Irish skin prevails as La Roche-Posay launches high tolerance sun care spray

It should come as no surprise to the millions of Irish skinned across the country that Ireland has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in Europe. With 66% of all Irish people at risk of developing this deadly disease because of their skin type alone, a mere five minutes in the sun is, literally, like playing with fire. So, as we head into May's Melanoma Awareness Month and with new reports showing that holiday 'binge tanning' is on the increase across the UK, La Roche-Posay has launched their new high tolerance sun products Anthelios XL 50+ Spray. Designed with an ultra fluid texture that allows for easy application and quick absorption, this non-sticky and non-greasy formula offers long lasting hydration that keeps you protected for up for four hours.

The La Roche-Posay sun protection range Anthelios XL provides unparalleled effectiveness and dermalogical tolerance to protect against cellular damage caused by UV rays and is clinically proven to be the most effective sun protection on the market thanks to the combination of patented filters Mexoryl SX and Mexoryl XL, which ensures efficient protection against the entire spectrum of UVB and UVA rays, whatever their intensity.

Get it now exclusively from select pharmacies nationwide.

'Binge tanning' increasing skin cancer in UK women

The number of UK women diagnosed with the most serious form of skin cancer is on the rise according to new figures released by Cancer Research UK.

The numbers show that nearly 350 women were diagnosed with malignant melanoma in 2005, up from 220 in 2003. And the numbers are continuing to rise each year, with nearly one woman in her 20s diagnosed with this deadly form of skin cancer each day in the UK at present.

The researcher say that the use of sunbeds all year around and "binge tanning" on holidays were to blame for the spike in young UK woman and that around 50 women under the age of 40 die from melanoma each year.

The experts also warn that rates are likely to continue to rise by the year 2024, when it is expected that it will become the fourth most common cancer in both men and women with upward of 15,500 per year.

Read the full story here.

I say bring on the bronzer and throw me my bottle tan...I'm as happy as can be with my skin, thanks very much!

La Roche-Posay launches nationwide anti-aging promotion

To celebrate the launch of their new Substiane Eyes Anti-Aging Restructuring Care, La Roche Posay are running a nationwide pharmacy promotion on their anti-aging products.

While stocks last, customers who purchase any full size La Roche-Posay anti-aging products will receive a free gift that includes a number of travel size samples of the company's best known anti-aging products, worth approximately €40.

La Roche-Posay products are tested and recommended by dermatologists and are available exclusively fro selected pharmacies including Matt O'Flaherty's Chemist in Eyre Square.

A Lil' Review

Yes to Cucumbers Soothing Facial Mask

I'll be honest, I don't really take care of my skin as well as I should. I know that, I admit, and yet somehow I was lucky enough to be blessed with skin that didn't really blemish or get oily or dry out, no matter what kind of trauma I put it through. I wash it in the morning before I put on my makeup, I wash it at night when I can remember and I keep it lotioned when it needs it. Boring I know, but it works for me. So when the small tub of Yes to Cucumbers Soothing Facial Mask landed on my doorstep late last week it admittedly took me a few days to find the time to sit down and try it out. Why fix something that isn't broken right?

But alas, here I sit, just moments after washing the mask off, rubbing my face in awe. The term "baby's bottom" comes to mind, but then I touch it again and think it may actually be softer than even that. I am amazed.

One of two new additions to the famous Yes to Carrots range of skin, body, and haircare products, the Yes to Cucumbers line is designed to cool, calm, and hydrate sensitive skin thanks to key ingredients that include aloe vera, green tea, broccoli, dill, and (duh!) cucumbers.

I have to admit, the Soothing Facial Mask didn't smell great...but it definitely could have smelled worse, all things considered (especially when you discover there is algae thrown in there as well). Still, it manages to go onto the skin smooth and doesn't dry to a cement-like crater that leaves your skin feeling like all the moisture has been sucked straight from your pores. Better yet, when the five minutes were up, a quick rinse with some warm water was all I needed to wash away this greenish goop (is there nothing worse than rubbing your face red raw trying to get these silly masks off?)

And the end result? Well, it is now almost 20 minutes since I started writing this review (so maybe I decided to celebrate my wonderfully smooth skin with a glass of wine in the middle of blogging, its allowed right?), and I am still rubbing my skin in wonder.

