A&H October 2016

SLEEP DEPRIVED? A trainer can help

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER . ISSUE 70

M A LTA ’ S B E S T A N D B R I G H T E S T H E A LT H A N D W E L L B E I N G M A G A Z I N E

PLUS

THE LATEST BOOKS, REAL LIVES, PRODUCT NEWS, AND MORE

BUILD UP A HEALTHY HEART

ARE YOU SUPERSTITIOUS? TEENAGERS’ RELATIONSHIPS BREAST CANCER: It’s not just a women’s disease

CHILDREN

developing fine motor skills

LACTOSE INTOLERANCE What’s good, what’s not

SAFETY AT HOME

what you need to know

SAYS...

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here’s no be er feeling than waking up refreshed and bouncing out of bed, full of energy and ready to face a new day. When was the last me you did that? If there’s a newborn in your home, you probably can’t remember. If you’re desperate for sleep, there’s hope. In this issue, we speak to a sleep coach who’s raising two children and is able to sleep all night. If sleeping soundly is essen al to wellbeing, ea ng well is cri cal. You’ll enjoy your food all the more if you know it’s good for you. Look a er your heart and overall health by indulging in the best, fresh produce.

When trawling the supermarket shelves, take the me to read through the food labels. It’ll quickly become a habit and you’ll find you can have all the taste and sa sfac on you crave without compromising your long-term health.

As breast cancer month draws to a close, we make the case for men to be as aware as women of the need for regular self-examina on. Breast cancer in men is less common than in women, but is a real possibility. Don’t die of fear or ignorance. If you no ce any unusual symptom, do something about it. Ignoring a problem won’t make it go away.

We’ll be back in mid-December with our last issue of 2016.

EDITORIAL CONSULTANT Corinne Vella ASSISTANT EDITOR Anna Maria Ga DESIGNER Conrad Bondin – Standard Publica ons Ltd. CONTRIBUTORS Marika Azzopardi, Caroline Caspa, Anna Maria Ga , Amanda Mallia, Maria Mizzi, Suzanne Vassallo, Corinne Vella PHOTOGRAPHY Standard Publica ons Ltd., AP & others.

PRINTER Print-it DISTRIBUTION Bi-monthly with The Malta Independent on Sunday, and in clinics, hair and beauty salons and pharmacies.

ADVERTISING Chris ne Bu gieg – Standard Publica ons Ltd. T 2134 5888 ext 136. cbu gieg@independent.com.mt SALES CO ORDINATOR/ARTWORK COLLECTION Chris ne Bu gieg – Standard Publica ons Ltd. T 2134 5888 ext 136 PUBLISHERS P&D Communica ons Ltd. Standard Publica ons Ltd., Standard House, Birkirkara Hill, St Julian’s STJ1149, Malta.

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

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

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IN THIS ISSUE

FEATURES

08

MY KIND OF LIFE Becky Gingell

06

ARE YOU SUPERSTITIOUS?

06 14 16

ARE YOU SUPERSTITIOUS?

30 34

DEVELOPING FINE MOTOR SKILLS

SAFETY AT HOME NOT JUST A WOMEN’S DISEASE Breast cancer affects men too RELATIONSHIPS

16

NOT JUST A WOMEN’S DISEASE

PEOPLE

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08

MY KIND OF LIFE Meet sleep trainer Becky Gingell

39

SPORT INTERVIEW Jes Saliba, President, Malta Volleyball Association

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DEVELOPING FINE MOTOR SKILLS

SAFE AS HOUSES

REGULAR 42 44-47 47-48 07. 29

BOOKS PRODUCT NEWS DIRECTORY INFORMATION

26

34

RELATIONSHIPS

FOOD AND DIET

22 4

OLIVES AND OLIVE OIL

October 2016

20 22

WORK UP A HEALTHY HEART

26

LACTOSE INTOLERANCE What’s good, what’s not

OLIVES AND OLIVE OIL What’s in them for you

LACTOSE INTOLERANCE What’s good, what’s not

Cetaphil range is available from all leading pharmacies.

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QUIZ

ARE YOU SUPERSTITIOUS?

STRANGE BELIEFS LINKED TO SUPERSTITION AND TRADITION EXIST AROUND THE WORLD. MALTA IS NO EXCEPTION. TAKE OUR QUIZ TO CHECK FIND OUT HOW SUPERSTITIOUS YOU ARE.

1

While watching your favourite football team, you:

a. always sit in the same place; b. stay on your own to focus; c. join your friends and enjoy their company.

2

While walking to your office, you notice a ladder leaning against the next door building. You: a. go step off the pavement to avoid walking under the ladder; b. keep moving, grumbling about the mess the tradesmen are making; c. stop to chat with the guy on the ladder.

3

Your pocket mirror falls out of your handbag and shatters into a hundred

YOUR ANSWERS

Mostly A’s You really are a superstitious person and you are definitely not alone. Superstitious behaviour has no rational basis but there are long held beliefs that shape the way you think and behave. You might also have started to develop your own personal superstitions based on events that happened recurrently. Stress makes people more superstitious. When facing misfortunes, superstitious people tend not to reason and blame unexplainable things on bad luck, the evil eye, or karma. You need to take more control of your thoughts and feelings and more responsibility for your own happiness.

Learn how to break the worry cycle and accept that some things just happen.

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October 2016

pieces. You: a. feel strange, as if expecting something bad to happen; b. clear up the mess immediately to others’ comments; c. make fun of your clumsiness.

4

You bought a new car. Immediately you:

a. buy two lotto tickets with the numbers of your new car; b. put the car in your garage until you are ready to take it out; c. invite all your friends to go for a drive.

5

At a party, your secret crush comments on how elegantly you are dressed. You: a. decide to wear the dress whenever you need a bit of luck;

Mostly B’s You are still not sure whether to believe or make fun of certain superstitions. Whenever you hear someone discussing superstition, you immediately try to look further. At times, curiosity makes you take that step forward. You tend to be mostly superstitious during important events in life, when accumulated tension makes you look for possible explanations for what happens leading up to an event. You need to surround yourselves with people who support you and who make you believe in your own abilities.

b. immediately message your friend to tell her all about the evening; c. just ignore the comment and don’t think twice about it.

6

Your neighbour’s black cat enjoys taking its afternoon nap on your garden wall. You: a. shoo him off the wall and send him back to your neighbour; b. laugh about it but complain about the cat making a mess; c. ignore the cat completely and carry on with your work.

7

While waiting for a much-awaited result you:

a. cross your fingers tight; b. ask your best friend to accompany you; c. remain at home and wait for the result to be sent by email.

Mostly C’s You definitely are not superstitious at all. Not only do you think that superstition is nonsense, you make fun of those who believe in such things. In the eyes of superstitious people, you seem to defy tradition by doing exactly the opposite.

You are a strong person who believes in her own abilities and who is not afraid to take any decision, while accept all the consequences. Just be sure to think carefully when taking a decision, and weigh up all possible options and outcomes. You don’t need to take unnecessary risks to prove you’re not superstitious.

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REAL

LIVES

Sleep deprivation is a form of torture.

