HealthStyle Magazine - Issue 1

ISSUE 1 SPRING/SUMMER 2013

5

swaps that are guaranteed to improve your health

HARMONY TEST

Risk-free blood test gives mums-to-be peace of mind

Don’t Let Your Heart Take You By Surprise

Can Cosmetic Treatments Make You Feel Better?

BGT star pops in for a chat

CONTENTS

Prevention is Better than Cure

Local company H3 experiencing fast growth via its unique offerings

FEATURES I’m back on stage thanks to Kingsbridge!

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Funny man John Linehan, known to us all as the indomitable May McFettridge, wasn’t laughing when he finished his Panto run in January.

He tells HealthStyle how Kingsbridge Private Hospital have helped get him back on stage.

Jordan O’Keefe gets his teeth into success after BGT

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Following his success on Britains Got Talent, HealthStyle caught up with young singer and social media sensation Jordan O’Keefe when he dropped into Foyle Dental Spa.

COVER STORY

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We take a look at why men over 50 should be giving themselves a full MOT.

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Expectant mothers now have one less thing to worry about as a new world leading test for chromosomal abnormalities is now available in Northern Ireland for the first time ever.

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Health insurance company H3 explains why more and more people are considering health insurance.

Recipe for the perfect smile

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With Dental Excellence you could have the celebrity smile you have always dreamed off in just 6 months.

Eamonn’s breath taking sleep problem solved

Hear how the Sleep Clinic helped give golfing pro Eamonn Logue and his family a better night’s sleep.

Can cosmetic treatments make you feel better?

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Injecting a little glamour could be good for your health.

HealthStyle explores how…

Picture of happiness

Origin Fertility care explain how they can give mother nature a helping hand.

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Could you save a life?

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Local training company explain how learning basic life support skills could help save a life.

Welcome to the first edition of HealthStyle!

H

ealth is something we always take for granted. We are always putting off a visit to the doctor because we can’t get out of work or the children need us and we don’t know when we can get an appointment to fit in with a million other responsibilities.

Poor John Linehan, also known as the inimitable May McFettridge, was working so hard his body had almost given up before he finally admitted to himself that he needed to get help. His long-suffering manager David Hull was delighted at John’s decision.

“In January his NHS consultant told him the waiting list was at least nine months for a knee replacement but we had to get him fit for Panto in December.

Going privately to Kingsbridge Private Hospital was a no-brainer for us both in terms of timing and dedicated care to get John fit again,” explained David.

Read our lead story to see if John will be back on his feet for this year’s panto!

Jordan O’Keefe, the sensational local singing star on the recent series of Britain’s Got Talent paid a visit to Foyle Dental Spa to make sure his smile was as sparkling as his singing.

Eammon Logue, local golfing professional had a serious wake-up call when he visited the Sleep Clinic.

And you can find out how you can get that stubborn fat to finally go up, up and away in our amazing Gastric Balloon feature.

All this and more in what we hope you agree is an exciting new look at local health issues and the importance of taking a proactive approach to your health.

In the meantime, let The 3fivetwo Group take care of you! Healthy, happy reading.

Sheila Davidson Editor

Published by The 3fivetwo Group, 21 Old Channel Road, Titanic Quarter, Belfast BT3 9DE • Tel: 0845 6006 352 • Advertising: 028 90474490 • Design: hexagondesign.com

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About The 3fivetwo Group Let us take care of you

I

n today’s fast moving world of new treatments and medical breakthroughs not everything is available on the National Health Service. Even when the treatment you need is open, the wait may take longer than you can bear.

The 3fivetwo Group is a local organisation of trusted healthcare professionals, clinics and hospitals, providing excellence and choice

in the diagnosis, education and treatment of all your health and well-being needs.

Our mission is to become a world-class provider of healthcare solutions by putting our patients to the forefront of everything we do. Our aim is to make The 3fivetwo Group the preferred choice for both patients and healthcare professionals. We believe that our comprehensive services provide choice for the people of Northern Ireland.

The 3fivetwo Group includes: The group began with our first medical consulting rooms at 352 Lisburn Road. 3fivetwo Healthcare now hosts 3 clinics along the Lisburn Road offering everything from consultations across all the main specialties to 4D baby scanning, CT scans and an impressive cardiac and imaging centre offering a full range of cardiac tests.

Our Training Academy based at the Titanic Quarter in Belfast facilitates and promotes training across all levels of the healthcare, education and corporate sectors. Indeed our medical/ dental interview skills courses for schoolleavers competitively seeking places at top universities have been especially successful.

With the opening of the luxurious new Kingsbridge Private Hospital on the Lisburn Road in Belfast, The 3fivetwo Group can now offer complete healthcare provision from initial consultation through to surgery and rehabilitation. Kingsbridge Private Hospital is also home to Northern Ireland’s first Private GP and Private Casualty service.

H3 Health Insurance is our own in-house private medical insurance company. Competitively priced and locally based, our team of experienced insurance professionals ensure that you get the best private healthcare available and will co-ordinate your costs from right here in Northern Ireland.

Origin Fertility Care, a wholly owned part of The 3fivetwo Group, has some of the best success figures for pregnancy in the UK and Ireland with pioneering egg freezing technology and a full range of IVF services.

At the Dental Excellence Group we have Foyle Dental Spa in Derry/Londonderry, Specialist Dental Clinic in Holywood and a full NHS and private practice combined in Belfast and Portadown providing the most comprehensive and sophisticated dental treatments guaranteed to transform your look and give you the confidence to go out into the world smiling.

Cosmetech is based at our Maypole Clinic in Holywood providing an oasis of calm and confidentiality for all non-surgical cosmetic treatments and consulting rooms to discuss our full range of surgical cosmetic treatments carried out at Kingsbridge Private Hospital.

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Whatever your needs we have access to the best Consultants, Dentists and Nurses in every field.

You can choose who you wish to see and when you wish to see them. With these excellent facilities to choose from, we at The 3Fivetwo Group are confident of meeting your medical needs to a standard that is nothing short of five star.

Our promise is simply to provide you with the highest level of care at a time and place convenient to you.

HealthStyle is about the group; what we do, where, when and how but most importantly, it’s about YOU – the patient. This magazine aims to keep you informed, entertained and up to date with what’s happening in the world of health, helping you to make the best decision for you and your family.

If you would like more information about The 3fivetwo Group, please visit www.3fivetwo.com.

Alternatively, if you would like to speak to a member of our dedicated patient team, please call us on 0845 6006 352 or email info@3fivetwo.com

HEALTH STYLE

Topof the Swaps... L

5 swaps that are guaranteed to improve your health et’s face it, we’d all like to be healthier but where do we start? Well, HealthStyle has the answer. We’ve experimented, snooped around and consulted group dietician Gillian Killiner to find the top swaps that YOU can make to improve your health without sacrificing time (or money) during your busy day!

energy, your immune system and your health! Plus, whole fruit is easier to eat on route to the office and no fear of spillage!

Try swapping…

2. Iceberg lettuce for spinach Studies have shown that Spinach contains twice as much potassium, protein, calcium, iron and Vitamins A, B, C and B-12 as lettuce. It also contains more fibre and minerals including magnesium and phosphorus than any of the four lettuce types.

1. Fruit juice for whole fruit Choosing fruit juice over whole fruit, means you miss out on the best bits…the skin and pulp! These are full of antioxidants, vitamins and general good things that will boost your

3. Bought lunch for packed lunch This one could save you money AND calories! By making your own lunch you can make healthier choices and won’t be tempted by that

chocolate bar or the sausage roll that’s just calling to you.

It also means that you save an average of £4.25 a day – now who can say no to that?

4. Mayo for mustard We know… we love mayo too but with 10grams of fat per tablespoon, we can afford to love it less. Even low-fat mayo contains over 4grams of fat per tablespoon compared to just 0.2grams of fat for a tablespoon of mustard.

5. Eating in front of the TV for eating at the table Studies have shown that eating at the table means we eat less, our manners and conversational skills improve, we recognise when we’re full quicker and we think about what we eat more.

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HEALTH STYLE

I’m Back On Stage Thanks To Kingsbridge!

Funny man John Linehan, known to us all as the indomitable May McFettridge, wasn’t laughing when he finished his Panto run at the Grand Opera House in January.

H

is arthritic knee left him in excruciating pain, his back was crippling him and he honestly thought his days of gracing the stage every Christmas were over. That is until he called Kingsbridge Private Hospital in Belfast and had a full consultation resulting in an operation within weeks. HealthStyle caught up with John to find out more…

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Why did you opt for a private operation?

Well, I did 86 shows this year at the Grand Opera House and had to go up and down 146 steps every show. I realised I couldn’t keep doing that when I was going down backwards every performance just to save my knee. I had to do something or my body would have stopped my career in its tracks.

Why didn’t you go through the NHS? I did go to my GP and he referred me to Musgrave. When I saw the Consultant there in January 2013 he told me I definitely needed the knee replaced but that it would take until at least October before I would be called for my operation.

That would have put me out of the Panto for this year and the pain was already so bad I couldn’t travel to do the gigs I normally do all over the country. My livelihood depends on me being able to go where the work is and I’m very active when I’m working. I love to go in and out of the audience and I just couldn’t do it anymore.

Did that scare you?

Of course! None of us are getting any younger and even though I feel like I’m still 25, the mirror doesn’t lie. As my doctor said to me, I suffer from TMB – too many birthdays!

Why did you pick Kingsbridge Private Hospital?

I had noticed it loads of times at the top of the Lisburn Road and so many people were talking about the new hospital, that when I asked my GP if I could go privately he said go for it, so that was where we called.

Was it easy?

It was really easy. I got an appointment right away with Mr Richard Nicholas, a specialist in knee reconstruction and replacements.

After my first consultation we decided on a full knee replacement and then that was me in for the surgery.

Was the long-suffering Brenda worried about you?

Brenda was fantastic, she is literally my crutch and she was with me every day at the hospital. It’s hard for your family to see you in pain and it was such a relief to know something was happening and to look forward to a better quality of life and to get back to enjoying my work.

What has been the reaction of people when they realise you had a private operation?

They say ‘well done,’ which surprised me but apparently there are more people getting private operations done than you think. I had more people asking me how to get into Kingsbridge than how I was! Don’t get me wrong I think the NHS is

Pictured is John with staff nurse Dolores Patterson during his stay at Kingsbridge Private Hospital.

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fantastic but its resources are too stretched for it to give you what you need exactly when you need it. We can’t expect to get operations on demand.

I had to work and couldn’t afford to wait a year to have my operation and there are thousands like me out there.

How did you find the private hospital experience at Kingsbridge?

It was like being in a five star hotel – honestly, there was a luxury room, fantastic food from a local restaurant and the nurses were amazing. They were so attentive I thought there was one outside my

room just waiting for me to call any time day or night! My wife Brenda was so jealous, she was trying to think if she needed anything just to get in herself. I think I might have hinted that they do face lifts!

A knee replacement is a major operation. It must have been painful?

I can honestly say the last serious pain I felt in my knee was the day I had my operation.

After that the only strain was the physiotherapy but you have six weeks to get your leg strong and I was determined to work hard at it. The physios train you on a skateboard so I went out and got one to keep up the work at home. Getting

a new knee is fantastic but it’s not like waving a magic wand.

You have to do the work to get it into shape and build your muscles but it’s worth it.

You’ve had a lot of trouble with your back so how is it now?

Well that’s the next thing I have to fix. I’ve put my back through a lot of pain from the time I was a car mechanic out in all weathers, to when Brenda and I were caught in an explosion in a bar when we both fell through the floor. When I was 32 I also had a condition which meant I had to have surgery on my spine. Four days after the operation I contracted bacterial meningitis. My brain was so

swollen I felt like my head was a balloon ready to burst.

The result was my knee was compensating for my back and my back was compensating for my knee. So now that the knee is fixed I need to get my back sorted and then my other knee.

Before you know it I’ll be out on the course with Rory McIlroy!

Would you go back to Kingsbridge for advice on your back?

Let me tell you, my experience of Kingsbridge has been so good I would trust them with my life.

I’ll be the bionic man in 2014 but for now I’m just so grateful to be able to do Sleeping Beauty this year without having to walk down the stairs backwards!

T H E E X P E R T… Mr Richard Nicholas was the Orthopaedic Consultant who performed John’s surgery. He is a specialist in knee surgery and carried out John’s operation at Kingsbridge Private Hospital.

“John’s surgery went very well and his recovery was excellent. We recognise that John also has an underlying back condition which will need ongoing treatment and his other knee will require a replacement within the not too distance future. It is often that knee, hip and back issues are inter-related and need to be treated together to get the best possible outcome for a healthy and active life.

Physiotherapy is essential following any orthopaedic surgery and it does require some commitment from the patient to ensure the best possible outcome from the surgery.”

FAC T F I L E John’s surgery was completed in just three weeks from the time of - Knee replacement surgery his first consultation. If you would is available at Kingsbridge like more information on the various Private Hospital. orthopaedic procedures available at Kingsbridge Private Hospital including - Surgery can be performed knee replacements, please visit in just a few weeks from www.kingsbridgeprivatehospital.com. your initial consultation.

- Payment plans available for all surgery at Kingsbridge Private Hospital.

- If you have any questions or would like to speak to a member of the private patient team, please call 0845 6006 352 or email info@ kingsbridgeprivatehospital.com 8

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HEALTH STYLE

TIPS FOR A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP Finding it hard to drop off? Are busy schedules, work worries and long to-do lists encroaching on your sleep? HealthStyle has five top tips from our sleep specialist to help you achieve a more relaxing, refreshing night’s rest.

1. Keep to a routine. This trains your mind and body to know when to start shutting down for the night, making it easier to drift off. A regular bed time also means a regular sleep pattern, helping your body maximise the amount of rest you get.

2. Exercise more. Your body uses the time when you’re asleep to replenish muscles and joints that have been used during exercise. Twenty to thirty minutes of exercise every day can help you get a

more refreshing night’s rest but be sure to exercise in the morning or afternoon as too much activity before bed can cause stimulation and release hormones, which will then make it difficult to sleep.

3. Have the room slightly cooler. Studies have shown that a cooler room promotes the drop in body temperature that prompts sleep. However, a room that is too cold or too hot can disrupt sleep as the brain tries to adjust your body temperature.

Make sure that wherever you’re sleeping is only comfortably cool, rather than freezing.

4. Turn off your television.

Many people find watching TV in bed relaxing at the end of the day but experts would advise against this. Light emitted from the screen suppresses melatonin production, which helps us sleep better. Television also stimulates the mind, making it more difficult to shut down later. Instead of TV or your computer, try listening to music or audio books instead.

