benefit the existing carer just as much as the individual being cared for. The transition to long term care if the need arises is a major life event. The

link between the home care and residential care service can ease this transition for the individual and family members. A greater understanding of the individual’s needs and ensuring continuity of care between home place and nursing home placement will minimise anxiety and build upon existing relationships. Promoting Wellbeing and Positive Ageing. The mission of Brookfield Home Care Service is to promote wellbeing, respect and individuality, enabling people to live a life rich in choice, dignity and independence in the comfort of their own homes. The service is in a unique position in that it operates from an already established and successful clinical base. All training of staff and supervised practical competency development will be completed within the care centre prior to employees being

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sent out to people’s homes. Alongside the commitment to FETAC level 5 completion, Brookfield also provides its own rigorous training programmes which include: · Extensive Health and Safety training · Dementia Care · Challenging Behaviour

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· Person Centred Care

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· Food Hygiene · Moving and Handling

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Brookfield Homecare Services catchment area

· First Aid/CPR · Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults The People behind the Service. The manager of Brookfield Home Care Service is Daragh McGlynn. Daragh, a native of Dublin, holds a business degree

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012

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and has extensive experience from the U.K.within residential and dementia care services. Brookfield is a family run business and is the culmination of many years of commitment to quality health care provision. Directors are Clodagh Drennan Bohane and Sean Bohane. Clodagh is a registered nurse with experience at a senior level in acute, palliative, elderly and dementia specific care services. She holds a masters degree in Health Care Management. Sean’s background has been primarily media and hospitality industries. He has spent in excess of twenty two years interacting with the public and brings with him a broad range of business experience. Daragh, Clodagh and Sean are passionate about the service they provide and their shared goal is at all times to place the needs of the client at the forefront of service development.

Q&A

What is it that makes Brookfield Home Care Service so special? We asked manager, Daragh McGlynn. “The level of training and the practical skills development programme we provide gives us an unrivalled confidence in the competence, and capabilities of our staff,” he replies instantly. “We strive to surpass expectations at every service encounter and we will offer a warm and respectful level of care where responsive and timely support is given to the individual needs of our clients. At Brookfield, we have the best facilities, the training, and a strong clinical grounding. We are a local organisation, with a local reputation for exceptional standards. It’s that personal approach that has made Brookfield the success it is to date. Now, with the new Home Care Services, we offer care and support to an even larger client base” For further information: homecareservices@brookfieldcc.ie or contact Daragh McGlynn, Home Care Services Manager, on 021 464 2112. Find us on Facebook brookfieldhomecare.ie up and running soon

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8 Cover story

Charity group’s success 9 Now 25 years established, funds raised on Daffodil Day help provide home-based night-nursing to cancer patients and to support their families, says Helen O’Callaghan XH - V1

FROM WHERE IT ALL STEMMED I

N 1987, the bleakness of cancer was home with their families at this crucial time. teamed with one of the brightest flowers Daffodil Day helped set up these teams,” says of spring, the daffodil, because of a trip McCormack. Charles Cully, a founder member of the Irish From the mid-1990s, the State started fundCancer Society, took to Toronto. ing the teams — now it meets the bulk of the There, Cully met the daughter of a founder cost, though there is significant local fundraismember of Toronto daffodil day, who told of a ing. “It’s very positive when a charity trailsmall group of cancer-support volunteers blazes a new service and then has it taken over working with army veterans to sell the flower by the State,” says McCormack. and start the first Daffodil Day. The Irish Cancer Society — through What hooked Cully, says his widow, MarDaffodil Day — is the sole provider of free garet — the entrepreneur and businessman home-based night-nursing to cancer patients, died in 2000 aged 65 — “was the sense of a providing terminal care for people expected to long dreary winter and the daffodil being a die within 10 days or so. Altogether, 230 night sign of hope that spring and summer were on nurses work with the society — in the way, the idea of ‘oh, my good2011, providing 8,000 nights of care ness, the long dreariness is over’. to 2,014 patients in their homes, an When Cully came home, asking increase of 13% on 2010. The ser‘why not Daffodil Day for Irevice costs €2.5m a year. land?’, everybody was very much “Night nurses are trained general in favour,” says Margaret. nurses. Their work may take them to “We went around, badgering very remote parts of the country — everybody who had daffodils, and up boreens. They go out at 11pm everybody said ‘yes, I’ll pick and they’re on duty until 7am. By some’. One person told another staying with the patient all night, who told another — it was like a they give families a break. If a pachain. We all went in different tient needs help or deteriorates durdirections and collected buckets of ing the night, the nurse calls the IRISH FOUNDER: fresh daffodils.” family. Their presence means the Garden lovers with a passion for Charles Cully who got family gets a night’s sleep.” daffodils rallied to the cause, such the idea in Canada. Today, 4,000 volunteers — ‘ordias the late Corona North, owner nary heroes’ as the ICS calls them of Altamont, near Tullow. “She — will take to the streets selling literally went and picked every daffodils to bring in this year’s target of daffodil she had,” says Margaret. €3.5m. “Many of these volunteers have been On the first Daffodil Day, in 1988, buckets with us for 25 years. In the run-up to Daffodil of the flowers arrived at ICS headquarters. Day, their homes become Daffodil Day houses, Contacts in Hong Kong sent 10,000 artificial with boxes of promotional items in spare daffodil buttonholes. Hundreds of volunteers rooms and garages,” says McCormack. collected the daffodils. “Relatives and friends With 30,000 cases of cancer diagnosed each stood at every street corner,” says Margaret. year, the Daffodil Day cause is dear to many “At the end of the day, in Dublin, people were and new volunteers join every year. taking just one daffodil because Becca Roche, a 21-year-old Irish the sellers were running out of studies student at Trinity College, is them.” The target was £100,000 president of the Trinity College — £320,000 was raised. Cancer Society. This will be her In Ireland in the 1980s, people fourth year selling daffodils and today hardly dared say ‘cancer’. When she’ll coordinate 100 volunteers — they did, it was in hushed tones all students — to do the same on and coded language. Courtesy Nassau, Dame and Pearse streets, as of Daffodil Day, ‘cancer’ became well as at the gate of Trinity. associated with a bright, brave “I’ll sell wherever I fit in, probably symbol. the front gate of TCD. I quite like it ICS chief executive John Mcthere — people are generous,” she Cormack began working with the says. society in 1989. On this 25th anniversary of Daf“Cancer was much less discussed HANDS ON: Home fodil Day, when volunteers bring their than it is today. People were afraid care is vital, says bunches of daffodils to sell in all kinds to talk about it. But talking about John McCormack. of venues, they’ll be fundraising not daffodils on Daffodil Day gave just for the night-nurse service, but them a new kind of language, particularly for the National Cancer Helpline (Freefone people who’d lost a loved one to cancer. 1800 200700). In 2011, cancer specialist nurses “This was a way they could do something in responded to 22,120 enquiries. memory of their loved one. They knew the Funds will also go towards the running costs funds would help people needing the services of seven hospital-based Daffodil Centres, of palliative care teams, would help families which address the information and support caring for a person who was going to pass needs of those concerned about cancer, as well away from cancer,” he says. as towards providing financial aid for people Proceeds went towards home-care teams, whose cancer journey poses difficult economic which were new in Ireland in the late 1980s. challenges. “Prior to that, there were no such services for people. GPs did much in terms of pain ● To be an ‘ordinary hero’ today, buy a bunch relief, but in many cases people passed away in of daffodils from a ‘hero’ on the street. Visit hospital. Home-care teams allowed people be www.cancer.ie.