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October 2016

my kind OF LIFE BECKY GINGELL KNOWS ALL ABOUT SLEEPLESS NIGHTS AND HOW TO BANISH THEM. INTERVIEW BY SUZANNE BONELLO. PHOTO BY JONATHAN BORG.

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here are times when I interview people and wonder what it would be like to live in their world, perhaps even walk in their shoes. While all of us have imagined being a doctor or a rock star, having played with a stereoscope or sung into a hairbrush, I confess to not having been as captivated by, say, climbing a mountain, or cycling hundreds and thousands of miles. What I’m trying to say here, is that one identifies, on some level, with some people, while having absolutely nothing in common with others.

Not so my meeting with Becky Gingell. I knew before we met that I would understand exactly what it was she does and, more importantly, why. Becky is a sleep coach. She is not just any sleep coach but she is a sleep coach for babies.

Imagine that. Essentially, what she does is train you to train your baby to sleep at night. That’s right folks, at night. An entire night. If that doesn’t sound marvellous I have no idea what does.

In this day and age, we have less and less time to do more and more. When a first

time mother is expecting a baby, she has visions of a neat house, of being a well groomed, casually dressed young mother, happily peering over her large sunglasses into the pram, whilst parading her pride and joy along a promenade for all to see.

Her hair is slicked back into a sleek plait, and her free time is used to give both herself and her baby fresh air.

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If that doesn’t sound marvellous I have no idea what does.

October 2016

9

REAL

LIVES

The truth is more like a young mum whose hair is pulled back by the first hair accessory she grabbed that morning, surrounded by bottles that need sterilising, and a living room which needs tidying up – from the mugs of cold tea she hasn’t had time to drink (a cup and saucer aren’t practical when you’re balancing baby, a bottle and a muslin square) while baby wails and mummy looks frazzled. Most times this is because both mother and child need sleep. It is at this point I remind you, readers who scoff, that sleep deprivation is a form of torture.

So Becky, who is passionate about what she does, obviously had a wonderfully easy time with her firstborn, right? Wrong, but it is largely thanks to him that we now have the benefit of sleep coaching 10

October 2016

Becky did what any other young mum would have done. She despaired.

on our shores. Like many new mums, Becky found that her restful 8hrs BC (Before Child) were nonexistent.

Having studied psychology at University, read for a PGCE in personal skills development, done integration counselling and play therapy, and working as a school counsellor, Becky did what any other young mum would have done. She despaired.

Then she turned to her husband Peter. She was in despair as Matthew would not sleep. I think it’s the New Mum Syndrome where new mummies don’t quite know what hit them.

So after getting some sleep and thus more clear headed, she read up on as much as possible and learned about sleep coaching. Matthew was 14 months old at the time. When Emily came along, the couple were both getting more sleep as Becky had, by that time, trained Peter to coach their daughter, who learned to sleep on her own.

This sounds like a happily ever after scenario. It certainly does for those who have gone through endless night of months, some even years, of their little treasures screaming the house down. This is a behaviour which is learned. It does not start at birth, but a few months later. This makes perfect sense as newborns need warmth, touch and love.

Becky does not believe that newborns should be left to cry and sleep out of sheer exhaustion. I agree wholeheartedly. Ideally it is two people who are coached – both parents or a parent and a best friend, a sibling, or a grandparent. But I would go for it even alone, as this could be a lifeline, a lifesaver, especially for working mums.

Nobody and nothing in the world prepares you for a baby: the onslaught to your senses, the immense love and the huge wave of realisation that you are responsible for this little human, mean you need all the help you can get. It is overwhelming at best, and many have felt the oscillation between love and despair, and the highs and lows. These, coupled with lack of sleep are all difficult to live with at times, let alone all the time.

Happily Becky comes to the rescue. The earlier adults are coached to coach their offspring, the better. Not only is she a sleep coach but she is a mother to two little children. This means that besides educating, she can empathise and sympathise. Her youngest is not even a year old yet, as we chat, it is obvious to me that she is in no way sleep deprived. Neither, when he joins us, is Peter. How many parents can say the same?

Becky tells me how she loves working with parents, with families, with teens, and with children. But to me, a mother who knows what sleep deprivation is all about, I say that this must be a vocation in itself. It is certainly a blessing. I’m sure that Becky, too, felt like this when baby Michael slept properly for the first night. That, to me, is the cherry on the icing on the cake –the fact that The Sleep Coach knows. She knows exactly what it’s all about.

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INFORMATION

‘CHOOSING THE RIGHT FOOD FOR YOUR WELL-BEING’

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nutritionists and lab scientists, has icture the following been set up in order to offer food scenario. Waking up at intolerance testing and also 7am to face an endless weight management line of traffic to work, programmes and other breakfast has not even appropriate advice based on hit your mind let alone your stomach.

Before you know it, it is lunchtime, and the test. Using test kits approved and supplied by you order a meat pie from the closest take out, which subsequently gives you Cambridge Nutritional Sciences, and the a horrible heartburn. You start feeling holistic expertise of the unwell, but you cannot really pinpoint team members, the why. You also realise that this uneasy aim is to provide not feeling of general malaise is becoming just a set of results increasingly bothersome. The on a piece of paper, inconvenient urge to use the restroom but sound advice is more often than not added to the and guidance for rest of your symptoms. But, in reality, a successful this does not happen only when one eats junk food. It happens haphazardly, lifestyle change. and without any real pattern. Some days you feel fine; other days, you can barely concentrate.

The above is not a made up story. It is the sad reality for many who suffer from food intolerances but who unfortunately are not yet aware of their condition. Food intolerances may not be fatal, but can make one's life miserable with symptoms such as stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation, migraines, unexplained weight gain, certain skin conditions and lack of concentration. When one ingests food which the body cannot tolerate, the body starts producing IgG antibodies, which when in sufficient quantity, Innovative weight start causing symptoms such control through as the ones described food intolerance testing above.

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October 2016

SAFETY

Safe as HOUSES

ACCIDENTS CAN HAPPEN TO ANYONE, ANYWHERE EVEN IN THE RELATIVE SAFETY OF YOUR OWN HOME. HERE’S HOW TO MAKE SURE YOURS IS SAFE.

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he most common accidents that happen at home include falls, suffocation, poisoning, burns and choking. One of the best ways to make sure that your home is safe is to check each room for potential hazards. Apart from inspecting each room often, it is important to have an emergency plan and to have first-aid kits handy and accessible.

The kitchen is where the whole family spends enjoyable moments but it is also full of potential hazards.

• While cooking, handles of pots and pans should be turned inwards. Handles can be easily knocked with the risk of spilling hot liquid and causing burns.

• When touching handles, use a dry potholder. Wet potholders do not stop the heat from burning fingers and hands.

• When putting eggs, pasta or vegetables into boiling water, drop them slowly and gently to avoid splashing boiling water all over yourself.

• When using knives, always cut and chop away from yourself.

• When you have an open fire on the stove, keep table cloths, napkins and other material away from the fire. Tie your hair back and change out of loose clothing.

• When water or liquids are spilled on the floor, wipe the floor immediately to avoid slipping.

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October 2016

• Never leave pots and pans on the fire when there is no one in the kitchen. Before going out, always check that oven knobs are safely switched off.