5. Change your bright light bulbs. It sounds ridiculous but by avoiding bright lights before bed, you increase melatonin production which can help you sleep. It also prevents the brain from being subjected to too much stimulus. Try swapping bright bulbs in your bedroom for low-wattage bulbs instead and see what a difference it makes.

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HEALTH STYLE

UP, UP

AND AWAY! Say hello to weight loss... without the need for surgery

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Obesity is a modern lifestyle epidemic that is threatening health and well-being across the UK and Northern Ireland. According to Edwin Poots, Health Minister for Northern Ireland.

“I

n Northern Ireland 59% of adults are either overweight (36%) or obese (23%). Another worrying statistic is that 8% of children aged 2-15 years were assessed as being obese. These figures demonstrate the scale of the problem and the enormous challenge we are facing.”

Attempting to lose weight requires a serious commitment and for some people the scale of their weight problem has reached heights that no diet plans or exercise alone will fix. In these severe cases, people often have to look to surgical intervention such a Gastric Band to aid them with their weight loss journey. Like any surgical procedure, the gastric band comes with a certain element of risk and the decision to go down this route should not be taken lightly.

Thanks to a revolutionary new treatment, patients who are struggling with weight loss may have another option. If you have a BMI of 28 or over and have tried the diet and exercise routes without success, a Gastric Balloon could be what you are looking for.

The Gastric Balloon is a revolutionary non-surgical treatment that was developed as a first step to safe weight loss. Made from silicone, the gastric balloon is inserted into the stomach and then filled with a sterile water solution.

It helps to aid weight loss by helping you to feel full, thus reducing the urge for food.

T H E E X P E R T… Mr Gareth Hewitt, a Consultant General Surgeon at Kingsbridge Private Hospital has inserted a number of gastric balloons in both male and female patients since the procedure became available in the hospital earlier this year.

“This is a very simple procedure which is minimally invasive and takes just 15 minutes to place. There is no surgical incision and results to date have been very pleasing with patients reporting weight loss of up to 42lbs in just three months.

“The issue for most of the men and women I have treated is more about health than looks. They are facing the prospect of diabetes or stroke and have decided they need a kick-start to get them on the right road.

“The Gastric Balloon is an excellent way to make the change in your life that you need and in six months you have it taken out. By then you should be well on your way to sensible weight-loss and a healthy lifestyle.”

A Gastric Balloon combined with patient commitment and dedication and the support of an experienced team of Consultants, Nurses and Dieticians can be an extremely safe and successful aid to weight loss.

If you would like more information on the Gastric Balloon service at Kingsbridge Private Hospital please visit www.kingsbridgeprivatehospital.com

After 6 months the balloon is removed from the stomach and patients are encouraged to continue their healthy eating plans and exercise regimes to ensure continued weight loss.

The Gastric Balloon is not a substitute for a healthy weight loss programme but it will help you to follow one and reports show that it can have dramatically successful results.

One of the first people reported to have tried the procedure was London lorry driver Leslie Lloyd, whose weight hit 18 stone after his daily diet equivalent of the Ulster Fry, caught up with him.

He was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, a condition which kills three people an hour in the UK, but

he has now lost almost three stone and his sugar levels have dropped from a dangerous 16.9 to 7.1.

Leslie was told he would lose his HGV license and his job if his condition had to be treated with insulin.

After having the Gastric Balloon fitted he said: “Now I feel a lot better in myself, I’m not so lethargic and more active. I can go out and go on walks and I’m not tired all the time. I feel 100% better. I’m very happy, and the weight loss is a bonus.”

Unfortunately, the Gastric Balloon is not yet available on the NHS, but you may access this service through private providers such as Kingsbridge Private Hospital in Belfast.

FAC T F I L E • The Gastric Balloon is a non-surgical procedure used to aid weight loss.

• It is available at Kingsbridge Private Hospital.

• The cost of a Gastric Balloon at Kingsbridge Private Hospital is £3995. This includes a dedicated weight loss programme designed and supervised by our Specialist Consultants, Nurses and Dieticians.

• For a free consultation with our Specialist Nurse, please call 0845 6006 352 or email info@kingsbridgeprivatehospital.com 13

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Putting The Hospital Into Hospitality Chief Executive, Mr Mark Regan

It’s probably safe to say that no one enjoys being in the hospital.

Whether you’re in for a consultation, tests or even surgery, the fear of the unknown is a scary prospect for children and adults alike.

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ut could this fear be minimised?

For many people the sterile, clinical settings of many hospitals can make patients feel nervous and add to their fear and worries. How many of you get that feeling of butterflies in your stomach when you walk into hospital for your appointment?

It is clear that these feelings are often related to the nature of your appointment but at Kingsbridge Private Hospital staff believe that 14

their five star approach in facilities and service delivery make each and every patient feel more at ease and relaxed hence minimising the fear of the unknown.

Kingsbridge Private Hospital is Northern Ireland’s newest private hospital. Located in the heart of south Belfast, the private hospital prides itself on delivering an unrivalled patient experience in surroundings akin to that of a five star hotel than a hospital.

With state-of-the-art diagnostic and operating technologies and the introduction of ground-breaking treatments complemented by luxurious surroundings, Kingsbridge Private Hospital has wasted no time in becoming the first choice for healthcare professionals and patients throughout Northern Ireland and further afield.

Since opening in the summer of 2011, Kingsbridge Private Hospital has had over 50,000 patients through its doors, flourishing into what is now the hub of The 3fivetwo Group.

Who can account for this success? Staff at Kingsbridge Private Hospital say it’s all down to their dedication to delivering a five-star service.

Chief Executive, Mr Mark Regan, himself a Qualified Radiographer, explains what makes Kingsbridge Private Hospital so special.

“Private healthcare is a choice made by individuals and, in doing so, removes an enormous pressure

from the hard pressed NHS. More than 12% of the population has made that choice and the number is growing every year. Kingsbridge Private Hospital is helping us to meet that need and is constantly raising the bar on the quality of service our patients deserve.”

And what a service… facilities for patient stays include 16 beautiful en-suite bedrooms with flat screen televisions and Wi-Fi access throughout. A dedicated private patient car park ensures confidentiality and security during your stay. Patients are greeted in their rooms with a small gift of handmade fudge on their pillows, luxurious dressing gowns, hotel-style toiletries and even the daily paper is available on request. Meals are provided from local award-winning restaurant, Beatrice Kennedy, with the menu updated regularly.

Mark is also keen to emphasise that the aim of Kingsbridge Private Hospital is to provide the very best in private healthcare, complete with highly-trained healthcare professionals, innovative new technology and access to facilities that significantly enhances the patient experience and reduces waiting times for patients. But it’s not just five-star facilities that make Kingsbridge Private Hospital exceptional.

“Our Consultants, GPs, Allied Health Professionals, Nurses and Administrators are simply the best

available to us,” Mark explains. He continues “the company uses its own internal Training Academy to ensure that skills are maintained at the highest levels and also to aspire to higher standards with bespoke training such as the companies own Patient 1st programme which all reception staff undertake”.

“All elements of the services we provide are reflected in our five star standard of care. We have some of the best Consultants working with us and I’m very proud to say some of the best nursing staff who are always willing to go the extra mile for our patients.”

One such nurse is Margaret

HEALTH STYLE

Donnelly, a mother of two who performs reflexology at Kingsbridge Private Hospital.

This service is available to all patients attending Kingsbridge Private Hospital for surgery.

Reflexology is an ancient form of healing, usually performed on the hands and feet, which targets pressure points that are said to relate to certain organs and parts of the body. Margaret was happy to explain how this holistic therapy has made its way into her life.

“I had been a nurse for years when I first discovered reflexology. A friend gave me a session as a gift and it was such a wonderful experience that I enrolled in a reflexology practitioner course. After qualifying I worked as a volunteer providing reflexology for terminally ill patients and their families.

This innovative approach to patient care is one of the many things that sets Kingsbridge Private Hospital apart. Margaret is delighted to be a part of an incredible team of medical professionals

who are changing the face of healthcare in Northern Ireland.

“Working in Kingsbridge Private Hospital has been a thoroughly positive experience.

The Consultants have been very open and supportive towards reflexology as part of the patient care package. Patients themselves have found it very beneficial.”

“I provide reflexology at the patient’s request and with direct permission from their Consultant. I ensure that the treatment is tailored to the needs of the patient enabling them to experience the full benefits of a holistic person-centered approach to care.” Margaret explains.

It is evident that Kingsbridge Private Hospital has most definitely raised the bar when it comes to private healthcare. With rapid access to a comprehensive list of Specialist Consultants, five star service and a warm and welcoming environment akin to that of a hotel, it isn’t hard to see why Kingsbridge is the preferred choice for local patients and healthcare professionals.

Kingsbridge Private Hospital offers a range of consultations, tests, scans and surgery across all the main medical specialties.

For further information on all the services available, please visit www. kingsbridgeprivatehospital.com

FAC T F I L E - Kingsbridge Private Hospital is located at 811-815 Lisburn Road, Belfast.

- You do not need a GP referral letter to book a consultation.

- Kingsbridge Private Hospital offer same day appointments for our Private GP and Private Casualty Service.

- If you have any questions or would like to speak to a member of our private patient tea, please call 0845 6006 352 or email, info@kingsbridgeprivatehospital.com 15

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“ Of those 40,000 men diagnosed with prostate cancer, over 82% survive the disease.”

PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE For many men in Northern Ireland, leading a healthy lifestyle ranks low on their list of daily priorities.

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rom the age of 50 years on, it’s important that men are aware of the changes in their body and the increased risks that may cause a potential illness in the future.

Prevention is better than a cure when it comes to many health ailments and diagnosing early signs of a possible illness can make the difference in success rates and recovery times.

FAC T F I L E For more information on the Private GP services at Kingsbridge Private Hospital or indeed their health screening packages, please visit www.kingsbridgeprivatehospital.com and search for ‘Private GP.’ 16

Just like getting an MOT, men should make health screening a regular outing. We all clock up mileage over the years and just like a vehicle, sometimes we need to get things fixed or looked at to ensure a smooth journey.

Looking after your health then should firstly focus on getting comfortable with the idea of visiting a medical professional.

Getting to grip with any initial embarrassment you might have about confiding your concerns with them will make you feel more relaxed at your appointment.

If booking an appointment is still making you feel unsettled and you would rather not visit your regular GP, request an appointment with another. Private GP services such as that at Kingsbridge Private Hospital have the extra benefit of offering complete confidentiality and same day appointments if you aren’t willing to wait. They can

also refer you directly on to one of their experienced consultants should you need further medical advice on a specific condition or indeed if you need to have surgery, both of which they endeavour to arrange in a matter of days.

For many over 50’s the main areas of concern are those related to cancer and heart related illnesses or diseases.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers of men in the UK and, although often under reported compared to breast cancer, it almost equals in number to the amount of women who are diagnosed each year. Of those 40,000 men diagnosed with prostate cancer, over 82% survive the disease. Early detection is key to successful treatment and you should seek advice if you notice symptoms such as having to rush to the toilet to pass urine, difficulty when passing urine, having to go

to the toilet more often, especially at night, pain when passing urine or blood in the urine or semen.

Leading an unhealthy lifestyle can be an important factor in causing various illnesses but heart related illnesses can be fatal.

Obesity, smoking, stress, and alcohol can all affect the healthy functioning of the heart and can cause high blood pressure or lead to strokes, heart attacks or blood clots. Light to moderate exercise can make a significant difference in reducing potential risks and maintaining a healthy weight and diet will also help to reduce risks.

Stuart Johnstone, Outpatient Manager and GP coordinator at Kingsbridge Private Hospital advises men over the age of 50 to be proactive and said, “Getting a regular health screen at the age of 50 or above is something every man should be considering having on a regular basis. Risk of illness dramatically increases from 40 onwards and men should keep a close eye on symptoms and have them checked if they have any concerns.

Our Healthy Heart Assessment and Prostate Screening Clinic are two of our services that we actively try to promote to this age group but we also provide a complete screening service for all elements of men’s health.”

Stuart continued, “Men often neglect their health and fail to act when they do see or feel symptoms. Having a simple check could really mean the difference in diagnosing a problem before it develops into something that results in longterm health issues, effecting the individual and their loved ones.”

Free information on men’s health is also available on the NHS - Live Well website providing information and advice for men of varying ages.

Hugo Thomas

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H3 Insurance is a trading name of Insure I ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

HEALTH STYLE

Local Company H3 Experiencing Fast Growth Via Its Unique Offerings N

orthern Ireland’s first home grown health insurance provider, H3 Health Insurance, has experienced a massive surge in business over the last three years and believe they are just scratching the surface of a real and growing need here, according to H3 Sales Development Manager, Jim Livingstone.

“Whether it’s because waiting lists for essential surgery are getting longer, or because people cannot afford prolonged or frequent sick leave while they wait for treatment, many employers and individuals are making the decision to get health insurance.

“As a local company with world-class expertise in the health insurance industry, we know what local people need and we are the voices at the end of the phone, making our clients’ journey through their claim as painless and easy as possible.”

As part of The 3fivetwo Group, H3 members can avail of an in-house same-day triage service as well as speedy access to Kingsbridge Private Hospital, Northern Ireland’s newest and most luxurious private hospital.

Most important of all, the cover range and cost of H3 Health Insurance is more than competitive with every other national provider.

Here’s what is covered:

H3 plans include cover for: Inpatient/day patient • Hospital fees • Specialist/Consultant fees • Diagnostic tests • Psychiatric cover Outpatient • Specialist/Consultant fees • MRI, PET, CT Scans • Diagnostic tests • Therapy treatment • Psychiatric cover Additional benefits • Parental accommodation • Pregnancy complications • NHS Cash Benefit • Home Nursing • Private Casualty • Same day referral service • Extensive Cancer cover Please refer to the policy wording for further information on policy terms, conditions and cover limits

New Private Casualty Cover Always strivinag to provide enhanced cover options for clients, H3 plans can now include immediate Private Casualty cover through Kingsbridge Private Hospital. With H3’s private casualty

cover should a member sustain a minor injury which requires medical attention, they can simply drop into Kingsbridge Private Hospital during the clinic opening times, where they will be triaged by an Emergency Nurse Practitioner and if required will see a Doctor within 30 minutes of arrival.

Client Testimonials Here is what some H3 clients had to say: “ We chose H3 as a local, high quality service provider and have found the access to doctors, speed and quality of service to be first rate. It is great that as well as getting excellent service, that we are able to support a local business.”

Mr Mark Thompson, Belfast

H3 Sales Development Manager, Jim Livingstone.

“ It was wonderful that I didn’t have to visit my GP at all as an H3 customer. I simply phoned H3 and within 24 hours I was consulted by a specialist.

The time saved and support i received was a real bonus.”

Mr Leo Callow, Lisburn For further information on what H3 Health Insurance has to offer, please visit www.h3insurance.com

FAC T F I L E • Northern Ireland’s first home grown health insurance company.