And I have to admit, the smell kind of grew on me as well. There is something clean, somethign fresh, something...well, natural, about it. Makes sense I guess, since I doubt you could really get much more natural than putting cucumbers on your face, right?

It would appear it is time for me to reevaluate my facial regime. And cucumbers have most definitely just made the cut.

Don't forget to check out the second new addition to the Yes To... family, Yes to Tomatoes, aimed at bring a healthy and fresh balance to oily and combination skin types.

Galway Stockists: The complete line of Yes To.. .products are available from Boots on Shop Street and Matt O'Flaherty's Chemist on William Street.

Bring on the blusher — Research shows that rosy is healthy

Ladies, you will be happy to know that all that endless searching and mindless spending we go through to find the perfect blusher hasn't all been a complete waste. A new study from the University of St Andrews shows that people really do believe that healthy women should display a rosy glow on their face, and that pink cheeks increase a woman's overall level of attractiveness to both sexes.

The researchers responsible for the study confirmed that natural redness in our cheeks is reflective of a general level of fitness in women, and is associated with increased levels of oestrogen, both reasons why the tint makes us more attractive to both men and women. So the next time you've had a few too many glasses of the good stuff the night before a big date, don't forget that the most important thing you may have in your clutch is that trusty pink compact.

Click here to read the full story on BBC News.

Want to know my blusher pick for the season? Try The Body Shop's Roseflower Blush in Pink. The perfectly pale tint is great for any skin tone this spring and has just enough shimmer to prep you for that summer glow.

The Orgasmic Birth Movement — I'm sorry, what?

Described as "a drug-free, pain-free labour that comes with multiple orgasms" (as mothers across Galway start to laugh hysterically), the orgasmic birth movement is controversially making its way into Western culture, challenging strickened taboos and mainstream medical beliefs along the way.

Intrigued yet unconvinced right? Me too. Click here to read what The Times had to say about orgasmic birthing this week. And yes, for those who need a visual (no, it isn't as bad as it sounds) there is a clip from an American documentary film on the subject available here. Seems blissful enough and all that but, having stood just footsteps outside of the labour and delivery department on a few occassions I'm still not convinced those moans and groans, (and occassional screams) can constitute sounds of pleasure and not sounds of pain. Call me a pessimist but I think I'll be waiting a few years before I put this theory to the test, thank you very much!

A Lil' Taste

We all know how tempting it can be on a lazy Friday night to dig out the trusty Chinese takeaway menus and give 'em a ring. But is it really worth an entire day's worth of fat and calories for some curried chicken and one greasy little snack box? I think not. Instead try your hand at this deliciously yummy (and healthy!) stir fry that will be ready in the same amount of time it would take the delivery man to reach your front door. Tofu can be supplemented with chicken for those who prefer a meat friendly version and crushed red peppers or a dash of hot sauce can be added to give the meal a little heat.

Pineapple Tofu Stir-Fry

(from EatingWell.com)

Serves 2

• 1 can pineapple chunks or tidbits
• 5 teaspoons rice vinegar (you will find it in the world cuisine section at Tesco's!)
  
• 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 2 teaspoons light brown sugar
• 7 ounces extra-firm, water-packed tofu
• 1 teaspoon cornflour
• 3 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 2 teaspoons minced ginger
• 1/2 large green pepper, sliced or chopped
  
• 1/2 large red pepper, sliced or chopped
  

1. Whisk the reserved 3 tablespoons pineapple juice, vinegar, soy sauce, ketchup and sugar in a small bowl until smooth. Place tofu in a medium bowl; toss with 2 tablespoons of the sauce. Let marinate for 5 minutes. Add cornflour to the remaining sauce and whisk until smooth.
2. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Transfer the tofu to the skillet using a slotted spoon. Whisk any remaining marinade into the bowl of sauce. Cook the tofu, stirring every 1 to 2 minutes, until golden brown, 7 to 9 minutes total. Transfer the tofu to a plate.
3. Add the remaining 1 teaspoon oil to the skillet and heat over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add peppers and cook, stirring often, until just tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Pour in the sauce and cook, stirring, until thickened, about 30 seconds. Add the tofu and pineapple chunks (or tidbits) and cook, stirring gently, until heated through, about 2 minutes more.

The Ticks: 35 mins

The Damage: €15.76, however most of these products (including ketchup, soy sauce, olive oil, cornflour, brown sugar, and rice vinegar) will only need to be bought once and can be used in countless Chinese dishes.

