Health Section

Health

What Motivates You?

By ALICE O’BRIEN

Psychiatric Nurse

Exam season is fast approaching. Stress, pressure and anxiety usually come with it. This can be said not only for the student doing the exams, but also for the people around them who are trying to be supportive but may struggle to understand the thoughts and feeling involved when their own exams are a distant memory. Students who are often very accomplished, organised and driven can feel more pressure than other students who may appear less driven. Why is this? Why do some students feel more pressure, need to prove themselves more than others? Why do some strive for perfection when others can experience exams without feeling like this? The answer lies in the kind of achiever you are; you can be motivated to achieve things in different ways and for different reasons. For example- • Value achievers. People who fall into this group like to achieve things because they value the achievement itself. In other words, the achievement beings them great pleasure. They derive pleasure and confidence from the effort they put in and the work they do. • Need achievers. This group is just as motivated as the group who value the achievement but for different reasons. They get less pleasure from the achievement itself and seek validation, applause and praise from others. This can be problematic when you rely on others to provide that validation. Another issue with needs achievers is that when the praise for their activity lessens they quickly stop doing it. Of course there is nothing wrong either of these approaches if it provides motivation. It is important however, to examine goals and values because seeking validation from others can often lead to disappointment. It can make you feel that your achievements are not good enough. When you value your own efforts and praise yourself, you can develop selfconfidence that will last you well after your exams are done. So, when the exams are over- and that time will come, even if you cannot see it now- remember, you have worked hard, you have tried your best and the rest is out of your hands.

Creating Exercise Habits

By SIOBHAN O’SULLIVAN

SOS Fitness

I am often asked, “What is the best type of exercise to do?” My answer: the one you can do consistently. Boring I know, but that’s the truth! Doing something that you dislike is probably going to fail. For a habit to stick, it needs to be something you enjoy. To make an exercise habit stick, I believe there are three main principles to follow

1. Make it a ritual

Like early morning exercise? Have your clothes laid out the night before. Prefer to exercise in the evening? Book a class for you when you are on your way home from work, you are less likely to make the excuse not to go when it is on your way home. Making it part of a ritual makes it more likely that you will stick to it.

2. Book it in the diary

Schedule your exercise like you would a dentist appointment. Commit to a day and time and put it in your diary. Doing something with a friend not only makes you more accountable but exercise can also become something social for you.

3. Start small

So small that you can’t fail. Start with 10 squats while the kettle boils. Go for a 5-minute walk. Build this habit for a week and then start adding on a little bit more. And remember, little by little, a little becomes a lot.

You can book an exercise class with me on bookwhen.com/ sosfitness I currently run classes in Ballydesmond and Knocknagree

Health

Beat Hay Fever Season Naturally

By MAIREAD O’KEEFFE

New Leaf Health Store

As the trees blossom and the early grasses and flowers come into bloom, many people are effected by hay fever. Itchy eyes, blocked sinuses and sneezing are all common symptoms and it can make the springtime unpleasant for sufferers.

A Vogel’s Pollinosan is a leading range of natural remedies for hayfever, it includes a luffa herbal tincture, tablets, nasal spray and new Polllinosan eye drops. The new eye drops offer fast relief for red itchy eyes.

Natural antihistamines can be beneficial for hay fever sufferers. Quercetin has natural antihistamine properties and is available as capsules. Nettle leaf is another example. Nettle leaf is available as a tincture, capsules or as a pleasant herbal tea. These natural antihistamines inhibit the release of histamine from your immune system, thereby reducing hay fever symptoms.

If blocked sinuses are the main symptom that you suffer then Viridian’s Horseradish and Garlic capsules are a great addition to your medicine chest. They offer fast relief from blocked sinuses and extra vitamin C to boost your immune system.

Many people find that eating local honey can help to accustom their bodies to pollen and lessen symptoms. We sell Michael Curtin’s fantastic local honey in both our Kanturk and Charleville shops.

Preventing the pollen from entering the nose is a good solution for some people. HayMax is an organic barrier balm specifically formulated to be as

‘sticky’ as possible to pollen, whilst minimising any sliminess or greasiness.

Another drug free solution is

Hayband - an acupressure band that is worn on the arm, pressing on the point traditionally used in Chinese medicine to alleviate the symptoms of allergies.

Call in to New Leaf in Kanturk or Charleville to find the best solution for your hay fever symptoms or order online at www.newleafonline.ie

Are your dog’s or cat’s vaccinations overdue?

By JANE PIGOTT

GP vet & consultant Veterinary Cardiologist

I know that the past 2 years of the pandemic have flown by – in ways we all seem to have lost track of a lot of our normal yearly routines amidst all the upheaval. We all were worried and had a lot on our minds, and as a result many of our normal practices fell by the wayside. In many cases, a pet’s annual vaccination and health check may have been one such task that may have been forgotten. However, now that normality has resumed, it’s time to get our pet’s routine healthcare back on track to avoid issues down the line. Firstly, I have noticed that many pet owners have lost track of when their pet’s vaccinations were due during the upheaval, meaning that their pet’s boosters may now be overdue. Vaccination boosters are due every year to protect your pet from serious infectious disease and avoid the heartbreak of losing your pet to a preventable virus. There is nothing worse as a vet than seeing a dog die from lepto, a viral disease common in our local area, when it is completely preventable. Getting annual vaccinations back up to date normally takes a series of two shots, usually a few weeks apart. Secondly, in missing your pet’s annual vaccination, they may well have missed out on their annual health check-up that would usually take place during the vaccination appointment. This check is essential for picking up on early signs of disease so that positive action can be taken sooner rather than later and for answering your questions about your pet’s health and lifestyle. In older pets, I would recommend a check-up with your vet every 6 months, as older pets are more prone to silent onset of diseases. There is no shame in having missed out on vaccinations or health checks over the past two years – we are all only human, and it was a very stressful time for everyone. Please don’t worry that your vet will be in any way grumpy with you for forgetting your pet’s vaccination or check – we are only delighted to see you and your pet back in the clinic as that gives us all the best shot at helping your pet live a long and healthy life.

Are your pet's vaccinations overdue? Let's get them back on track!

Free 3 month Flea/Tick and Deworming treatment worth approx. €30 for each pet vaccinated in the month of May.

Offer available at:

Millstreet Veterinary Group: Tel 029 70086 Island Wood Veterinary Hospital (Newmarket): Tel 029 60039

Call us now to book an appointment for your pet (Treats and Cuddles also provided free of charge!)