• Cover includes access to Private Casualty.

• With H3 Health Insurance you can get cover from as low as £20 a month.

• To enquire about H3 Health Insurance for you, your family or your business please call 028 90 46 9990 19

HEALTH STYLE

Jordan O’Keefe Gets His Teeth Into Success After BGT

Following his success on Britain’s Got Talent (BGT), HealthStyle caught up with young singer and social media sensation, L/Derry’s own Jordan O’Keefe when he dropped into Foyle Dental Spa during the competition.

You’ve already been posting videos on Youtube for some time. Did you have a following before BGT or has it increased since your tv appearance?

It was actually my brother who first encouraged me to start uploading to Youtube.

At first it was just a song and a picture but I’ve progressed onto videos and the response has been really positive. I was already on a couple of thousand views before BGT but now it’s jumped massively! I still can’t quite believe my audition video has quite so many views as well.

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Over two million!

I know! It’s nice though.

You’ve got over 70,000 twitter followers now as well – Niall Horan from one direction even tweeted you about your performance. Do you feel like a celebrity already?

Not really, I try to stay grounded, although the tweet from Niall was a bit surreal!

He’s a really nice guy – I met him during the auditions for X-Factor a few years ago, actually. We both auditioned and obviously he went on to

great success in One Direction.

I’m dead chuffed for him.

If I can achieve even a bit of what they have in such a short time, I’ll be delighted.

How has life changed since appearing on the show?

It all feels very sudden but daily life hasn’t changed much apart from the fact that I’m now really busy! I still make as much time as I can for my friends and family though. You’ve no idea what the future holds and the important people are the ones who were there with you before it all started. I try and spend as much time with them as I can.

They’re the ones who support me and keep me grounded.

Favourite musician?

That’s a difficult one because it keeps changing! At the minute my top three are Stevie

Wonder, Ed Sheeran and James Morrison but I like loads of different musicians and loads of different kinds of music.

What are your aspirations for the future?

My big hope is to get signed, obviously, and I’d maybe like to spend some time living in London – there’s just so much opportunity over there and it’d be good to experience living somewhere different. Overall though, I’m trying to focus on now and see what happens.

How did you feel about the competition?

Really excited! I’m delighted to have gotten so far and I’m staying positive and hopeful.

It’s such a great opportunity – you get to stand up and perform live in front of 800 people and another 13,000,000

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are watching you on TV. The idea of that many people hearing me sing is amazing.

Were you nervous?

Not really. I’ve found that by the time I’m there and doing it – I don’t have nerves at all.

There’s no point worrying.

You can only do your best.

At the end of the day, I’m always going to be playing music. That’s what I want to do with my life and that’s the most important thing.

Do you think your appearance makes a difference to your role as a performer?

I’d like to think so – appearance is important. You’ve got to look the part and looking good definitely increases your confidence which in turn, helps your performance. That’s why I went into Foyle Dental Spa to

get my teeth whitened for the competition. I wasn’t happy with my smile before but now I’m feeling more at ease about it.

Do you have any plans in place to help keep you in shape?

Actually health plans have gone out the window since I got so busy. I think I’ve been to McDonalds more times in the last few weeks than ever in my life! But I’m back to being sensible now and I do sit ups and press ups at home as I’ve not got time to go the gym these days. I also try to get out and play football with my mates as much as I can. I just keep it simple; eat well, be active, play music.

Do you have a ritual for getting your voice ready?

I have some warm ups that I do but that’s pretty much it. I know some singers avoid things like

dairy and chilli but I seem to be ok. Water’s a good one though.

You’ve got to keep hydrated.

What’s your favourite drink?

Vitamin water! It’s beautiful stuff although I can never find any over here so I stock up whenever I’m over in London. May nip to the shop and check if there’s any there after this, actually…

Your favourite food?

It’s probably not the healthiest but I do love spaghetti carbonara.

Was there anyone in the competition that’s really stood out for you?

There were loads of really good acts. I think this has been the best year for BGT – there’s almost too many to name but The Luminites are a pretty good wee band, Francine Lewis is a brilliant impressionist and of course Attraction are amazing.

FAC T F I L E • You too can get a dazzling smile like Jordan’s by visiting any one of the Dental Excellence practices.

• Dental Excellence practices include: Foyle Dental Spa (L/ Derry); The Specialist Dental Clinic (Holywood); Dental Excellence (Belfast and Portadown.)

• The Zoom Whitening system used on Jordan costs from £399.

For further information or to book an appointment, please visit www.foyledentalspa.com or please call 02871 361181 21

HEALTH STYLE

Something of a Worrier

We can all remember stressful times when we have felt anxious, like going for a job interview or going to the dentist.

That is perfectly normal and for many of us that anxious feeling comes and goes.

H

owever, for some people, that feeling of anxiety is much more frequent and can have a devastating effect on their daily lives. More than 9% of the UK’s population suffer from anxiety with young women twice as likely to be affected as men.

When someone is anxious, they experience physical feelings and worrying thoughts. This can make it hard to do even the simplest of tasks and so they begin to avoid things. Often the person does not understand why they feel as they do.

When they are relaxed they can see that their worries are over the top, but when the anxiety builds up they feel overwhelmed once again.

Jenny* is 25 and has been receiving treatment for anxiety disorder for the past four years. A confident graduate with an arts degree, no one would think that she suffers from what her mother calls ‘being something of a worrier’ but Jenny believes that she has

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been living with the problem since her early childhood.

“It’s a horrible feeling,” Jenny explains. “Some days I don’t want to get out of bed because it just feels like too much. I know somewhere deep down that the day will be a disaster from start to finish. I could be having a perfectly nice time somewhere when all of a sudden, I’ll get this feeling of dread, of impending doom and I’ll have to make my excuses and leave.”

According to Dr Bunn, Consultant Psychiatrist, “When you are stressed, adrenalin gets released into your body. This is a chemical messenger which makes your body ready to run away or fight what it thinks is dangerous or threatening – the fight or flight response. The body goes “on the alert” and ready for action. With anxiety we can react in the same way to things that worry us, like being criticised.

When someone is finding a lot of things worrying, then the body gets into the habit of being “on alert” and physical symptoms of anxiety develop.”

With physical symptoms including nausea, IBS, dizzy spells and heart palpitations, anxiety can prove to be uncomfortable as well as frightening.

Jenny* tells us how she has been making steps towards controlling her disorder, “The important thing is to keep a sense of perspective,” she says.

“I sometimes worry that I’ve done or said something awful without realising and that can be really upsetting but if I think about it logically, there’s usually nothing to suggest that I’ve done anything wrong. In much the same way, if I lie awake at night worrying, I take a deep breath and tell myself that there is nothing I can do about it tonight and plan to deal with it in the morning.”

“When the symptoms were at their worst my hair was falling out, I was faint, irritable, tearful and found it very difficult to leave the house. That’s when I went to see my GP. They talked me through my various options, including medication such as Beta Blockers and IHI’s but I had to be assessed by a therapist first. I was worried that I was so bad I would have to go on medication whether I wanted to or not but thankfully this wasn’t the case.”

Jenny now works through her anxiety by seeing a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist once a week and going through certain exercises whenever her disorder becomes problematic.

“It’s hard work but it really helps,” she explains.

“Tackling Anxiety is about breaking a cycle of thought, which is easier said than done. It means trusting people more and not having control over everything which can be difficult for me but I’m determined that Anxiety will not rule my life.”

If you have an anxiety problem which just won’t go away, you may not ask for help because you worry that people might think that you are “mad”.

They won’t. It’s a common problem and it’s much better to get help than suffer in silence.

3fivetwo Healthcare, a private clinic located on the Lisburn Road provides rapid access to experienced Consultant Psychiatrists such as Dr Richard Bunn who can help patients with various mental health conditions.

For further information, please visit www.3fivetwo.com and search for ‘Mental Health’.

FAC T F I L E • Over 9% of the UK population suffer from anxiety.

• Anxiety is more common in women than men.

• Dr Bunn, Consultant Psychiatrist offers private consultations at 3fivetwo Healthcare.

• If you have any questions or would like to book an appointment please do not hesitate to contact the 3fivetwo private patient team on 0845 6006 352 or email info@3fivetwo.com

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Recipe for the perfect smile Millions of adults in the UK and Ireland are extremely self-conscious and even embarrassed by their smile. This can have a huge impact on their confidence affecting their day-to-day lives.

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any of us spend our entire lives covering our mouths when we laugh, smile or talk. We often feel that there are few solutions because we don’t want to wear adult metal braces for years and are concerned that other corrective teeth straightening procedures may be too invasive or expensive.

Thanks to the Six Month Smiles system, a new technique in smile makeovers, you could achieve the perfect smile in just 6 months. Dental Excellence, a local group of dental practices, is one such company who offer this new treatment.

There is little debate within the orthodontic community that braces are the most widely used and most effective method to give patients straight, healthy teeth and a beautiful smile.

The Six Month Smiles system originated in the USA and has taken the best aspects of braces and modified the treatment and materials to give you a common-sense, cosmetic solution that fits your lifestyle.

Through this innovative new treatment, Dental Excellence has helped hundreds of people in Northern Ireland regain their confidence through their smile. Anne Crawley, Operations Manager, Dental Excellence explains, “Our Dentists are some of the most experienced practitioners of The Six Month Smiles system which is an effective, totally safe and very affordable cosmetic braces solution that can fit any lifestyle.

“The system uses specialized

clear braces and white wires shaded to match your teeth. They work by gently straightening and aligning teeth that are over-crowded, widely spaced, overlapping or have a misplaced midline like Tom Cruise.

“The Six Month Smiles technique employs the latest technology in dentistry to move

FAC T F I L E • The Six Month Smile is an invisible brace that can produce life changing results.

• Straight teeth in just 6 months.

Before...

• Prices for the Six Month Smile from £1950. Please note that payment plans are available.

... and After

your teeth quickly and safely.

The key components of the treatment are the use of special nickel titanium wires and a primary focus of moving the teeth that show when you smile.

“Moving teeth in any kind of brace can cause some discomfort but this is kept to a minimum with the Six Month Smile system as we use light forces over short period of time.

Results show that the Six Month Smile can achieve

significant improvements in your smile and in turn boost your confidence allowing you to take on the world! This dramatic transformation can be seen in the before and after pictures above.

If you would like further information on the Six Month Smile or how Dental Excellence can help you regain your confidence, please visit www.dentalexcellenceuk.com

• We are currently running an introductory offer where you can have your upper and lower teeth straightened and whitened for just £2900.

• For more information please contact, - Dental Excellence (Belfast) on 028 9074 3709 - Dental Excellence (Portadown) on 028 3833 2656 - Dental Excellence (L’Derry) on 028 7136 1181 23

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Will A Celebrity Smile Get You That Dream Job Or The Love Of Your Life?

When it comes to your career or even your love life, the stakes are high. It may seem strange, but your smile may reveal more than you think on that all important first date or job interview.

Dr Khalid Hussain

W

e have all remarked on the perfection of American teeth and watched the transformation of men and women on Extreme Makeover when the wow factor of porcelain veneers makes the recipient look and feel years younger.

The fact is we imagine that such perfection is only available in America or the hallowed ground of Harley Street in London. That is until now…

Dental Excellence, a local group of dental practices, is pioneering revolutionary techniques in cosmetic dentistry right here in Northern Ireland.

Dr Khalid Hussain, Director and Cosmetic Dentist at Dental Excellence tells HealthStyle where the journey began.

“When I came back to Northern Ireland with my wife Grainne, we wanted to create a dental practice that brought the best of the international reputation we had gained in London and Manchester with our award winning Cosmetic Centre of Excellence.

“There we created beautiful smiles for many celebrities including professional football players, actors and singers. Now in Northern Ireland we have introduced the most cutting edge techniques in international dentistry and have brought colleagues from around the world who are specialists in their fields.

“Our practices offer both NHS and private services but with the guarantee of highly qualified local, national and international specialists.

Virtually no procedure is too advanced and at our most creative I believe we have transformed lives.”

“ Our practices offer both NHS and private services but with the guarantee of highly qualified local, national and international specialists.

Virtually no procedure is too advanced and at our most creative I believe we have transformed lives.”

Having trained with some of the world’s leading Cosmetic Dentists including celebrity New York practitioner, Dr. Larry Rosenthal – more widely known as “The Dentist to the stars” with patients including Michael Douglas; Matt Dillion and Catherine Zeta Jones; Dr Hussain’s reputation is changing the face of dentistry in Northern Ireland.

It’s no surprise then that one of the most successful growth areas for each of his practices is the number of local business people, sports stars and celebrities who recognise that investing in healthy, beautiful teeth makes good business and career sense.

In everyday life we think nothing of buying a car or taking a holiday that is gone in a couple of years or two weeks!

Yet investing in good teeth is not just about aesthetics, it demonstrates, a regard for health and wellbeing that gives 25

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an immediate impression of the attention to detail we put into ourselves, our relationships, our jobs and our business.

The end result may be a beautiful or handsome smile that turns heads, but that should not underestimate the fact that there are many reasons our teeth need specialist attention.

As Dr Hussain explains, he treats a lot of people who are suffering as the result of a genetic condition, an accident or a progressive disease.

“When you have suffered illness, an accident, trauma or disease and need the most up to date treatments available to give you back the life you had.

“We cover all fields of dentistry including facial aesthetics and plastic surgery. These include Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Specialist Implantologists, Specialist Periodontologists and Prosthodontologists supported by a full team of dedicated cosmetic 26

practitioners offering the very best in NHS and Private Cosmetic dentistry.

“In my experience patients want a personal service from someone in whom they can build trust and confidence. That means providing top quality service for everything from the simplest filling to the most complex surgery and everything in-between.”

Dental Excellence are changing the face of dentistry in Northern Ireland and from the moment you walk through their doors you will witness the scale of investment made in state of the art equipment and surroundings. However, it is evident that the greatest investment lies in the expertise and experience each and every patient receives.

FAC T F I L E • Dental Excellence has 5 practices across Northern Ireland: - Belfast

-Holywood

- Portadown

-L’Derry ( two practices)

• Dr Hussain, Dentist, has particular expertise in the fields of advanced cosmetic dentistry, implants, facial rejuvenation, smile design,sedation and is one of the most experienced and talented cosmetic dentists in Ireland • Dental Excellence offer a comprehensive range of NHS and private dental services.

• For more information please visit www.dentalexcellenceuk.com

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Super Foods for Super Men… The top super foods to boost men’s health Spinach – At HealthStyle, we love spinach! One serving of these leafy greens is loaded with fibre, calcium, and virtually your entire day’s recommended dosage of beta carotene, a nutrient vital for immune-system health and good vision. If you can’t stand spinach plain try it in salads, sandwiches or pastas.

