A&H April 2014

FOREVER YOUNG

BEND INTO SHAPE Why yoga is good for you

UNHEALTHY FOOD? A&H APRIL/MAY 2014 ISSUE 55

THINK AGAIN

FRESH FIX MAKE THE MOST OF SEASONAL PRODUCE

OH, MOTHER Meet two special women WIN with Competitions

WIN GREAT PRIZES

A P R I L / M AY . I S S U E 5 5

MALTA’S BEST AND BRIGHTEST HEALTH AND WELL BEING MAGAZINE

ARE YOU A LIAR?

SEX TALK What do your

children know?

How to manage hay fever GET GREAT LOOKING HAIR THE NARCISSISTS

WHO RUN YOUR LIFE

HUNTINGTON’S DISEASE

Get the facts

IN THIS ISSUE

Family Life

6

BITTER OR BETTER

06

BITTER OR BETTER Sarah Cachia on coping with serious illness

27

SEX TALK How to speak to your children about sex

Lifestyle 12

FRESH FOOD FIX Make the most of seasonal produce

16 33

RETHINK ‘UNHEALTHY’ FOOD

40

LONG DISTANCE MUM Meet runner Giselle Camilleri

BEND INTO SHAPE Why yoga is good for you

Features 10 18 22 24 35 42

ARE YOU A LIAR? NARCISSISM RULES NEED TO KNOW Huntingdon’s Disease FOREVER YOUNG Anti-ageing tricks SHINE ON Get great-looking hair SEASONAL SNEEZE How to manage hay fever

Regulars

24

13 15 38

FOREVER YOUNG

27 SEX TALK

40 2

LONG DISTANCE MUM

April 2014

INFORMATION INFORMATION COMPETITION

18

NARCISSISM RULES

Gentle skincare range with Manuka Honey

GOOD THINGS SKINCARE – Making the most of your Skin Exclusively represented by Alfred Gera & Sons Ltd. Tel: 2144 6205

SAYS...

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elcome to our latest issue of A&H. The weather’s warming up and days are longer and brighter, so there are no excuses for lazing around.

Good food, fresh air and exercise are the best ways to keep healthy. And there are other benefits too. Couch potatoes might be inspired by Giselle Camilleri’s story of keeping up with work, training and compe ve sport while raising her daughter. Her mo va on for sport? It’s healthy and sociable – and all that fresh air can’t hurt, either. If you’re feeling troubled and overwhelmed, turn to Sarah Cachia’s interview for inspira on. On the family front, find out how other parents talk to their children about sex. Flip over to our food feature for quick ways with fresh veg. Worried about ageing?

Look inside for what experts and readers say about slowing down the process. Hair care, controlling hay fever, how to quit smoking – read all about that, and more, here in A&H. And, of course, don’t forget to try your luck in our compe ons. We’ll be back next month with another informa on-packed issue.

EDITORIAL CONSULTANT Corinne Vella ASSISTANT EDITOR Anna Maria Ga DESIGNER Conrad Bondin – Standard Publica ons Ltd. CONTRIBUTORS Daniela Allen, Marika Azzopardi, Suzanne Bonello, Anna Maria Ga , Corinne Vella, Mark Xuereb PHOTOGRAPHY Jonathan borg – Standard Publica ons Ltd. PRINTER Print-it DISTRIBUTION Bi-monthly with The Malta Independent on Sunday, and in clinics, hair and beauty salons and pharmacies.

ADVERTISING Lily Agius – Standard Publica ons Ltd. T 2134 5888 ext 131. E lagius@independent.com.mt SALES CO ORDINATOR/ARTWORK COLLECTION Chris ne Mifsud – Standard Publica ons Ltd. T 2134 5888 ext 138 PUBLISHER Standard Publica ons Ltd, Standard House, Birkirara Hill, St Julian’s STJ1149, Malta.

T (356) 2134 5888 F (356) 2134 6062, 2134 3460 The informa on in this magazine should not be used as a subs tute for the care and advice of a health professional. Appropriate treatment varies according to an individual’s par cular condi on and circumstances. Self-diagnosis is risky, especially in the case of serious condi ons.

All rights reserved. Reproduc on of this magazine in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without the wri en consent of Standard Publica ons Ltd. A&H’s publishers cannot be held responsible for any ac on taken without the advice of a medical specialist. The opinions expressed in this publica on are not necessarily those of the publishers or the editor. While every a empt has been made to ensure accuracy, the publisher and the editor cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions from ar cles, adver sing, photographs or illustra ons, for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or other material, or for submissions of any kind, whether delivered electronically or by conven onal mail, which are lost or damaged in transit.

›‹

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INTERVIEW

6

April 2014

INTERVIEW

bi�er � BETTER

SHARING EXPERIENCE MAKES IT EASIER TO COPE. SARAH CACHIA TELLS ALL TO SUZANNE VASSALLO

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hen I arrive at the Cachia’s family home, Sarah Cachia ushers me in. “Jacob’s upstairs, to the left,” she says about her son, while she lets out the family dog, Peanut. I walk upstairs to meet Jacob, or Titanium Man, as we have come to know him. He’s a lovely young man, all smiling eyes and a welcoming grin which stretches from ear to ear. He offers to cover his head in case the sight of his scars upsets me. “How sweetly thoughtful of him; he obviously gets that from his mother,” I think to myself, as Sarah walks in, bringing me a cup of tea and a large cupcake, complete with icing and sprinkles.

Part of Jacob’s skull had to be removed following a brain infection last year which left him fighting for his life. It started with a headache and, within days, Jacob was rushed to the emergency department and then hospitalised. Initially, the prime suspect was sinusitus. He went on to have two bouts in ITU, two haemorrhages and three rounds of brain surgery. After two and a half months at Mater Dei Hospital and another two and a half months at Karin Grech Hospital for rehabilitation, Jacob was sent home. Sarah who is now known simply as Jacob’s Mummy, describes this period of their family’s life as being taken to hell and back.

I cannot begin to imagine how she, or the family, let alone Jacob himself, coped with being told that the surgical team had to cut out a piece of Jacob’s skull to save his life. Today he has a titanium plate

instead of the original skull bone, hence his nickname, Titanium Man. Jacob leans towards me to show me his stitches from his latest surgery, a neat patchwork of life-saving work by his surgeon. They are easy to see as his head is shaved. I remind him to wear his scars with pride. They are his battle scars, and ultimately, his scars of survival.

Sarah nods. She gives him the snack he asks for nicely and pretends to bemoan the fact that she’s fetching and carrying cups and plates. Laughing out loud, she grins at her son, and tells me that even before he earned the moniker Titanium man, he was never one to clear away his dishes and pop them into the sink. It’s good to know not much has changed, then.

I make a mental note to offer to take my teacup into the kitchen once I’m finished with it. Sarah certainly makes a lovely cup of tea. It must be because she’s English, a tiny part of me says. Sarah, London accent and all, says she’s actually one hundred percent Maltese. Her parents emigrated in the fifties and returned when Sarah was nearly 18. It was here that she met her husband Saviour, whoeveryone calls Sammy. They hung around in the same crowd and were really good friends – “best friends,” Sarah says.

So much so that his girlfriends would use her as a sounding board when romance waned.

One day, he asked her to go to the cinema with him.

Sarah, unaware that things had changed and that Sammy’s feelings were not just those of a best friend anymore, asked him who was tagging along. “No one,” came the prompt reply.

»

Photograph: Jonathan Borg

…a lovely young man, all smiling eyes and a welcoming grin which stretches from ear to ear April 2014

7

INTERVIEW

Photograph: Jonathan Borg

He offers to cover his head in case the sight of his scars upsets me They were married three years later and did not even bother with an engagement period, so sure were they that it was the right thing to do. “So I married my best friend,” she says with that lovely smile lighting up her face again. They used to finish off each other’s sentences and, 25 plus years and two children later, they still do.

Pictures of Sarah, Sammy, Jacob and Chloe and Peanut are everywhere.

How did this close knit family manage through those dark months? Sarah says that her extended family members were wonderful, as were neighbours and friends. People would ring the doorbell and bring meals, ask if they could help with laundry, and offer to help in all other sorts of practical ways.

They would ask how Jacob is and would pray. For many months, Sarah hardly left Jacob’s bedside. She trawled the internet looking for cases like her son’s but didn’t find anything.

She begged medical staff to let her know if they had ever had a case like this, to tell her of one case, at least one case of hope, of survival. She was up against data protection regulations and the professional ethics that govern the privacy of patient information.

Come summertime, Jacob was allowed to go home, discharged after all those months in hospital. With her son home, Sarah thought long and hard of all that she had gone through, and how much it would have helped her to read about other people who have survived the horror of such a trauma.

And so Survivors Malta was born on Facebook.

The closed support group features stories of people who have survived a trauma and wish to tell their tale to inspire and motivate others who may be living right now through the trauma of an illness, a disorder or even a disability. Sarah is also 8

April 2014

writing a book about her journey. It has been approved by the publishers, but she wants more. She is currently sourcing sponsors to help in the considerable expenses involved in publishing the book so that a larger percentage of the proceeds will go to charity. The sponsors will get recognition on the book’s cover.

But Jacob’s Mummy is very determined. She wants to know that, if there is someone out there who needs to know about survivors, as she did in those desperate times, the book and the group will be there to offer hope. She does not plan to turn the Facebook group into an NGO of sorts, nor does she accept financial donations. Some things money just can’t buy. She believes that God provides as He once did for her family. I applaud not only her positivity, but also her strong faith.

Sarah tells me that the prayers, the phone calls, the messages, the offers of help, and the visits from family and friends, were all demonstrations of love and care. They helped her survive. Her book will be all about her journey, her family’s journey through these times. It will describe the trauma, how their lives fell apart, how they picked up the pieces and created Survivors Malta.

For Sarah, life has changed. If Jacob runs a fever, feels sick or gets a headache, the trauma comes back to haunt her. But she gets on with things, and fights her fears to move forward. It seems to me Titanium Man has Super Sarah Wonder Woman as his mummy.

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Survivors Malta is on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/survivorsmalta/

LIFE & Style

S ll from the television series Pre y Li le Liars film noir episode

RESULTS Mostly a’s You definitely find it easy to lie and, at times, it comes so naturally that you start believing your own lies.

You must be careful and try to control yourself because constant lying will make others suspicious of you and they will start avoiding you.

The truth might really hurt at times but, in the long run, it is better to tell the truth than to live a lie always feeling afraid that you might be caught out.

Do you

LIE EASILY?

COMPILED BY ANNA MARIA GATT

a party you meet someone Your colleague is wasting his fancy. While speaking to 3 time at work surfing the web 1 Atyou this person, you realise that and playing games. You: s/he is confusing you with another person. You: a. keep up the pretence and the conversation.

After all, you’ve been dreaming of talking to this person for months. b. decide to tell this person the truth if s/he asks you directly. c. immediately come clean and explain that you are not whom they think you are.

you last sent in your CV for a new job: 2 When

a. you included some qualifications which you don’t have and you aren’t even sure what they are. b. you wrote down all your qualifications and included some referees who might remember you from a one-day seminar which you attended ages ago. c. you wrote the truth and nothing but the truth.

a. immediately start gossiping with your other colleagues about the type of sites he visits. b. grumble to him that it is not fair that you do all the work while others just waste time. c. confront him and explain to him that he should concentrate more on his work or else the boss might take drastic action.

find an envelope 4 You containing €1000 on the pavement. You: a. take it and keep it – finders keepers. b. take it home and look out for any reports of missing money which you might hear or see on the media. c. take it to the police station, obviously – you’d never consider doing otherwise.

5 You are out on a shopping spree with your friend. You

both admire the same dress.

So you: a. let her try it on first and then comment accordingly. b. give up and find something else for yourself. c. tell her that you really want it and would she mind if you bought it?

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April 2014

Mostly b’s You are cautious about when to tell the truth and when to tell a lie. You tend to feel guilty whenever you lie so you try to work around a situation to put your conscience at rest. Be careful not to get carried away especially when there are many people involved. Don’t ruin your reputation for the sake of a silly lie.

Mostly c’s You are a person whom many can trust. You are not afraid of telling the truth, even though it might mean losing something really precious to you. You prefer having a clean conscience so that you can sleep well at night and not worry about what might happen if you’re caught out in a lie. Be prepared to feel hurt at times, especially if your close friends lie to you.

›‹

old aunt of your husband’s 6 Anhas invited you to dinner. You are feeling tired and don’t feel like going. You: a. fake a fever and your husband finds you in bed (sick) when he arrives home from work. b. accept the invitation but say that you can only stay for a drink as you have some urgent work to finish off at home. c. explain to your husband that you don’t feel at ease going to his aunt’s house.

FOOD & NUTRITION

fresh

p

FOOD FIX

MAKE THE MOST OF THE END OF SEASON PEAS AND BEANS AND THE NEW SEASON’S FIELD TOMATOES.

eas are a high protein, low fat, high fibre, low cholesterol, low salt food. That's already quite an achievement, but there's more. They start out high in sugar but convert that to starch as they age. That makes them a high carbohydrate food, but they're not necessarily bad news. Legumes are digested slowly so when you eat a handful of fresh peas, your blood sugar level rises slowly rather than sharply.* Peas are a good source of protein, folate, phosphorous, copper, and vitamins A, B6, C and K.

12

April 2014

They also contain iron, niacin, thiamin and manganese and are a very good source of dietary fibre.

Beans are also a high protein, low fat, high fibre, low cholesterol, low salt food, but the mineral content differs. Beans are a good source of vitamin B6, riboflavin, niacin, phosphorous and potassium.

They also contain folate, iron, copper and manganese.

Fresh field tomatoes are low in saturated fat and sodium and very low in cholesterol. They are a good source of thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, pantothenic acid, iron, magnesium,

phosphorus and copper. They are a good source of dietary fibre, vitamins A and C, potassium and manganese, and contain some protein, vitamin E, calcium, zinc, and selenium.