The Facts: Per serving - 263 calories; 12 g fat (1 g sat, 5 g mono); 0 mg cholesterol; 34 g carbohydrate; 10 g protein; 4 g fiber; 368 mg sodium; 549 mg potassium.

Disturbia!!! - "Teenage Girls Stand By Their Men"

Ewwww, this is so wrong! Click here to read the disturbing case study article published in the New York Times this week showing that many young girls are condoning dating violence following the attack by pop idol Chris Brown on his girlfriend, singer Rihanna.

Girls, it is never okay for a man to hit a woman. NEVER!!!

A Lil' Taste

Racking your brain for something special you can do for mum this Sunday? Why not rise a little early and whip up this delicious (and simple!) recipe for Healthy French Toast? Serve it to mum in bed and start her Mother's Day off the way she truly deserves.

Healthy French Toast
(from GoodHousingkeeping.com)

Serves 4

• 2 large egg whites
• 1 large egg
• 3/4 cups low-fat milk
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla essence
• Salt
• 2 teaspoons light vegetable spread (like Flora Light)
  
• 8 slices whole grain bread
• Maple pouring syrup (optional)
• Fresh strawberries, raspberries, and/or blueberries (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 95 degrees C. In shallow dish or pie plate, with whisk, beat egg whites, egg, milk, vanilla, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until blended. In 12-inch nonstick skillet, melt 1 teaspoon margarine on medium.
2. Dip bread slices, 1 at a time, in egg mixture, pressing bread lightly to coat both sides well. Place 3 or 4 slices in skillet, and cook 6 to 8 minutes or until lightly browned on both sides.
3. Transfer French toast to cookie sheet; keep warm in oven. Repeat with remaining margarine, bread slices, and egg mixture. Serve French toast with maple syrup and berries if you like.

The Ticks: 25 mins

The Damage: €13.36 with maple pouring syrup, strawberries, and blueberries, or €6.13 without. Remember though, most of this stuff your mum will probably already have around the kitchen, so do a stock take before you do the shopping!

The Facts: 300 calories per serving (two slices of toast); 9 g fat (2 g sat); 56 mg cholesterol; 46 g carbohydrate; 12 g protein; 6 g fiber; 755 mg sodium.

Lace up your lady trainers for a good cause

Some of Galway's most recognisable charities are looking for eager and active local women to take part in the Flora Women's Mini Marathon on June 1. Croí, GOAL West of Ireland, and the Galway Rape Crisis Centre are just a few of the charities who have all put forth requests this week to get the women of Galway behind them to raise money for their worthy causes.

The 10k marathon, which starts at St Stephens Green in Dublin and ends in Fitzwilliam Square, is strictly for women only and will go to benefit numerous local, national, and international charities that effect Irish women. The marathon begins at 3pm on the June Bank Holiday Monday and entry fees are €22 for those runners/joggers/walkers who elect to use a timing chip and €15 for those who opt out of the device.

To register visit the marathon website or fill out the entry form in the Evening Herald on Wednesday or Saturday. Then contact the participating local charity (full list below) of your choice for sponsorship forms. Registration ends April 21 or when the maximum number of entries is recieved.

Croí - contact Sue on 091 544331 or text 10k to 086 8193692. Visit www.croi.ie for more info.

GOAL West of Ireland - contact Clara on 091 587901. Visit www.goal.ie for more info.

COPE Galway - contact Orla on 091 778750 or email info@copegalway.ie. Visit www.copegalway.ie for more info.

Cancer Care West - contact 091 529609 or text your name and address to 087 2847110. Visit www.cancercarewest.ie for more info.

Galway Rape Crisis Centre - contact Kay on 087 6816398. Visit www.galwayrcc.org for more info.

Galway Hospice - contact the fundraising department on 091 770868 or email fundraising@galwayhospice.ie. Visit www.galwayhospice.ie for more info.

Console Galway - contact Margaret on 091 782836. Visit www.console.ie for more info.