Black Beans - Tiny as they are; beans can help you feel energized and fuller longer than almost anything else you can eat. Not only are they incredibly high

in fibre but they’re also stuffed with a highly complex form of carbohydrate that creates a slow release of energy.

They’re packed with protein but unlike meat, they’ve got no saturated fats. Why black beans? Ounce for ounce, they have more fibre per serving than any other member of the legume family.

stress-fighting and immunity-boosting zinc. It can also help promote weight loss and lower your risk of heart disease.

Oatmeal is filled with high levels of soluble fibre that protect your heart and arteries by trapping and expelling cholesterol, dropping levels by up to 30 points or more in some cases.

as altitude, heat, cold, or pollution).

They’re also one of the best foods for muscle recovery after a tough workout.

Oatmeal – The super man’s secret weapon! Oatmeal spikes your energy levels, provides you with an hours-long supply of fuel and is also filled with

Sweet Potatoes - A four-ounce sweet potato holds more than 100% of our daily supply of beta carotene, a hefty dose of iron, and a plentiful shot of vitamins C and E. Together, these nutrients work together to protect your body against cellular damage of all types, especially in athletes who compete in extreme environments (such

Salmon - Densely stuffed with omega3s, these fatty acids are thought to slow memory loss as you age and boost heart health by regulating heart rhythms and keeping arteries and veins supple and free of blockages. Salmon is also an excellent source of protein. A three-ounce cooked serving contains 20 grams-making it ideal for building muscle and trimming fat.

Saturday 30 November 2013 Sunday 19 January 2014 Box Office:

028 9024 1919 Book Online: www.goh.co.uk

HEALTH STYLE

Women Stop Putting Gynae Checks On The ‘To Do’ List!

Gynae issues affect women of all ages, from late teenage years through to menopause and beyond.

T

hese days, we are more informed about looking after our health than ever before as nationwide campaigns promoting regular smears, new vaccinations against cervical cancer and the importance of self-examination are the norm.

Yet despite these advances, our health is always a very personal matter and for many women, the idea of seeing a Gynaecologist is daunting.

Especially as aside from the symptoms of common gynae conditions, women still remain unsure as to what gynaecological issues they are at risk from.

That’s why we put most health problems on our ‘to do’ list because as in the case of a smear test, while an ‘all clear’ is the norm, the fear of a negative result is almost more than many women can bear.

There are many women in the UK and Ireland who suffer daily as a result of gynaecological issues. Problems such as pelvic pain, endometriosis, fibroids or even unexplained vaginal bleeding can cause serious discomfort and have a huge impact on the dayto-day lives of women all over the world. Fortunately, many of these issues can be treated simply by experienced Consultant Gynaecologists and the message to all women is that you don’t have to wait.

At Kingsbridge Private Hospital, they offer a comprehensive range of gynaecological services to women of all ages. The outpatient department offers general female health services for menopause, general wellbeing, gynaecological cancer screening including pelvic ultrasound, colposcopy and out-patient investigations

for incontinence such as urodynamics and physiotherapy.

They also offer a range of surgical procedures in their state-of-the-art theatre suites.

Every patient can be assured of the highest standards of care by the leading gynaecologists in Northern Ireland during their stay at Kingsbridge Private Hospital.

Here at HealthStyle our message to all women is stop putting your health on the ‘to do’ list! If any gynaecological issue is causing you pain or discomfort, please see a Consultant today.

FAC T F I L E • For more information or to book an appointment please call 0845 60 06 352 or visit www.3fivetwo.com • About 2,900 cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed each year in the UK. • This amounts to 2% of all cancer cases diagnosed in women.

• The highest incidence of cervical cancer occurs in women aged between 30 and 39, with the under35s most likely to be affected.

• It is estimated that early detection and treatment can prevent up to 75% of cervical cancers.

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THE KNOWLEDGE

CT Scans

Getting to know…

This issue we’re giving you all the facts on CT Scans.

WHAT IS A CT SCAN? A CT scan is a painless, noninvasive and accurate method of capturing images of soft tissue, lung, bone and blood vessels.

These images provide greater clarity and more detail than regular X-ray examinations.

HOW DOES IT WORK? A CT scanner uses x-rays and a computer to create detailed images of the inside of your body.

The machine itself is a large box shaped machine with a hole or

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opening in the centre. A patient undergoing a CT scan will lie on a flat table that will move through the scanner, whilst the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector bank move around in a circle.

X-rays are emitted and are then received by the detector, which makes them into an image.

WHAT IS A CT SCAN USED FOR? CT scans are very useful because they can demonstrate several kinds of body tissue with great clarity, meaning they can be used to diagnose and monitor a wide range of health conditions including cancer, heart and vascular disease, trauma and musculoskeletal disorders.

It is one of the fastest and most accurate tools for examining the chest, abdomen and pelvis because it provides detailed cross sectional views of all types of tissue. A CT Scan can also be used to examine patients with injuries from trauma.

It is often the best method for detecting many cancers, such as lymphoma and cancers of the lung, colon, liver, kidney, ovary and pancreas. The images are used to confirm the presence of a tumour and measure its size, location and evaluate the extent of involvement with other nearby tissue.

CT plays a significant role in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of vascular diseases that can lead to stroke, kidney failure and potentially fatal conditions. It is commonly used to assess for pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lung vessels), aortic aneurysms and pre/post stent (a small mesh tube that’s used to treat narrow or weak arteries) planning procedures.

It can be invaluable in imaging musculoskeletal injuries/ disorders because it can clearly show bony detail as well as surrounding tissue such as muscle and blood vessels.

WHERE CAN I GET A CT SCAN IN NORTHERN IRELAND? At 3fivetwo Healthcare, we are able to offer state of the art facilities with our 64-slice MDCT scanner. We offer a full range of services, some of which are detailed below: • CT Calcium Scoring • CT Cardiac Angiography • Virtual Colonoscopy • Advanced Vessel Analysis

FAC T F I L E • These procedures are not subject to a waiting list and can lead to a faster, more complete diagnosis. A referral from a medical professional is required for all CT examinations.[CM1] • For more information please visit www.3fivetwo.com or alternatively if you have any questions or would like to book an appointment please call us on 0845 60 06 352 or email info@3fivetwo.com

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having access to on-site imaging and physiotherapy services as well as cardiac and diagnostic facilities and the opportunity for direct referrals to Specialist Consultants.

Whatever you need, it’s all right there on your door step and we can be right there with you from that very first appointment.

This also means we can ensure that the care you receive will be the very best. Now that doesn’t sound too bad, does it?

Doctor Doctor Already gracing the airwaves as the cool, calm voice of medical expertise on Downtown Radio, Kingsbridge Private Hospital’s own private GP, Dr Heather Bell is fast becoming something of a health guru! HealthStyle caught up with her during a (rare!) quiet moment to ask some pressing questions…

Doctor, Doctor; how did you manage to fit us in so quickly?

I know! It’s great, isn’t it?

We were prepared for a much longer wait…

Most people are. It seems to be part of the hassle of organising a doctor’s appointment. As a working GP, both for the NHS and Kingsbridge Private Hospital, I know the pressure on both sides to arrange appointments. I work as a GP in my own practice in Greenisland where we work hard as a team to provide appointments to accommodate busy lives. This is not always possible. That’s the great thing about Kingsbridge Private Hospital; private GP consultations are structured to be convenient and readily accessible.

So who is the private GP service for? Is it just emergencies?

No, not at all. Don’t get me wrong – if you’re worried and want to see someone right away then the Private GP service is an excellent way to ensure peace of mind, but it’s also helpful if you don’t have the time to visit your local GP or are working away from home. Sometimes people feel a bit embarrassed about going to see their regular GPs

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for certain things and want the comfort of anonymity and some just want a second opinion. I’m just one part of a larger team of experienced GPs who are here to help and give expert advice.

And what services does a private GP provide?

Well that’s the beauty of seeing a private GP at Kingsbridge Private Hospital, not only can we arrange your appointment at your earliest convenience but myself and the other GPs can offer a range of consultations, treatments and vaccinations. So, for instance, you could come to see me and in one appointment we could arrange anything from pre-employment medicals, a seasonal flu vaccination, sexual health services or just have a general consultation – and that’s only naming a few! We’ve also got facilities for family planning, counselling services, a skin and mole clinic and a range of blood tests. The best thing is that it all takes place at Kingsbridge Private Hospital, which is just gorgeous.

Yes, we hear it’s quite fancy…

It’s more like a Five Star hotel than a hospital. I sometimes think that I’d enjoy a wee stay there, myself…

Steady on, Doc! It can’t be that good, can it?

Well OK, maybe it’s not worth hospitalising yourself over but the good thing is that at Kingsbridge Private Hospital, you benefit from

Definitely not! How much does a private GP cost?

The price of your consultation can vary depending on what treatment or procedure is deemed necessary, but it is around £75. Don’t worry though; the price of the consultation will be discussed with you at the booking stage so there’ll be no surprises! Consultations with a private GP are also usually covered by private health insurance so if you have access to that, I’d strongly recommend talking to your providers about it. Not many people know that you can use your insurance to access an appointment on demand but the reassurance of that is something the patients I see in Kingsbridge Private Hospital really appreciate.

Thanks Doctor Heather, we’re feeling much better after that.

Glad I could be a help. Just send in the next patient on your way out…

FAC T F I L E • Kingsbridge Private Hospital offer same day private GP services and access to Northern Ireland’s first private Casualty unit.

• Initial Private GP Consultation costs from £75 • If you would like to book an appointment or require further information on the options available to you, please do not hesitate to contact our private patient booking team on 0845 60 06 352, email info@kingsbridgeprivatehospital. com or visit www.3fivetwo.com

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Don’t Let Your Heart Take You By Surprise Keep It Healthy With A Heart-Check Cardiac health is once again in the spotlight as wildlife broadcasting legend Sir David Attenborough was admitted to hospital to be fitted with a pacemaker. The unexpected nature of his condition does prompt the question – do you leave it until an emergency to think about the health of your heart?

Sir David Attenborough.

P

art of this issue comes from a preconceived notion of what heart disease is and who it affects. Few people, when discussing cardiac health would think that the teenage singing and acting heart-throb Miley Cyrus is one such sufferer.

However, Miley was diagnosed with tachycardia as a child, a heart condition that makes the heart beat faster than normal.

Whilst the singer admits that the type of tachycardia she has isn’t dangerous, she admits, “It does bother me. There is never a time on-stage when I’m not thinking about my heart.”

Closer to home, cardiovascular disease remains one of the most significant causes of death in 32

Northern Ireland with more than a quarter of all recorded deaths in 2011 documented as caused by the disease. This figure was almost as high as deaths caused by cancer (29%). With so much information and help on hand as to how to maintain a healthy heart through diet, exercise and avoiding cigarettes and alcohol, how is cardiovascular disease still so prevalent?

According to Dr Simon Walsh, a Consultant Cardiologist, “The fact is that most people ignore the warning signs of heart problems because they’re either too afraid to go to the doctor or are unsure as to what the symptoms mean until something drastic happens.”

So many symptoms can signal heart problems whether it is chronic fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, indigestion, nausea or merely a faster heartbeat. Unfortunately these are all easy symptoms to ignore. Some, like Sir David Attenborough, have never had a history of cardiac issues until all

of a sudden there is a problem.

Whilst no screening package can predict every potential cardiac issue present, a health screen can help identify specific issues which could affect the health of your heart in later life.

These days, taking a proactive approach to your health is a must.

If you are worried about your

heart and would like to get it checked, the Imaging and Cardiac Centre at 3fivetwo Healthcare can offer various screening packages tailored to suit your needs.

There are various screening packages available including a Healthy Heart Assessment for those wishing to obtain an overall view of their cardiac health. This service includes an examination by a Consultant Cardiologist, medical history, blood tests and cardiovascular risk assessment.

Alternatively you may choose to access our cardiology services on an individual basis. Further to your cardiac consultation, 3fivetwo Healthcare offer direct access to a comprehensive range of cardiac investigations, including: • • • •

Echocardiography Treadmill Test Cardiac CT Ambulatory monitoring

For further information on all the cardiac services available please visit www.3fivetwo.com

FAC T F I L E • 3fivetwo Healthcare offer a comprehensive range of cardiac investigations and screening oackages.

• The Imaging and Cardiac Centre is based at 6 Lisburn Road.

• Healthy Heart Assessments from £395 • To book a consultation at our Cardiac and Imaging Centre, 6 Lisburn Road, please call the 3fivetwo Private Patient Team on 0845 60 06 352 or email info@3fivetwo.com

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HEALTH STYLE

Eamonn’s Breath Taking Sleep Problem Solved Snoring is always a cause for embarrassment for any sufferer but what if it is a sign of something more sinister? Golf pro Eamonn Logue tackled just this issue when a visit to 3fivetwo’s Sleep Clinic revealed he had a dangerous medical condition. Here the 49-year-old father of two talks to HealthStyle about his condition, his treatment and the snoring that caused his breathing to stop twenty times in a night.

Eamonn, what brought you to 3fivetwo in the first place?

I’ve always snored but it got progressively worse. My wife Julie was really suffering. She wasn’t getting enough sleep and even my sons Mitchel and Jordan could hear me from their room. When I went to golf tournaments I couldn’t share a room because I couldn’t inflict it on anyone. It had become a real problem so when I saw online that a new sleep clinic had opened in Belfast we decided to go there.

But the results weren’t what you were expecting?

Definitely not! They told me that I suffered from sleep apnoea, which basically means that during the night, according to my test results, my breathing had stopped 20 times

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in one hour and then another 15 times in a further 40 minutes.

When this happens, the level of oxygen falls in the blood and the brain so I’d wake up to breathe. It was really frightening to hear that and so completely off the wall.

It’s dangerous as not only does it cause sleep deprivation but the doctors tell me that it could go on to have an effect on the heart and cause long-term health problems. Julie and I both just wondered why we hadn’t gone to see about the snoring sooner.

What does this mean for you, healthwise?

Well, if you stop breathing that many times a night then it could be a serious cardiac risk factor.

I have been snoring since my

late teens, so for over 20 years every night that could have been happening, which is a definite cause for worry. Also sleep deprivation is never something anybody wants as it can seriously hamper your life; it makes you ten times more likely to be involved in a car accident, it makes you irritable and on a personal level, it had become a real problem in the house because, unless my wife got to sleep before me, she couldn’t sleep and I would wake up in the morning to find she was sleeping in the spare room which is not good for any relationship.

What course of action did the Sleep Clinic take?

It was all very straight forward.

At my consultation, they gave me a pulse monitor to take home with me. That evening I wore the pulse monitor on my finger which monitored my sleep overnight. It was very unobtrusive and after one night sleeping with it I had to go back to the Sleep Clinic to get the results.