Field ripened spring and summer tomatoes contain higher amounts of vitamin C than the greenhouse tomatoes harvested in the winter months. Most of a tomato’s vitamin C is concentrated in the pulp around the seeds. To get the full benefit, eat your tomatoes fresh and raw as vitamin C is sensitive to cooking heat. * If you have diabetes, speak to your doctor about food types and amounts.

FOOD & NUTRITION

QUICK FIXES

FLASH POINTS Avoid green tomatoes

Allergy alert

Tomato plants produce nerve poisons called glycoalkaloids which are found in the green parts of the plant. Eating green tomatoes isn’t a good idea, though it would take at least 150 green tomatoes to provide a lethal dose of glycoalkaloids.

Legumes are one of a group of foods that are likely to trigger allergy symptoms, such as swelling of the lips and eyes, an upset stomach and an outbreak of hives. If you notice any of these symptoms after eating peas or beans, consult your doctor.

Antioxidant lycopene can cause orange skin Antioxidants help mop up free radicals in your syste but eating excessive amounts of tomatoes can turn your skin orange, particularly the skin on your palms and on the soles of your feet. This is because tomatoes contain lycopene, a red carotenoid pigment that can be stored just under your skin. If your skin colour seems off, consult your doctor as tomatoes may not be the only cause.

Cool peas Fresh peas should be kept in their pods and refridgerated until used. Don't keep them for long as their sugars turn to starch and the peas become less sweet and less appealing when eaten raw.

Don't wash the pods because they'll be more likely to rot. To keep your vegetable drawer clean, line it with a plastic bag.

Store beans in their skins Tomatoes contain carbohydrate.

Tomatoes contain carbohydrates which can raise blood sugar levels. If you are diabetic or you are on a low sugar diet, ask your health professional for advice before munching your way through a tomato mountain.

Fresh beans should be kept in their pods. They do not need to be refridgerated but should be kept in a cool dark place. B6 in beans is very sensitive to light. Peeling beans before you need to use them will reduce their vitamin B6 content because of light exposure.

The most nutritious way to serve tomatoes is fresh, ripe and raw with the seeds left in and dressed with a bit of olive oil. Skip the salt, especially if you’re supposed to be on a low sodium diet. Fresh spring and summer tomatoes are tasty enough without it. If you want more flavour, add fresh herbs.

• Tomato and basil pasta salad. Use a small, solid pasta like orecchie. Cook in the usual way, drain and drizzle with olive oil and leave to cool while you finely dice tomatoes and shred fresh basil leaves. Mix well together and serve cold.

• Tomato and bean salad. Blanch peeled beans until bright green then drain them and rinse thoroughly in cold water. Toss with fresh chopped tomatoes, a handful of mint and a glug of olive oil and mix thoroughly. Add shredded spring onion for extra flavor. Serve as a side salad or as a toasted bread topping.

• Pea, bean and mint mash. Cook peas and beans and mash into a rough paste.

Steaming, rather than boiling, helps preserve flavor. Stir in a drizzle of oil and lots of fresh chopped mint. Serve on crackers or toasted bread rounds.

• Warm tomato salad. Roast tomatoes for about 20 minutes, then peel away the skin, dice the flesh and stir in a spoonful of honey. Serve warm or cold sprinkled with sesame seeds.

• Cold tomato salad. Finely dice field tomatoes, one spring onion for every two tomatoes and the flesh of one lemon for every ten tomatoes. Mix well, sprinkle over with fresh thyme, add a dash of olive oil and serve immediately.

• Crunchy green salad. Peel and blanch beans and peas until bright green. Drain and rinse immediately in cold water. Toss them with a variety of green leaves and drizzle with olive oil and lemon.

• For a refreshing drink, blitz fresh tomatoes in a blender with fresh mint leaves. Add some water if the mixture’s too thick. If the taste’s too tart, sweeten it with a few drops of honey rather than with sugar.

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April 2014

13

INFORMATION

alive and

CONFIDENT

i

mproving one’s appearance can be a start to enhancing one’s confidence. Finding some time for proper grooming and dressing is paramount. Shaving, showering and running a comb through one’s hair everyday is a good start.

In addition, one should take time to actually dress oneself properly in the morning. A good rule of thumb is to dress in a way that wouldn’t be embarrassing if one were to meet a woman or business contact later for an impromptu lunch. It’s crucial to be able to strike the right balance of casualness and formality. Exercising boosts confidence as the increased blood flow makes one feel good when appropriate hormones are released.

These are all simple things which can be done on a daily basis but which will help a lot. On the other hand, there is another important thing which is usually neglected—taking care of your skin. Starting off with drinking more water and applying some skin care products as part of your daily regime is a must. However, this might not be enough to target certain concerns.

Although the cliché is that beauty treatments tend to be associated with women, statistics have shown that men have become more aware of their looks and they are also opting for non-

14

April 2014

IT IS NO SECRET THAT PEOPLE ARE ATTRACTED TO MEN WHO PROJECT CONFIDENCE. MANLY CONFIDENCE IS QUIET; IT’S UNPRETENTIOUS. WHEN A MAN WHO HAS ACQUIRED THIS CONFIDENCE WALKS INTO A ROOM, PEOPLE CAN FEEL IT. AND, LET’S FACE IT, CONFIDENCE LEADS TO SUCCESS. surgical treatments. There are various treatments in the world of medical aesthetics that can improve one’s appearance in the most natural way.

One can start off with the fine lines that start showing especially around

one can achieve a refreshed look with no downtime.

The effect will last for 4-6 months, therefore one would need to repeat the treatment approximately twice a year which can be very convenient for the busy lifestyles of today. One can return straight to work after the treatment. Besides botulinum toxin, one can also eliminate and improve other wrinkles on the lower part of the face with the use of dermal fillers.

Lifting treatments can also be of interest.

Thread-lifting is a nonsurgical face lift which involves the insertion of threads underneath the skin. The threads contain tiny cones which, once in place, are pulled and the skin is lifted. Within two weeks, the skin is

Statistics have shown that men have become more aware of their looks the eyes, the forehead and in between the eyebrows. Botulinum Toxin is a great way to soften and remove such lines. With the use of tiny injections,

lifted and tight, giving a younger appearance.

Acne scars due to previous active acne can be another headache which very commonly can dent one’s confidence levels. Sublative skin resurfacing treatment works wonders on improving the depth of the scars and their visibility. One would need 1-3 sessions, depending on the depth of the scars.

All these treatments are very effective and can give a refreshed and healthier look to the face. It is always important to trust professional and experienced doctors and, therefore, a consultation prior to any treatment is of fundamental importance. These are all steps that you can take towards improving your appearance which will, in turn, help boost confidence, making you look less tired and gearing you to success.

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info@thesmartskinclinic.com.

spring summer 2014

Captain

Boo

Treasure Map

Valentine

Como

Paradise

see the full range on

schollfoothealthcentre.com Start-rite is available from all Scholl Foothealth Centres in Sliema, Valletta, Fgura and Mosta; Lotto at The Point (Level -2); and Abela’s Health & Beauty Centre, Gozo.

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16/04/2014 12:30

FOOD & NUTRITION

products with lots of added sugar or oil. Dried fruit, without any additives, can be a great source of vitamins, minerals and fibre. The best choices include dried mango, apples, kiwi and pineapple, which are ideal as a portable, healthy snack to beat your sweet cravings.

6 Shrimps

t

UNHEALTHY FOODS

he constant flow of new research about which foods are healthy can be overwhelming. New information is constantly published, reviewed, tried out and corrected leaving us wondering whether our everyday choices will eventually pose a risk to us in future years. New mothers worry about what foods are best to start with when weaning their babies at six months old.

People suffering from chronic conditions have their diets planned in detail by their doctors while others, who want to look good, leaf through the latest editions of health magazines (including A&H, why not?) for information on healthy eating. Some foods which can be harmful if taken in large amounts might be included in moderate amounts in our diets.

1 Canned vegetables

Canned vegetables, that useful standby, don’t all deserve their bad reputation for poor nutrition content and for being a health hazard. When shopping, read the food labels properly and choose carefully. Scour the supermarket shelves for low 16

April 2014

TAKEN IN MODERATION, SOME ‘UNHEALTHY’ FOODS CAN BE GOOD FOR YOU

sodium options. Before serving canned vegetables, wash them carefully under running water in a colander to help remove excess salt.

Last but not least, don’t rely on canned foods alone. Fresh is best, without any doubt, especially in spring and summer when shop shelves overflow and prices plummet.

2 Red meat

Red meat provides protein, iron, vitamin B12 and zinc. It also contains fat, which should be avoided.

However, there are various types of red meat at the butcher’s. Healthier cuts of red meat include lean cuts such as top sirloin, bottom round, tender loin and flank steak. If you’re not sure what’s best, ask your butcher to point out the leaner options, especially meat from grass-fed animals. [A&H note: avoid red meat if you are on a cholesterol-controlled diet.]

3 Potatoes

A few years ago there was a crusade against the consumption of white potatoes. A starch-heavy diet, based on processed foods and refined

sugars, is notoriously unhealthy. But, eaten in the right proportion and prepared properly, potatoes are a good source of energy and nutrients including vitamins C and B6 and, if eaten with the skin on, they are a good source of fibre too. Eat the right portion size and cook potatoes using healthier methods such as boiling or baking, rather than frying. Avoid using salad creams, mayonnaise and other fat-full sauces. Why not try a dab of olive oil instead?

4 Avocado

Avocado has been described as ‘a high fat-content fruit’ but in reality its fat is heart-friendly, monounsaturated fat. Two tablespoons of avocado contain only 50 calories.

Comparing this amount to two tablespoons of butter, amounting to over 200 calories, is enough to brighten the avocado’s reputation.

Avocados also include different vitamins and minerals which are especially good for healthy vision.

5 Dried fruit

When choosing dried fruit, look at the product label and avoid buying

Shrimps are often criticised for their high content of cholesterol since they are often served deepfried. People who plan what they eat and who start their day with a highfibre breakfast and eat a meatless lunch, should be able to fit in shrimps without overdoing their daily cholesterol intake. Shrimps are a high-protein food. Make your choice a healthy one by grilling or steaming shrimps, rather than frying them.

7 Pizza

Pizza is a favourite first choice when one wants to socialise while munching on something tasty. The difference between healthy and unhealthy pizza is in the topping. A pizza can be loaded with nutrients, especially when it is made carefully at home. Some healthy options include using whole-wheat dough, topping it with tomato sauce and then adding sliced vegetables, lowfat mozzarella and fresh herbs.

8 Bananas

One medium banana provides approximately 27 grams of carbohydrates and 105 calories. That means bananas are definitely cheaper and healthier than most low-calorie snack packs one finds at the supermarket check-out. Bananas are an ideal on-the-go snack even for diabetics and it is a mistake to consider them to be fattening unless you eat a whole bunch. Their carbohydrate-content is slightly higher than that of apples or oranges but you can snack daily on a banana without regret.

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TALKING POINT

Marie Antoine e painted by VigĂŠe-Lebrun c. 1779

April 2014

18

TALKING POINT

narc�s�m

RULES

RADICAL NARCISSISTS CAN WREAK HAVOC ON THEMSELVES AND OTHERS. THE DAMAGE IS GREATER WHEN THEY’RE IN PUBLIC LIFE. MARK XUEREB REPORTS.

a

re all people in public life narcissists? The dry answer is, thankfully, “no”. But some are radical narcissists and they can wreak havoc upon themselves and others. Why do such people like being seen? Are they just showing off? Is there an intrinsic need to be seen and admired? What drives them to behave in the way they behave? A lot of their behaviour derives from narcissistic character traits or a full blown personality disorder.

Narcissism involves unusually high levels of selfesteem, grandiosity, self-focus, and self-importance.

In reality, there is a lot of variability among narcissists in terms of how their narcissism is expressed.

Two things narcissists desire are money and power, the more the better. Many of the individuals entering the political or entertainment arena depend on popularity to move forward. They crave being seen and admired. So what typically drives a narcissist into public life is a lust for power, prestige, status, and authority. This gratifies their need for selfaggrandisement by feeding their oversized ego, and provides them with compelling evidence of their sense of superiority over others.

People in public life have more power than the average person does and being popular gives them access to contacts and opportunities that the average person doesn’t have. At times, their exploitation of public trust is so flagrant that they should actually end their careers behind bars. Some may use their popularity to ask for favours or to borrow money which they will never return.

A narcissist in public life doesn’t feel guilty about exploiting a privileged position. Because of his or her sense of entitlement, a narcissist equates the ability to get something for themselves with the unshakeable belief that they merit it. If they're caught out and run out of explanations and excuses, they might admit responsibility and pretend to regret their action. But, even then, the apparent

remorse is usually a calculated attempt to buy advantage for themselves, such as avoiding legal prosecution or reducing the prison time for their crimes.

This type of person acts as if what is immoral behaviour for others is somehow acceptable for themselves. Again, it is because of their sense of personal entitlement that they believe the rules and standards that apply to others do not apply to them too.

The sense of entitlement might precede the person’s entry into public life. However, once the person acquires status and is in the limelight, that sense of entitlement increases, along with an increasingly bloated sense of their own self-importance.

Think about it. The narcissist puts himself on a pedestal. When he enters public life, the whole country seems to follow suit. And once they hold a public position, narcissists feel free to do as they wish and do not feel they are accountable to anyone else.

An elevated public position makes a narcissist particularly vulnerable to thinly disguised favours and bribes.

Their grandiose sense of self gets in the way of their seeing those bribes for what they are, making them feel they deserve any advantage that comes their way.

Intrinsically, narcissists believe it is better to receive than to give, and not only in material terms.

To a narcissist, being a career politician means holding onto public attention for as long as possible.

With such people, there is no drive to fulfil a vision.

The main reason for their attaining and maintaining a hold on public office is to secure their over-inflated but fragile ego. The pomposity and arrogance of some politicians stems from the sense of their own importance which they feel their public profile confirms.