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Mostly, you get the sense straight away when you go into a home of how loved the person is and that’s exactly how the Copelands were

FAMILY SUPPORT: Adrian Copeland with his two sons, Adrian Jnr and Aaron who all appreciated the night-nurse care for his late wife Anne, pictured below. Picture: Nick Bradshaw

OINT managing director with his brother, Louis, of exclusive menswear retailer Louis Copeland & Sons, Adrian Copeland lost his wife, Anne, to a brain tumour last August. When he recalls the three ICS night nurses who came to the family’s Raheny home to care for Anne during her final nights, he says: “Three angels came to us.” Anne, chair of the Voluntary Stroke Scheme, became ill in Mar 2009 while having a pre-theatre dinner with close friend Cecily. “She told Cecily she felt like somebody was pouring water over her head and she collapsed,” says dad of two Adrian, 58, who at the time was on a business trip in Istanbul with younger son, Adrian Jr, 31. The nightmare call, summoning him home immediately, came from his other son, Aaron, 32. “He said things weren’t looking too good for his mum, that she’d collapsed.” By the time they made it home, Anne was emerging from an induced coma. Scans had shown a fingernail-sized glioma (a type of tumour) in her brain. Medics said it was best to keep an eye on it — in the following weeks. “Things looked ok”, recalls Adrian. After Aaron’s August 2009 wedding, Anne had another scan, which showed the glioma was now egg-sized. Following successful surgery, chemo and radiotherapy, she was doing pretty well, recalls Adrian.

“By early December 2010, she was getting her confidence back. The Irish Heart Foundation gave her a stroke champion award, a big affair in the Mansion House. She got up on stage and gave a good speech. The following Wednesday, she saw her neurologist and he said: ‘maybe we’ll let you drive again’. “On the first day we left her at home on her own, my son rang her at lunchtime to see how she was. She was talking gobbledygook.” Anne had surgery, followed by more chemo, but last June an MRI showed the tumour had returned. “The doctor said we’d have to call in the palliative care team. She stayed at home the whole time but went to St Francis Hospice, three minutes up the road, for physiotherapy. My sons were absolute saints the way they looked after her. “Three different Daffodil nurses came to us. They brought a kindness beyond the norm, a respect for their patient. I’ll always remember something one of the nurses did, which showed such care for Anne’s dignity. She was changing Anne and she took a towel and covered her. When my sons and I were helping Anne, we probably weren’t as professional as that, we wouldn’t have been as discreet. It stuck in my mind and next day I did exactly the same. Anne wasn’t talking much at that stage but she said a very big thank you to me. “These nurses don’t just turn up. They put their heart and soul into it. They’re very comforting people. I got phone calls from them at Christmas asking how we were.”