Once we had established that I suffered from Sleep Apnoea, I was fitted with a Mandibular Advancement Device, which sounds very fancy. It’s a mouth guard that was made specifically for me to fit my mouth. Its aim is to bring my jaw forward,

which helps me breathe more easily while sleeping. It’s a bit similar to a gum-shield.

How did you find this treatment worked for you?

At first I was sceptical as to how something so simple could cure something that seemed like such a big problem and it felt very strange to be using it but it really has made a difference. Like everything worth doing, there is a degree of commitment.

It’s not a magic wand, it’s not going to work after just one night but through consistent and proper use, I’ve stopped snoring and the improvement in the quality of my life and that of my family is remarkable.

Based on your experience, would you recommend the Sleep Clinic for other snorers?

With my hand on heart I would urge anyone who is putting up with snoring to go to the Sleep Clinic and get it checked out.

People joke about snoring but I think what happened to me shows that it really is no joking matter and you can’t put a price on your health — it really is something that needs to be checked out.

It has been a complete revelation.

I’m waking up now feeling fresher and that feeling is lasting all day.

Eamonn is pictured receiving a brief from Mr Eiad Qudairat, the Consultant who developed the Mandibular Advancement Device that was so instrumental in curing Eamonn’s Sleep Apnoea

Julie is actually getting a good night’s sleep and feels so much better, which, believe me, is important! In fact, everyone in our house is getting a proper night’s sleep and obviously the health issue has to be paramount but who knows what the damage would have been done to my health if I hadn’t been diagnosed?

HealthStyle also spoke to Dr Nicholas Magee, a Consultant in Respiratory Medicine, who warns that there are many dangers linked to sufferers of sleep apnoea which means that snoring should not go unquestioned. Dr Magee treats many patients from across Northern Ireland in the specialist Sleep Clinic run by 3fivetwo Healthcare.

Dr Magee, what are the health risks involved in suffering from sleep apnoea?

There are quite a few. It’s been proven that there is a higher incidence of both fatal and non-fatal heart attacks in patients with severe Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) and a higher incidence of stroke, sudden death and atrial fibrillation in patients with moderate to severe OSA. There is also a strong association between OSA and

high blood pressure. The problem is that very few people are aware of these risks or how they could be linked to their snoring so they ignore it, putting themselves at risk.

Who are the most likely sufferers of OSA? We believe that somewhere between 2% & 4% of the population suffers from some degree of sleep apnoea, often without realising it. Men are more likely to suffer from it than women but drinking alcohol, smoking and getting older are all risk indicators. One of the biggest factors though is weight and this is something we address when making a preliminary examination as it can both aid and hinder the treatment process.

For example, while surgery to the nose or throat is a possible solution in some patients, it doesn’t work well for those who are overweight.

Patients with sleep apnoea need to lose weight but many are unable to as they are so tired that they find it impossible to exercise.

What is the Sleep Clinic doing to help?

At the Sleep Clinic we are able to provide overnight sleep studies which are not readily available across the province. The test involves an overnight sleep study, which is performed in

the comfort of your own home, and a follow up consultation to work out the best individual management for each patient’s sleep apnoea problem. A ‘one size fits all’ solution does not work.

Sometimes, when the OSA is severe we would recommend treatment through a small device called a CPAP that delivers air through the nose at night time can virtually eliminate this problem.

This can result in huge benefit to the patient and many experience a complete new lease of life, allowing them to begin to exercise and lose weight accordingly.Alternatively, other patients, like Mr Logue, are expertly fitted with a custom made dental appliance, often referred to as a splint, which can heavily reduce or eliminate snoring in up to 80% of these cases.Whatever the most suitable solution, the effects of sleep apnoea are heavily underestimated in Northern Ireland, but with careful assessment and a management plan tailored for the individual patient, then most of these problems can be greatly improved or eliminated.

Sleep apnoea is easily treatable with various surgical and nonsurgical treatments. If you’re worried you may be suffering from it, please visit www.sleepclinic. com for further information on how you and your loved ones can get a better night’s sleep.

FAC T F I L E • Sleep Apnoea not only affects men and women but can also affect children.

• Most people that suffer sleep apnoea are usually unaware they have it.

This means it can go on diagnosed for years (or even decades).

• There are three types of sleep apnoea: central (CSA), obstructive (OSA), and complex or mixed sleep apnoea • Sleep apnoea causes fatigue and daytime sleepiness. If undiagnosed many people become conditioned to these symptoms and think they are part of normal life.

• For some sleep, sleep apnoea can cause sleep paralysis. In severe cases this can lead to insomnia.

• Long term insomnia, as a result of sleep apnoea, can lead to depression.

• A Sleep Apnoea and Snoring assessment costs from £295 at the 3fivetwo Sleep Clinic • To book an appointment or for more information, please call the private patient team on 0845 6006 352 or email info@3fivetwo.com 35

Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke HEALTH STYLE

Care for those who care for your company.

Book a health assessment for your staff, today.

Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke is your local charity for the care and prevention of chest, heart and stroke illnesses. We are committed to improving the health of the people of Northern Ireland. Book a Health Assessment for your staff to identify any cardiac risk factors that might affect them and your business.

Find out more: www.nichs.org/ healthassessment

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LET THE GAMES BEGIN…

WORLD POLICE AND FIRE GAMES TO HIT BELFAST THIS AUGUST

T

his August, Belfast will play host to the next World Police and Fire Games in 2013.

A biennial event for serving and retired members of the emergency services such as police, fire, prison and border security officers, the World Police and Fire Games (WPFG) is the third largest international multi-sport event in the world and will be the largest ever sporting event to take place in Northern Ireland.

All in all, there will be 56 sports held at 41 venues across Northern Ireland and we expect over 7,000 competitors from over 60 countries to take part. A diverse pool of up to 3,600 skilled volunteers will be on hand to help to deliver the ‘friendliest Games ever.’

Providing further evidence of Northern Ireland’s ability to organise and host major events, WPFG will afford a major economic boost for Northern Ireland, generating much welcomed revenue for the service sector including hotels, restaurants, shops and visitor attractions.

The Games will also leave a lasting legacy as a result of extensive Services engagement in the community, schools and with young people, their three official charities and their many and varied sponsors who number household

names such as Danske Bank, Coca Cola and Tayto.

One proud sponsor of the games is Kingsbridge Private Hospital. A member of The 3fivetwo Group, Kingsbridge Private Hospital is a silver sponsor of the games and will be providing 40 onsite Physiotherapists in 13 of the Athlete Villages throughout Northern Ireland during the event.

Mairead Fagan, Business Development at The 3fivetwo Group, has been coordinating the physiotherapists for the World Police and Fire Games and tells us, “3fivetwo Healthcare are delighted to get this opportunity to work with and support the PSNI, Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, Fire Service and all organisations involved in the games. The games are about participation and fun, we will join in welcoming visitors to Northern Ireland while providing medical assistance where required” Kingsbridge’s Private Casualty unit will also look after anyone with minor injuries as a result of sporting activity or accidents.

With these facilities and trained Medical Professionals on-hand, we can all look forward to an exciting week of games in August.

PROUD SUPPLIER TO THE 3FIVE TWO GROUP OF COMPANIES

Established for over 25 years as one of Northern Irelands premier kitchen manufacturers and having developed a successful bathroom division over the past decade Abbey kitchens and bathrooms, featuring The Stove Store are pleased to be able to showcase their latest expansions.

Following the blossoming success of the Stove Store since its launch in 2011, we are delighted to announce the arrival of both the Chesney’s and Faber portfolio of fireplaces, fires and stoves to the already impressive range of products from leading manufactures such as Stovax and Morso. With numerous displays including three “Live” models at the Stove Store you are guaranteed a Warm welcome.

Building on our considerable history of manufacturing our own kitchens and bathrooms we are pleased to offer fitted bedroom units, sliding robes and customised dressing rooms to our tailored range of products offering you enviable quality at a competitive price. With an extensive range of showrooms and pleasant, knowledgeable staff on hand to assist you with your project, be sure to visit our websites or contact us to arrange a consultation today.

Managing Director Stuart Barnett says “Whether it is a cutting edge minimalist style in a range of glossy colours or the timeless elegance of a painted finish, it doesn’t matter whether you are refurbishing your existing home or building a new one, at Abbey we will be able to cater for your every need and come in on time, on budget.”

Abbey Kitchens and Bathrooms: 46B Old Carrick Road, Newtownabbey • Tel: 028 9085 3277 www.abbeykitchensandbathrooms.co.uk • www.thestovestoreni.com

HEALTH STYLE

Home Matters...

Award winning construction company Heritage Developments have been closely working with clients to create stunning homes for over seventeen years. Hundreds of homes later, and with far too many house moves of her own than she cares to remember, Angela Thompson, co founder of Heritage Developments explains a little bit about the company’s ethos.

“M

y husband Stephen and I set the company up in 1996 with the aim of building homes not only of high specification but homes tailored to meet our clients specific needs and wants, whatever the size of property or the location.

We wanted to deliver maximum value for £ spent and we wanted the client to feel that they had really contributed to the project, so we listened hard and made sure the client did not feel pressured into accepting what we wanted them to

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do. We felt that only by doing this, we could deliver the best service.

For one off sites, we explored everything from the period or style of property the client wished to create, to the number of books they needed to accommodated within their finished home. In our development projects we could manipulate floor plans, give choice on fixtures and fittings and work around furnishings that our clients already owned. Our quest was to deliver perfectly tailored spaces that fitted our clients every wish.

Through the years we have kept to our aim and we believe this has been our unique selling point when clients approach us. We have designed and built everything from attractive 2 bed apartments to huge private dwellings with seven bedrooms.

We happily take the reins when a client does not want or have the time to become involved. Along the way interior design became a major part of our business as numerous show homes and of

course or own homes required dressing. We have now established a vast database of suppliers in this dimension. We learned and still learn something every day, as this area is ever changing and exciting.

When the recent downturn took hold, we diversified into renovation and refurbishment works. We found clients whose needs had changed or borrowings were not forthcoming for them to move. So we got involved in the rearranging of rooms to accommodate new use of space. In the last year few years we have also witnessed the interest in refurbishing properties has increased. Sometimes this is for private use or for investment purposes. Often it is a property that has fallen into disrepair in a great location. By carrying out good quality refurbishment the value of the property may be elevated most successfully. We have an excellent team of craftsmen and suppliers and use one of Northern Ireland’s top practice’s of architects from Alan Patterson Design to ensure

that each project achieves it maximum potential, meeting all building and planning directions.

We are dedicated to providing our clients with the highest level of specification possible, whilst keeping a keen eye design, budget and timeline. For our clients, whatever their project may be, we hope that they enjoy the experience as much as we do”

FAC T F I L E

Heritage Developments are currently working on projects in Cultra, Hillsborough, Craigavad, Holywood and Greenisland and may be contacted by email: angelajthompson @me.com or call 07710182656.

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HEALTH STYLE

Cosmetic Surgery The Cosmetic Surgery culture is becoming more and more popular across the globe. Last year alone over 15 million cosmetic procedures were carried out worldwide, a rise of 4% from the previous year.

S

urgery for cosmetic reasons is now widely accepted and has become a common accepted and and has become a common talking point. Men and women of all ages are opting to have surgery to either improve their body image or help build their confidence.

With high profile celebrities and the heightened media attention around cosmetic surgery, people are now much more informed on the options available to them.

Age related surgery is extremely common. The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) reported a double digit rise for all antiageing procedures in 2012 including brow lifts and face and neck lifts.

Men and women alike are now considering surgery to help turn back the clock and reduce the signs of a mired of things which have taken a toll on the face and body. Smoking, drinking, bad diet and too much sun can all have a detrimental effect on the body that no amount of moisturiser or creams will ever help solve.

Leading cosmetic company, Cosmetech have partnered with Belfast’s newest five star hospital, Kingsbridge Private Hospital to offer an integrated cosmetic service, ranging from non-surgical treatments to cosmetic surgery in the privacy and comfort of a luxurious private clinic.

Cosmetech is Consultant Surgeon led and their Surgeons are all NHS 40

Consultants involved in treating facial trauma, scars, deformities and reconstructive surgery.

Their team of experienced Consultant Surgeons offer a comprehensive range of cosmetic procedures in the following areas: Head and neck • Face lift, eyelid surgery, eye bag removal, brow lift, nose job, neck lift.

Abdominal • Tummy tuck, liposuction, gastric band, gastric balloon.

Breast • Breast enlargement, breast reduction, breast uplift.

Genital • Designer vaginas including vaginal tightening, labial reduction, liposuction, fat injections.

Varicose veins • Treatment and prevention of varicose veins.

These cosmetic services are performed by leading local Consultant Surgeons who are Sub-Specialists in their respective specialties. For example, a breast enlargement at Cosmetech will be carried out by a local Consultant Surgeon specialising in breast reconstruction.

Lena Gillespie, Director of Cosmetech, tells HealthStyle why people opt for the surgical route at Cosmetech,

HEALTH STYLE

“For some areas, non-surgical treatments are not an option.

We are now delighted to be able to offer a full surgical service to our patients. Our Consultant Surgeons are leaders in their field committed to providing the highest standards of medical excellence and patient care.”

For further information on cosmetic procedures available at Cosmetech, please visit www.cosmetech.co.uk

FAC T F I L E Cosmetch is located in Holywood, Co. Down.

Cosmetech’s surgical procedures will be performed at the 5 star Kingsbridge Private Hospital.

For further assistance please contact Cosmetech on 02890423200 or email info@cosmetech.co.uk.

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HEALTH STYLE

D

id you know that if you suffer from crippling migraines, Bells Palsy, troublesome sinuses, excessive and embarrassing sweating or even painful bunions a series of Botox injections could be the answer?

It is a little known fact that the benefits of treatments like this are more far reaching than at first thought and can actually ease a great deal of pain, suffering and embarrassment.

The efficacy of Botox against Migraines was raised in a National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) systematic review, which compared botulinum toxin type A (Botox) with a placebo for people with chronic headaches.

Two large trials were identified, and in both of these trials, Botox injections reduced the frequency of headaches.

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HEALTH STYLE

Injecting a little glamour could be good for your health! HealthStyle explores how the beneficial uses of Botox are more than just skin deep...

A verified reason for why this occurs is not yet known but Specialists theorise that it is not, as some people think, due to a relaxation of muscles.

In fact, they believe that it is due to Botulinum toxin inhibiting the release of peripheral nociceptive neurotransmitters, which may then have a knockon effect on the central pain processing systems that generate migraine headaches.

Although it is possible to receive this treatment on the NHS, very few people may actually be eligible.

Part of the NHS guidelines to the treatment state that it is available to those who suffer from chronic migraine, defined as headaches on at least 15 days a month, of which at least eight days are with migraine and only if the person has not responded to at least three drug-based treatments intended to prevent migraines.