What typically drives a narcissist into public life is a lust for power, prestige, status, and authority

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April 2014

19

TALKING POINT

Narcissus painted by Caravaggio, painted circa 1597–1599

Because they are driven to serve themselves and not the public, the measure of their campaigns is how well they can dupe the public and not how well they will deliver on their promises and responsibilities. Their success is not defined by their ability to implement campaign promises, but by their ability to persuade voters that they will best represent their interests. In fact, their real agenda is usually well-hidden from those whose votes they seek, and may even be hidden from the narcissist’s conscious self.

Narcissists are notoriously unable to feel empathy but are often skilled at masking that shortcoming. This undermines their judgement of their own actions, making them unable to

To a narcissist, being a career politician means holding onto public attention for as long as possible

detect how their self-entitled behaviour affects public opinion, and to anticipate that their actions might be held against them. Narcissists see others solely as objects to be manipulated for personal gain but are unaware of or indifferent to how their calculated moves are seen by others who don’t share their extreme sense of entitlement.

The dominance of their position makes narcissists in public life reckless about their behaviour. Their sense of power gives them a sense of invincibility, depriving them of the auto-criticism that normally acts as a check on excesses. Their bad decisions are a shock to their supporters who took them at face value at first and are disappointed to find that they’re not what they seemed.

Pathological lying is typically a narcissistic trait. A narcissist’s fragile but overinflated ego means he needs to manipulate the impression others have of him, hiding what he really thinks or feels, and disguising the motives for his behaviour. Hence the narcissist’s tendency to arrogance, grandiosity, an obsession with personal appearance, and an exploitative, contemptuous, competitive attitude to others.

Narcissists lie to themselves, eventually believing their own lies are the truth. They are fiercely defensive, going on the attack when their views and behaviour are questioned or their lack of logic or inconsistency is pointed out. Because they lie to themselves, they are unable to feel guilt at being found out (“everyone else is wrong”) or identify with the distress they cause others and so they cannot feel regret at betraying those who supported them. To prove themselves morally correct and to preserve their self-image, they falsify ‘facts’ and add details, so whatever they have done wrong remains invisible to them.

A narcissist always wants more – more admiration, more attention, more adulation, more power, more wealth, more status. Yet, at the root of it all is the narcissist craving for unconditional love and acceptance. The feeling is so deeply repressed that it’s unknown to the narcissist himself, so the narcissist pursues the trappings of fulfilment without the possibility of satisfying his need. This leads to recurrent crises which affect themselves and those around them.

When a narcissist holds public office or is in a position of public trust, the shock waves of their actions extend far beyond their immediate circle. Sadly, many never recover despite being told that they need long term therapy.

Dr. Mark Xuereb is a psychiatrist and university lecturer with a special interest in crisis management and emergency medicine.

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20

April 2014

Why do they do it?

One of the primary characteristics of narcissists is their exaggerated sense of entitlement. It's hardly surprising, then, that so many people in public life somehow think they deserve to exploit the system. From their self-interested perspective, that is why the system exists – to provide them with what they believe they deserve. In their heavily self-biased and selfinterested opinion, if they want something, it should be theirs.

Narcissists and relationships Narcissists don't get on well with others, and this becomes clearer in the long-term.

Narcissists tend not to do well in long-term relationships and suffer from all sorts of intraand interpersonal problems. Paulhus (1998) found that, while narcissists are initially more agreeable, conscientious, open, competent, entertaining, and well adjusted, in time, they are less agreeable, less well adjusted, less warm, and more hostile and arrogant.

Why narcissists seek the limelight A narcissist needs constant attention, admiration, praise and flattery. In public life, that narcissistic supply is gratified and, regardless of their real worth or achievement, they believe themselves to be superior and expect to be treated as such. Ironically, a narcissist has a fragile psyche, hence the constant need for being admired and looked up to. One of the major fringe benefits of holding public office is being in the limelight and feeling looked up to and admired.

Narcissistic types Emmons (1984) distinguishes four facets of narcissism.

1. Leadership/Authority – those who enjoy being a leader and being seen as an authority.

2. Self-Absorption/Self Admiration – those who admire their own physical appearance and personality.

3. Superiority/Arrogance –those who overestimate their own abilities.

4. Exploitativeness/Entitlement – those who enjoy manipulating and exploiting others and expect favours from them.

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FACTS & AWARENESS

We were not warned of the practical aspects, the day to day experience of living with somebody suffering from HD

A&H DIRECTORY Huntington’s Chorea Support Group The HD Support Group works under the auspices of Caritas, Malta. Established 14 years ago by a person who had an HD sufferer in the family, the group helps support both sufferers and their carers. At present, there are some 60 families known to the Support Group who have found assistance, advice and solace over the years.

For more information contact Caritas on 2590 6600.

International Huntington Association http://www.huntington-assoc.com/

22

April 2014

St Vitus, a Sicilian personage, is considered the patron saint of dancers. Older Maltese generations referred to anybody manifesting excessive bodily movements as doing the ‘Ballu San Vitu’ (St Vitus’s Dance).

Today people call it the Huntington Dance, a key manifestation of Huntington’s Disease.

The disease is named after an American physician, George Huntington, who described its manifestation extensively in a scientific paper he wrote in 1872. He and his own father and grandfather before him, had observed its manifestation in some of their

patients. The originators of the disease were eventually identified as two English emigrants who had moved to the US in 1630, taking their genetic heritage with them.

However, the disease goes even further back and scientific research has shown the disease was already in existence in the Middle Ages. The culprit gene behind it was only discovered in 1993 and likewise named after Huntington. The discovery was a huge optimistic step forward in the realm of brain science.

FACTS & AWARENESS

Inves�ga�ng

HUNTINGTON’S DISEASE

MARIKA AZZOPARDI LOOKS INTO A LITTLE KNOWN CONDITION

h

untington’s Disease (HD) is a neuro-degenerative disorder which runs in families. It affects a relatively small number of people, estimated at five to 10 persons per 100,000 worldwide. A 1967 study, however, estimated its prevalence in Malta at 7.8 cases per 100,000 inhabitants (Cassar, P., 1967).

Huntington’s Disease is also referred to as Huntington’s Chorea, previously called Hereditary Chorea where Chorea – a Greek word for dance (think choreography) – refers to only one symptom, a major symptom within the disease. In fact, sufferers of HD develop not only loss of movement control but also mood disorders and personality changes, as well as losing the capability to reason or think coherently, and developing dementia.

The illness occurs when a specific gene goes through a mutation which causes excessive repeats (referred to as CAG repeats) of a protein, also referred to as the Huntington Protein. This excessive and unstable protein will proceed to stick to healthy cells and cause them to die. The grim outlook is that Huntington’s has, as yet, no cure or effective treatment.

Having said that, there seem to be several optimistic leads that give hope to researchers around the world. Research has taken varied forms, all of which are intent on finding a way of curing or treating this disease effectively or at least slowing its progress – perhaps even blocking the culprit gene from going into action. A lot of research is being done into stem cell-based therapies. While progress has remained exceptionally slow, scientists seem optimistic that HD will not remain incurable for much longer.

One carer’s story “We had a Huntington sufferer in our family. It was a very difficult time. The family first noticed that she had problems when she started falling, seemingly without any obvious cause. When this falling over happened once too many times, we sought medical

help and she had a blood test done. This determined that she had Huntington’s Disease (HD).

None of us knew anything about HD and when we were referred to the neurologist who had done the blood test, he told us about the medical and scientific aspects. We were not warned of the practical aspects, the day to day experience of living with somebody suffering from HD. Medication was given to our relative, also to help control her varied difficulties linked to moods, memory loss and erratic movements which were slowly but surely becoming more jerky, and included facial twitching. The progress of her condition was initially slow.

We found she could register with Social Services since HD is recognised by government as a disabling illness. Since she was a government employee, she was boarded out. In the beginning she remained active doing her things, exercising regularly, keeping up with hobbies and some socialising. Her diet had to change to help her body deal with the disease but eventually this still did not prevent her developing severe Chorea which hampered her greatly.

As her carers, we found this experience exceptionally hard to deal with. We had practically no respite during her care, which we greatly needed to keep ourselves sane as her condition deteriorated. There are two wards that we know of which have space for HD patients in their terminal phase – one is at Mount Carmel Hospital and one is at St Vincent de Paule Hospital.

We know there are exceptional cases where HD sufferers manage to keep the disease under control for longer than average. In our case, the disease took a relatively normal toll and our relative passed away after some 14 years after the initial diagnosis.

We know there is ongoing research worldwide but we still feel that little attention is given to the extreme assistance required to keep HD sufferers decently cared for.

The physical and emotional suffering shared by close family is tangible – we suffer for the patient, with the patient and eventually because of the

knowledge that HD is running in the family. We hope research will soon discover how to cure the disease, delay its onset, or at least keep it under control.”

The medical perspective Dr. Josanne Aquilina is a consultant neurologist whose interest in movement disorders,which includes this relatively not uncommon disease in our islands, led her to delve deeper into Huntington’s. “Malta has a relatively high prevalence of Huntington’s as a 2013 epidemiological research by Annelise Aquilina, a third year medical student at the University of Malta, showed. This neurogenetic movement disorder is transmitted by autosomal dominant inheritance: features include chorea described as involuntary irregular movements of the face, trunk and limbs affecting co-ordination, gait, speech and swallowing. There is also cognitive decline.

Medication for chorea is administered to the patient and is complemented by supportive care by speech and language pathologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, etc. The care of HD falls within the speciality of neurology in the Department of Neurosciences at Mater Dei Hospital. However, interdisciplinary care involving other departments such as psychiatry, is necessary. Genetics clinics for diagnosis and counselling also play a key role. “

Ethical dilemmas It is clear that HD cannot be prevented. If a parent develops the disease, his or her children have a 50/50 chance of developing it as well. So the story repeats itself down the generations. A genetic test can clarify whether a person carries the Huntington gene or not. The test is also considered by individuals who plan to start a family and who may feel morally obliged to be tested since they would not want to risk passing the gene on to their own offspring and hence to future generations. This presymptomatic testing is one part of predictive medicine that is also of great help to medical geneticists but which creates a series of ethical dilemmas and debates linked to such diseases.

›‹

April 2014

23

HEALTH

F�ever

5 SIMPLE BEAUTY TIPS 1. Load skin with antioxidants, using good products to fight wrinkles.

2. Target the eye area. The skin around your eyes is thinner and more delicate so give the eye area some extra attention every day.

3. Protect against sun damage by applying sun protection cream and wearing sunglasses.

4. Exfoliate and cleanse your skin regularly.

5. Prevent hair loss.

A WORD ON STYLE AND GROOMING Francesca Scerri Rizzo, an aesthetician, says there is no cure for wrinkles. However, there are treatments such as deep exfoliation that can effectively help to resurface the skin, making it look clearer, brighter and smoother.

“Exfoliation helps with cell renewal, making room for new cells. It also improves blood circulation which in turn boosts the collagen and elastin production,” she says. “There are a number of other salon treatments that will help plump up the skin using specific machines.

“However, when addressing ageing, we should really be tackling what it is that leads to ageing skin. Primarily it is the sun’s rays that we should be protecting ourselves from. It is very important to use a sunscreen that will prevent pigmentation and uneven skin tone. We also need to follow a healthy diet, to keep hydrated and to exercise regularly.”

As a holistic therapist, Ms Scerri Rizzo says she is a firm believer in remaining as stress-free as possible: “Taking time to care for oneself, getting enough sleep and always finding something happy to smile about.”

Caroline Paris, a fashion stylist says as a stylist her main focus is the final look rather than whether certain clothes are age appropriate or not. “It’s more about the style than the actual clothes. The same pair of jeans can be styled to look great on both a 20-year old and a 40-year old depending on what else it is paired with,” she says.

As we mature, she says one should give less importance to having lots of clothes and trendy items and focus more on buying what she calls 'investment pieces': “The idea is to invest in a few key pieces of high quality that will last for many years and that can be adapted to be worn with many different outfits.”

24

April 2014

YOUNG

SOME PEOPLE ARE LUCKY ENOUGH TO HAVE INHERITED NATURAL ANTI AGEING GENES. THE REST OF US HAVE TO WORK AT IT. DANIELA ALLEN FINDS OUT HOW.

i

am always intrigued by those who look young despite their age. I particularly remember one university lecturer who stood out for his joie de vivre, youthfulness and positive outlook on life, even though he was approaching retirement age at the time.

He was dedicated, content and rarely seen in a foul mood. He was young at heart, didn't focus much on

aesthetics but was evidently fit and healthy. As we wondered how he kept this up, he explained “Young people make me feel young.

Youth generates youthfulness”. He said he was a firm believer in healthy living, exercise, good food, helping others, and mind-over-matter.

That works for him, but different people deal with ageing differently. Some resort to cosmetics, cosmetic surgery or botox to

make them feel and look younger. Others prefer the more natural approach.

They start a new sport, become involved in philanthropic organisations, take up an organic lifestyle, practice meditation, take up yoga or increase their exercise whatever that may be.

Still, what works for someone else might also work for you, so we asked readers and specialists what they think.

A&H READERS ON WHAT KEEPS THEM FEELING YOUNGS “Dynamism in lifestyle and career, consistency in personal relationships.”

“Constant personal development and humour.”

“Playfulness and a relaxed attitude towards life. Letting my inner child out often helps to keep me feeling young. I don't think we really ever grow up. We just grow old, so our inner attitude and perspective are key.”

“Love and positiveness.”

“A good laugh, contentment and happiness.”

“Living on the edge and listening to some great music.”

“Meditation, limited sun exposure UV damage, hydration, good skin care routine and supplements, avoidance of alcohol, tobacco and other toxins.”

“Keeping a smile on your face.”

“Adventure, regular exercise and affection. Sometimes affection is

overlooked. We all need it” “Drinking as much water as possible.

Limited processed foods. Eating raw vegetables. Laughter and a commitment to exercising your mind.”

“Drinking two litres of water a day.”

“In my case, having two babies at age 40 makes me feel very young.”

“A smoke-free body.”

“Being grateful for everything you have.”

“Avoiding stress, if possible.”