HELPING HAND: Lesley Courtney was attracted by the hands-on way of helping people her job as an ICS night nurse. Picture:Nick Bradshaw

ESLEY Courtney, 43, has been an ICS night nurse for six years, in that time caring for at least 100 terminally ill patients in their homes. She was one of the night nurses who cared for Anne Copeland in her final days. “As a practical, pragmatic person, what attracted me to this kind of nursing is that it’s a hands-on way of helping people. It’s very person-centred — one nurse, one patient and their family. “I work anywhere in north Co Dublin. I also cover Co Louth and some of Co Meath. On average, I could be with the same family for three to five nights. By the time the night nurse comes into a home, the family has lived a long time with the illness — they’ve run the marathon and the night nurse is coming for the last mile or two. For many families, it’s their first experience of terminal illness.

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012

“What I most encounter when I enter homes is love, not in a sentimental way but in a very primal, decent, simple way. It’s absolutely tremendous, the capacity people have for love and compassion. You see the best in people, night in, night out. There’s a lot of physical care. Families come together and make out a rota. “There are lots of small acts of kindness. I saw a grandchild massaging cream into her granny’s feet because her grandmother loved that. It was a very intimate, very valuable moment. Afterwards, that grand-daughter can say, ‘that’s the thing I did’. “As a nurse, you’re there at night. The busy world is hushed. There’s a gentleness and tenderness about the night and people talk. Family members may not voice their concerns to each other, wanting to be strong for each other. The night nurse can act as a sounding

board. In this context, the duration of the relationship you have with the family has no correlation with the bond you make. You’re going into their home at such an intense time. “Even when the family dynamic’s very complex, there are small mercies. Families still come together, put aside their differences. There’s always one person — the primary care-giver — who somehow manages to keep things calm in the person’s room. The most difficult situations are when you go to a person and they have nobody. They may never have married or don’t have anybody left. But that’s rare. “Mostly, you get the sense straightaway when you go into a home of how loved the person is and that’s exactly how the Copelands were. You literally only had to be in the house and you got that feeling.”

What’s happening

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Nurse Eileen Kennedy, above, is an oncology liaison nurse at the South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital, Cork. It is though the funds raised on Daffodil Day that her work is made possible. Today, more than 4,000 volunteers are selling fresh and silk daffodils, as well as daffodil pins. Thousands of paper daffodils — stuck onto wooden lollipop sticks — will form Gardens of Hope in: ● Phoenix Park ● Irish Cancer Society front garden ● People’s Park, Limerick ● Bishop Lucey Park, Cork ● Kennedy Park, Galway. On the back of each paper daffodil, there will be personal messages from people countrywide, some to loved ones lost through cancer. ● Creating a much-loved spectacle, as he has done on many Daffodil Days, will be ‘daffodil man’ James Gilleran. Wearing daffodils from head to toe and with a green-painted face, he’ll sell daffodils on O’Connell Street, Dublin. ● Across the country, people will be out on the streets selling fresh daffodils and silk daffodils, and street sellers are encouraged to come out in fancy dress this year to add to the fun atmosphere. ● In Cork, there will be a party atmosphere today, with a variety of street entertainment — watch for choirs, local buskers and dance performances. There will also be a coffee morning held at The Farmgate Cafe, between 9am and 11.30am, with an eye-catching daffodil arrangement on display at the English Market fountain. Members of the Cork football team will even join in and help with the street-selling, and the Cork fire brigade will come out to show their support. How you can support the 25th Daffodil Day: ● Buy a daffodil ● Donate online — www.cancer.ie ● Donate over the phone — CallSave 1850 60 60 60 ● Plant a daffodil online — www.gardenofhope.ie.

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8 Cover story

FROM WHERE IT ALL STEMMED I

Feelgood

Mostly, you get the sense straight away when you go into a home of how loved the person is and that’s exactly how the Copelands were

FAMILY SUPPORT: Adrian Copeland with his two sons, Adrian Jnr and Aaron who all appreciated the night-nurse care for his late wife Anne, pictured below. Picture: Nick Bradshaw

HELPING HAND: Lesley Courtney was attracted by the hands-on way of helping people her job as an ICS night nurse. Picture:Nick Bradshaw

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012

What’s happening

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Coping with life’s challenges 11

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Paul Stanley describes the grief he felt, and still experiences, following the stillbirth of his son, Oisín. Rachel Borrill reports on his broken dreams for the future

The moment the nurse told us she could not find a heartbeat was the most devastating news I have ever had