Real Life Stories - "Starving on my honeymoon"

A frighteningly real story about the horrors of living with an eating disorder. Click here to read about Laura Wilson, the 24-year-old woman from Ballymena, Co Antrim who lived on a daily diet of four green beans and a teaspoon of salsa for seven months leading up to her wedding. (From Pick Me Up Magazine)

Oh yes! It is time to holler “Yes Yes Yes” to safe sex, as The Body Shop and MTV link-up to launch an exclusive Tantalising Lip Butter, funding HIV/ AIDS awareness and prevention. This is one campaign you’ve totally got to shout about, as shockingly, every day over 3,000 young people are newly infected with HIV. Singer Kelly Rowland is adding her voice to the safe sex campaign as research indicates many young people are continuing to ignore the importance of safe sex, taking risks with their own health and that of their sexual partners.

Each purchase of an eye-catching Tantalising Lip Butter through The Body Shop means that 100% of the money raised goes directly to the Staying Alive Foundation - a charity on a mission to save lives through empowering young people around the world to protect themselves and their communities against HIV and AIDS. As nearly half of all new HIV/ AIDS cases are among 15 - 24 year olds, there has never been a better time to get behind a safe sex campaign - as HIV and AIDS doesn’t discriminate against anyone, regardless of age, sex, background or race.

The preservative-free lip butter, which is made up of extracts of exotic dragonfruit, also includes ingredients sourced through the unique Community Trade fair trade programme at The Body Shop, including moisturising shea butter from Ghana to help protect your lips, as well as organic beeswax.

Make a positive impact on lives all over the world and shout aloud ‘Yes Yes Yes’ with the Special Edition Tantalising Lip Butter, available from March 23rd from The Body Shop on Shop Street for just €6.95. In addition to in-store activities, the campaign includes an advertising campaign on MTV Networks International, and web activities at www.yestosafesex.com.

Over the last two years MTV and The Body Shop have raised over £1.1 million which has gone directly to the Staying Alive Foundation. This funding has provided grants to young people to work on HIV prevention efforts amongst their peers at a grass-roots level - through influencing, educating and inspiring young people to make them aware of the risks of HIV/ AIDS. To find out more about the award recipients benefiting from campaign support, and see the difference that just one voice can make, visit: www.staying-alive.org.

"Psst...I'm with the short notice club"

spirit one spa offers 'short notice club' discount for March

Who doesn't need a little rest and relaxation during these stressful economic times? Well, now the spirit one spa at the Radisson in Galway city has made it possible. Just quote ‘short notice club’ when booking your spa treatment at spirit one spa and avail of 15% off all treatments for the month of March!

Customers must quote 'short notice club' at time of booking. Terms and conditions apply. Valid until 31st March 2009. Visit www.spiritonespa.ie or call 091 538 462 for more information.

Is the recession affecting our beauty sleep?

According to The Body Shop the answer is yes. New research from the ethical beauty retailer has revealed that millions of women are losing valuable shut-eye every night due to the credit crunch and family worries. More than half of women surveyed (54.9%) claimed that they were getting a worse night’s sleep now than previously, largely due to the economic down-turn. And, lack of sleep is causing more than just dark circles and sallow skin; sleep-deprived women are reporting increased anxiety and relationship issues.

The Body Shop Sleep Survey, conducted online by Opinion Matters/Tickbox.net, revealed the extent of sleep lost each night as women toss and turn worrying about the economic crisis, with one third saying they are suffering from at least one hour’s less sleep each night now compared with previous years. One in seven people told the survey that they are losing at least two hours more sleep per night than before the credit crunch kicked in. It should come as no surprise then that money worries were cited as the number one sleep-depriver by 50% of the women surveyed. Those aged 25 to 34 years are particularly anxious about making ends meet with 61% being kept awake by the credit crunch. Worries about bills, job security, credit cards, and rent were also high up the list of reasons why we can’t nod off at night. Furthermore, almost half of women are having restless nights worrying about their families.

And what is the big problem here? Well, aside from those dreadful bags under our eyes, this is coming at a time when we’re all worrying more about our job security, yet more than half of women questioned said that lack of sleep made them less focused at work. Furthermore, almost half of women revealed that not getting enough sleep adds to their overall feelings of anxiety, which, in turn, promotes sleeplessness. Even more worrisome? The effects of sleep loss have been cited as being similar or worse than the effects of drinking alcohol to excess – bad news when jobs are in jeopardy.

Luckily for all those sleepy-heads out there reading this blog there is a few solutions, including the most popular ones cited by the survey — sex, hot milk, baths, and counting those always trusty sheep. However, naturally-inspired sleep solutions are gaining in popularity with one in seven spraying sleep mist on pillows and one in eight burning aromatic candles in a bid to encourage a peaceful night’s sleep.