“Exercise.”

“Money.”

“A healthy sexual relationship.”

“Hope.”

“Wearing jeans, cool t-shirts and a smile that joins both ears.”

“Dance as often as possible. Help others. Think positive. Love fully. Pray.

Laugh, laugh, laugh. Learn lessons quickly instead of making the same mistakes over and over again.”

HEALTH

I don’t think we really ever grow up. We just grow old, so our inner attitude and perspective are key

EATING FOR HEALTHY HAIR Thinning hair is one of the signs of ageing. Prolong hair health by eating right.

OMEGA 3 fatty acids reach both the

helps deliver oxygen to the body's cells. A lack of iron will result in your blood not being able to carry enough oxygen to your scalp for good hair growth. Eat dark leafy vegetables, whole grains, beans, red meat, turkey, egg yolks, clams, mussels, and oysters.

VITAMINS A and C contribute to the production of sebum, the oily substance that protects your hair naturally. Foods to eat: Swiss chard, spinach, broccoli, sweet potatoes and pumpkin.

hair shaft and the cell membranes in the scalp. Omega 3 fatty acids nourish the follicles and promote healthy hair growth.

Eat flaxseeds, walnuts, salmon, tuna, kale, Brussels sprouts, and rapeseed oil.

Make sure you get enough ZINC . It boosts tissue growth and repair, helping your scalp and hair stay healthy. It also regulates hormones – including testoserone – and helps maintain production of oil-secreting glands on the scalp that help your hair grow.

Eat chickpeas, wheat germ, oysters, beef, veal liver, and roast beef.

Eat a diet rich in HIGH QUALITY, NATURAL PROTEIN .

The foods to eat: Greek yogurt, eggs yolks, kale, peanuts, beans, peas, lentils, tofu, chicken and turkey.

Make sure you eat foods that are rich in IRON for healthy blood, which

Magnesium is also needed for good hair growth. Foods to eat: almonds, spinach, cashews, lentils, brown rice and halibut.

Selenium helps stimulate hair follicles to encourage new hair growth.

Foods to eat include: almonds, spinach, cashews, lentils, brown rice and halibut.

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April 2014

25

HOME & SCHOOL

Sex Talk i

PARENTS AND PROFESSIONALS PLAY COMPLEMENTARY ROLES IN SEX EDUCATION. A&H REPORTS.

n the pre-internet days, curious teens looked for articles about sex in cheap gossip magazines or rooted through its Q&A and problem pages. Talking to adults – especially your own parents – about sex was still a taboo even at school, especially for those who never had any personal and social development lessons.

Attitudes to sex have loosened up and sex education has evolved. At times, it is better to explain things, instead of beating about the bush and letting children discover things by themselves, risking negative consequences.

A&H spoke to a PSD teacher, a guidance teacher and a parent about their different roles in talking about sexuality to pre-adolescents.

Some pupils, even at the age of 14, have already had sexual experiences – at times even with different partners

»

April 2014

27

HOME & SCHOOL

Rachel, a PSD teacher in a girls-only school “I teach 12-year old girls and sexuality is part of our curriculum. When I first started teaching, this topic made me feel anxious but now that I’ve learnt how the students react, I actually look forward to classes. I do my best to give my students accurate information and explain that sex is not something to be shy about or to avoid talking about. On the contrary, sex is something natural, an act of love. It is here that I try to point out that it is natural when it is done at the right time and with the right person.

It is very tempting to give only my point of view, but my teaching years have taught me to stop and listen and let the girls do the talking. This helps me build a sense of trust, a mutual relationship with my students. Unfortunately, the girls come equipped with misconceptions and myths. Others consider sex as fun and as something that they are obliged to do with their boyfriends to continue with their relationship.

I believe that teachers and parents need to work together to give the right information to our children. More meetings for parents need to be organised to talk about how they should speak to their children about sexuality and what they need to know.

I am a bit confused about how to tackle the subject next year, as I will have boys and girls together in the same class. It will be another challenging and enriching experience. I’ll work on building mutual respect between girls and boys through understanding each others’ needs, emotions and feelings.”

Michael, a guidance teacher in a mixed school “We organise meetings regularly for our students.

The meetings are either single-sex or mixed. We still have pupils who try to ridicule the subject, especially those who want to give the impression that they know everything about sexuality and don’t need an adult to tell them what they should or should not do.

During our one-to-one sessions, sex is one of the main topics that students tend to want to speak about. Sometimes, we involve the parents too, especially when we feel that the adolescent is in some form of danger. Some parents are completely unaware of what their children are doing and how they are reacting to the emotional changes they are going through.

Some pupils, even at the age of 14, have already had sexual experiences – at times even with different partners. When asked about using protection, the majority of them hesitate at first but then admit that they feel shy going to a pharmacy to buy condoms.

In certain cases, I do blame parents, especially when it turns out that these adolescents are alone 28

April 2014

peer pressure is now being felt. I try to raise the topic of sexuality whenever the opportunity rises.

For example, a cousin of mine told us she was pregnant. I took the opportunity to explain how pregnancy occurs and the responsibilities that a baby brings with it. My daughter listened carefully but did not give any input to the conversation. I felt that she already knew all the details and listened just not to offend me.

I know that adolescents today experiment much more with sex than when we were young. I keep myself informed about certain terminology which adolescents use nowadays and I read about sexually transmitted diseases. Now that my daughter is going through puberty, I find it a bit easier to discuss things with her especially when she is in the mood of striking up a conversation with her ‘old’ mother. I try to make her aware that her body is very precious and no one has the right to harm her.

Facebook and other social media worry me especially when I see photos and selfies of young girls being uploaded constantly, wearing close to nothing. Why don’t girls think about their own dignity nowadays? I know that my daughter is no different from her peers, but I try to do my best to discuss things with her and pass on to her the values which I feel will make her grow up wise and honest.”

My teaching years have taught me to stop and listen and let the girls do the talking for most of the time after school and that their only contact with the outside world is through chat rooms and social media. Some children are neglected, not in the physical sense, but emotionally. So at the first sign of affection from an outsider, they immediately succumb and start believing in fairytales of living happily ever after.

I also have contact hours with the primary classes and we start discussing sexuality even with the young ones, obviously in ways that they can understand. It is never too early to start discussing this important topic.”

Gillian, mother of an 11-year old girl “Being a parent is no joke and having adolescent children is a constant uphill struggle. I always tried to build a strong relationship with my daughter but

How to talk to your children about sexuality It is never too early to start. Children are very curious about their bodies and differences between boys and girls. Instead of making a fuss about the questions their children ask, parents should answer the questions and instill in the child a sense of respect towards the opposite sex.

Give age-appropriate information. This will help the child cope with the new information and link it with their natural and emotional development.

It’s normal to feel embarrassed. All parents feel embarrassed and confused when starting a conversation about sexuality. Even the child will feel embarrassed but it is the parent’s responsibility to assure the child that these conversations are a show of trust and care. The important thing is to keep the conversation flowing and on-going.

Listen and ask questions. Allow your child to express his views and give him time to ask you questions. Don’t be surprised that their questions are quite challenging. Remember that children now have easy access to different sources of information, so they do their own research too.

Try to find out why they are asking certain questions. They might be asking just out of curiosity or because they want to take a decision. Others might simply need reassurance that what they are feeling is normal. Answer in a simple way and avoid complicated terminology which might mean nothing to your audience.

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ALTERNATIVE THERAPY

CHINESE MEDICINE, REFLEXOLOGY AND AROMATHERAPY

t

raditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a five-century old medical system that is based on the holistic understanding of the universe – Taoism – and applying these principles to the human body, where we treat the root causes of illnesses, and not their symptoms.

Meridian Lines

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the body is seen to have 12 meridians or channels, six on each side of the body, and two vessels, the conception and governor, each running down the centre of the front and back respectively.

Blockages along these meridians restrict the flow of chi (energy) and will manifest in pain, to warn the body that energy is not flowing properly and needs help.

The chi energy flows along 12 meridian lines to every part of the body producing harmonious health, however chi movement can become restricted or trapped when these meridians become blocked, causing imbalances and diseases.

Do you suffer from aches and pains, fibromyalgia, polymyalgia, stress and fatigue? The harmonisation of ancient therapies helps to rebalance your energy flow and your vitality and brings back the smile that you have lost because of the pain, stress and lack of energy caused by pain.

Acupressure – gentle finger pressure is applied to

TREAT YOURSELF NATURALLY AND REBALANCE CHI TO LIVE A BETTER AND HEALTHIER LIFE, SAYS MARY VELLA

the acupoints, to help chi flow smoothly.

Acupuncture – special sterile metal needles are inserted into the blocked meridian lines to clear blockages and restore the chi flow, thus restoring health and harmony.

Chi Gong – chi moving exercises, breathing and simple relaxing movements, help posture and promote good health, thus preventing illness.

Herbal Therapy – Traditional Chinese Medicine herbs are used to treat the underlying condition of a disease rather than just controlling the symptoms. Herbal therapy is based on the understanding of emotions and their relationship to the internal organ system and their influence on health. These healing herbs and their energy essences rebalance the yin and yang, restoring the flow of blocked chi, blood, moisture and the organ networks.

Tui na is a 2000-year old oriental body massage and manipulating techniques, establishes a more harmonious flow of chi, helping the body to heal itself naturally. We work on the meridian lines, and the vital chi energy, the yin-yang, five elements and the internal organ doctrines.

Moxibustion is a special herb in a small cone that is burnt on the skin directly on the blocked acupoint. Its heat unblocks the acupoint, alleviating the pain, and the chi flows again.

Reflexology is an acupressure massage performed on the foot. The foot holds nerve endings relating to all parts of the body and its organs, so each part of the foot corresponds to a part of the body. There

This type of therapy relaxes tensed muscles and releases fibrocytes, alleviating aches and pains 30

April 2014

ALTERNATIVE THERAPY

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are about 7,200 nerve endings in the feet which make us aware of anything that is out of balance in the body. With reflexology we can treat the corresponding area of the body to alleviate aches and pains and restore harmony. An hour of treatment will release the blockages and help the chi to flow again.

Aromatherapy oils help to release their energy to alleviate aches and pains and balance the flow of chi. They are blended in a carrier oil and massaged all over the body. This type of therapy relaxes tensed muscles and releases fibrocytes, alleviating aches and pains, bringing back harmony and rebalancing the energy flow.

The harmonisation of all of these therapies helps to treat a lot of pain-causing disorders, namely fibromyalgia and polymyalgia, which are related to stress that has not been dealt with and to the emotional breakdown that has been kept locked up for far too long.

Accumulated stress blocks the energy channels, preventing the flow of chi, when we ignore our body’s signals to take action, relying instead on some over-the-counter, fast-acting painkillers to keep us going, forgetting the pills we swallowed a few hours previously and the pain that will return once our painkillers wear off.

Treat yourself naturally and rebalance chi to live a better and healthier life.

A&H Elizir Medi Spa competition c/o Standard Publications Ltd. Standard House Birkirkara Hill St Julians STJ 1149

›‹

April 2014

31

BODY & MIND

why

YOGA?

YOGA IS THE UNION OF THE MIND AND BODY, EXPLAINS MICHELLE BARTOLO “Yoga can improve depressive symptoms and immune function, as well as decrease chronic pain, reduce stress, and lower blood pressure. These claims have all been made by yogis over the years, and it sounds like a lot of new age foolishness. Surprisingly, however, everything in that list is supported by scientific research.” – Psychology Today

w

e have lots to learn from Yoga’s Eastern roots. The Eastern population tend to be in tune with their bodies whereas Westerners are much more mind-driven. We Westerners tend to think more than we feel. Hence, Yoga has become our body’s business – a business that starts on the inside and affects our world and how we react to it on the outside. We need to listen more to our body’s ‘business’. We need to make it the ‘business’ of our mind to listen to our bodies, to tune into every second of every minute of every hour of every day. We do this to save ourselves from leading a life that we dread instead of one we can enjoy and thrive in.

Research scientifically proves what every Yoga practitioner and teacher has known for ages: that Yoga can literally change your brain function and improve many other bodily funtions. The best way to believe it is to actually try it. Yoga is 99% practice, 1% knowledge. Research some classes. Find a teacher.

Book a class or a private lesson. Then feel what it’s all about.

Yoga gives you a better quality of life. It has certainly done that for me. I know I’m making bold statements but I’ve been practising Yoga now for 13 years and these are the facts. Not just my facts, but facts recognised by doctors, scientists, sages, celebrities, researchers, teachers, practitioners and children.

Many different people from all walks of life practise Yoga. When I started Yoga I was hyperactive and a heavy drinker and smoker. Yoga helped me to get over all of those things in time.

Practising yoga means you gain flexibility in the body which spreads to the mind. Problems tend to get solved faster thanks to this flexibility and the body tends to heal faster too. What you learn on the mat filters into your life off the mat. The way you do Yoga is the way you do life. Yoga teaches the mind to move with the body.

“It's neurobiology,” Psychology Today reports. “This next statement may sound to you either profound or extremely obvious, but it comes down to this: the things you do and the thoughts you have change the firing patterns and chemical composition of your brain. Even actions as simple as changing your posture, relaxing the muscles on your face, or slowing your breathing rate, can affect the activity in your brain (beyond, of course, the required activity to effect the action). These changes are often transient, but can be long-lasting, particularly if they entail changing a habit.”

Everything is connected. Everything in the body supports the mind and vice versa. Your inner world reflects your outside life. If you have achieved everything you’ve wanted in your outside life you should also be able to achieve whatever you want on the inside, be it inner strength, clarity or peace. If you were to put the same effort into the practice of these inner achievements as you have into your external achievements, you’d find success. It’s all a matter of practice. It’s your body’s business. No one is ever good at something they are just starting. The more hours you put in, the more you progress, the bigger the benefits.