The bathroom is another potentially hazardous room.

• Medicines are often stored in the bathroom. Lock away medicines and supplements, especially if there are children in the house. Misuse of medicine can lead to poisoning.

• Elderly family members risk falling when going into or stepping out of the bathtub. Use a non-slip mat.

• Inadequate lighting can be a hazard. Night lamps can help indicate the way in the case of someone needing the bathroom at night.

• Inappropriate water temperature can lead to severe burns. A temperature of 140 degrees can burn the skin in five seconds. It is important to fill the bath with cold water first and then add hot water gradually. Before entering the bath, test the water temperature using your elbow.

• Keep soaps, shampoos and other liquids at eye level so that you can easily get hold of them while having a bath. Avoid standing up in the bath because of the risk of falling over.

• Do not use bath oils as they tend to make the bath far slippier than it already is with just water.

Another important room in our home is the bedroom, especially the spare ones where the children sleep, play and do their everyday activities.

• Use natural materials to furnish a child’s bedroom to prevent the risk of the child developing wheezing and other allergies.

• Do not put favourite toys on high shelves because a child won’t think twice about climbing onto a bedside table or a chair to get it, risking a fall.

• Be sure that windows are locked safely and are not easily opened by the child.

• Emphasise the importance of keeping toys organised and not scattered about on the floor.

Slipping on a toy car can lead to a serious accident.

Backyards are also a favourite especially on a sunny, winter afternoon. Make sure the space is safe enough for the family members and their guests.

• Be careful when using a barbecue, especially when handling charcoal. Place charcoal away from other combustibles, especially away from gas cylinders.

• Before buying plants and vegetation for your backyard, check whether these plants attract mosquitoes. Apart from being a nuisance, mosquitoes can be dangerous especially for babies, young children and elderly people.

• For safety, swimming-pools in gardens and backyards must be surrounded by a fence, especially if there are toddlers in the area.

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#beyourownhero

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AWARENESS

GETTING IT OFF

YOUR CHEST

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omen have more breast tissue and more female hormones than men, but breast cancer is not just a women’s disease. It occurs in men too. The earlier breast cancer is detected, the sooner it can be treated. The success rate and survival rate are highest when the disease is diagnosed in its early stages.

Check your chest daily. You can do that while taking a shower or standing in front of a mirror, looking carefully at your chest area and feeling the skin and tissue for any abnormalities. Women should also check their breasts while standing by raising both their arms and looking for any changes or unevenness, and also by feeling their breasts while lying down.

If you notice something suspicious and tell yourself “it’s nothing”, you could be putting your own life at risk. Any symptoms should NOT be ignored. See a doctor if you notice any change in the appearance of your breast tissue and skin, particularly any of the following.

• persistent redness or scaly skin in the nipple and surrounding area • discharge from a nipple • a retracted nipple (turns inward, rather than outward) • puckered or dimpled skin • a lump under your skin or a feeling that your breast tissue is thicker than usual • unevenness in the size, texture and appearance of the breast area on either side of your chest.

Your doctor may order additional tests such as a mammogram, or a biopsy which involves taking a sample of tissue for examination under a microscope. Ordering a test does not mean your

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October 2016

BREAST CANCER IS NOT JUST A WOMEN’S DISEASE. MEN CAN DEVELOP IT TOO.

doctor thinks you have cancer and wants formal confirmation. A test can confirm or eliminate any doubt about the visible symptoms.

Breast cancer is treated by a variety of methods including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy. In many cases, male breast cancer is particularly responsive to hormone therapy. Your doctor will recommend treatment based on your particular condition and the stage of the disease.

OTHER CAUSES OF CHANGING BREAST TISSUE Gynecomastia Gynecomastia affects only men and is more common in men than breast cancer. The condition is characterised by an increase in the amount of breast tissue. This is usually felt as a disk-like growth behind the nipple and areola. In some cases the growth is visible too and, in severe cases, the growth may appear as small, developing breasts. Since growing and changing breast tissue may be a sign of breast cancer too, any changes and lumps should be checked by a doctor.

Benign breast tumors Breast tumours are not always cancerous.

Abnormal lumps in the breast area may also be benign, which means they are not life threatening.

Benign tumours do not spread outside the breast area, are common in women, and are rare in men.

However, whatever your gender, if you notice a lump in your chest, don’t dismiss it as a benign growth. See your doctor for professional diagnosis and advice.

ATTENTION MEN You run a higher risk of developing breast cancer if you • are in an older age bracket. Younger men are not immune to developing breast cancer, but the risk increases with age.

• have a family history of breast cancer. If a close female relative – mother or grandmother – has had breast cancer, you have a greater chance than average of developing the disease.

• are exposed to higher levels of estrogen. Some medical treatments, e.g. hormone therapy for prostate cancer, increase the usual levels of estrogen in your blood stream. This doesn’t mean that you will automatically develop breast cancer, but it does mean that the possibility of developing breast cancer is higher than usual.

Taking estrogen-related drugs as part of a sexchange procedure increases the risk of breast cancer.

• are obese. A higher number of fat cells in your body increases the possibility of a higher estrogen count and, consequently, a higher risk of breast cancer.

• have had radiation treatment to your chest.

Radiation increased the risk of developing breast cancer at a later stage in life.

• have undescended testicles or have had a testicle removed.

• have a disease of the testicles such as • have liver disease. Cirrhosis of the liver can affect the balance of male and female hormones in your system. An increase in female hormones increases your risk of breast cancer.

• have Klinefelter’s syndrome. This condition is rare.

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DIET

WORK YOUR WAY TO A

HEALTHY HEART EATING PROPERLY AND LIVING WELL CAN REDUCE YOUR RISK OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

e

at only as many calories as you need

Don’t try crash dieting to lose weight or binge-eating to put on weight. Aim to maintain a healthy body weight, as opposed to your subjectively ideal weight. Work out how many calories you need daily based on your gender, age, and physical activity and then tailor your food and drink intake accordingly.

Use up as many calories as you eat You need at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise every alternate day but build that up to 20-25 minutes daily. Breaking up the total into 10minutes sessions can make it more manageable.

Look for ways to make exercise part of your daily routine, e.g. walking to school or to work, or walking upstairs, rather than using a lift.

Eat a nutrient-rich and varied diet The quality of your food matters more than the quantity. Eating junk food daily in small portions isn’t going to save you from cardiovascular disease.

Nutrient-rich foods in reasonable amounts will do more for your heart health than cutting your daily chips intake from three portions to two.

Fish first

Drink alcohol in moderation

Choose fish over meat and eat fish at least twice a week – preferably oily fish which contains omega-3. The next best source of animal protein is free-range poultry, cooked without the skin. Red meat increases your cholesterol count. If you can’t resist red meat, choose the leanest possible cuts.

Alcohol pushes up your calorie count, which can lead to weight gain and heart problems. How much is too much? As a rough guide, women can average one drink a day and men two.