And this is where The Body Shop comes in. Their recently launched Deep Sleep Dreamy Pillow and Body Mist, which encourages restful sleep, has reported unprecedented sales (six months of stock sold out in just four weeks!), and now they know why.

The quick-drying mist-spray is packed with a soothing medley of camomile, jujube date, geranium, juniper and patchouli essential oils to promote tranquillity for a deeper, restful night of sleep. But what makes Deep Sleep Pillow and Body Mist really unique is its innovative formula. Applied to the pillow or body, the mist employs special encapsulation technology that allows bursts of active fragrance to be released throughout the night to aid more satisfying sleep.

And what's even better? To ensure everyone involved in the production of Deep Sleep Dreamy Pillow and Body Mist can sleep soundly at night, one of the key ingredients in this product is Community Trade camomile oil, sourced from a cooperative of small-scale farmers in Norfolk, an area that has been facing declining incomes and employment opportunities. Not only has new life been given to a community under threat, but the methods used by the cooperative help ensure the environmental quality of the area and support local wildlife.

In addition to Deep Sleep Dreamy Pillow and Body Mist, The Body Shop is also offering a range of products for those suffering from sleeplessness, including an essential oil, bath float, moisturiser and shower cream.

Be sure to check out the whole Deep Sleep range, available now at The Body Shop on Shop Street.

UK Doctor calls for chocolate to be taxed...excuse me, what?!?!

A Scottish madman...er, I mean, doctor...is calling for the introduction of tax on chocolate in an effort to curb the growing levels of obesity and type 2 diabetes in the UK.

Dr David Walker, a GP in Lanarkshire, told the BBC News the tax, which would be similar to those imposed on cigarettes and alcohol, should be introduced as a way to slow down the recent "explosion of obesity and medical related conditions, like type 2 diabetes". Dr Walker said that chocolate, which has lost its status as a "treat", had become a major factor in these problems with many people eating their entire daily caloric intake in chocolate alone.

"People have been lulled into a false sense of security about chocolate," said Dr Walker. "I had one patient recently who said to me she thought chocolate was good for you. People are being brainwashed into believing this."

Dr Walker is set to put his proposal forward to colleagues at the annual conference of Scottish Local Medical Committees in Clydebank. He will propose that revenue raised from taxing chocolate products would be used by the NHS to deal with the health problems caused by obesity, as well as increasing and improving sports facilities.

However, Julian Hunt, of the Food and Drink Federation, told the BBC that "while good for grabbing headlines, there is no evidence to suggest that such 'fat taxes' would actually work in reality."

Read the full article here

A Lil' Taste

Every few days I will post for you, all my lovely ladies, my favorite recipes of that week. Aside from being totally yummy and totally simple, they will also be affordable and healthy, so it won't bust the bank or your waistline!

Today's recipe is Curried Chicken with Mango Salad, the perfect pick to warm up your insides and give you that sweet taste of summer, while we wait for the weather outside to catch up!

Curried Chicken with Mango Salsa

(from EatingWell.com)

Serves 2

• 1/4 cup low-fat plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon mango chutney
• 1 teaspoon garam masala or curry powder, mild or hot
• 2 bone-in chicken thighs (approx 2 pounds), skin removed, trimmed of fat
• Cooking salt
  
• 1/2 mango, diced
• 1/8 cup finely diced red onion
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh mint
• 1 tablespoon red-wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon light brown sugar

1. Position rack in upper third of oven; preheat broiler. Coat a broiler pan with cooking spray.
2. Whisk yogurt, chutney and garam masala (or curry powder) in a medium bowl. Add chicken; turn to coat. Remove the chicken from the sauce and transfer to the prepared broiler pan; sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
3. Broil the chicken until the coating is charred in spots, 12 to 15 minutes. Turn the chicken over and continue cooking until it is slightly charred and cooked through, 12 to 15 minutes more.
4. Meanwhile, combine mango, onion, mint, vinegar, brown sugar and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl. Serve the chicken with the mango salad.

The ticks: 45 mins
The damage: €16.36 (with enough to make a double batch!)
The facts: 289 calories per serving; 12 g fat (3 g sat, 5 g mono); 101 mg cholesterol; 16 g carbohydrate; 29 g protein; 1 g fiber; 308 mg sodium; 403 mg potassium.