Michelle Bartolo Yoga is a yoga practitioner and tutor. www.michellebartoloyoga.com

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April 2014

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QUICK FIX

S Y

A W GREAT TO LOOKING HAIR

11 1

Don’t apply conditioner to the roots of your hair. It’ll make your hair heavy and dull your scalp. Make sure your hair is rinsed clean after shampooing. Squeeze out excess water and apply conditioner only to the hair shaft, paying particular attention to the ends. Use a wide-toothed comb to spread the conditioner evenly and lightly run your hair through your hands to massage in the conditioner.

2

If you have dry hair, after applying conditioner, cover your hair with a plastic cap, wrap a towel round your head and wait as long as possible before rinsing it out.

3

Avoid dull hair by rinsing your hair thoroughly after shampooing and conditioning. Hot or warm water will open the hair cuticle, roughing it up and making it frizzy. Use the coldest water you can bear. It’ll help close the hair cuticles, smoothing the hair shaft.

4

Never rough dry your hair with a towel. It will ruffle the cuticles, coarsening the hair shaft and causing tangles. First, squeeze out as much water as possible with your hand. Then, wrap a

towel round your head and squeeze your hair gently. Let your hair air-dry, if possible.

5

If you blow dry your hair, apply a protective serum or cream first. When using a blow dryer, hold the dryer 6-8 inches away from your hair, direct the airflow from the roots downwards along the hair shaft. Use a wide-bristled brush to smooth hair in the same direction as the air flow. Use a warm – not hot – setting and finish off with a blast of cold air to smooth the cuticles.

6

in a towel and leave it to work for as long as possible. Then shampoo as usual. If you can really bear it, try a mayonnaise mix – olive oil and egg yolk, massaged through your hair and left in overnight. It’s messy, but it works. For sundamaged hair, use a mix of olive oil and honey.

9

If your scalp itches, rub it with a mix of olive oil and lemon and leave it in for at least 20 minutes before shampooing as usual. The lemon’s acid will help remove loose skin flakes.

10

Brighten up dull hair with a pot of yogurt or sour cream. Before shampooing, massage half a cupful into damp hair and let it work for about 20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water, then cold, and then shampoo as usual. The lactic acid will remove product residue and the fat in the dairy product will help condition your hair.

Fight frizz with avocado. Mash half an avocado to a pulp and massage it into clean, damp hair. If your hair’s long, you might need to use the whole fruit. Leave it in for at least 15-20 minutes and then rinse it out thoroughly. The oil and protein will help smooth down your hair shaft.

7 8

Change your parting. It’ll make your hair look fuller. This is NOT the same as a combover to hide a bald patch. Your hair lies flat when it’s always parted the same way. Changing your parting will give it extra lift at the roots.

Spritz flat beer lightly onto fine hair and let it dry naturally. It’ll leave a protein residue that will thicken the hair shaft, making it look fuller.

For dry hair relief, comb clean olive oil through your hair, slip on a plastic cap, wrap your head

11

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See also ‘Eating for healthy hair’, page 25.

April 2014

35

new in Malta THE ANSWER TO CYSTITIS

CLIVON-CIST USEFUL FOR THE TREATMENT OF:

Cystitis means inflammation of the bladder. It is usually caused by a urine infection. Typical symptoms are pain when you pass urine and passing urine frequently. You may also have pain in your lower abdomen, blood in your urine and fever (high temperature). Your urine may also become cloudy or smell offensive.

• Having sex increases the chance of cystitis in some women.

• Hormones. Your vagina, bladder and urethra respond to the hormone estrogen. When the levels of estrogen in the body reduce, the tissues of these organs become thinner, weaker, and dry.

These changes can increase the risk of recurrent cystitis if you have gone through the change (menopause).

• Pregnancy Cystitis is also more common during pregnancy because of changes in the urinary tract.

Why do some women have recurring cystitis?

What can I do to help prevent cystitis?

Your body has defences to prevent bacteria from causing cystitis. Recurring cystitis is often caused by a type of bacteria called Escherichia coli (E.coli), the leading cause of all urinary tract infections. About 25 - 50% of all young, healthy women who have their first infection will develop a second one within 6 months and for some women, one of the following may contribute.

• Bladder or kidney problems may lead to infections being more likely. For example, kidney stones, or conditions that cause urine to pool and not drain properly. Your doctor may arrange some tests if a problem is suspected.

If you have acute or recurrent cystitis, before starting to have any antibiotic course, the following may help.

• Hygiene • Drink lots of water • Clivon-Cist

• EPISODIC ACUTE CYSTITIS • RECURRING CYSTITIS

What is cystitis?

CLIVON-CIST contains D-MANNOSE Once ingested, arrives in the urinary canal where it binds to the bacteria (main cause of cystitis and urinary infections) and together is expelled through the urine.

CRANBERRY Cranberry helps to inhibit the adhesion of bacteria to the epithelial cells of the urinary canal.

It is very useful to prevent the “recurrent relapses”.

BEARBERRY It has antimicrobial activity, mainly due in the presence of hydroquinone, which is effective against many strains of bacteria responsible for infections of the genito-urinary tract.

VITIS VINIFERA / RESVERATROL They are used for their specific anti-inflammatory activity.

CLIVON-CIST is distributed exclusively by A.M.Mangion Ltd. and is available in all leading pharmacies.

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April 2014

37

COMPETITION

THE SCHOLL EXPRESS PEDI For beautiful, silky-soft skin, use the new Scholl Express Pedi, a rotating electrical device that removes skin from feet quickly and effortlessly. This season’s must have beauty buy Salon experience at home for softer feeling feet 93% of people who tried it would recommend it!

Safe and gentle to use. Perfect for the safe and professional removal of hard skin from your feet at home. No sharp blades whatsoever and complete with a safety stop Includes 2 x AA batteries 2 year guarantee.

Available from Scholl Foothealth Centres, pharmacies and supermarkets. www.schollfoothealthcentre.com

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Participants accept to receive commercial information from the sponsors of this competition. Competition entries are only accepted by SMS*. No entries will be accepted by email, post, phone or fax. Your contact number will automatically be attached to your message. The publisher’s decision is final. The prize will be awarded to the first correct entry drawn out of all those received up to 31st May 2014. No correspondence regarding the competition or prize draw will be entered into. Employees and immediate relatives of Standard Publications Ltd. are excluded from participating in this competition. A&H readers may enter all competitions in each issue of A&H as many times as they wish. All prizes will be awarded. However, to ensure a fair distribution of prizes, only one per winner will be awarded for each issue of A&H. *Each messages costs €0.58.

WIN THE SCHOLL EXPRESS PEDI

WORTH

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Question 93% of Scholl Express Pedi users recommend using the product.

A.True B. False Send your reply by SMS to 50615101 by 31st May 2014. Include ‘Scholl’ in your text message.

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can’t find a single word that best describes Giselle Camilleri, a well-known name among those who follow athletics. My first memories of Giselle are of her training at Marsa, speaking to everyone in her usual energetic way. We met through a mutual friend and have remained in touch since we followed the same career. Now, it’s social media that keeps us in contact since Giselle moved to France where she lives with her partner and daughter.

Does she still feel Maltese? I didn’t really need to ask her the questions because I was 100% sure of her answer. Even though Giselle lives, works and trains in France, she has not forgotten her roots and her Mediterranean character and spirit are still very evident. “I miss my family terribly,” she says. “We are very close and so, at times, it really hurts. I also miss my training mates.”

Giselle lived in Santa Venera and is the third child in a family of four. “My upbringing within my Catholic

Giselle running with Iris at 1year 11 months

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April 2014

family was very good and I still treasure the values that my parents instilled in me. As a child, I dreamt of becoming an air hostess but my dad suggested teaching and so I took his advice and studied Physical Education at University,” she says. She adds that she doesn’t easily give up on her dreams, so she’s even managed to work as an air hostess for a short time Running was always an integral part of her life: “I started running when I was 13. During summer, I woke up early and went for a jog along Bugibba front. Before that, I used to run everywhere: whenever I went shopping for mum, on my way to private lessons or to catch the bus.” It was at school that her love for athletics grew, thanks to an athlete friend. “My dad knew I loved running , so he registered me for a couple of races,” she says. “After a 10km race, Paul Camilleri of Zurrieq Wolves Athletics Club asked me to join the club. I have never looked back since,” she adds.

Giselle’s career as a long distance runner has been on for more than 20 years now, with all the ups and downs such demanding sport can bring with it. “My main problem is that I have poor foot biomechanics.

I have deformed feet and weak ankles,” she says.

“This changes my gait and causes injuries in different parts of my body. I had shin splints, fractures, knee injuries, ankle injuries, hamstring strains, sciatic pains, and inflammations in my pubis, but my motivation helped me overcome every set back.”

Over the years, Giselle has participated in all road races in Malta and, more than once, she was a member of the Maltese contingent for the Small Nations Games. “I cherish all experiences. I have run all over Europe and beyond. In fact a great experience was when I ran a half marathon in Rwanda with thousands of bare-footed kids accompanying us runners along the way,” she recalls.

There are other important milestones in Giselle’s career as a long distance runner, such as winning her first marathon at 21 in Barcelona and all her medals in the GSSE. Giselle says that she always does her best, but her greatest satisfaction was when she managed to keep going even though she was in pain: “Beating the pain barrier is my greatest achievement. I remember once when I was only 17 and was running the Dingli 10km race in pain. Dad was following me on his scooter and kept telling me to hop on and stop since he could see how badly I was in pain. But quitting never was and will never be in my vocabulary.”

Although long-distance running falls into the category of individual sport, those who train regularly build up a circle of friends who share their interest. “I

GISELLE CAMILLERI DOESN’T NEED A REASON TO EXERCISE. SHE LOVES WHAT SHE DOES, SHE TELLS ANNA MARIA GATT

miss my Maltese training friends, especially Carmen Hili who I used to meet at the track under the supervision of my coach Ivan Rozhnov,” she says.

“Funnily enough I met my coach when I was injured and needed physiotherapy and from that day onwards my running career really developed.”

Giselle says she can’t stop thanking her coach for always believing in her even when she thought everything was over.

Giselle’s life is not only about running. Nearly four years ago she gave birth to her daughter Iris. “My greatest ambition in life is now to help Iris, to raise her well and to see her succeed in all aspects of life,” she says. Iris is already taking after her mum and has already participated in races organised for toddlers and children. Giselle’s partner loves running too, so she receives all the support she needs.

After having Iris, Giselle waited seven weeks before starting to run again. “The most important thing is to start slowly and gradually and find a few minutes daily. I started with only a one-minute run, oneminute walk and increased it daily till I reached six minutes. Then I started running, increasing my time by 2-3 minutes daily,” she explains, adding that mothers who want to shed extra weight should invest in a good stroller and take the baby with them when going for a walk or light jog.

Giselle admits that juggling work, training and fulfilling her role as mother is not easy. Living in France, she does not have the luxury of her parents helping her out by looking after Iris while she goes to work or trains. “I found all the support I needed from my partner and friends, but I always prioritise and end up doing what is the most important,” she says.

She is currently coaching long-distance runners and teaches gymnastics to 8- to 10-year olds. She is also a Nordic walking guide, an activity which she would like to introduce in Malta. Nordic walking is a physical activity and a sport done with specially designed walking poles similar to ski poles. Compared to normal walking, Nordic walking has more physical benefits. The whole body is used with more intensity and burns up more energy.

“There’s nothing negative about exercise. It has only benefits,” she says. “It has been physiologically proven that the body releases a ‘feel good’ hormone, so exercise makes us physically and mentally healthy.

It helps us socially, too, because we meet like-minded people and make new friends who share the same passion. She concludes by saying that her greatest satisfaction is when she encourages others not to give up and to keep on striving to achieve. That’s determination for you. We can only wish her well.

EXERCISE & FITNESS

SO YOU WANT TO START LONG-DISTANCE RUNNING? 1. Know your body and don’t set too high expectations As Giselle suggests, start slowly and gradually. If you have never run before, start with just five to ten minutes, alternating between jogging and walking. When you feel comfortable, increase by 2-3 minutes daily.

Take note of the time or distance you cover so that you can easily plan your training schedule. If you are a beginner, don’t go running every day. Plan rest periods too.

2. Prepare mentally and physically Plan the time when you are going for your daily run. Don’t go running thinking about how much work you still have to do. Do some stretching exercises before and after your run. Don’t forget to drink water – not only during the run, but throughout the whole day.

3. Choose where to run

My main problem is that I have poor foot biomechanics.

I have deformed feet and weak ankles

If you don’t feel confident running on the road, why don’t you join a walking / running club? There are also running tracks within school premises which are open to the general public before or after school hours.

Check the website of Kunsill Malti ghallIsport for further information.

4. Take part in fun runs When you become confident, take part in the regular fun-runs and 5km races organised by different Local Councils and organisations around Malta. This will give you more experience, will help you make new friends and will increase your motivation. Don’t aim to take part in the Half Marathon only. Build up your endurance gradually.

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April 2014

41

FACTS & INSIGHT

Seasonal

SNEEZE YOU’VE GOT TO FEEL IT TO BELIEVE IT. HAY FEVER CAN BE DEBILITATING UNLESS YOU KEEP IT UNDER CONTROL.

a

llergic rhinitis, or hay fever, is an immune disorder. Its symptoms are puffy eyes, nasal congestion and itching, and a runny nose. This is caused by an allergen, usually an ordinarily harmless substance like pollen.

If you regularly have rhinitis symptoms, see your doctor about allergy testing. Nonallergic rhinitis has the same symptoms as hay fever but is not caused by any known allergen and is treated differently.

If you have a parent or a sibling who suffers from hay fever, you are more likely to get it too. If you suffer from asthma or eczema, you are also more likely to develop hay fever.

Perennial allergic rhinitis is caused by anything from dust mites and house mould to animal fur and feathers. If your rhinitis erupts only around this time of year, you’re probably allergic to pollen.

Your symptoms are your body’s way of protecting you by getting rid of the allergen or expelling it from your system. When you breathe in an allergen, your body releases a chemical called histamine into your bloodstream. This causes nasal tissues to swell, to block the allergen from moving further in.