But it’s not just Migraines.

Botox has also shown itself to be a helpful aid to sufferers of Bells’ Palsy, a condition that causes temporary weakness or paralysis of the muscles in one side of the face. Whilst most sufferers notice an improvement in their symptoms after about two to three weeks, a complete

Can Cosmetic Treatments Make You Feel Better? recovery can take between three and six months.

Around 7 out of 10 people with Bell’s palsy make a complete recovery, with or without treatment but during this time, the sufferer must live with the effects of the paralysis; which can feel unsightly and distressing.

Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections can be used to help those affected by being injected into the affected side of the face to relax any facial muscles that have become tight, or if the muscles in the unaffected side have become overactive or dominant, Botox may be injected into this side of the face to reduce muscle activity and balance the movement of the face.

By restoring balance in the facial muscles, sufferers of Bell’s Palsy should find it easier to eat, drink, sleep and communicate without causing extra stress to their condition.

Mr Ashok Songra, one of the leading Maxillofacial surgeons in the UK, has been involved in treating facial trauma, scars, deformities and reconstructive surgery over many years.

A member of the Botox Panel of experts for the UK, which assesses safety standards and the ability of practitioners in the administration of Botox and Juvederm, Mr Songra has extensive experience of both the medical and cosmetic application of this kind of treatment and has seen its benefits.

His years of working on some of the most difficult reconstructive facial surgeries, has given him an enviable reputation for creating some of the most natural-looking cosmetic work in the business.

“The techniques I use are quite advanced and focus on maintaining the skin and supporting the underlying structures of the face. We can now preserve a face as it is for the next 10 years, if you can do that you are winning.

“With so much awareness of cosmetic treatments, more clients come to us now with a better understanding of the full range of what we can do than ever before.

They do not always want to go straight to surgery for many reasons: health, price and what they’re hoping to achieve being just a few.

“There is a wide variety of non-invasive treatments available today and we are able to achieve an excellent naturallooking face-lift without surgery and have developed a combined therapy face-lift.

Symmetry and proportion are key to a natural attractive look, as we age we lose natural volume in the face.

“For the best results it is best to treat the face as a whole, lifting the mid-face areas and then lifting the lower face and jaw line to create an overall fresher and plumper look.

“However, surgery is still a

necessary option for many people, particularly those who have a disfigurement or who want something more radical to give them confidence and we provide a full service through Kingsbridge Private Hospital on the Lisburn Road in Belfast.”

FAC T F I L E Botox for Migraine Relief Botox is a purified neurotoxin and it works by paralysing the nerve supply to muscles, thereby restricting their movement.

Under the new guidelines Botox for the treatment of chronic migraine would be given (to those eligible) by intramuscular injection to between 31 and 39 sites around the head and back of the neck. A new course of treatment can be administered every 12 weeks.

A full range of surgical and non- surgical therapies are available through Cosmetech Maypole Clinic, 5-7 Shore Rd, Holywood Co Down, BT18 9XH Contact us on www.cosmetech.co.uk Tel 028 90423200 Mob 077649 88 333 Email lena@cosmetech.co.uk

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A giant leap in clarity and colour It’s the world’s first 84-inch ULTRA HD TV that’s taking the viewing experience to the next level Basil Knipe Electrics Ltd is one of the largest independent Retailers in Northern Ireland with a massive superstore that sells a vast array of goods ranging from televisions, cookers, fridges, dishwashers, washing machines, wood burning stoves and many more quality household items.

As well as a large store, there are excellent on-site parking facilities for customers. The sales staff constantly strive to ensure all customers’ needs are met in a friendly and efficient manner. The conscientious and knowledgeable members of staff are constantly on hand to offer advice and guidance in a non-pressurised environment. In the unlikely event you can’t find what you are looking for in store, then staff will do their utmost to source any item. Within the team of staff there is a fully qualified electrician, plumber & aerial installer allowing them to meet all your needs.

The store also offer a delivery service province wide and as far as Donegal, Dublin and Galway.

It’s with great excitement that Basil Knipe Electrics is the only showroom in Northern Ireland to have the Worlds First 84” Ultra HD TV from LG on display. For all those sporting and television fanatics this is a must in any home. It comes with 6 pairs of glasses (4 x 3D and 2 x Dual-Play glasses), Freeview HD and built in WiFi. A Magic Remote control is also included. The 84” screen is gigantic and is equal to the size of four 42-inch TV’s and with a 2.2 speaker system you can be assured of the best sound quality possible.

The 84” screen boasts an impressive 8 million pixels per frame and thanks to LG’s advanced Triple XD Engine the display is visually stunning with a resolution of 3840 x 2160, four times greater than that of Full HD. It also comes with 3D and LG’s Smart TV functionality offering a good selection of catchup TV, Movies, TV Series and Music instantly. In short, this product is a world in itself – a revolution in refinement and technology which propels the home entertainment experience to new heights.

Basil Knipe Electrics Ltd has become a business synonymous throughout the province for quality goods and unrivalled value. They deal directly with the main manufacturers resulting in better discounts to customers. As well as enjoying support from local customers throughout the past nine years, Basil Knipe Electrics Ltd draws visitors from much further afield such is the reputation the business has established.

Call in today and browse LG’s range of great products.

For more information contact: Basil Knipe Electrics Ltd, 41 Ballymena Road, Ballymoney, BT53 7EX on: Tel. 028 2764 9222. Fax 028 2764 9223 Email: sales@basilknipe.com

Basil Knipe Electrics

Four things to love about LG’s ULTRA HD TV

1

2

3

4

THE WORLD’S FIRST 84-INCH ULTRA HD TV

ULTRA CLARITY

WATCH FROM ALMOST ANY ANGLE WITH IPS

VISION AND SOUND

It’s the next standard for TV resolution and is available to buy now.

Via 8.3 mega-pixel resolution, it delivers an utterly immersive experience that has four times the impact of full HD.

In-Plane Switching (IPS) display technology, gives a 178-degree viewing angle without colour distortion.

The 2.2ch speaker system produces a deep and immersive sound.

The Worlds First 84” ULTRA HD TV from LG, available to view at Basil Knipe Electrics, Ballymoney.

www.lg.com/uk/84ULTRAHD

HEALTH STYLE

A Picture OF Happiness Award-winning journalist Anne Hailes of the Irish News talked to Steve Green of Origin Fertility Care about the options available to families seeking help for fertility to treatment.

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HEALTH STYLE

I

t always annoys me when I hear someone tell new parents, ‘your troubles are only beginning’. They probably think it’s clever but for these parents it’s a blessing to have a new baby and they feel great joy.

Then there are couples who cannot conceive, they are often the subject of jibes, “isn’t it about time you two thought about a family”, “what’s wrong man, no lead in your pencil”, “when are you going to make me a granny?”

Thoughtless and heart-breaking.

Often the reason is infertility and the causes vary, perhaps medications, lifestyle, or disease, even obesity, so it’s vital to consult a GP if you suspect there is something preventing conception. This can be awkward and embarrassing, maybe the woman is reluctant to pay a visit, more often it’s the man who hangs back; unwise because time is ticking; whereas men’s bodies produce sperm throughout their lives, a woman is born with a predetermined number of eggs and those are to do her for life. As she gets older, so do the eggs until there is no hope of an egg being successfully fertilised.

At puberty young women have a full complement of eggs and once every month, if she is healthy a mature egg will be discharged from the ovary. The remaining eggs will wait their turn. So it goes on until one of the eggs successfully meets a sperm, they get together and the result is a baby.

Couples who have babies tend to take it for granted and don’t really bother too much with the intricacies of fertilisation, but for those men and women who find it difficult or impossible to become pregnant, the intricacies are all important. If it’s not happening for a couple, the doctor will ask relevant questions, do some tests and eventually refer them to a hospital, that may or may not have a fertility specialist, for investigation and assessment. This might take a couple of years as there are waiting lists and one stipulation is the woman must have a body mass index of 35 so weight reduction may be necessary. After all of that comes referral to the NHS Regional Fertility Centre at the Royal Victoria Hospital. Waiting lists here as well.

Then, eventually, comes treatment, often In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF).

Only one procedure will be offered, up to but not including your 40th

Dr. Steve Green, embryology manager at Origin Fertility

“ According to Steve Green the procedure is fairly straight forward - what he does is a miracle and to a couple who conceive from IVF it’s total happiness that might otherwise have been denied them.” birthday. Many couples opt to go along the private route at the same time and this is where clinics like Origin Fertility Care come into play.

There are a number of different methods used to promote fertilisation. These include Intrauterine Insemination where the sperm is harvested from the man and introduced high in the uterus of the woman or In-Vitro Fertilisation which is fertilisation outside the body. In layman’s terms, the man’s sperm cells within the semen are analysed and the woman’s egg production is checked. She may have been prescribed fertility drugs to encourage the ovaries to produce more mature eggs than usual and these are collected, under sedation, and placed in a dish containing a fresh sample of sperm, suspended in a special medium and kept in an incubator; next day this will be checked to see if the eggs have fertilised. If so the transfer into the uterus can proceed. A pregnancy test after 18 days will show if the woman is indeed pregnant.

Embryos are picked up in a tube attached to a syringe which is guided into the womb where the

embryos are deposited. How many embryos are picked up? It varies but this is regulated by a code of practice laid down by the Human Fertilisation Embryo Authority under a 1990 Act of Parliament in order to avoid multiple births. Women under 40 can only have up to two embryos returned and women above 40 can have up to three. Although twins and triplets are not unusual, clinics have to keep the number of multiple births under a certain number.

Last year the success rate in this Belfast clinic was at an all time high and above the national average with 166 healthy babies born to the Origin couples.

At the clinic I met Dr. Steve Green the eminent clinical embryologist who has developed many advanced treatment methods and is now embryology manager at Origin.

Steve studied pure biology and graduated from Coventry University and then specialised in embryology and tissue culture at the Royal Free Hospital London. It was at a time of great excitement in IVF treatment with groundbreaking news of the first ‘test tube’ baby. Louise Brown was born in 1978 thanks to the pioneering work of Patrick Steptow and Professor Robert Edwards.

At that time, women had to lie in hospital for 10 days after embryo transfer literally with her legs in the air to encourage a pregnancy.

As Steve remembers, it wasn’t long before these talented men and their staff began to cut down that time, indeed when I visited at the clinic last week, a lady arrived around the same time, had the IVF procedure

Last year Lisa Bloomfield and her husband from Limavady decided to undergo fertility treatment at Origin Fertility Care in Belfast. The couple were overjoyed that the outcome was successful and they now are blessed with a beautiful baby daughter, Ella who is now 7 months old.

and was walking out with her husband as I was driving away about an hour and a half later.

According to Steve Green the procedure is fairly straight forward - to me what he does is a miracle and to a couple who conceive from IVF it’s total happiness that might otherwise have been denied them.

Dr. Green admits it’s a long emotional journey, the stress of trying to conceive, disappointment and frustration, then the decision to go for the first investigation. I’m sure once that decision is taken, the worry is replaced with hope, especially with the knowledge that the success rate is high.

For more information and fees visit the origin website at www.originfertilitycare.com 47

HEALTH STYLE

Specialising in Women’s Health

CALL US NOW 0845 6006 352

SURGERY • Gynae Surgery • Varicose Veins • Hysterectomy • Plastic Surgery • Breast Surgery

PREGNANCY • Ultrasound scans • 4D Scan • Antenatal Care • Harmony Prenatal Test

DENTISTRY • 6 month Smile • Teeth Whitening • Veneers • Implants • Cosmetic Dentistry

FERTILITY • IVF • Egg freezing • Fertility Testing

COSMETIC SERVICES • Anti-Wrinkle Injections • Dermal Fillers • Skin Peels • Semi-Permanent Make-up

COSMETIC TREATMENTS • Breast Enlargement • Breast Reduction • Facelift • Eye Tuck • Tummy Tuck • Liposuction

The 3fivetwo Group includes:

www.3fivetwo.com 50

THE LUNCH BOX BREAK DOWN

An easy formula to help you pack exciting and healthy lunches!

STEP ONE Pick a carbohydrate and a protein. Where possible, keep the carbohydrate granary or wheaten and the protein lean so for instance you could choose: • Peanut butter on granary bread • Turkey on granary bread • Hummus and toasted granary pitta • Bean salad with brown rice STEP TWO Make sure you include ONE piece of fruit and ONE portion of veg.

However, it doesn’t just have to be an apple and some carrot sticks. Make up a large tub of fruit salad and keep it in the fridge; you can have some with a little yoghurt and honey for lunch. Or you could make up a salad bowl as a way of getting more veg.

STEP THREE Choose a snack. This is largely where people falter and go for the chocolate bar – resist the urge! Instead you could have cheese, a cereal bar, some dried fruit, baked veggie crisps or – if it’s hot – an ice lolly made from natural fruit juice.

STEP FOUR Drink water. Sounds simple but there will be days when you would rather have something else. Don’t! Drinking a bottle of water at lunch time is a great way to make sure that you stay hydrated and alert through the latter part of the afternoon. It also means that you’ll feel more refreshed and counts as two of your recommended eight glasses of water a day. If water is a little too dull, at HealthStyle we like to have sparkling water with a little bit of dilute but if you want the maximum amount of goodness, you’ll have fresh from the source.

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HEALTH STYLE

ACNE

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR SUMMER SKIN Suffering from acne? Worried about looking after your skin this summer? HealthStyle has the answers.

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ccording to the NHS, around 80% of 11 to 30 year olds are affected by acne at some point in their lives. 60% of those acne cases are developed on your back and 99% on the face. With summer upon us and the pressure to flash the flesh and get out in the sun, most acne sufferers will either want to cover up and hide in the shade or roast themselves in the sun in an attempt to clear their complexion. However, there are easier ways to alleviating your acne this summer.

Wear an SPF. As an acne sufferer, you might feel reluctant to slather something rich onto the affected area for fear of making it worse but trust us…a lightweight, gentle SPF will prevent your skin from drying out and producing more oil. Plus it will prevent burns, which would aggravate the acne further.

Be aware of what’s next to your skin.

Summer means lots of new accessories – hats, sunglasses, wraps, towels etc. and it also means heat, which helps bacteria multiply, especially when you sweat. Make sure that anything you put near to your affected area is clean; be it your mobile phone, your sun glasses or your clothing. Try to avoid wearing the same thing twice.

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Cleanse your skin twice a day.

Avoid anything too harsh in the morning as this could strip the skin of naturally occurring oils and cause it to dry out. Instead use a gentle face wash and then be a bit more thorough at night.

Follow up with a decent night serum or cream to help the skin replenish while you sleep. Also be aware of the products you use. Cheap skin care products are unlikely to have the best ingredients and so could do more harm than good.