Limit saturated fats Saturated fat and trans-fat increase blood cholesterol levels, clog up your arteries, and are overall bad news for your heart. The best way to limit saturated fat is to cut down on solid fat like butter and margarine. When shopping, check food product labels. Hydrogenated vegetable oil contains trans-fat, for example. When choosing food, look for types that contain only monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. All fats are high in calories so even the healthier types of fat should be consumed in moderation.

Choose low-fat or fat-free dairy products If you’re used to full fat milk, skimmed or fat-free milk will taste weak and bland at first. Stick with it and your taste will adjust. Check the package label and avoid milk and milk-based drinks that have added sweeteners.

Unprocessed, fresh food is better for your heart health than processed food loaded with salt, fat and sugar. Fiber-rich whole grains are better than husk-free processed grains. Fresh frozen food is better than canned.

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October 2016

Check food products to see whether they contain any added sugar. Low-fat products, for instance, usually contain extra sugar to improve their taste.

Fresh fruit contains naturally occurring sugar; frozen fruit may contain added sugar, increasing its overall sugar content.

Fill your fridge with the good stuff Prepare heart-friendly snacks and store them on the front top shelf of your fridge. Next time you’re bored and looking for something to eat, you’ll pick up a handful of crisp vegetable sticks or peeled fruit, rather than a block of full fat cheese.

Cut down your salt intake Sodium-rich food contributes to high blood pressure, increasing your risk of cardiovascular disease. Not adding salt to meals or while cooking is helpful but keep an eye on the salt content that’s already in your food. Preserved food and ready meals all contain salt.

Have the occasional treat Beware of portion distortion

Eat fresh, unprocessed food

Avoid added sugar

Think serving size, rather than portion size. Servings are standard sized. A portion is how much you eat. A jar, box or packet can contain several servings. For instance, a six-pack of yogurt eaten at one sitting is a single portion but six servings. Using a small plate or bowl can help you control your portion size.

It’s daily overindulgence that’s problematic, not the occasional treat. Eating a biscuit or bag of crisps won’t destroy your heart health, as long as you eat healthy food in healthy portions most of the time.

A&H NOTE: Ask your doctor for advice on changing your diet and exercise habits.

NUTRITION

Olive oil is full of antioxidants which help to mop up free radicals in your bloodstream.

GOODNESS IN BERRIES & BOTTLES

OLIVES AND OLIVE OIL AREN’T JUST TASTY. THEY’RE GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH TOO.

o

live oil is 100% fat. There is no doubt about it. But it’s not the sort of fat that blocks arteries, raising blood pressure and making you prone to strokes and heart attacks. Most of the fats that makes up olive oil are monounsaturated. These are considered as healthy dietary fats. Unlike saturated and transfats, monounsaturated fats can help lower your risk of heart disease by controlling risk factors such as your total cholesterol count.

In health terms, olive oil is better for you than solid fats like butter or block margarine. If you regularly use butter and margarine for cooking and dressing food, you cannot undo the negative effects by adding olive oil to your diet. To boost your health, you need to use olive oil to replace solid fats, whether they are of animal or plant origin.

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October 2016

Not all olive oils are created equal. Oil quality – and its related benefits – varies widely. Generally, the best oils are extra-virgin. They are also the most costly, but it’s worth paying a bit more for better quality.

When buying olive oil from a supermarket, choose the bottle colour first. Olive oil oxidises when exposed to light, changing the make-up of its healthgiving compounds. Oil stored in a dark coloured bottle lasts longer because it is protected against light exposure. Alteratively, buy oil in a clear glass bottle and store it in a box or cupboard.

Buy recently bottled, long-dated olive oil.

Unopened, it can last up to about one year if stored properly. Once opened, use it within months to enjoy its benefits. Over time and when exposed to air once the bottle’s opened, the oil will deteriorate, affecting its taste and healthy

content such as phenols and vitamins. Whatever the bottle colour, when you’re not using it, seal it and store it well away from the cooking area and window sill to protect the oil against light and heat.

Fresh, cold-pressed oil has a better flavour and a higher anti-oxidant content. The best types of oil are made from cold-pressed, freshly harvested olives and bottled soon afterwards. The quality, colour and taste vary depending on the type of olive and its origin. Colour ranges from light green to a deep yellow-green.

Olive oil is graded according to the content of free fatty acids (FFA). Extra-virgin olive oil is the highest grade. This is produced mechanically in a chemicalfree and heat-free process. Virgin oils generally contain less than 0.8% free fatty acids and the best quality oil contains less than 0.5% FFA.

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EXTRAVIRGIN Borges Extra Virgin Olive Oil comes from a diverse selection of the highest quality olives keeping a perfect and balanced taste profile with an almond like flavour and a maximum acidity of 0.5%.

Ideal for use in salads, appetizers or on its own with a slice of fresh bread.

NUTRITION

OLIVE OIL IN THE KITCHEN WHY OLIVE OIL IS GOOD FOR YOU It reduces inflammation Foods that have anti-inflammatory properties can help to ease the discomfort of inflammatory conditions like arthritis. Olive oil is one of those foods.

It can mimic the anti-inflammatory effect of medication, helping to control inflammation naturally.

• Use olive oil to grill meat, poultry or fish. Heat up the grill and then lightly brush it with olive oil before cooking. This will minimise the amount of added fat.

• Olive oil is a tasty dressing even when used alone. For a different tasting salad dressing, whip up a cup of oil with the juice and zest of one lemon.

• Add flavour to cupful of olive oil by soaking whole chilli peppers or garlic in it for 24 hours.

• For a quick, healthy meal, brush an oven dish with olive oil, add a layer of lemon slices, top that with fish fillets drizzled with more olive oil and cook in the oven at 200C for about 15 minutes. Serve with wholegrain rice tossed with olive oil, lime juice and freshly chopped coriander.

• Make your own pastry using olive oil instead of solid fat. Add half a cup of olive oil to two cups of flour sifted with a pinch of salt and mix it with a fork. If the mixture is too crumbly, sprinkle a spoonful of water over the mixture and mash it with the fork until it combines into a smooth pastry.

It’s full of antioxidants Olive oil is full of antioxidants which help to mop up free radicals in your bloodstream. Free radicals are microscopic groups of atoms which attach themselves to healthy tissue cells, triggering a chain reaction that damages the tissue. Their action can injure blood vessels, affecting your circulation. They can also damage the DNA in good tissue cells, triggering changes that can lead to cancerous growth. Antioxidants block this action by attaching themselves to the free radicals, preventing them from ‘sticking’ to good tissue cells.

It’s good for your heart Monounsaturated fat is good for your heart. It lowers your total cholesterol, which means less clogging in your arteries which, in turn, means a lower risk of strokes and heart disease.

DON’T JUST EAT IT Use olive oil to prevent premature skin ageing.

Warm a spoonful of oil between your hands and then smooth it over your skin. Let the oil ‘sit’ for at least 30 minutes, then gently wipe off the excess using a tissue. Olive oil doesn’t clog your skin’s pores, so you can use it instead of a night moisturiser.

• Rub a drop of olive oil into the surface of clean finger nails to strengthen them.

• A few drops of olive oil on a cotton wool pad can remove eye makeup.

• Mix a tablespoon of olive oil with a teaspoon of coarse sea salt for a cheap and effective skin scrub.