The release of histamine into your bloodstream encourages fluids to enter your nasal passage to help flush out the allergen. Sneezing is another of nature’s attempts to protect you. The reflex action expels any invading allergens. Dark circles under the eyes are the result of congestion in the veins lining your sinus.

TREATMENT Antihistamines interrupt the chain reactions triggered by the release of histamines into your bloodstream. Take care when using antihistamines because they often cause drowsiness. Avoid driving or drinking alcohol when taking antihistamines and let your doctor and pharmacist know of any other medication you are taking.

HOW TO PREVENT HAY FEVER A strong immune system helps avoid the symptoms of hay fever. That means a healthy lifestyle based on a good diet and regular exercise.

The most effective prevention strategy is to avoid the allergen. Avoid being in a garden or around growing flowers in the evenings or early mornings when the pollen count is higher. By summer, the pollen count will have dropped.

Protect yourself indoors by not keeping growing flowers inside (cut flowers are less harmful). Keeping all doors and windows closed will prevent airborne pollen drifting in, but can make the space feel stuffy. Ventilate a room during the day but keep the windows closed in the early morning and evening.

A good air conditioner should filter out fine particles including pollen, which will help get you through the difficult spring months. Keep the filters scrupulously clean by rinsing them, rather than brushing or shaking them clean.

you can breathe more easily. However, over-the-

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April 2014

Symptoms of rhinitis include: • long bouts of heavy sneezing; • soreness and itching in the nose, throat and the roof of your mouth; • a runny nose; • nasal dripping into your throat that makes you cough; • itching and watery eyes; • dark circles under the eyes; • a ‘full’ feeling in your head because of nasal congestion; • ears that feel blocked or painful because of pressure; • general sluggishness and fatigue.

counter remedies can have a rebound effect, worsening your congestion if you use them for longer than you should.

the nasal passages moist, relieving some of the unpleasant symptoms.

Steroid nasal sprays are usually available

symptoms.

Eye drops can be used to relieve eye on prescription. They limit local reactions to allergens.

Saline nasal sprays are available without Decongestants ease nasal congestion so

SYMPTOMS

a prescription and can be used as often and for as long as you like. They wash out allergens and keep

Immunotherapy can help reduce debilitating symptoms. Injections must be taken periodically to reduce your sensitivity to particular allergens. The process usually takes three to five years.

›‹

Catacrom Advertorial A&H.pdf 1 22/04/2014 20:20:51

ADVERTORIAL

SOOTHING RELIEF FOR HAY FEVER & ALLERGY EYES that covers the white part of the eyes and the inside of the eyelids which are easily irritated by allergens like pollen.

CATACROM® SODIUM CROMOGLICATE 2% Catacrom® Eye Drops are for the relief and treatment of seasonal and year round allergic conjunctivitis and the symptoms of red, watery, itchy and puffy eyes.

Catacrom®, is the tried and tested ‘first line’ treatment for allergy eyes in the UK.

•

Symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis include itching, burning, watering, redness of the eye and puffiness of the eye lids.

Each convenient unit-dose contains sodium cromoglicate and is preservative-free ensuring that the product is extra-safe to use, and that the symptoms of eye allergy are not made worse by preservatives which are often found in multi-dose formats.

•

Seasonal and perennial allergic conjunctivitis usually affects both eyes at the same time.

Catacrom® is suitable to be used by children, as well as users of contact lenses.

•

The most important advice for limiting allergic conjunctivitis is to try to keep away from whatever is causing the allergy.

•

Keeping doors and windows closed normally helps.

A cold compress may also help to relieve sore eyes.

•

Anti-allergy eye drops, containing sodium cromoglicate, can help to treat the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis.

•

Use of preservative-free eye drops may be particularly beneficial, as this limits any potential for additional irritation to the eyes caused by preservatives.

ABOUT ALLERGIC CONJUNC TIVITIS

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For further information call Cherubino Ltd. Tel: 2134 3270 Catacrom® is a medicinal product. Always read the leaflet and consult your pharmacist or doctor for advice.

PRODUCT NEWS

THE MIRACLE OF ARGAN OIL… Beacita is an anti-obesity medicine which contains Orlistat. It is indicated for weight loss in adults (>18 years) who are overweight (Body Mass Index BMI > 28kg/m2) and it should be taken together with a low calorie, low fat diet and high exercise plan.

Beacita should be started only after an adequate diet and exercise plan alone were not able to achieve the desirable results as indicated by your doctor or pharmacist. Beacita works on your digestive system by blocking the fat in the food you eat from being absorbed and digested. Beacita is a medicinal product available in pharmacies.

Argan Oil, also known as ‘liquid gold’, was first discovered by the Berber women of Morocco. This miracle oil is exceptionally rich in Vitamin E and antioxidants and is well known for its anti-ageing and moisturising benefits. Now available in our fabulous range of SPAtopia bath and body products, treat yourself to some serious pampering.

When the excessive heat or exercise has left you feeling tired and drained, Marvit Energy will come to the rescue.

Marvit Energy, Containing no added sugars is particularly indicated for the imbalance of excess perspiration. One effervescent tablet is to be taken once daily, in a small glass of water.

Exclusively distributed by Alfred Gera & Sons Ltd, Tel : 21446205/6

For further information please contact A.M.Mangion Ltd. on 2397 6000.

The exciting and quirky brand has been born! ... Everything for beautiful skincare is now available such as Dirty Works Facial Wipes, Pore-fect Scrub, Lip Plumper, Frown and Line Eraser, Eye Cream, Dark Circles Concealer, Detox Mask, Moisture Mask, Vitamin C Brightening Mask and Collagen Overnight Treatment. Life will never be the same again with our top to toe beauty proiducts... For more information on the full range of Dirty Works Skincare, Bath & Body, Beauty Bags and Accessories check out www.dirtyworksbeauty.com

FortiCare is specifically designed for people with cancer. FortiCare is a nutritionally complete, high energy in small volume, high protein, ready to drink, milk shake style nutritional supplement, which is enriched with n-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and fibre for the management of cachexia (weight loss) in patients with cancer. FortiCare can be used to supplement the diet or used as a sole source of nutrition (meal replacement) in those patients who are not eating enough or have a reduced appetite. FortiCare helps to promote weight gain, builds lost muscle and physical strength, whilst improving physical activity. Its fibre content also helps fight the common problems of diarrhoea and constipation. FortiCare is available 125ml bottles, in 3 flavours which are studied to meet the taste preferences of people with cancer, i.e. Cappuccino, Orange & Lemon and Peach & Ginger.

Manuka Honey is proven to contain a high level of active antioxidants that neutralise free radicals which are responsible for skin cell damage. Assisting in the growth of new cell and tissue regeneration, Manuka Honey hydrates, nourishes and helps prevent signs of ageing. With this in mind, Good Things skincare has launched a Manuka Honey skincare range. Good Things Manuka Honey skincare range will appeal to customers wanting an anti-ageing aspect tailored with hydrated, healthy, balanced skin in simple, effective products at affordable prices. The range consists of: • Good Things Manuka Honey Creamy Cleanser 150ml – a gentle, creamy cleanser to effectively remove daily grime & keep skin hydrated. Contains Royal Jelly and Beeswax • Good Things Manuka Honey Refining Scrub 150ml – an exfoliating scrub to balance and smooth skin. Contains Oat Meal and Sweet Almond oil • Good Things Manuka Honey SPF 15 Daily Moisturiser 100ml – hydrates, replenishes and prevents signs of skin ageing. Contains Royal Jelly and Bee Venom • Good Things Manuka Honey Radiance Face Mask 100ml – brightening face mask to hydrate skin and promote skin radiance. Contains White Clay and Bee Venom

FortiCare is available from all leading pharmacies. For more information kindly call Cherubino Ltd on 21 34 32 70.

Good Things Skincare is exclusively distributed by Alfred Gera & Sons Ltd, Tel: 2144205

Dirty Works is found in leading supermarkets and pharmacies and is exclusively distributed by Alfred Gera & Sons Ltd, Tel : 21446205/6

FORTICARE NUTRITION FOR PATIENTS WITH CANCER!

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April 2014

PRODUCT NEWS Treat Yourself, Treat Your Skin – Pampered, an affordable range of showergels, bath, smoothies, handwashes, body butters and rollons. Starring in the range are four Pampered Shower Smoothies and four Pampered Bath Smoothies.

Pampered Shower Smoothie Balancing with essential blend of cleansers and natural exfoliators, is a yummy blend of coconut, almond & vanilla fragranced extracts.

Pampered Shower Smoothie Detoxifying is an exfoliating blend of blackcurrant, cranberry & chamomile fruit.

Pampered Shower Smoothie Soothing with a cleansing blend of strawberry, raspberry & pomegranate fruit.

Pampered Shower Smoothie Exfoliating is refreshing blend of mango, passionfruit and orange.

The Scholl Express Pedi For beautiful, silky-soft skin, use the new Scholl Express Pedi, a rotating electrical device that removes skin from feet quickly and effortlessly. This season’s must have beauty buy Salon experience at home for softer feeling feet. 93% of people who tried it would recommend it! Safe and gentle to use. Perfect for the safe and professional removal of hard skin from your feet at home No sharp blades whatsoever and complete with a safety stop Includes 2 x AA batteries, and a 2 year guarantee.

Available from pharmacies and supermarkets. www.schollfoothealthcentre.com

All indulging Pampered Shower and Bath Smoothies will help leave your skin feel moisturised, soft, smooth and are suitable for all skin types. And best of all they are really affordable with a starting RRP of only €2.22! Pampered…Your Affordable Indulgence.

Available from leading supermarkets and pharmacies. Trade Enquiries call Alfred Gera & Sons Ltd Tel: 21446205/6

La Perla – Just Precious

Fresh New Thinking above Bladder Weakness

This couture fragrance combines the vibrant luminosity of Orange Blossom with the solar exoticism of Tiare and exquisite Sambac Jasmine to create a beautiful bouquet of white flowers.

The woody, amber base notes leave the fragrance bursting with the sensual texture and refined warmth that characterise the Oriental Woody Floral Family.

TENA Lady is body-shaped for discretion and comfort TENA Lady provides excellent protection, comfort and discretion.

TENA Lady pads are body shaped, designed to make you feel at ease, so you can focus on the fun things in life.

La Perla Fragrances are distributed exclusively by Chemimart. Tel:21492212

Individually wrapped Each TENA Lady pad is individually wrapped and can easily be popped into your handbag or pocket. TENA Lady pads are easy to carry around and easy to dispose of.

The soft side elastic shapes the pad for a close fit It is ultimately about you feeling secure. The elasticated sides help TENA Lady pads adapt to the shape of your body. They gently follow the movement of your body, whatever you do. TENA Lady pads provide the freedom to move with confidence without worrying about urine leakage.

Soft textile breathable outer material helps maintain healthy skin TENA Lady has soft, breathable material that allows air to circulate, preventing dampness and promoting skin health. TENA Lady keeps you feeling fresh.

Tena is available from all leading pharmacies and supermarkets. Trade Enquires: Pharma-Cos Ltd. Tel: 2144 1870. www.tena.com.mt

COLIEF INFANT DROPS A MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH FOR BABIES WITH COLIC Research has found that the hours of crying may be greatly reduced when babies are fed their usual milk* with Colief Infant Drops – and it is now recognised as the gold standard treatment in the UK for babies with colic. *breast milk or formula milk Reduce the Hours of Crying Colief is available from all leading pharmacies. For more information kindly call Cherubino Ltd on 21 34 32 70 or visit www.babymalta.com

The Betachek G5 The Betachek G5 is the worlds first Memory Card technology blood glucose meter which offers unlimited result storage. Test results are automatically and permanently saved to memory card, assisting you to maintain a complete clinical history of your glucose levels, without having to transfer results to a computer or diary.

Betachek is distributed by Chemimart.

Tel: 21492212

SMOOTH, SOFT & GENTLE Some things bring out the best in each other – like Persil Non-Bio and Comfort Pure. Use them together for fresh, pure and gentle results that sensitive skin loves.

Why choose Comfort Pure?

When clothes are washed their fibres can start to tangle and bobble. Comfort Pure keeps fibres smoother so clothes feel soft and gentle. It’s dermatologically tested with skincare research recognised by the British.

Skin Foundation. It’s the recommended choice for delicate skin.