AUL STANLEY, 33, a fire safety instructor from Donaghmeade, Co Dublin, describes his grief at the stillbirth of his first child, a son, Oisín. “We had been so excited, so happy. We were expecting to go into the hospital and come out with a baby. The moment the nurse told us she could not find a heartbeat was the most devastating news I have ever had. “That moment will never, ever go away. It was like 50% of my body was taken away that day and I still haven’t got it back. “It is eight months now since Oisin died and nothing can prepare you for something like that. Every plan you have been making for the next 40 to 50 years are all gone. Just taken away in one heartbeat. “My wife, Orla, 31, had the most difficult pregnancy ever. Every single day she was so sick, but she never complained. She has type 1 diabetes and was monitored very carefully. She would have scans every two to three weeks and her blood sugar levels were checked regularly. “Everything was fine with the baby, even though Orla was so sick, there was never a problem with the baby. His growth was right, the heartbeat was strong and he was kicking a lot. He was a really active baby. “At 35 weeks he was 7lb and at the 36 week scan everything was just perfect. We asked could Orla have a C-section now as he was such a healthy size. But the doctors insisted there was no need, Orla could have one at 38½ weeks. On July 19, 2011, Orla was 37½ weeks and we had a scheduled hospital appointment. It was the first morning of the whole pregnancy that she hadn’t been sick and she said she felt so well. “The nurse took us into a room for a routine scan, and tried to find his heartbeat, but couldn’t. So we went up in the lift to the ultrasound room, the two of us were looking at each other but not saying anything. We both knew something was wrong. “Our consultant told us Oisin’s heart had just stopped beating and that Orla would have to give birth naturally. Three days later she was induced and Oisin was born at noon on Friday July 22. “It was the proudest day of my life, to see him come out. He was 9lb, so tall and slim with long arms and legs. I was just so to proud to see him. I thought he looked like Orla and she thought he was like me. “The postmortem results said Oisin’s death was unexplained. There was nothing we could have done, it was like a cot death. “For the first couple of months after it happened, I found everywhere I went people would ask if I had any children. I couldn’t say ‘No,’ because that felt like I was letting Oisin down. So there were a lot of awkward moments. But now I say: ‘I have none living with me but I have a little angel up there.’ “I would love to have someone to blame, but there is no-one. It was going to happen

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PROUD FATHER: Paul Stanley at home with pictures of his son, Oisín. and could not have been avoided. Everybody did what they were suppose to do. I couldn’t praise the hospital staff more highly. “But I just feel so helpless. When I look into Orla’s eyes now and see the emptiness, the sadness, it absolutely breaks my heart because I can’t do anything to make it better. “She is the love of my life, she carried our

I find a lot of people want to avoid the subject and all I want to do is talk about him. I am hurting inside in a major, major way

baby and suffered so much. And there was nothing I could do to protect her. It is just a feeling of complete helplessness, like you have your arms tied around your back. “Obviously people are going to be more sympathetic towards Orla and I would hope with all my heart that they continue to be. I didn’t carry him or give birth. But he was part of me and men do have feelings too. “I find a lot of people want to avoid the subject and all I want to do is talk about him. I am hurting inside in a major, major way. When I go to the grave on my own, I break down and cry every time and I am not ashamed to say that. “If I see a person on television, a father calling his son, that word, ‘son’ makes me cry. All these plans and dreams I had are gone. Just to think that I am never going to be able to take him to football, teach him self-defence or just have the craic with him on a Saturday morning. “When Orla was pregnant, people used to day: “Get all the sleep you can before the baby is born.’ Well, I wish I was having sleepless nights now. I would give anything to be getting up tired. I’d love not to have the time to do things now, because I was too busy playing with Oisin.”

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012

Picture: Maura Hickey

Stillbirths in Ireland ■ Every year approximately 500 babies will die at birth in Ireland. ■ Stillbirths are classified as the loss of a pregnancy after 24 weeks. ■ The exact cause of around 30 % of stillbirths are unknown. ■ Counselling and support is provided by specially trained nurses and every effort will be made to discover the cause. ■ Couples are advised to give themselves time to heal, both physically and mentally, before trying to conceive again. ■ Any future pregnancies will be closely monitored and babies should be scanned regularly. ■ A foetal heart monitor will help monitor the baby’s health at home. It helps to count the number of kicks every day. If there are less than 10, make an appointment to see your consultant. ■ Irish stillbirth websites that offer support and help are: www.feileacain.ie and www.islands.ie — Rachel Borrill

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Coping with life’s challenges 11

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Paul Stanley describes the grief he felt, and still experiences, following the stillbirth of his son, Oisín. Rachel Borrill reports on his broken dreams for the future

The moment the nurse told us she could not find a heartbeat was the most devastating news I have ever had

Feelgood

I find a lot of people want to avoid the subject and all I want to do is talk about him. I am hurting inside in a major, major way

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012

Picture: Maura Hickey

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FROM BLOG TO BOOK

Healthy food

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FAMILY SIZE: Food writer Sheila Kiely with her six children, Ellie, Johnnie, Daire, Eimear, Niall and Denny at home in Ballincollig, Co Cork.

OOD blogging is the new foodie hobby. Writing about dishes borrowed, tried, tasted, invented, enjoyed, is a new entertainment. It takes commitment to do well, and first-time author, Sheila Kiely, has worked at it for the last three years, building up writing and photography skills to illustrate her ideas. What makes her exceptional is that she is a mother of six, including two sets of twins, and still manages to sound fresh and enthusiastic. Her children, aged from ten to 15, are all at school, so she now has some time to spare, once she gets her work on her husband’s food safety consultancy business out of the way. If multi-skilling is what it takes, that’s just what she does. Her primary degree in English and geography, followed by another in computing, led to computer training in Ireland, the USA, Canada and Europe, finishing up commuting between Cork and London, before becoming pregnant for the first time. “I had intended to go back to work when Johnny was born,” she says, “but my husband Denis’s business was expanding and he needed help. By working for him at home, and with my mother’s help in child-minding, I