• To treat dry hair, gently warm a cupful of olive oil

and comb it through your unwashed hair. Cover your hair with a shower cap, wrap your head in a towel and leave it on for at least 30 minutes – or overnight, if you can. Then wash your scalp using a mild shampoo, smooth some conditioner onto the hair shaft, rinse thoroughly and then let your hair air dry.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU? Olive oil contains heart-friendly monounsaturated fat, vitamins E & K, and minerals including calcium iron, potassium. It’s chemically stable, safe, and palatable, making it one of the best oils for cold dressing and cooking. It has a high smoke point – the temperature at which it starts to smoke – which means it is ideal for cooking at a high temperature.

Olives contain vitamins E & K, minerals including calcium, iron and potassium, and lots of dietary fibre. The downside is that they’re full of salt.

Reduce the salt content by soaking olives in fresh water for about an hour, changing the water a couple of times.

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October 2016

AWARENESS

Lact�e INTOLERANCE HOW TO COPE WITHOUT COPPING OUT

LACTOSE INTOLERANCE AFFECTS PEOPLE TO VARYING DEGREES, WITH SYMPTOMS RANGING FROM MILD TO SEVERE. MANAGE YOUR SYMPTOMS BY TWEAKING YOUR DIET.

a

fter weeks of tests, doubt, anxiety and unpleasant symptoms, diagnosis comes as a relief. But once that wears off, the next question is: what do I do now? There is no cure.

Lactose intolerance is usually a life sentence. Managing the condition usually means changing your diet, eliminating or drastically cutting back on food that contains lactose.

Lactose is found in cow’s milk but cutting out or substituting dairy products isn’t as straightforward as it sounds. Several foodstuffs contain dairy products or dairy derivatives. If your system is highly intolerant, even a small amount of lactose could produce uncomfortable symptoms.

How you control your symptoms depends on how sensitive you are to lactose and how disciplined you are when shopping for food or eating out.

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR

If you notice symptoms like bloating, gas, frequent diarrhea, and abdominal pain, see your doctor for advice. If you are lactose intolerant, symptoms will be chronic and occur over a long term, rather than just a day or two. Lactose intolerance is usually diagnosed by elimination of other possible causes.

Your doctor will need to check that the symptoms are not related to any other health problem such as inflammatory bowel disease or irritable bowel syndrome.

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October 2016

contains lactose, eat or drink small amounts at a time throughout the day rather than having a full portion all at once. This will help keep your symptoms under control.

Whatever your degree of sensitivity, you can control your symptoms by doing the following.

Gauge your tolerance. If you’re unsure about a particular type of food, eat or drink a small amount and wait to see how it affects you.

Buy reduced-lactose or lactose-free products. Low-lactose or lactose-free products are available from good foodstores. Good delicatessens stock lactose-free cheese made from cow’s milk and lactose-free milk can be found in many supermarkets.

Reduce the amount of cow’s milk that you consume. A glass of milk contains about 10g of lactose, roughly about as much as you can expect to cope with if you are lactose intolerant. The amount of fat in milk doesn’t affect the level of lactose. Skimmed and fat-free milk contain as much lactose as whole milk.

READ FOOD LABELS Food that contains milk or milk derivatives contains lactose. A food product contains lactose if the ingredients include any of the following.

• Dry milk powder • milk byproducts • curds • dry milk solids • products that typically contain milk

• • • • • •

If you want to cut down on your lactose intake, you need to cut down on the amount of cow’s milk and milk products that you consume.

Reduce your consumption of cow’s milk products. That includes butter and cheese. The amount of lactose in cheese differs. Cottage cheese contains less fat but more lactose than cheddar, for instance. Alternatively, substitute cow’s milk cheese with cheese made from sheep or goat milk.

Spread your intake throughout the day.

If you can’t or won’t avoid food that

or milk derivatives include breakfast cereals and drinks some types of bread baked products like biscuits and cake sandwich spreads like butter substitutes instant foods like mashed potatoes and soups pancake and cake mixes.

Don’t drink or eat milk or milk products alone. Combining food that contains lactose with other food products can help you manage your symptoms.

Look for suitable food substitutes. Soya products are popular substitutes for cow’s milk, butter and cheese. Goat butter and cheese made from goat’s milk or sheep milk are also suitable substitutes. Some products are fortified with extra vitamins and calcium.

Choose yogurt that has active cultures.

Live cultures can help digest lactose, reducing symptoms of intolerance.

Experiment with different amounts of different brands to find one that is right for you.

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TOP UP YOUR CALCIUM INTAKE

Making sure you get enough calcium will reduce the risk of osteoporosis. If you reduce or eliminate dairy products from your diet, these foods can help keep up your calcium intake: • almonds • canned tuna and salmon • canned sardines, especially the bones • broccoli, kale, and okra

• turnip greens • calcium-fortified food and drinks such as cereals and soya products.

You need vitamin D to help your body absorb calcium. A few minutes in the sun each day should help but you can add vitamin D to your diet by eating oily fish like salmon, egg yolks, or drinking calcium-fortified juice and soya milk.

tables and cereals with vege

Gluten Free 100% Plant-based Rich in protein and fiber Low in fat (2.9% max) with Vitamin B12

NEW

PLANT-BASED

INFORMATION

A WHOLE LOAF OF

goodne�

MAYPOLE DIRECTOR SEBASTIAN DEBONO TALKS TO MARIKA AZZOPARDI ABOUT THE BRAND’S MALTESE ‘ĦOBŻA’ WITH OVER 35% LESS SALT

t

he Maltese bread loaf is part and parcel of our culinary traditions, an aspect we are proud of, and a staple that is divinely delicious. To keep ahead of national health recommendations, the ‘ħobża’ was recently given an innovative lease of life when Maypole presented the firstever salt-reduced loaf to the public.

Maypole director Sebastian Debono provides some further insight into the way the less salt loaf developed and how it fits into the brand’s range.

“When one has to compete with such a strong staple as the original Maltese loaf, one must tread very carefully,” Mr Debono says. “The reduced salt ‘ħobża’ was made possible after a year-long process of experimentation and trials.

We managed to produce a distinctly individual Maltese loaf using the same

traditional ingredients and methods but drastically reducing the salt content.

The original loaf is made of only five natural ingredients, namely wheat flour, water, mother dough (‘tinsila’), salt and yeast. Maintaining the same taste and texture while not adding the usual salt content was quite a challenge for us.

But the experiment has been fully successful. We maintained the slow preparation process of 12 hours and the same age-old tradition of hand kneaded bread which is part and parcel of bread-making.”

Mr Debono explains that his work is all about meeting people, both clients and shop owners, gauging remarks and comments and deciding what to do about them. From initial feedback, it is evident that sales of the new loaf are doing extremely well and that clients are willing to try out the new loaf and

return to speak with satisfaction about its quality. “Clients are also happy to see that we re-introduced a traditional style of loaf incorporating our ancestral way of finishing it with a typical knife slash on the side, somewhat reminiscent of other typical bread decorative markings such as those used for the ‘ħobża tas-salib’,” Mr Debono says.