Do not over exfoliate.

This will dry out your skin and exacerbate the problem.

Exfoliate three times a week, use a good clay facemask once a week and remember the key word, moisturise! In the heat of summer, your skin will try to regulate its hydration levels and will produce more sebum, the oily substance that clogs pores and creates spots. By keeping your skin hydrated, you limit the amount of sebum produced.

Finally, remember that healthy skin comes from maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet.

Getting the right amount of sleep, drinking water regularly to keep hydrated, keeping alcohol intake to a sensible amount, having a balanced diet and avoiding high sugar and high fat foods will show instant results in the quality of your skin. Be healthy and see the benefits!

“ A lightweight, gentle SPF will prevent your skin from drying out and producing more oil. Plus it will prevent burns, which would aggravate the acne further.”

HEALTH STYLE

RUNNING START Whether you’re training for a marathon or simply trying to keep fit, HealthStyle has the technique that you need to know to prevent injury and promote wellness when running.

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irst thing’s first. Lift your head up and look out at the world. Don’t stare down at your feet, trust us – they know what they’re doing.

By looking ahead you make it easier to breathe and you prevent tension in your neck and jaw.

Think posture! It’s amazing how important it is to a runner. Make sure you’re not slouching and keep your torso straight. If you think you’re bent over too much, take a deep breath. This will naturally cause you to straighten up. Keep your shoulders low and loose – don’t let them work their way up to around your ears. This creates tension which could lead to injury.

Keep your arms bent at 90 degree angles and try to swing them forwards and backwards as this arm movement helps to propel you forward whereas swinging your arms sideways i.e. across your chest, is just a waste of energy.

Your hips should be forward-facing and stable. Try not to twist or stick your bottom out as this could cause injury to your hips or lower back. Make sure that your footfall lands with a slight bend in your knee. This helps absorb the impact of running on hard surfaces.

Also aim to land in the middle of your foot as opposed to the ball or the hell. Make sure that when it does land that your foot is beneath you, not in front of you.

Finally remember that good running is light and quiet, not laboured and stressful. Take short strides, go at your own pace and take deep, rhythmical breaths. The important thing is to get plenty of oxygen to the muscles and to avoid causing stress to the body. Warm up before you go running, warm down afterwards and make sure that you take a bottle of water with you as hydration is key!

We are pleased to have been associated with 3fivetwo Group over the years.

We wish them many years of continued success 35 Bridge Road , Burren, Warrenpoint Co. Down, BT34 3QT

Tel: 028 41753378 Fax : 028 41774210 construction@killowencontracts.co.uk www.killowencontracts .co.uk

Dr Samina Dornan – Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist.

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HEALTH STYLE

THE HARMONY TEST NEW BLOOD TEST REMOVES WORRY FROM PREGNANCY Expectant mothers now have one less thing to worry about as a new world leading test is now available in Northern Ireland and indeed the UK, for the first time ever.

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he Harmony Prenatal Test is a noninvasive maternal blood test which can assess the state of a baby’s chromosomal make up in pregnancies of 10 weeks or more and can confirm if your baby displays signs of chromosome-based issues; forgoing the primary risks associated with amniocentesis and Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) tests.

Unlike current tests available the process is very simple. A blood sample is taken and then sent to a laboratory in San Jose in the United States, where chromosome levels are analysed by an expert and in less than a fortnight the mum-to-be will find out if her baby shows signs of any chromosomal abnormalities such as Downs syndrome, Edwards syndrome or Patau syndrome.

This service is now available at 3fivetwo Healthcare for every pregnant woman with a singleton or twin pregnancy who wants a safe, reliable, early and accurate test to verify that their baby is healthy and has normal chromosomes. It is also important to note that the Harmony Test can also be offered for all IVF singleton and twin pregnancies.

Dr Samina Dornan, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at 3fivetwo Healthcare brought the test to Ireland and is thrilled by this new innovation for expectant mothers.

“The Harmony test is very new and very exciting,” she says.

“The birth of a baby is always a beautiful thing but expectant mothers, especially those who are a little older, can be overwhelmed with information about what they should and should not do during their pregnancy. This is particularly clear when it comes to prenatal testing.”

The risk of chromosomal abnormalities in the general population is 1 in 800. Can you see that 799 women will be successful with their planned pregnancy, but still all 800 women go through the same tension? The Harmony test will let all women have true knowledge and so enjoy their pregnancy in confidence.

“Helping them know that their babies are healthy is a real joy,” Dr Dornan explains.

“But if there is an unexpected diagnosis then it is equally, if not more, crucial to give them the time to understand and adjust so that they know what’s up ahead and can make appropriate informed decisions.

For further information of the Harmony Prenatal Test at 3fivetwo Healthcare, please visit www.3fivetwo.com and search for ‘Harmony Prenatal Test’.

FAC T F I L E The Harmony Test is a simple blood test that can assess the state of an unborn baby’s chromosomal makeup.

The Harmony Test is available at 3fivetwo Healthcare, 352 Lisburn Road.

The cost of the Harmony Test is £950.00.

If you have any questions or would like to know more about the Harmony Test, please do not hesitate to call a member of our Private Patient team on 0845 6006 352 or alternatively email info@3fivetwo.com

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HEALTH STYLE

Experience The Miracle Of Your Baby’s Development In Real Time It is one of the most memorable and awe-inspiring moments of a parent’s life – the first time they see their child’s face. For many, it is the peak of an emotional rollercoaster that occurs after hours, possibly even days, of intense labour and months of waiting.

H

owever, thanks to groundbreaking new technology, that moment could come sooner than you think.

3fivetwo Healthcare, based in Northern Ireland, has invested in new 4D Ultrasound technology to allow pregnant women the opportunity to view stunning real life images or their unborn child’s facial features and movements.

The 4D ultrasound scan has the added dimension of real time imaging, which enables you to capture the miracle of your baby’s development whilst in the womb. This includes seeing movements that other scans do not offer such as smiling, yawning, arm stretches, kicking and sleeping. No other scan allows you to have a more intimate moment with your unborn child.

This technology is of the highest specification available locally, so parents can be assured that the images obtained will be the best they can possibly achieve, provided the baby is in the optimal position.

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3fivetwo Healthcare have access to the most experienced Sonographers in the country, taking pride in employing only the best healthcare professionals who, collectively, have over twenty years’ worth of experience in antenatal scanning, much of it in 4D scanning.

Kerry Bell, one of the team of Sonographers at 3fivetwo Healthcare has experience of the revolutionary 4D scan on a professional and a personal level.

“I had it done when I was pregnant and it looked like my baby. I’ve been told by other women that they felt the 4D scan did look like their baby after birth too.”

Another benefit of investing in a 4D scan is identifying the sex of the baby, something which most hospitals refrain from revealing to expectant parents as a matter of policy. Kerry explains; “We always say in 3fivetwo Healthcare that in a scan you can never be 100 per cent sure but I will always tell them what I think it is and I will tell them how sure I am.”

The best time for a 4D scan is between 6 and 7months (24 and 32 weeks) when there is a greater volume of amniotic fluid and image quality is not compromised by the size of the baby. However, Kerry is keen to stress that the 4D scan is not a replacement for other necessary scans.

“It’s important to stress that your regular 2D scan that you receive in hospital is still the primary tool for picking up abnormalities.

“In the NHS, they automatically review for outflow tracts of the heart and facial views. At 3fivetwo Healthcare, we would also be following those protocols but that is not the main function of a 4D scan. However, certain issues can be brought to light through the 4D scan so it can be a help. Some people come primarily for reassurance and the 4D pictures are a bonus, some people are the other way around.”

As part of the 4D scan experience at 3fivetwo Healthcare parents will receive a detailed scan of their baby using the new 4D technology, a printed report and a DVD of the scan as well as colour images of the baby.

A 4D scan is available as part of the 3fivetwo Private Antenatal Care Package or alternatively, it can complement your NHS fetal normality scan as a standalone scan.

For more information on 4D scans please visit www.3fivetwo.com and search for ‘4D Scan’.

FAC T F I L E • A 4D Scan at 3fivetwo Healthcare costs £150.00 • A discounted cost of £125.00 is available with a 3fivetwo voucher from your bounty bag.

• All 4D Scans are performed at our medical consulting rooms at 352 Lisburn Road.

• For more information please contact the 3fivetwo private patient team on 0845 60 06 352 or email info@3fivetwo.com.

• Please visit www.3fivetwo.com for further information.

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HEALTH STYLE

Interview Skills Courses For School Leavers

Applying To Study Medicine Or Dentistry?

For many young people choosing a degree in medicine or dentistry, securing a place can be a daunting and stressful experience.

P

laces for these courses are often highly coveted and while top grades are usually needed to be considered; experience and interview skills to back up educational knowledge can be just as vital to securing a place on many university shortlists.

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Applications for vocational courses in medicine and dentistry at universities throughout the UK are on the rise. Oxford University received over 1,400 UCAS applications for their medicine degree in 2012. Of those applicants only 29% were shortlisted leaving many students disappointed and having to reassess their choice of university.

The truth is that other skills which add extra weight to an already good application can be a deciding factor in

shortlisting for these places. In 2011, the University of Aberdeen received 2,400 applications with just 175 places available meaning only the very best were guaranteed a place.

Whilst students applying for these courses are warned at the outset that the competition is tough and disappointment is very possible, many concerned parents and students are left thinking that the real question is not ‘What is a good career?’ but ‘How do I get that career?’

Most people with a general knowledge of the profession would agree that applying to Medical or Dental School is a big commitment. The vocational nature of these degrees indicates that the applicant has made an informed decision about their course of study and future career. The medical/ dental school selection process and preparation process for that all important interview play a vital role in these students plans for the future.

HEALTH STYLE

As a result of the overwhelming competition for students as young as 17 wanting to apply for medicine or dentistry, private medical company 3fivetwo recognised the need for a bespoke interview skills course to equip students with the confidence and experience to deal with an extremely competitive interview process. The outcome was the adaptation of a highly successful interview skills training course for aspiring medical and dental undergraduates.

These courses are run by the 3fivetwo Training Academy.

The course is hosted by experienced NHS Consultant Physicians, Surgeons and Senior Lecturers such as Mr Mark Taylor, Consultant General Surgeon, Dr Steve Austin, Consultant Anaesthetist and Chair of BMA Consultants Committee and Dr Siobhan McEntee, GP - all of whom have been involved in this process for a number of years.

The course at the 3fivetwo Training Academy offers students the opportunity to gain insight from people who, not so long ago, were in same the position and is an essential part of any would-be applicant’s preparation for the selection process for Medical or Dental School.

Mark Regan, Chief Executive of Kingsbridge Private Hospital and one of the course lecturers, explained that parents were

supporting their children in meeting the cost of the course and regarded it as a good investment for their futures.

“What we are finding is that parents are requesting information on industry specific courses and are quite prepared to invest in vocational mentoring for their children.

“We have enormous experience in delivering very successful courses for young people from Northern Ireland who are competing for medical places throughout the UK where grades are just part of the process of getting a place.”

The 3fivetwo Training Academy has an 80% success rate in students attending their courses achieving coveted places on medical and dental degree courses with topics covered such as; • • • •

Overview of the UKCAT The 9 Station MMI Scenarios Lateral thinking questions NHS Issues i.e. Medical Ethics, Ethical Scenarios • Important interview techniques However, any young graduate striving for work in today’s economic climate will know that securing a degree is not always the key to a job post-university.

This was something that Mark was also keen to address.

“Our experience is that vocational training and having skills

that give you an advantage in filling in a job application and making an impression at interview will make all the difference in successfully getting a job,” he explains.

“As an employer I know what I am looking for in the quality of person I employ and for many roles I am prepared to take someone I can train so long as they have essential qualifications and the right approach to on the job training. It’s frequently

how the person performs at interview rather than their qualifications that really move the applicant forward. I’m keen to see the softer “life skills” emerge rather than didactic style answers at interview.”

“This is the future of job hunting and only the smartest will realise that investing in themselves in this way will pay dividends in building a career for the future.”

FAC T F I L E • 3fivetwo Training Academy is holding interview skills courses for students on 7th September, 5th October and 9th November.

• Their purpose built training facility is located in the Titanic Quarter on Old Channel Road.

• It is a full day course costing £195 per delegate.

• There is a discounted fee of £180 for all those who book a place before 1st August.

• For more information please call 3fivetwo Training Academy on 028 9073 5273 or email trainingacademy@3fivetwo.com • Please visit www.3fivetwotraining. com for more information.

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HEALTH STYLE

Could You Save A Life?

According to a recent study made by Saint John’s Ambulance, if a person in the UK experiences a cardiac arrest in the street, their chance of survival is just 18%.

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t’s a shocking percentage; especially given that statistics from the Department of Health for Northern Ireland calculate that 1,300 cardiac arrests occur outside a hospital environment every year and tragically fewer than 10% of those people survive.

However, according to Saint John’s Ambulance, if someone were to experience the same situation in a country such as Norway, the chance of survival rises to over 50%.

This increase in survival rates is due mainly by the fact that in Norway, first aid education has been an important part of everyone’s lives from an early age during school. In the UK on the other hand, nearly 59% of people interviewed stated that they wouldn’t feel confident enough to try to perform First Aid and 24% said that they would do nothing and wait for an ambulance to arrive.

In these situations, the inability to help comes not from callousness or cruelty but from an understandable wish to not make matters worse or to cause harm rather than help.

Having knowledge of First Aid and 60

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) can sometimes be the difference between life and death for that person.

It’s important to know how to act when someone is suffering a cardiac arrest and recognising the signs of a heart attack or directly intervening when someone is choking can really help to lower the number of fatal incidences that happen every year.

When the heart stops beating, that person usually has less than six minutes before the brain starts to be starved of oxygen, eventually leading to brain damage. It’s imperative you are able to act fast in such a situation because the longer a person is left without oxygen; the more likely they are to not regain consciousness.

CPR is one of the best techniques to help maintain a constant oxygen supply to the brain until medical professionals arrive to take over.

Statistics from British Heart Foundation show that almost 100,000 people in the UK die from other circulatory related diseases. This means there is a high percentage chance that

you or a relative will come into contact with someone who may need your help during your lifetime. In such an instance, you could help save their life.

In February this year, Health Minister, Edwin Poots, outlined plans for a Community Resuscitation Strategy in Northern Ireland, aimed at maximising the number of individuals trained in Emergency Life Support (ELS) skills.

The Health Minister believes that ELS training such as CPR should be made available to a greater percentage of people in our local communities, schools and workplaces so that survival rates are improved, but this strategy is currently a work in progress and consultation on it is planned for October 2013.

There are many ways that you can get training in CPR. One of those available options is the 3fivetwo Training academy where they provide a variety of courses for a range of age groups. CPR training and Basic Life Support training will enable you to perform life saving techniques and their training team will assist and support you during the course so that you get the maximum benefit from attending.