Thai fish cakes

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Roz Crowley

was able to do it all with great flexibility. I really don’t know how other mothers do it when children get sick. Even when schools have days off, it puts parents working outside the home at a great disadvantage”. Always enjoying being fit, she started jogging with her friend a few days a week. They would talk about what they had cooked for dinner and the light-bulb moment came one day when she said to her co-runner, Deirdre, that she would like to write a recipe book of a type she would like to read herself: something for busy people

This is a lovely, fresh-tasting dish with the zing of lime. Full of fish and potatoes, they are great served with simply dressed salad leaves. Serves 5–6 Leftover, cooked mashed potato or 3 potatoes boiled and mashed 4 salmon darnes (approx. 480g–500g) 2 spring onions 2 garlic cloves 1 lime 1 red chilli 2 tbsp olive oil

using unprocessed ingredients from supermarkets. “I prefer to make my own burgers and pizzas to avoid exposing the children to additives but in the book I have given some short cuts where I found I could make them,” she says. Having had a novel she had written rejected by three publishers, Shelia was slow to take the step, but her opportunity came with a course in food writing run by John and Sally McKenna at Ballymaloe. “Sally told us all to get blogging. She said we all had ideas and said that when we blog, we are, in fact, published. We didn’t need a book to say we were,” she says. Back home, she got going quickly, making dishes and photographing them with a basic camera. Realising a better camera would make her food look better, she decided to take the task of blogging seriously and invested in one. “It’s not as simple as cooking a dish and photographing it”, she says. “You have got to take photographs up to 2pm when the light is best, so my kids have got used to not being able to touch anything until the pictures are taken.” She then spends time editing and downsizing the photographs to make sure they are

1 egg 3 tbsp plain flour 1 lemon to serve Peel, boil and mash the potatoes, if you have no leftovers. Poach the salmon in a saucepan of hot water for five minutes; strain into a colander and flake into a bowl. Leave the salmon to cool for a few minutes. (There should be the same amount of salmon as potato.) Rinse and chop the spring onions, peel and crush the garlic, zest and juice the lime, de-seed and roughly chop the chilli and

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012

Picture: Richard Mills

easy to see on screen and writes the recipes first by hand, then types and proofreads them, which also takes time. “It gets easier to cook healthily once you get into the habit and I have been greatly encouraged by the food blogger community. They are a great bunch of people and we meet for foodie events and enjoy each other’s company,” she says. Response to her blogging has built up. The greatest number of hits came when she posted a recipe for chocolate biscuit cake to celebrate Prince William and Kate Middleton’s marriage. She iced it with their name and photographed it. “I got 1,400 hits,” she says, “and it’s still the most popular recipe”. People are using it for confirmation and Holy Communion celebrations. It can be found at gimmetherecipe.com. Successful blogging gave her the confidence to put her first book together and she is getting a great kick out of seeing Gimme the Recipe on bookshelves. “I love my blogging, but the children are taking the book to school and are enjoying the whole process, too. I feel blessed,” she says. ● Gimme the Recipe is published in paperback by Mercier, €19.99.

combine these in a food processor. Mix the flaked salmon, mashed potatoes and spring onion in a bowl and shape into small cakes with your hands. Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over a medium to high heat. Beat the egg in a bowl and put the flour on a plate. Dip each fishcake into the egg, and then into the flour to lightly coat it. Fry on the first side until they are beginning to brown, turn the fishcakes over, and lower the heat to cook for a further 3–4 minutes until cooked through. Serve with lemon wedges and some dressed salad leaves.

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Male Male health health 13

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Hamstring hell relief P

LAYING sport at any level, not to mind for your county, can take its toll on the body. For Andy Moran, 28, a Mayo GAA footballer who won his first All-Star in 2011, it was his hamstring in his left leg and lower back that gave him trouble. “I developed hamstring trouble in 2006,” says Andy who plays Gaelic football with his club Ballaghaderreen GAA Club, and is a member of the Mayo senior inter-county team. “I had a stiffness in my leg and a pain up through my leg and into my lower back. I just didn’t have a full range of motion in it. I played on with the hamstring — I never actually tore it. But I’d feel that I couldn’t sprint with it or use my full running power. I would feel like it was restricted,” he says. The hamstring itself refers to the group of muscles that form the back of the thigh extending from the hip to the knee. Injuries to the hamstring are common in sports and athletics because of the intensity of use of the hamstring muscle in these activities. “I went to a lot of people for help from the

Deirdre O'Flynn MOSTLY MEN

time I got the hamstring trouble in 2006,” says Andy, who has represented Mayo at minor, U21 and senior level, and who has won Connacht titles at each grade. “I went to chiropractors and physiotherapists. Initially, it was thought I had sciatica and over the years, any relief I got was temporary. I’d be able to play a game but then it would hit me when I was driving the car,” he says. Andy finally happened upon chiropractor Shane Lawlor who operates the Lawlor Clinic in Portlaoise, Co Laois with wife and fellow chiropractor Karen. “Shane used active release technique which