Maypole had already worked intensely to produce the brown Maltese loaf ‘Il-Ħobża s-Samra’ which replicates the Maltese ‘ħobża’ in size and character but has no added salt or sugar, “We have regular clients who are staunch brown bread consumers and like it immensely, and others who are simply not inclined to eat a brown format of the traditional loaf,” Mr Debono says. “So, this new loaf offers a superior compromise that promises healthy snacks and dining, healthy lunch boxes, and is a great complement to the typical Mediterranean diet.”

Maypole, which has recently reopened its Hamrun outlet and opened a new outlet in Bir id-Deheb, limits of Zejtun, sells its Maypole trademarked products exclusively within its 14 shops located around Malta. What started out in a humble Qormi bakery has developed into a large production firm that also touches upon traditional dining, offering typical Maltese cuisine

at The Artisan Baker in Valletta.

Talking further about the salt-reduced Maltese loaf, Mr Debono indicates how it can totally support the healthy Mediterranean meals and lunch boxes we prepare. “The loaf has 35% less salt but the same great taste. In order to maintain the low salt content of meals as recommended by health specialists, we can tap into our wide range of Mediterranean foods for diversification.

Consider the myriad ways one can complement Maltese bread without resorting to salt-laden foods - baked ricotta, fresh tomatoes, fresh goat cheese, cooked meats, olive oil... It is ultimately all about maintaining a high nutritional value for ourselves and our families.”

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How to keep a loaf fresh for longer: • Buy a whole loaf rather that a sliced one.

• Wrap the loaf in a clean dishcloth for temporary storage.

• Store in a refrigerator to keep it for longer.

• Freeze whole and de-frost before use, just popping it into the oven for short time to restore its normal crispiness October 2016

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CHILD

DEVELOPMENT

DEVELOPING FINE MOTOR SKILLS CHILDREN CAN BE HELPED TO DEVELOP THE USE OF THEIR HANDS. CAROLINA CASPA AND MARIA MIZZI EXPLAIN HOW.

o

ne of the most important skills that Inspire helps with is the development of fine motor skills (dexterity). This refers to the coordination of small muscles of the hand and fingers with the eyes, and how well we manipulate small objects in our hands.

Fine motor skills play a great part in a child’s development, especially in the areas of self care, and pre-writing skills.

These skills enable the child to carry out activities such as tying shoelaces and buttoning a shirt, and learning to colour inside the lines or write with a minimum of effort. Four crucial bases that need to be in place for a child to develop fine motor skills.

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October 2016

1. Postural control This refers to the bigger muscles of the shoulders and trunk stabilising the arm so the fingers are free to move. A child with difficulties in this area will, for example, hold the pencil tightly or press really hard on the paper as he does not have enough control over it,

or tense up the shoulders, getting tired easily.

2. Tactile Perception (touch perception).

Good sensory information is important as it tells our brain what we are feeling and how we are using our

Hand dominance is an important handwriting prerequisite, but it’s not the end of the world.

hands when doing a task. When a child has poor touch perception, he may seem clumsy, always dropping small items, and letting things slip out of his hands. He may also squeeze the pencil tightly as a way to feel it and control it.

3. Bilateral Coordination This refers to the ability to use both sides of the body together in a coordinated way.

4. Hand Function This refers to the muscles of the hand working well together to control pencils and other small objects.

Caroline Caspa and Maria Mizzi are Occupational Therapists at Inspire Foundation.

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CHILD

DEVELOPMENT

PENCIL GRASP

HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD DEVELOP GOOD PRE WRITING SKILLS Improve postural control by encouraging your child to try • • • •

animal walks (i.e. crab walking) wheelbarrow walk climbing on playground equipment using tabletop easels or bookstands, which can be used while the child is seated • using a chalkboard or white board • using letter and number magnets on the fridge.

To develop tactile perception, encourage your child to • play with different textured materials (shaving foam, sand, goop, play doh, paint and sugar) and draw shapes and lines on these textures; • hide objects such as a key, toothbrush, spoon, eraser, paper clips, etc. in a bag and ask your child to feel an object and tell you what it is; • hide coins, beads or other small objects in Play-Doh, sand or rice tubs for your child to find.

These activities help develop bilateral coordination • rolling out pastry with a rolling pin; • pedalling a bike; • cutting with scissors, • threading beads; • drawing a line with a ruler; • doing star jumps; • rolling a play-doh ball.

You child’s hand function can be improved by • putting coins into a piggy bank; • playing with finger puppets; • using small tongs to pick up cotton balls, pom-poms, blocks, etc.

• drawing and scribbling; • pouring, ladling and spooning soapy water into different sized containers at the kitchen sink.

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October 2016

HAND DOMINANCE One of the things many parents worry is when they experience their children switching pencils between hands. Hand dominance is an important handwriting prerequisite, but it’s not the end of the world. It is important that children are assisted – not forced – to choose the hand that they will be writing with. Hand dominance is usually achieved over a span of years – typically, ages 2 to 4.

The importance of hand dominance is mainly related to the development of accuracy and speed with fine motor tasks, particularly handwriting. As well as having a strong and dominant hand, it is also important to have a good ‘assistant hand’ (the non-dominant hand) for activities such as cutting with scissors, or holding a paper when colouring. If your child tends to leave one hand out, then keep on doing bilateral coordination activities to help the child’s hands to work well together.

A child who begins fine motor tasks with one hand and then switches to using the other hand when feeling tired, may possibly have poor fine motor skills. This is a common problem.

Supporting the child’s fine motor skills development and promoting a gradual build up in endurance in the dominant hand should result in less frequent hand switching.

Another common problem is child picking up an object with the left hand when it is presented on the left side and vice versa. This may indicate difficulties in crossing the midline of the body. The child can be helped to build and strengthen new pathways in the brain through activities such as transferring objects from a container on the left to a container on the right, matching objects in a column on the left to objects in a column on the right, transferring objects between hands, and pouring rice from a cup on the left to a cup on the right.

Important facts about lefthanders • Writing with the left hand is a different movement.

• A left-handed child may experience more pain in the wrist and hand.

• Poor endurance, resulting in fatigue.

• Position of paper: paper should be tilted so that top right corner of paper is towards the child.

• Position of arm and wrist: the hand should be below the writing line and the wrist held straight.

The pencil grasp (or grip) describes the way a child holds a crayon or pencil.

There are a few stages of development in grasping a pencil.

GENERAL TIPS FOR GOOD FINE MOTOR SKILL DEVELOPMENT Tabletop activities The table and chair should be the right size for your child. The child’s feet should be flat on the floor and forearms should rest comfortably on the tabletop, at approximately elbow level. Use a phonebook or box as a foot rest so the child’s feet do not dangle or swing.

Play and draw on vertical surfaces

1. fisted grasp – movement from the shoulder

Place the toy or paper at or above eye level. This will bring the wrist and hand into a better position to practise and it will strengthen the movements and control that will be needed for printing, etc.

Pre-writing activities (no pencils required)

2. palmar grasp

3. immature 5-finger pencil grasp

4. mature 3-finger pencil grip A correct pencil grip is efficient and enables the child to write neatly and at a reasonable speed without tiring.