April 2014

45

d�ect�y PHARMACIES AND CLINICS

VALLETTA/FLORIANA NEW BRITISH DISPENSARY, TRIQ IL GANC, VALLETTA • 21244813 CHEMIMART PHARMACY, FREEDOM SQUARE, VALLETTA • 21238355 REGENT PHARMACY, 70 MERCHANTS STREET, VALLETTA • 21247347 ROYAL PHARMACY, 271/272 REPUBLIC STEET, VALLETTA • 21234321 COLLIS & WILLIAMS PHARM., REPUBLIC STREET, VALLETTA • 21244847 EMPIRE PHARMACY, MELITA STREET, VALLETTA • 21238577 EMPIRE PHARMACY, 46 MELITA STREET, VALLETTA • 21223368 ST. PUBLIUS PHARMACY, 48 GUNLAYER STREET, FLORIANA • 21225444 VILHENA PHARMACY, 37, ST. ANNE STREET, FLORIANA • 21244114 CHEMIMART PHARMACY, 14 ST ANNE SQUARE, FLORIANA • 21239310 FLORIANA PHARMACY, 23 ST. ANNE STREET, FLORIANA • 21245833 HAMRUN SAN GEJTANU PHARMACY, PARISH PRIEST MIFSUD STR., HAMRUN • 21234570 THE CROSS PHARMACY, 859 ST JOSEPH HIGH ROAD BLATA L-BAJDA, HAMRUN • 21227682 THOMAS PHARMACY, 796 ST.JOSEPH HIGH STR., HAMRUN • 21238018 DARWIN PHARMACY, 152 ST.JOSEPH HIGH ROAD, HAMRUN • 21221512 BROWN’S PHARMACY, 706, ST.JOSEPH HIGH STREET, HAMRUN • 21238623 COSMED PHARMACY, VILLA AMBROSA RD, HAMRUN • 21225991 FRA DIEGO PHARMACY, 94 VILLA AMBROSA, HAMRUN • 21224898 INTERNATIONAL PHARMACY, 650. ST. JOSEPH HIGH STR., HAMRUN • 21236477 LISTER PHARMACY, 209 ST. JOSEPH HIGH ROAD, HAMRUN • 21245627 NATIONAL PHARMACY, 17 ST. MARY STREET, HAMRUN • 21225539 ST. VENERA ST. BARTHOLEMEW PHARMACY, 230 FLEUR DE LYS ROAD, SANTA VENERA • 21492271 ST. VENERA PHARMACY, 332 ST. JOSEPH HIGH ROAD, SANTA VENERA • 21238625 LANTERN PHARMACY, MISRAH IL-KEBBIES, SANTA VENERA • 21444648 FATIMA PHARMACY, 44 ZONQOR STR., SANTA VENERA • 21482856 B’KARA HERBA PHARMACY, 95 MAIN STREET, B’KARA • 21443406 MARRIT PHARMACY, 1 FIRST OF MAY STR. FLEUR DE LYS, B’KARA • 21488613 ST. THERESA PHARMACY, MAIN STR., B’KARA • 21442233 ST. ANNE PHARMACY(B’KARA), ST. HELEN SQUARE, B’KARA • 21441914 ST. JUDE PHARMACY, 213 VALLEY ROAD, B’KARA • 21492151 ST. PAULS PHARMACY, BRARED STREET, B’KARA • 21442135 ST. HELEN PHARMACY, 48 HERBA STREET, B’KARA • 21441589 PHARMAPLUS PHARMACY, GANU STREET, B’KARA • 21492958 HOLY CROSS PHARMACY, MAIN STREET, B’KARA • 21448454 FLEUR-DE-LYS PHARMACY, 32, FLEUR-DE-LYS ROAD, BIRKIRKARA • 21488884 MACKIES PHARMACY, L. CASOLANI STREET, B’KARA • 21496089 RATIONAL PHARMACY, 185 VALLEY ROAD, B’KARA • 21441513 IKLIN/LIJA/BALZAN/ATTARD IKLIN PHARMACY, GERONIMO ABOS STR., IKLIN • 21415499 MEHRIEZ PHARMACY, GIOVANNI CURMI STR., IKLIN • 21435567 ST. MICHAEL’S PHARMACY, TRANSFIGURATION AVE., LIJA • 21435875 ST. JOSEPH PHARMACY, 172 MAIN STREET, LIJA • 21418846 BALZAN PHARMACY, 70 ST. FRANCIS STREET, BALZAN • 21444035 MEDICA PHARMACY, NAXXAR ROAD, BALZAN • 21445741 ST CATHERINE PH.(ATTARD), TRIQ ID-DIELJA, ATTARD • 21413442 ST. MARY (ATTARD), 1 ANTONIO SCHEMBRI STR., ATTARD • 21436339 M4 PHARMACY, TRIQ IL- LINJA, ATTARD • 21436531 MISRAH KOLA PHARMACY, PITKALI ROAD, ATTARD • 21434137 MOSTA GROGNET PHARMACY, 41 CONSTITUTION STR., MOSTA • 21432038 ROTUNDA PHARMACY, CONSTITUTION STREET, MOSTA • 21433634 SANTA MARGERITA PHARMACY, VJAL IL-QALBIENA MOSTIN, MOSTA • 21416426 SGHAJTAR PHARMACY, TRIQ IS-SGHAJTAR, MOSTA • 21415198 ST.JOSEPH PHARMACY, TRIQ IZ-ZAKAK, MOSTA • 21417593 ST. LOUIS PHARMACY, CALI’S STREET, MOSTA • 21432802 ST. MARY PHARMACY(MOSTA), 14 ROTUNDA SQUARE, MOSTA • 21433833 TAT-TARGA PHARMACY, 327 CONSTITUTION STREET, MOSTA • 21433139

The magazine is also available for free at the following pharmacies, clinics and hair salons.

ST. MARY PHARMACY(DINGLI), MISRAH FRENCH ABELA, DINGLI • 21452447 HEALTHWISE PHARMACY, FRANCESCO ZAMMIT STREET, DINGLI • 21453301 MTARFA PHARMACY, 4-6, TRIQ L-ORKIDEJA, MTARFA • 21451261 ZEBBUG TAL GRAZZJA PHARMACY, TRIQ FRANGISK FARRUGIA, ZEBBUG • 21462068 ST. MARY PHARMACY(ZEBBUG), TRIQ L-GHASFURA, ZEBBUG • 21465346 BROWN’S PHARMACY, 47, VJAL IL-HELSIEN, ZEBBUG • 21465411 DE ROHAN PHARMACY, 24 ST. ANTHONT STR, ZEBBUG • 21464128 HAL-MULA PHARMACY, DUN SALV CIAPPARA STREET, ZEBBUG • 21461693 PLAZA PHARMACY, 86 MAIN STR., ZEBBUG • 21467459 SAFI/SIGGIEWI PASTEUR PHARMACY, TRIQ IT-TELLERIT, SAFI • 21689944 MENELO PHARMACY, DR. N. ZAMMIT STR, SIGGIEWI • 21462957 SAFI PHARMACY, TRIQ SAN GWANN C/W TRIQ BIEB IL-GARRA, SAFI • 21649552 ST. NICHOLAS PHARMACY, 1 PARISH STREET, SIGGIEWI • 21460828 PIETA/MSIDA ST. ANTHONYS PHARMACY, 11 ST.JOSEPH STREET G’MANGIA, PIETA’ • 21237327 ST. LUKES PHARMACY, ST. LUKES ROAD, G’MANGIA, PIETA’ • 21241293 BROWN’S PHARMACY, 10, MARINA APARTMENTS, MARINA STREET, PIETA • 21244366 CHARING CROSS PHARMACY, MIMOSA STREET G’MANGIA, PIETA’ • 21232954 DEBY’S PHARMACY, 1 QUARRIES SQUARE, MSIDA • 21222468 REGIONAL PHARMACY, E.H. FURSE STR., MSIDA • 21312449 REGAL PHARMACY, 39 ANTONIO BOSIO STR, MSIDA • 21313115 MAYER PHARMACY, 33 TA’ XBIEX SEA FRONT, MSIDA • 21331732 GZIRA/TA’XBIEX O’HEA PHARMACY, 126 MANDEL STR., GZIRA • 21330268 ST. MATTHEWS PHARMACY, 213 THE STRAND, GZIRA • 21311491 TONYS PHARMACY, 100 STEWARD TR., GZIRA • 21332080 D’ARGENS PHARMACY, 330 RUE D’ARGANS, GZIRA • 21330817 REMEDIES CHEMISTS, TRIQ G. CALI’, TA’ XBIEX • 21341649 PHARMALAND DISPENSERS, PRINCESS MARGARET STREET, TA’ XBIEX • 21346547 SLIEMA CHEMIMART PHARMACY, TOWER ROAD, SLIEMA • 21338369 STELLA MARIS PHARMACY, STREET, SLIEMA • RUDOLPH PHARMACY, 133 RUDOLPH STR., SLIEMA • 21337682 NORMAN’S PHARMACY, TOWER ROAD, SLIEMA • 21332243 WALES PHARMACY, 183 MANUEL DIMECH STR., SLIEMA • 21335492 DRUGSTORE PHARMACY, 382 MANUEL DIMECH STR., SLIEMA, • 21334627 ECONOMICAL PHARMACY, 87 DINGLI STR., SLIEMA • 21330376 EDWARD’S PHARMACY, MANUEL DIMECH STREET, SLIEMA • 21334102 VICTORS PHARMACY, 9 TOWER ROAD, SLIEMA • 21330352 BROWN’S PHARMACY, UNIT 22A, THE POINT SHOPPING MALL, TIGNE STREET, TIGNE, SLIEMA • 21313233 HARLEY PHARMACY, DINGLI STREET, SLIEMA • 21334635 MRABAT PHARMACY, 5 MRABAT STREET, SLIEMA • 21313535 SAN GWANN/GHARGHUR SAN GWANN PHARMACY, TRIQ FELIC BORG, SAN GWANN • 21386974 MEDICAL PLAZA, NAXXAR ROAD, SAN GWANN • 21377157 MARC’S PHARMACY, MENSIJA ROAD, SAN GWANN • 21373275 LOURDES PHARMACY, NAXXAR ROAD, SAN GWANN • 21387479 MEDICINE CHEST PHARMACY, TRIQ DEMETRIJU FARRUGIA, GHARGHUR • 21422204 ST. ALBERT PHARMACY, N/S IN ORATORY STREET, GHARGHUR • 21413402 SWIEQI/ST.ANDREWS/PEMBROKE PENNYLANE PHARMACY, TRIQ IS-SEJJIEH, SWIEQI • 21375373 JV’S PHARMACY, SWIEQI VALLEY, SWIEQI • 21371062 ST. ANDREW’S DISPENSARY, TRIQ IL-QASAM, ST. ANDREW’S • 21376153 KRYPTON PHARMACY, TA L-IBRAGG, ST. ANDREW’S • 21370141 SAN GIORGIO PHARMACY, 186 MANUEL BUHAGIAR STREET, PEMBROKE • 21378485 PEMBROKE PHARMACY, TRIQ GIUSEPPE MALFEGGIANI, PEMBROKE • 21372784

NAXXAR PILL BOX PHARMACY, TRIQ IL-BJAD, NAXXAR • 21417406 VICTORY PHARMACY (NAXXAR), 16 VICTORY STREET, NAXXAR • 21412454 NAXXAR PHARMACY, 21 SEPTEMBER AVENUE, NAXXAR • 21411438 BROWN’S PHARMACY, ST. PAUL’S STREET, NAXXAR • 21417652

ST.JULIANS MELITA PHARMACY, 127/128 ST. GEORGES RD., ST.JULIANS • 21338657 BALLUTA PHARMACY, 30, BALLUTA BUILDINGS, TRIQ IL-KBIRA, ST.JULIANS • 21317888 ST. JULIANS PHARMACY, 24 GRENFEL STREET, ST.JULIANS • 21339426 POTTERS PHARMACY, WILGA STREET, ST.JULIANS • 21343244 MERHBA PHARMACY, 2 MAISONETTS BLOCK, ST.JULIANS • 21333886

RABAT/DINGLI/MTARFA NOVA PHARMACY, 142 COLLEGE STR., RABAT • 21454247 CENTRAL PHARMACY, E.VITALE STREET, RABAT • 21455959 ST ANTHONY (RABAT), 18 MAIN STR., RABAT • 21454187 IDEAL PHARMACY, 63 MAIN STREET, RABAT • 21455479 NIGRET PHARMACY, TRIQ ZAHAR, RABAT • 21450602

QAWRA/BUGIBBA/ST.PAUL’S BAY EL MEDINA PHARMACY, TRIQ IL-KURRAZZA, QAWRA • 21576308 EUROCHEMISTS, TRIQ IL-FLIEGU, QAWRA • 21581876 QAWRA PHARMACY, TRIQ L-IMHAR, QAWRA • 21580881 ST. SIMON PHARMACY, 8 ISLETS PROMENADE, DAWRET IL GZEJJER, BUGIBBA • 21571649 PROMENADE PHARMACY, ST. PAUL’S COURT, PIONEER ROAD, BUGIBBA • 27441160