STRETCHED OUT: Andy Moran got relief from his hamstring injury finally when he underwent a therapy called Active release technique. Picture: Photo: Keith Heneghan / Phocus was a different way of looking at the condition and he treated it using stretching,” says Andy, who has also represented IT Sligo and the University of Ulster Jordanstown in the Sigerson Cup, winning three titles. Active release technique is essentially a soft tissue system/movement-based massage technique used to treat problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. Shane Lawlor is a lead instructor for the technique in Europe and the Lawlor Clinic

Athletes tire out when AIDS West launches first sexual health app they don’t drink up Fatigue can lead to poor game performance and can leave athletes more prone to injury, says performance nutritionist Lorna Morrison, who was speaking at a seminar for basketball coaches recently. “Weight loss experienced by a player during a training session or game is mainly due to the loss of fluid through sweat,” she said. “Dehydration can result and can affect the way that players perform,

TAKE 1

with a 5% drop in performance for every 1% drop in body weight. Fluid deficit incurred in one session may also compromise the next training session if adequate fluid replacement does not occur.” Ms Morrison was speaking at the seminar in Letterkenny, Co Donegal organised by Basketball Ireland with The National Dairy Council. The seminar is part of the Milk it For All It’s Worth Campaign.

WARM UP: Now that spring sunshine is drawing us out into the garden, remember to warm-up muscles to avoid injury before an afternoon of digging. Massage Balm with Arnica has been Weleda’s best selling health product since 1923. As well as arnica to release tight, knotty muscles, Weleda adds organic rosemary to invigorate, soothing extract of silver birch leaves, and warming lavender to relax. This aromatic massage oil relieves backache, rheumatic pain, muscular pain, etc. Massage Balm is in two sizes €8.49 for 50ml or €12.25 for 100ml, from health stores and pharmacies, or call 045-865575; www.weleda.co.uk

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The Sexual Health Guide, Ireland’s first ever sexual health app, is available on Apple and Android mobile phone platforms. The app was developed by AIDS West to mark 25 years of their work in the field of sexual health education and support in Ireland. The app addresses all aspects of sexual health providing useful information on the importance of positive sexual expe-

riences, frequently asked questions, information on sexually transmitted infections and contraception plus where to go for help. The free app is user-friendly and contains useful information for people of all ages and backgrounds. AIDS West believes the app is a necessary development, particularly among a younger, sexually active population.

treats sports-related injuries for professional and amateur sports people along with common conditions including back or neck pain, headaches, sciatica and soft tissue injuries in non-sporting adults and children. “The hamstring hasn’t really troubled me since,” says Andy, who works as a community development officer with Mayo/Roscommon Hospice. ● More info: www.lawlorclinic.ie

DId you know...

Sugarsweetened drinks increase men’s risk of heart disease (Source: Harvard School of Public Health, US)

Gardening aches and pains

SORE MUSCLES: Arnica is familiar to many people as a homeopathic treatment for bruises. Its natural anti-inflammatory properties mean it is also useful as a topical gel or massage balm when muscles tire after hard physical work like a day in the garden. A. Vogel Atrogel is made from extracts of fresh Arnica flowers and is an easy-to-apply non-greasy gel. It can be used up to four times a day to relieve muscle aches and pains, stiffness, or after sporting injuries. It costs €15.20 for 100ml or €10.67 for 50ml; www.avogel.ie

SUPER SOAK: Winner of Best Bath Treat at the Natural Health Magazine Beauty Awards 2012, Nelsons Arnicare Bath and Massage Balm, €9.95 for 200ml, can be massaged into stiff muscles, or added to running water to soak away the strains after a day in the garden. It contains evening primrose and sweet almond oil to naturally hydrate the skin, as well as relaxing lavender and grapefruit essential oils. The Nelsons Arnicare range also includes Arnica Cooling Gel, which can be massaged into aching muscles and Arnica Cream for bruising, both €7.25 and available from pharmacies and health stores; www.nelsonsnaturalworld.com

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012

MAGNETIC THERAPY: The 4Pain Magnet is designed to relieve the discomfort caused by back, shoulder, or neck pain, spinal injuries, arthritic pain or sciatica. 4Pain creates magnetic fields which may enhance the natural process of healing. Some studies suggest that this is due to an improvement in circulation, or a calming of nerve signals. 4Pain is available from health stores and pharmacies nationwide, or www.4pain.ie for €29.95.

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14 Beauty

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THE NEWS ON ...

Emily O’Sullivan

Kiehls Creme de Corps The Kiehls cult body cream is getting a tattoo-style makeover this month, thanks to mum-and-daughter team Pearl and Daisy Lowe. The launch is in support of the Temple Street Children’s Hospital, and €2.50 plus VAT from every sale will go to the charity.

Used sparingly, pink blusher freshens cheeks for a peachy, innocent look

TAKE THREE ... New mascaras Mascara is my favourite product — I won’t open the hall door without wearing it. And I like to mix it up, experimenting with new brands as soon as they hit the shelves. Here’s three that should tickle you pink.