Fingers held in a tripod grip position (thumb, middle and index fingers) work together to control the pencil and allow the child to write neatly.

• Make lines, shapes and letters using finger painting, painting with pudding or shaving cream, painting with water on the pavement and even using the fingers in sand.

• Play shape and letter matching or recognition games.

• Play with puzzles, magnetic letters and Play-Doh. These activities are not intended to replace the intervention of an occupational therapist. If you find that your child is struggling with these skills, you may wish to contact an occupational therapist for assistance.

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ABOUT INSPIRE Inspire’s mission is to try to help everyone with a disability equality and inclusion, which we believe are everyone’s right. We provide individuals and their families with educational, therapeutic and leisure service; advocate for inclusion; educate the general public;, raise awareness among peers; and hold the best knowledge base on disability in Malta.

Today, Inspire helps over 1000 individuals with various disabilities ranging from Down Syndrome, Autism, Cerebral Palsy and other conditions. We do this through many services and disability programmes that are offered at a highly subsidised rate or sometimes even for free.

For more information visit www.inspire.org.mt

RELATIONSHIPS

TEEN DREAMS

REMEMBER CRYING OVER A BOY OR GIRL WHO DIDN’T EVEN KNOW YOU EXISTED? GREATER FREEDOM AND SOCIAL MEDIA MEAN THAT MEETING AND CONTACTING PEOPLE ARE EASIER, BUT HAPPINESS AND HEARTBREAK ARE STILL VERY REAL.

r

omantic relationships are a major milestone in adolescence, together with physical, social and emotional changes linked to the adolescent’s growing interest in body image and looks, independence and privacy.

Three adolescents spoke to A&H

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October 2016

about their first love.

In a healthy I have lots of male friends, but relationship, both have never had an actual boyfriend.

In class, I think I am the only one partners feel safe and who has never experienced any form of intimacy with a boy. My mother says that many of my friends feel good about might be bluffing and not telling the themselves. truth. At times I do wonder why. » *Carly, 15

RELATIONSHIPS disadvantages. Girls work very well in a group. They are organised and are always up-todate with homework and tests.

On the other hand, I can’t stand their endless giggling, their whispering and their continuous blinking of eyes. Some of my friends are already chasing girls.

It has become really boring now during breaktime, having to listen to chatter about how Lisa looks and how Emma smells. At the moment, I have enough male friends with whom I hang around and we enjoy each other’s company. We do share some dirty jokes but, in my group, we still feel embarrassed when someone overdoes it. I feel comfortable within this circle of friends, so for now I am ok.

*Becky, 16

I admit, I do have crushes on boys, but I still feel that it is still not the right time.

I read a lot about relationships and, at times, I do look at websites which deal with dating and relationships. The problem I am facing now is that I admire my friends, and wish that I had some of their traits. I am very aware of how I look and it hurts

that I am quite tall. I am even taller than some of the boys with whom my group hangs out. Now that I am in my last year of secondary school, I find comfort in my studies and enjoy the companionship of my friends.

*Ben, 13 Being in a class with girls has both advantages and

The problem I am facing now is that I admire my friends, and wish that I had some of their traits

This summer my life changed completely. After finishing my secondary school, I decided to find a summer job. There I realised that I am growing older and that now I am becoming independent.

I started staying out late and managed to enlarge my circle of friends. I have now been in a relationship since the beginning of September and, yes, I am truly happy. With my boyfriend Noel* I am having the best time of my life.

Now that we have both started post-secondary education, we look forward to spending time together during free periods and especially during weekends.

Regarding intimacy, we are now sharing a mutual first experience.

We still find it awkward to discuss sexuality between us, but when we are together, it seems that things happen naturally. Both of us are aware that we are still young, our relationship is still in its initial, sensitive stage and so we are approaching everything with care. At times we also try to find time to hang out with some of our friends, but towards the end of the evening, we still end up together. My older sister tells me that this initial excitement will soon be over, but I want to enjoy every minute while it lasts.

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*Not their real names.

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October 2016

A&H says...

Relationships between teenagers are a source of confusion, both for the teenagers themselves and for their families. Getting close to someone emotionally and physically has both risks and rewards. The early days are both exciting and intimidating, especially when the couple is not sure whether there is mutual affection. What relationship experts recommend is for adolescents to try to get to know each other better. Meet, talk, chat, message – everything helps you to understand whether this person is someone with whom you want to build something deep, something more special than a normal friendship.

Teenagers should be guided on what constitutes a healthy relationship and should be taught how to observe and analyse whether a relationship is heading to happiness or heartbreak. We tend to think about health in terms of our physical state, but a healthy relationship goes far beyond physical health. In a healthy relationship, both partners feel safe and feel good about themselves.

These five factors can help a couple analyse their relationship and weigh the pros and cons of spending time with each other.

• Respect – This is shown in the way the couple treats each other, whether the couple engages in mutual listening even if one partner is only talking about what happened at school. Respect also means showing mutual interest and feeling pride and satisfaction in being in each other’s company.

• Trust – Jealousy is another prominent feature within teenage relationships. If one partner does not feel comfortable when the other is spends time alone with other friends, then the relationship won’t work. The couple should also have faith in all decisions, whether taken jointly or individually.

• Honesty – Admitting when one is wrong shows that the couple values honesty. Forgiveness, especially for trivial mistakes, will help the couple get closer together, especially if there is strong communication. Feeling comfortable in telling the truth to each other is another good sign of a healthy relationship.

• Equality – Both partners should feel that they are giving equal importance to each other. Years ago, it was the male who decided where to go and how much to spend. Nowadays, couples take decisions together even about simple things such as where to go on Saturday and what present to buy for your best friend’s birthday.

• Good communication – This is the key to a successful and tear-free relationship. Expressing feelings and telling the other partner what you expect from him or her is not being possessive.

It is a means of getting to know each other and reaching deeper into one’s soul and heart.

REAL

LIVES

PLAYING BALL

SPORT PROVIDES CHILDREN WITH HEALTHY LEISURE AND THE OPPORTUNITY FOR PERSONAL GROWTH. BEHIND IT ALL IS THE PERSONAL DEDICATION OF PEOPLE LIKE JES SALIBA. INTERVIEW BY ANNA MARIA GATT

i

f someone asked me where I got to know Jes Saliba, I would give multiple answers. I knew Jes through working in the media. I also knew him when he was involved in the Kunsill Studenti Universitarji when I was a student myself. Now, I know him through his involvement in volleyball, as president of the Malta Volleyball Association.

“My involvement in volleyball started when I was on the organising committee of the Volleyball Marathon in aid of Id-Dar Tal-Providenza,” he says.

“Over the years, I developed a passion for the game and I also developed friendships and good relations with several people involved. After five years, I was asked to head the association. I accepted the appointment last year.”

When I was at secondary school, I remember spending my break time on the volleyball court serving, digging and blocking. Volleyball is still taught in schools during physical education lessons, but what happens at national and international levels?

Jes remarks that, at an international level, volleyball is now established as one of the main sports, thanks to the international Federation (FIVB) and the European Confederation (CEV). Their strategy of popularising the sport and raising it to unprecedented levels was confirmed during the last Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

“In Malta, the sport is going through a revival,” Jes says. “We’re working hard to further popularise the game at all levels, including the grass roots, through extensive PR and marketing efforts.”