ST. PAULS BAY PHARMACY, 78 SIMPSON STREET, ST. PAUL’S BAY • 21575276 PARKES PHARMACY, 582 ST. PAUL’S STREET, ST. PAUL’S BAY • 21571764 MELLIEHA/MGARR KARIZIA DRUGSTORE LTD, 69 TRIQ G.BORG OLIVIER, MELLIEHA • 21523554 VILLAGE PHARMACY, 31 MAIN STREET, MELLIEHA • 21523536 MELLIEHA PHARMACY, TRIQ G. BORG OLIVIER, MELLIEHA • 21523462 ST. MARY (MGARR), 38 SIR HARRY LUKE STR., MGARR • 21580711 GHAXAQ/QRENDI/MQABBA ST. PHILIP PHARMACY, TRIQ IC-CEPPUN, GHAXAQ • 21808723 BETA PHARMACY, 50/52 ST. MARY STREET, GHAXAQ • 21663311 QRENDI PHARMACY, 102 MAIN STREET, QRENDI • 21683781 CHRYSANTHEMUM PHARMACY, ST. NICHOLAS STREET, QRENDI • 21680828 KRISTIANNE PHARMACY, TRIQ IC-CAVI, MQABBA • 21683408 MQABBA CENTRAL PHARMACY, ST. CATHRINE STR., MQABBA • 21611133 LUQA/GUDJA/KIRKOP ST. ANDREW’S PHARMACY, 25 DUN PAWL STREET, LUQA • 21820795 CENTRAL PHARMACY, 6 ST. JOSEPH STREET, LUQA • 21692546 MEDICAID PHARMACY, VJAL IT-TORRI, GUDJA • 21676294 AIRPORT PHARMACY, MALTA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, GUDJA • 21248904 GUDJA PHARMACY, TRIQ SAN CIRU, GUDJA • 21696422 KIRKOP PHARMACY, 9 PARISH STR., KIRKOP • 21682028 PRESTIGE PHARMACY, 16 ST. JOSEPH STREET, KIRKOP • 21611328 ZURRIEQ SALOS PHARMACY, 21 REPUBLIC SQUARE, ZURRIEQ • 21829508 BRONJA PHARMACY, BRONJA ROAD, ZURRIEQ • 21682251 ZURRIEQ DISPENSARY, 146 MAIN STREET, ZURRIEQ • 21689971 KRISTIANNE PHARMACY, P.P. SAYDON STREET, ZURRIEQ • 21827391 XAROLLA DENTAL CLINIC, TRIQ IT-TAĦĦAN, ŻURRIEQ MARSA/TARXIEN TARXIEN DISPENSARY, TRIQ HAL TARXIEN, TARXIEN • 21802986 THERESA JO PHARMACY, 3A XINTILL STREET, TARXIEN • 21672703 SONREN PHARMACY, ZEJTUN ROAD, TARXIEN • 21672757 TRINITY PHARMACY, 78 SIMPSON STREET, MARSA • 21235595 VIVIAN PHARMACY, C. MAGRI STREET, MARSA • 21221701 SAN RAFFAEL PHARMACY, 75 QORMI ROAD, MARSA • 21238727 BIRGU/BORMLA/SENGLEA/KALKARA VITTORIOSA PHARMACY, 9 TRIQ IL-MINA L-KBIRA, BIRGU • 21807529 WHITE CROSS PHARMACY, SHOP A BLK 1, FUQ SAN PAWL, BORMLA • 21821671 VERDALA PHARMACY, 57 BONNICI SQUARE, BORMLA • 21824720 VICTORY PHARMACY, 32 VICTORY STREET, SENGLEA • 21801698 SAN FILIPPU PHARMACY, 155 VICTORY STREET, SENGLEA • 21690500 KALKARA PHARMACY, ARCHBISHOP GONZI SQUARE, KALKARA • 21807740 ZEJTUN ST. CATHERINE PHARMACY, MONS. EM. GALEA STREET, ZEJTUN • 21678039 JOHN BORG PHARMACY, 1 CONSTITUTION STREET, ZEJTUN • 21898728 GERADA PHARMACY, 46 MATER BONI CONSIGLI STREET, ZEJTUN • 21806009 GREEN CROSS PHARMACY, 31 GREGORJU BONNICI SQ., ZEJTUN • 21693723 M’SCALA/B’BUGIA/MARSAXLOKK BELLAVISTA PHARMACY, 88, TRIQ IL-HORTAN, M’SCALA • 21633788/99927804 SAN GWAKKIN PHARMACY, NO 1 TRIQ SANT ANNA, M’SCALA • 21637994 ST. ANNE PHARMACY, TRIQ IL-QALIET, M’SCALA • 21687615 POMPEI PHARMACY, XATT IS-SAJJIEDA, MARSAXLOKK • 21651278 BLOSSOMS PHARMACY, TRIQ IL-GURGIER, B’BUGIA • 21652226 BRITTANIA PHARMACY, 5 PRETTY BAY, B’BUGIA • 21651141 MARTINS PHARMACY, 182 TRIQ B’BUGIA, B’BUGIA • 21651031-27651031/2 QORMI TAL-HLAS PHARMACY, TRIQ IL-HELSIEN, QORMI • 21487739 ANICI PHARMACY, ANICI STREET, QORMI • 21487158 ST. GEORGE PHARMACY, 401 MAIN STREET, QORMI • 21493981 EVANS PHARMACY, ST. SEBASTIAN STR., QORMI • 21487020 PINTO PHARMACY, 106 ST. SEBASTIAN STR., QORMI • 21487311 BROWN’S PHARMACY, 278, VICTORY STREET, QORMI • 21499697 PAOLA/ST. LUCIJA AGIUS PHARMACY, 64 PAOLA SQUARE, PAOLA • 21821646 BROWN’S PHARMACY, 45, PAOLA HILL, PAOLA • 21694818 ST. MONICA PHARMACY, ST MONICA STR, PAOLA • 21667146 DISTINCTION PHARMACY, 32 PAOLA SQUARE, PAOLA • 21693412 DE PAOLA PHARMACY, 36 PAOLA SQUARE, PAOLA • 21826408 FLEMING PHARMACY, 65 ZABBAR ROAD, PAOLA • 21696893 SANTA LUCIA PHARMACY, 1 DORELL PLACE, SANTA LUCIA • 21890111 April 2014

47

d�ect�y MADDALENA PHARMACY, DAWRET IT-TORRI, SANTA LUCIA • 21677037 ZABBAR/FGURA FELICE PHARMACY, 95 SANCUARY STR., ZABBAR • 21827939 ST. JAMES PHARMACY, IS-SLIEM SQUARE, ZABBAR • 21666194 MAYDAY PHARMACY, 28 VICTORY STREET, ZABBAR • 21826529 POLYMER PHARMACY, XGHAJRA ROAD, ZABBAR • 21676263 CILIA’S PHARMACY, 303 ZABBAR ROAD, FGURA • 21801962 ALPHA PHARMACY, COSPICUA ROAD, FGURA • 21673811 FGURA PHARMACY, ST. THOMAS STREET, FGURA • 21675250 GOZO ABELA PHARMACY, 42, DE SOLDANIS STREET, VICTORIA • 21556170 AZZOPARDI PHARMACY, CAPUCHIN’S STREET, VICTORIA • 21554233 BATU PHARMACY, 38 PALM STREET, VICTORIA • 21551841 CASTLE PHARMACY, 2 INDEPENDENCE SQUARE, VICTORIA • 21556970 GOZO CHEMISTS, MGARR ROAD, XEWKIJA • 21557278 JOYCE PHARMACY, 8TH SEPTEMBER AVENUE, XAGHRA • 21561486 LAURETANA PHARMACY, 36 MGARR ROAD, GHAJNSIELEM • 21563017 NADUR PHARMACY, 31,PJAZZA 28 APRIL 1688, NADUR • 21556002 PALM PHARMACY, 2 PALM STREET, VICTORIA • 21556170 PISANI PHARMACY, BINI GDID, TRIQ SANNAT,SANNAT • 21559542 SOKKORS PHARMACY, ST.GREGORY SQUARE, KERCEM, GOZO • 21553018 ST.JOHN PHARMACY, 85 INDEPENDENCE STREET, XEWKIJA • 21563052 ST. JOSEPH PHARMACY, PJAZZA SAN GUZEPP, QALA TAC-CAWLA PHARMACY, DR. A.TABONE STREET, VICTORIA • 21557819 THISTLEDEW CLINIC, ST ELIZABETH STEET, XEWKIJA • 21/79553409 TONY’S PHARMACY, QBAJJAR ROAD, MARSALFORN • 21563617

HAIR SALONS

VALLETTA, FLORIANA, HAMRUN, ST. VENERA MICHAEL & GUY HAIRSTYLISTS, 201B TRIQ L-IRFAN, VALLETTA • 21225122 CHEZ MAURICE SALON, 7 TRIQ SAN PUBLIJU, FLORIANA • 21236692 DORIETTE HAIR SALON, DOLORES TRIQ PAWLU SALIBA, HAMRUN • 21244474 GEMINI HAIR CARE CENTRE, TARMARISK TRIQ IL-FERROVIJA, STA VENERA • 21499652 B’KARA, BALZAN, ATTARD, LIJA, IKLIN GLAMOUR HAIR & BEAUTY CENTRE, 106 TRIQ IL-PAPA GWANNI XX111, B’KARA • 21445264 ELISA HAIR SALON, TRIQ TUMAS FENECH, B’KARA • 21490704 CLASSIC HAIR DESIGN, TRIQ SIR ANTONIO MICALLEF, BALZAN • 21493643

The magazine is also available for free at the following pharmacies, clinics and hair salons.

DOREEN HAIR STUDIO, TRIQ L-GHENBA, ATTARD • 21438903 ANGEL’S TOUCH, TRIQ ANNIBALE PRECA, LIJA • 21419327 ART OF HAIR, TRIQ CENSU BUSUTTIL, IKLIN • 21495345 PIETA, GZIRA, MSIDA, TA’XBIEX, SLIEMA, SAN GWANN, SAN GILJAN, SWIEQI STYLISSIMO HAIRSTYLING, YACHT MARINA IX-XATT, PIETA’ • 21246886 TONI & GUY HAIRDRESSING, 247-249 RUE D’ARGENS, GZIRA • 21310020 ALFIE’S HAIR & BEAUTY SALON, TRIQ TAS-SLIEMA, GZIRA • 21343333 L’OREAL HAIRDRESSING CENTRE, 175 TRIQ D’ARGENS, MSIDA • 21313145 ELAINE CHEVEUX ATELIER, SHOP 4, BIK E4 QASAM BINI TAL-GVERN, TA’ XBIEX • 21333101 PRIVE, THE BASTION VIEW, TRIQ IX-XATT, SLIEMA • 21336962 CUT COIFFEUR, DE TIGNE COMPLEX, LEVEL 0 TRIQ IX-XATT, SLIEMA • 21314656 MR SCISSORS HAIRDRESSING SALON, 329 TRIQ MANUEL DIMECH, SLIEMA • 79346363 PIERRE CAMILLE, 21 TRIQ MILNER, SLIEMA • 21311349 MARK NAVARRO HAIRDRESSING, 65A TRIQ TIGNE, SLIEMA • 21344563 VILLAGE GOSSIP UNISEX HAIR SALON, TRIQ IS-SANTWARJU, SAN GWANN • 21389026 THE BEAUTY EMPORIUM, 26 TRIQ IS-SANTWARJU, SAN GWANN • 21387064 GIORGIO HAIR SALON, TRIQ TA’ L-IBRAG L-IBRAG, SWIEQI • 21374878 CROPPERS UNISEX HAIRSTYLIST, 4 TRIQ GORG BORG OLIVIER, SAN GILJAN • 21366540 MARSA, PAOLA, FGURA, ZABBAR,TARXIEN, LUQA, ST.LUCIJA CUTTING CREW HAIRDRESSING,186A TRIQ STIEFNU ZERAFA, MARSA • 21227115 ART HAIR STUDIO, 66 PJAZZA PAOLA, PAOLA • 21664719 ETHNIC STYLES UNISEX HAIR SALON, TRIQ SANT’ ANTNIN, ZABBAR • 99227253 CRIMPERS, TRIQ SAN FRANGISK, FGURA • 99888211 FRINGES UNISEX SALON, 9 TRIQ IL-WILGA, TARXIEN • 21801146 CHEVEUX CLASSIQUES BY OTTILIA, TRIQ IL-GILDA, LUQA • 21820487 FUSCO, 4, CENTRU CIVIKU TRIQ INEZ SOLER, STA LUCIJA • 21824713 GUDJA, SAFI, GHAXAQ, ZEJTUN, ZURRIEQ BRUSH & COMB SALON, SHOP 2, QASAM TAD-DJAR HAL TARXIEN, GUDJA • 99893895 BLACKS & BLONDS, TRIQ IL-KACCATURI, SAFI • 21683860 CAPELLI 2000, TRIQ IL-HAREB, GHAXAQ • 21678162 CARMEN SALON, 10 SQAQ IL- VITTORJA, ZEJTUN • 21694344 FRIDA’S UNISEX SALON, TRIQ IL-KUNCIZZJONI, ZURRIEQ • 21641610 M’XLOKK, M’SCALA, B’BUGIA ELIZABETH SALON, TRIQ VITTOTRIO CASSAR, M’XLOKK • 21658578 CURLS AD WAVES, TRIQ IS-SILLA, M’SKALA • 21634241

CATHERINE’S HAIR STYLIST, 7 TRIQ IL-PROFS ANTON TABONE, B’BUGIA • 21651118 SENGLEA, VITTORIOSA, COTTONERA, KALKARA BEAUTY 2000, 35 TRIQ IL-VITORJA, SENGLEA • 21691012 CUTTING EDGE, 3 TRIQ SANTA MARGERITA, COTTONERA • 21807976 CARINA SALON, 3 TRIQ IL-MINA L-KBIRA, VITTORIOSA • 21697932 GOLDEN HANDS SALON, TRIQ IL-KAPUCCINI, KALKARA • 99285396 QORMI, ZEBBUG, SIGGIEWI COLOURS HAIR SALON, TRIQ TEL-BAJJADA, QORMI • 21482476 CUT ‘N’ CURL BY GRAZIELLA, 18 TRIQ SANTA KATERINA, QORMI • 21470553 DIVAS HAIR STUDIO, TRIQ L-MIFSUD TOMMASI, ZEBBUG • 21466969 ANTONEA UNISEX SALON, 14 PJAZZA SAN GWANN, SIGGIEWI • 21464952 MOSTA, NAXXAR, GHARGHUR E3 HAIRDRESSING, 33 VJAL IL-LABOUR, NAXXAR • 21410972 BEAUTY TEAM, 181 TRIQ IL-KOSTITUZZJONI, MOSTA • 21423939 FRANCIA’S CLIP & DYE SALON, TRIQ L-ORATORJU, GHARGHUR • 21416724 RABAT, MTARFA, MGARR GOOD LOOKS UNISEX HAIR SALON, IC-CENTRU BINJA SANTA LUCIJA, MTARFA • 21450952 COIFFEUR D’ART UNISEX HAIR SALON, 59 TRIQ BIR IR-RIEBU, RABAT • 21452105 CARE CUTS , 46, ARC UN CIEL TRIQ L-IMWADES, MGARR • 21574552 SAINT PAUL’S BAY, MELLIEHA THE CUTTING EDGE HAIR STUDIO, TRIQ SANT’ ANTNIN BUGIBBA, SAN PAWL IL-BAHAR • 21578645 DESIGNERS CUT HAIRDRESSING & BEAUTY, TRIQ IZ-ZNUBER, MELLIEHA • 21525194 SOUL SOLUTIONS HAIR & NAIL SALON, SUNNYCOAST RESORT CLUB, QAWRA, ST. PAUL’S BAY • 270 40158 GOZO ANNA’S SALON, TRIQ SAN GUZEPP, QALA • 21562800 MICHELLE CUT ABOVE HAIR STUDIO, PJAZZA INDIPENDENZA, GHAJNSIELEM • 99829233 HAIR ILLUSIONS, 106A TRIQ IL-KNISJA, NADUR • 21522180 OLIVIA’S UNISEX HAIR SALON, 36 TRIQ JANNAR, XAGHRA • 21556255 ANNIE’S SALON, 43B TRIQ PALMA, VICTORIA • 21556660 CARMEN’S HAIR SALON, TRIQ SANT’ INDRIJA, ZEBBUG • 21563906 Margie’s Salon, 103 Triq it-Trux, Gharb • 21559980