INK cheeks — that’s all I want for spring. I don’t have the budget for a new spring wardrobe, and I don’t have the energy to get my body into shape, but I can spruce up my cheeks with a lively pink. And blusher doesn’t cost much — bonus. Pink cheeks are cool now. They’ve always been cool. They bring a freshness, a Merchant Ivory gorgeousness to the face, if you don’t overdo it. If you overdo it, there’s only one word — clown. So avoid that look and go for the pretty “I’ve just been skipping” look. Think Michelle Williams at the Oscars, or, if you like your references retro, Helena Bonham Carter in Room with A View. There’s something innocent schoolgirl about it. Or innocent schoolgirl meets high-octane Alpine chic meets super-sporty urban woman. It’s all a mash-up. If you go lightly, you’ll nail the pink-cheek look in an instant. Plus, shades that seem outlandish in the pot look gorgeous on. I’ve been trying out some insane pinks over the last few weeks, and as long as you don’t trowel them on, each and every one makes your skin look like a healthy peach (minus the fur, thankfully). Kicking off with a big burst of colour is Estee Lauder’s new ‘pure colour blush,’ €34. You’re not going to find anything more dramatic than the electric pink shade here, and while it looks like something Cyndi Lauper would liberally apply — in the dark — it is very cool on and is far more understated than it looks, especially if you wear it against very pale skin. Add dramatic, feline eyeliner flicks for a big entrance. Equally high drama is MAC’s creme blend blush in Florida, €21.50, from its new su-

PRETTY CHEEKY: Actress Michelle Williams at the Oscars where she nailed down the subtle Picture:Ian West/PA Wire pink-cheek look perfectly.

In the pink per-kitsch SHOP MAC collection. Make-up companies seem to be getting a bit bored of the powder blush/cream blush scenario this spring and are stirring things up with some new formulations. Yves Saint Laurent is keeping it fresh with voile de blush, €38, which is really rather great. It looks like some sickly-sweet jelly formulation until you put it on the cheeks, whereupon it sinks in and leaves a very flattering, post-coital flush. It’s got a weird texture, but it works.

Clarins (left) has gone for the good-goods-in-small-packages angle this spring with what has to be one of the smallest blushers we’ve ever seen, with Instant Light Blush, €23.38. It feels like a liquid eyeshadow (one of those lovely watery cool ones) and it goes on very smooth and prettily, but I could do with having a whole lot more of this one. A whole lot more of them all, in fact. Bring on the pink.

L’Oreal False Lash Telescopic, €13.99: This is a very tall, very thin mascara with a wand that seems almost elegant in its simplicity. If you like to tote around a mascara with you during the day, this could be the one for you, but it’s does work really well on the lashes, with a clean, non-spikey look. Good for day-to-day wear. Max Factor Limited Edition False Lash Effect Gold Mascara, €13.99: Sometimes it takes a re-launch of a mascara to make you remember it, and so it is with False Lash Effect. This is a kick-ass product, it’s excellent — it’s not over priced, it lasts well, and it makes your lashes look amazing. This limited edition is in gold, not the mascara – the packaging. Nice. MAC False Lashes Extreme Black, €23: It has a really rich, dark and almost inky texture to make sure that you have the blackest lashes around. False Lashes can take a little getting used to at first, but after a few trial runs the results are impressive. And this shade is black as black can be.

STUFF WE LIKE Lancôme La Rosearie Blush Palette, €45. Sometimes, this kind of product can be style over substance — it looks pretty but is it worth it? Well, yes. Lancôme’s palette is very pink, but there is a slight peach tone in there, which means you’re not left looking too Barbara Cartland. Lovely to look at, but it might be a little bit sweet for some.

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Clarins Instant Light Blush, €23.38. If you’re someone who likes to apply blusher throughout the day, then this blusher is super-handy — it’s smaller than a lip gloss and easier to carry around. Plant and mineral ingredients means it’s good for your skin, and a satin finish gives good radiance. Like it, just not sure about the size. YSL Voile de Blush No 3 Voile Rose, €38. YSL may be a pretty grown up brand, but the company keeps things fresh and young with tempting new, fun formulations. This jelly blush is designed to be applied with your fingertips and rubbed in to give a tousled, flushed look in a very pretty rose.

MAC Cremeblend Blush in Florida, €21.50. Cream blusher are a great option, especially for drier skins as they last longer and blend in very well. This formulation from MAC has got it bang on, but it might be a shade too intense for many. Still, it’s young, fun and very pretty — just don’t overdo it. Estee Lauder Pure Colour Blush in Electric Pink, €34. Electric Pink it’s called and Electric Pink it is. Gloriously retro, if you’re looking for a directional look, you can lash this baby on, but we find it works much better as a soft pop of colour on the cheeks.

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Jelly Pong Pong Jelly Flush Cheek Stain, €21.60. This is one of my favourite blushers, not only is it easy to apply and to blend (good news for anyone who still isn’t quite sure what to actually do with blusher), it’s also gossamer light. Plus, one tub of the stuff will last you a really, really long time. Yay.

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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

DIGESTIVE JUICE: Greens, while useful for nutrients, can be problematic for sufferers of diverticulitis. Green smoothies are the ideal solution because the blending process helps break down the food and aid digestion.

I WOULD appreciate if you could recommend a remedy for recurring eustachian tube infection.