Fiona Kerr from 3fivetwo Training Academy said, “It’s amazing the difference CPR and

Basic Life Support training make to the people who attend our courses. They come to the course usually knowing very little about the techniques other than what they may have seen on television but you can see that at the end of the course they have the confidence that, if they came across someone in cardiac arrest, they would be able to step in and control the situation until medical staff arrived.”

There are also various other training courses available which fully complement each other including First Aid at work, Emergency First Aid training and Paediatric First Aid. All of these courses provide you with life saving techniques that mean you could help save someone’s life in the future. It’s better to be prepared and save a life than unprepared and lose a life.

FAC T F I L E

For more information on CPR Training Courses, please visit www.3fivetwotraining.com

WineWorks The complete answer to all your ‘Wine & Drinks’ requirements.

WineWorks is a family owned and run business with outlets in Saintfield and Newtownards.

We source our wines from all the major wholesalers as well as importing smaller lots of wine directly from the producers.

At WineWorks we have a wide range of specially selected and exclusive wines at the best prices and wines featured are some of my own favourites which you will not find on supermarket shelves.

This and our unique personal service bring a more intimate and individual feel to the business which we pride ourselves on!

WineWorks can guarantee the experience to ensure that you all have the ingredients you need to throw a fantastic party, whether it is a casual drinks party, a formal black tie dinner or a full scale wedding.

• Sale or Return • Home Delivery • Weddings / Corporate Events

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HEALTH STYLE

Put Some Positive Serenity Into Your Day With Yoga Here at HealthStyle, we’re always interested in finding out more about healthy activities that can enhance our fitness and state of mind.

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inding our usual fitness regime at the gym a little bit repetitive, a few of our staff decided to give yoga a try and see if the hype really lived up to reality.

Here are some of the key benefits of yoga that we’ve discovered…

We’re calmer. Cliché, we know but it’s true! Since starting yoga, we’ve all become much more relaxed and focused. This doesn’t mean that we don’t get stressed any more but by starting off the day with some quiet yoga practice, we feel much more able to deal with the day ahead and focus better on the more demanding tasks.

We’re more toned. While none of us have dramatically lost weight, we have noticed we’ve been able to fit into our jeans a little more

comfortably. Yoga helps strengthen your core and improves muscle tone through certain stretches and positions. This means that with a balanced diet it could help get those extra inches off your waist. Another benefit is that it also increases your metabolism and helps aid digestion.

We’re stronger and more flexible.

Studies show that those who practice yoga regularly experience a 35% increase in flexibility after just 8 weeks, with arm strength increasing by 12% after 16 classes. We’re not deadlifting weights just yet but we have noticed carrying our shopping is a little bit easier. Yoga has also improved our posture and we’re more conscious of the way we sit now. Some of us have also noticed an improvement in our overall balance

which is probably a good thing.

We’re less at risk. Any exercise helps reduce the risk of heart related illnesses but yoga helps to do this while still relaxing due to it being a gentle but intense form of exercise. It also increases lung capacity, meaning more oxygen gets to the brain, reduces joint pain and decreases the build-up of lactic acid in the muscles.

Our Verdict?

We found yoga an enjoyable and relaxing exercise that will appeal to a variety of age groups. We also spotted a few men at our classes so bring a friend or partner if you are attending. For a relaxing, effective and fun way to increase your core strength and get some exercise at the same time, give yoga a try and see what difference you feel!

(028)

90 80 90 80

Pre-Book you’re Taxi to and from or your GP surgery Preferred Taxi Company of:

HEALTH STYLE

Let’s Talk About Sex…

Think you’re informed about sexual health? Try our quiz and see how you much you really know about sexual health.

1.) How many people in the UK are diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease every year? a. 125,000 b. 750,000 c. 500,000 2.) If left untreated, what can chlamydia cause? a. Hair loss b. Weight gain c. Infertility 3.) What percentage of people carrying Genital Herpes, don’t know they have it? a. 34% b. 56% c. 80% 4.) What is Gonorrhoea? a. A bacterial infection passed on via infected sores b. An infection caused by the herpes simplex virus c. A bacterial infection that is found in sexual fluids 5.) 2010 saw a rise in STIs occurring amongst which age group in the UK? a. 16 – 24 year olds b. 34 – 45 year olds c. 50 – 65 year olds 6.) What is the most commonly diagnosed STI in the UK? a. Genital Warts b. Syphilis c. Chlamydia

FAC T F I L E • Sexual Health Clinic available at 3fivetwo Healthcare. Rapid access to experienced sexual health Doctors and Consultants.

• Private, confidential surroundings.

• ‘Peace of Mind’ screening with a GP from £130 • Full STD Screening with a GP from £275 If you would like more information on the sexual health services available please call 0845 6006 352 or e-mail info@3fivetwo.com

7.) Which STI has seen the biggest increase since 2012? a. Chlamydia b. Genital Warts c. Gonorrhoea So how did you do? If you answered C to any of those questions then you were correct. Well done! If, however, there were some you didn’t get then maybe you need to brush up on your STI knowledge. There’s a wealth of information about sexual health out there and it’s not just for teenagers. Make sure that you keep yourself up to date in order to enjoy a healthy, happy relationship with your partner and your body.

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HEALTH STYLE

Hospital Food At Its Very Best It’s not the first place you’d think of to get award-winning local cuisine but at Kingsbridge Private Hospital, that’s just how they do things.

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(Below) Eleanor Craig’s Homemade Butter Fudge

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eaming up with local restaurant Beatrice Kennedy, the catering staff at Kingsbridge have been working tirelessly to provide top quality food using a seasonal menu with a wide range of choice.

Kathleen McAleavey, the Catering Manager at Kingsbridge Private Hospital, says that it is touches such as these that make a real difference to the patient’s overall experience.

“People forget what an impact food can have, especially if you are ill or recuperating,” she says.

“It’s a very simple system, working alongside Beatrice Kennedy’s chef Jim McCarthy, we order directly from the restaurant’s menu and it is brought to us daily.

The wonderful thing is that this means that we can provide our patients with a menu that is fresh, modern and seasonal. However we do also have our own kitchen at Kingsbridge Private Hospital, which supplies light meals for lunch or breakfast such as tea and toast.

It’s never nice having to be in

hospital but we believe that by improving the standard of the catering, we are taking a big step towards improving the patient’s overall experience.”

The patients seem to agree.

Kathleen is proud to report that Kingsbridge Private Hospital on average receives 97% positive feedback from both day and overnight patients.

“We like to make sure that there’s plenty of variety and a vegetarian option is available,” Kathleen continues.

“One of things we’re most proud of is the fact that we try to keep our suppliers local. This means that the food is at its freshest and we’re supporting small businesses. Our bread comes from Jeffers Bakery in Lisburn, whilst our wheaten bread is made by a lovely girl in Portadown.”

One local supplier who has recently joined the list is Kristina Loughridge from Islandmagee, whose fast-growing fudge business, Eleanor Craig’s Homemade Butter Fudge is bucking the economic trend.

Kristina’s homemade fudge is made to a family recipe that goes back for three generations, passed on to her by her mother-in-law.

“The recipe originally belonged to my fiancé’s great grandmother

Mimi; it would have been made as stocking fillers for the kids at Christmas. It’s absolutely delicious.

Really flaky and creamy but not too sweet. My fiancé’s mum said that it hadn’t been changed in about three generations; but there was really no reason to.”

My fiancé and I were saving up for our wedding, which was taking place in April the following year. I got the idea to sell the fudge at local Christmas fairs to make a bit of extra money for the wedding. We brought some down to a local village fair and it sold out within hours.”

Realising that the fudge had potential, Kristina asked her husband-to-be and his mother if they would mind her distributing the fudge more widely.

“They were both massively supportive. It was only ever meant to help with the wedding but by the time April came around, I was selling in to 30 Independent Retailers!” says Kristina.

It wasn’t long before Kristina established selling the fudge as her full time job, making batches and batches in her kitchen in Islandmagee.

“I told myself that if I didn’t break even by the end of the year then I’d stop and try something else but as it turned out, Christmas was our

busiest time and we did really well considering it was our first year.”

Since then the business has expanded with the development of new flavours including vanilla, apple and cinnamon, banoffee and cookie crumble and Kristina moving out of her kitchen into a larger catering unit in Larne.

“I was very fortunate to receive practical and useful support from Business in the Community through their Connection Programme. They helped me to design and create our new packaging, which is all handmade and homemade – just like the fudge!

What I’m really pleased with is our most recent stockist, Kingsbridge Private Hospital, who put little packets of our fudge on pillows for when patients first go into their rooms. We’ve only been supplying Kingsbridge Private Hospital since February so the relationship is still relatively new but we’ve had some extremely positive feedback and I’m delighted that so many people who use the facility will get to try our product.

It’s all very exciting!”

If you would like to buy some of Kristina’s handmade fudge, please visit www.craigsfudge.com

HEALTH STYLE

THIS STRESS IS KILLING ME! We’re all under pressure these days but just what damage is stress doing to our bodies? HealthStyle has a look at the effects of stress and what this means for the sufferers.

S

tress can have a seriously detrimental effect on our everyday lives. From how we behave to how much we eat; sufferers of stress have complained about chronic fatigue through lack of sleep, a lack of appetite or a tendency to comfort eat, an inability to cope with or perform simple tasks and a loss of libido.

However stress can also have a harmful impact on your mental health and your body.

According to the American Medical Association, stress is a contributing or inflammatory factor in more than 60% of common human illnesses and diseases.

Those feeling stress are at risk of developing Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Heart disease, Diabetes Types I and II as well as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. There is also the fact that some may take refuge in destructive behaviours such as excessive drinking or drug use.

The first step towards tackling stress is to identify what is prompting this reaction. Once you’ve identified the cause, deal with it then and there. Most people employ a binge-and-purge technique to stress, meaning that they allow themselves to become very stressed in a certain situation (i.e. at work) and then tell themselves that they will relax later.

However, your body has already registered your stress levels and they will only increase. You’re far better lowering them as soon as possible.

Take a deep breath. It sounds silly but it works. Regular, deep breathing ensures oxygen gets to the body and slows the heart rate.

Get support from those around you, whatever the cause of your stress is – you don’t have to deal

with it alone. Avoid unhealthy habits such as comfort eating or drinking to forget your worries and stay positive. If you find a situation too difficult to deal with, don’t be afraid to step out of the room for a moment and then come back and deal with the issue with a fresh head.

Most importantly, remember that nothing is more important than your health so look after yourself!

Private GP & Private Casualty Immediate access to medical expertise when you need it most

£25 £75 Private Casualty: Cost of initial triage with a Specialist Nurse

Private GP: Cost of consultation

We have facilities to accept both cash and card payments. Private prescriptions and/or treatment are not included in this cost.

Please visit www.kingsbridgeprivatehospital.com or call 028 9066 7878

SPORTS INJURY CLINIC Now available at Kingsbridge

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HEALTH STYLE

CHARITY GOLF DAY Over the past year, The 3fivetwo Group has been actively fundraising to raise money for a dedicated children’s MRI scanner for the Royal Victoria Hospital for Sick Children.

The Kingsbridge Golf Day was just one of a number of events, which has helped The 3fivetwo Group to donate almost £25,000 to the Children’s’ MRI Scanner Appeal.

Dr Anne Louise Hicks, Carmel Loughlin, Carmel Mcgrath, Judith Lyons.

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(1) Jim Livingstone, Trish, Yavin Tharma, Robin McHugh. (2) John Linehan, James Orchin Jnr, James Orchin, Niall Gallagher, Pat Flynn. (3) Mark Regan, Gareth Walls, Dan Murtagh, Jamie Tharma. (4) Graham Crothers, Malcolm Crone, Suresh Tharma, Kevin T Bell

BEN’S FUND Ben’s Fund (N.I) is a local charity inspired by little Ben Johnston. The aim of Ben’s Fund is to help and support parents/guardians of fully ventilated and trached children in Northern Ireland. The 3fivetwo Group has to date actively fundraised over £3500 for this exceptional chairty.

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Ben with his mum Ciara Johnston and his twin brother Leo.

H3 Cover for kids Cover for less then 44p per day

H3 launching new health cover plan for children When it comes to our children, there is nothing more important than their health. With this in mind, H3, Northern Ireland’s first home grown health insurance provider, is launching a new health insurance plan designed just for children.

Jim Livingstone, H3’s Sales & Business Development Manager explains their thinking when he states that “We know that when a child needs medical attention, the last thing a parent wants is to have to wait for their child to be looked after.

Our Cover for Kids provides parents with a cost-effective way of getting high-speed access to excellent private medical attention for their child.”

Now part of The 3fivetwo Group, H3 Health Insurance brings a wide range of unique health insurance products to the local market, and has speedy access to the newest and most luxurious private hospital in Northern Ireland ‘Kingsbridge Private

Hospital’ housing hundreds of top Consultants and Nurses across the main medical specialties delivering a totally personalised local service.

No need to wait to see your GP Even better, you don’t have to wait days or weeks for your child to be referred privately. As a parent you can simply call the H3 claims line where they provide a same-day triage service to fast-track access to treatment for your child.

Private casualty A key feature of the Cover for Kids is the Private Casualty Cover. H3 is the only UK health insurance provider to offer this type of cover, and with an increasing number of patients using Kingsbridge Private Hospital’s Private Casualty being children, the cover provides a fantastic opportunity for parents to avoid lengthy waits in crowded A&E wards.

Jim Livingstone continues “A high number of medical conditions involving children are related to minor injuries sustained on the sports pitch, playground or in the street, and our Private Casualty cover provides parents with just the opportunity for their child to be seen within minutes in the luxurious surroundings of Kingsbridge Private Hospital’s Private Casualty ward”.

Keeping your budget in mind A key attraction for the H3 Cover for Kids plan is the cost. Starting at just £160, the comprehensive cover plan helps parents ensure their children’s health is expertly catered for without it draining their budget. Jim Livingstone concludes “Most cover plans will only permit children to join as long as a parent is on cover too, but for a number of reasons that isn’t always practical or affordable – so our cover provides the perfect solution.”

H3 Insurance is a trading name of Insure I ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

H3 plans include cover for: Inpatient/day patient • Hospital fees • Specialist/Consultant fees • Diagnostic tests • Psychiatric cover Outpatient • Specialist/Consultant fees • MRI, PET, CT Scans • Diagnostic tests • Therapy treatment • Psychiatric cover Additional benefits • Parental accommodation • Pregnancy complications • NHS Cash Benefit • Home Nursing • Private Casualty • Same day referral service • Extensive Cancer cover Please refer to the policy wording for further information on policy terms, conditions and cover limits

For more information call 02890 469990 or email info@h3insurance.com

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