A. You don’t mention if the infection is in a child or an adult. This is a far more common occurrence in young children, partly because the eustachian tube is much shorter during infancy and early childhood (usually around 18mm in length — it grows to around 30-40mm by the age of seven years), and sits on a more shallow angle from the middle ear. The function of the eustachian tube is to assist in the clearing of secretions from the middle ear into the nasopharynx. This helps to protect the middle ear from changes in pressure. We open the eustachian tubes whenever we yawn, swallow, chew, or sneeze — letting air into the middle air, and allowing secretions to clear. When resting, these tubes are in a closed position. When air is not able to flow normally into the middle air, or secretions are not able to clear, infection and dysfunction of the eustachian tubes can occur. Allergies are a common underlying cause when it comes to eustachian tube infection, so cutting out grains and dairy is often necessary to put a stop to recurrent infection. This helps by reducing mucous production, which assists in the drainage of fluid from the middle ear. In fact, underlying allergies are one of the key reasons for glue ear. Viral infection can also cause damage within the ear, leading to repeat infections. Craniosacral therapy is often very useful in treating eustachian tube infection issues, working on a subtle level to achieve balance within the inner and middle ear. Homeopathy is another modality which has a reputation for working well in such cases, particularly if it is a child being treated. Contact the Irish College of Homoeopathic Medicine (066-9765816) to find a local practitioner. Q. I have a problem with my bowel: it is called diverticulitis. What do you suggest? Diverticulitis is a condition where small pouch-like sacs appear along the lining of the small and large intestines. The undigested food becomes trapped, leading to inflammation and bacterial infection, which can result in the formation of a small hard mass known as a fecalth. Often diverticulitis occurs as a result of chronic constipation. One of the most important things you can do is to mindfully chew your food. Exclude nuts and seeds from your diet as they generally exacerbate this condition. Sprouted seeds

are okay, since they are a valuable source of the right kind of fibre and nutrients. To repair your gut and get it back to its original healthy state, it can help to adopt the diet you would feed to a small child. We gradually build up tolerances to foods and substances which we would never dream of giving children and infants, and in doing so, we can stray far from the path of healthful choices. This is where simple low-allergen fruits and vegetables are ideal. Greens can be useful in terms of nutrients, but are potentially problematic because they are difficult to chew to the extent where they are broken down enough before swallowing. Green smoothies are the ideal solution. Blend a handful or two of leafy greens together with a cup of pure water and a whole pear (cored) or two, according to taste, and you have a nutrient and fibre rich combo which is unlikely to cause sensitivity issues. The blending process helps to ensure that the nutrients are bioavailable without the concern of larger particles becoming trapped in your intestinal pockets. Avoid tomatoes, citrus, and alcohol. Most vegetables should be fine, so long as they are either well-cooked or blended to help prevent the accumulation of food residues.

Megan puts the spotlight on: Avoid all processed and refined foods. Don’t just cut back – give them up for good ... Get plenty of raw fruit and vegetables in your diet

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OSING weight is top of most to-do lists at the beginning of the year. A quarter way in and chances are a tiny percentage of people are still on target. Part of the problem is the word ‘diet’, which suggests restrictive and gruelling regimes that have defeated us in the past. Most of us understand that fad diets do more harm than good, and if we want sustainable weight loss, we need long-term lifestyle changes. To begin, avoid all processed and refined foods. Don’t just cut back — give them up. Eating whole foods is the best way to get nutrients in their natural state, so that you get maximum benefits. Eat plenty of raw fruit and vegetables, and if you eat meats then make sure that they are lean and unprocessed, without preservatives or additives. Grains are often touted as the base of a healthy diet, however this food group

Broccoli, beans, and carrots are great since they contain hemicellulose fibres which absorb water, bulking and softening waste as it travels through your system. As with most intestinal disorders, a good quality probiotic will do wonders to restore gut health and prevent infection. Aloe vera juice on a relatively empty stomach (first thing in the morning and last thing before bed) soothes inflammation and heals the mucous membranes. You may also want to invest in some olive leaf extract if you feel that bacterial infection is already an issue in the intestinal pockets. Rather than taking a hit and miss approach with your diet, I suggest you follow what is known as the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD). This diet has been tailored to relieve the symptoms associated with a range of chronic intestinal disorders, including diverticulitis. The underlying principle of the SCD is that eliminating complex carbohydrates, refined sugars, and lactose for a significant length of time will starve out the harmful bacteria in our intestines. Elaine Gottschall’s popular book, Breaking the vicious cycle: Intestinal health through diet, describes the SCD in great detail and offers information on how to make the diet work for you.

Weight Loss requires a great deal of processing to make them appealing or edible. Some individuals tolerate grains better than others, but it pays to cut them out while slimming down, then you can introduce them back into your diet gradually, once you have achieved your goal weight. Some fats are good for you — choose cold-pressed extra virgin oils (only use coconut oil for cooking) and foods such as nuts, seeds and avocados. Get your omega essential fatty acids via oily fish, chia seeds, or a quality supplement. Drink more water, and avoid refined sugar (and artificial sweeteners) at all costs —

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many sugar-free and ‘diet’ products have been shown to trigger weight gain. Exercise, sleep and stress management will all go a long way towards supporting your ideal weight and energy levels. Getting to bed by 10pm is essential, since it is between this time and 2am that our bodies are working to balance out hormonal processes — the magic weight-loss window.

WEIGHT-LOSS WINDOW: The hours between 10pm and 2am are optimum for sleep, when the body regulates its hormone levels.

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FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012