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October 2016

39

REAL

LIVES

It’s a fun, non-contact sport. It teaches skills including problem solving, team work, and communication.

Being involved in a sports organisation requires the passion and effort normally seen in an athlete. At times, people at the helm of sports organisations assume all responsibilities for the training, progress, results and status of the players themselves.

Asked to describe his first year as president of the Malta Volleyball Association, Jes says: “Like any other challenge, every role requires a set of skills depending on the situation and the efforts required. Obviously, these include elements of management and also relationship building. The difficulty stems from the need to converge all the energy and effort of those involved towards an over-arching and multifaceted aim.”

One of Jes’ first challenges was to revamp volleyball in Malta to regain popularity, especially among the young.

“One of our main aims was to reestablish the sport through strong efforts with all relevant stakeholders.

Reviving the competition was important too. A lot of energy and effort is going into popularising the sport with the community and at children’s and youth levels.” A mini-volleyball academy has been launched and the necessary ground for the national volleyball teams is now being set with a view to 40

October 2016

international competitions in the coming year.

Throughout 2016, Jes met members of other international volleyball associations: “Participating in international fora helps you understand that our challenges are shared by other countries worldwide. The specific limitations of each country vary, however the challenges are the same almost everywhere.” Surely, one of the challenges which Jes faces is lack of time. People involved in sport, whether as athletes or as part of the organisation, all have to juggle their involvement with other work and family commitments.

“I have strong collaborators in all areas of operations and this helps,” Jes says.

“Good time management is essential.

Obviously, at times I would love to have longer days and even more energy to put into organising things at various levels.”

Despite the competitive element which governs sport, the volleyball environment in Malta is marked by mutual respect. This encourages Jes and the other members of the association to work hard when facing challenges: “We are addressing several things. Making the sport popular and encouraging participation are our primary objectives,

but we’re making sure we sustain the good aspects of the current game.”

To meet its objectives, the Malta Volleyball Association needs constant support. “We have a lot of support from stakeholders in Malta and internationally,” Jes explains. “Obviously, the most significant kind of support we always need is financial. This helps us implement the projects we would like to carry out for the good of the game and society in general.”

Although, Jes aims at obtaining shortterm positive results for volleyball in Malta, what he is doing now is a prelude to where he wants to take the sport: “My biggest ambition in this field is that, when the curtain falls, I will look back with satisfaction at having left a legacy in which volleyball is the number one family entertainment and competitive sport in the country. I would like to look back and see that we have encouraged young people to start training in volleyball and also that, at a national level, our team is competitive.”

Another important aspect of Jes’ life is his commitment to helping Id-Dar talProvidenza. “The fundraising volleyball marathon we organise is very much appreciated and there’s a lot of support from the Maltese. We know this because we always have a good response to our appeals.”

On a more personal note, Jes is the proud father of twin daughters, Julia and Irene, with his Polish wife, Aneta, who fully complete his world. When asked how he imagines being in ten years’ time, he simply answers: “I would want to see myself as a proud father of two successful girls.” Even his dreams for the future revolve around his family.

“My dream is to be able to serve my family and the community, and have the energy to do that to the best of my abilities,” he says.

In our sport interviews, we would like to pass on the message that sport is not only for people who don’t work or for people who have lots of free time on their hands. Jes is one such example. He works full time and manages to apply his skills and knowledge for the benefit of sport in Malta. He encourages parents to instil in their children a love for sport with all its physical, mental and social benefits.

Why should parents encourage their children to try out volleyball? “It’s a fun, non-contact sport that develops an individual’s physical skill set and positively contributes to cognitive and psychological development. It teaches skills including problem solving, team work, and communication,” Jes says. In other words, it’s part of a good, all round education.

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BOOKS

Great READS

AGENDA BOOKSHOP’S PICK OF THE LATEST HEALTH AND WELLBEING BOOKS

EAT IN MY KITCHEN: TO COOK, TO BAKE, TO EAT, AND TO TREAT — Meike Peters (9783791382005) Meike Peters, the author of the acclaimed cooking blog Eat in My Kitchen, presents a cookbook as inviting, entertaining, and irresistible as her website, featuring dozens of never-before-published recipes. Meike Peters’s site, Eat in My Kitchen, captures the way people like to eat now: fresh, seasonal food with a variety of influences. It combines a northern European practical attitude, from the author’s German roots, with a rustic Mediterranean-inspired palate, from her summers in Malta. This highly anticipated cookbook is comprised of 100 recipes that celebrate the seasons and are awash with colour. Indulge in the Radicchio, Peach, and Roasted Shallot Salad with Blue Cheese; Parsnip and Sweet Potato Soup with Caramelised Plums; Pumpkin Gnocchi;

mouthwatering sandwiches like the Pea Pesto and Bacon with Marjoram; and seafood and meat dishes that introduce tasty and unexpected elements. Meike Peters’s famous baked treats include everything from pizza to bread pudding, and perfect cookies to sumptuous tarts. Also included are many of her fans favorite recipes, including Fennel Potatoes, Braised Lamb Shanks with Kumquats, and a Lime Buttermilk Cake. Six Meet In Your Kitchen features include recipes by and interviews with culinary stars Molly Yeh, Yossy Arefi, Malin Elmlid, the Hemsley sisters, and more. Followers of Meike Peters will be thrilled to have her exquisitely photographed recipes in print in one place, while those who aren’t yet devotees will be won over by her unpretentious tone and contagious enthusiasm for simple, beautiful, and tasty food.

FOOD TRAILS — Lonely Planet Food (9781786571304) For everyone who loves travel and trying the local delicacies, this beautifully illustrated hardback is the must-have handbook to a year’s worth of perfect weekends around the world for food lovers. Featured trails include the an homage to Buenos Aires steak, cosy wintertime French Canadian cuisine, Puglia’s distinctive dishes, and Parisian patisserie. Each trail is an itinerary, detailing when and where to indulge in the local specialties. There are 52 trails, each with gorgeous photography, a bespoke map, expert writing and practical details of how to get there and where to stay. This is the second in Lonely Planet’s Perfect Weekends series, following the critically acclaimed Wine Trails.

The 52 itineraries cover the whole globe. In the Americas we try seafood chowder in Maine; creole and cajun food in the Deep South; barbecue in Texas; and Hawaii’s island food among other taste sensations. In Europe we discover the mouthwatering cuisines of Crete, Italy, Denmark, England, Spain, Germany, Iceland, Ireland and other countries. Prepare for spice in Asia as we go to India, Vietnam and Malaysia for street food; Japan for sushi and South Korea

for barbecue. In Australia and New Zealand, experiences include the farm-to-table scene in Tasmania, Melbourne’s melting pot of cuisines and seafood in Auckland.

Wherever you are in the world, there will be trip Each itinerary features about a dozen stops, including food markets, must-visit restaurants and shops or opportunities to meet food makers or providers. Each is reviewed by Lonely Planet’s authors who have visited the place. Practical details are provided so readers can make bookings and tailor their own trips. A section at the end of each itinerary suggests places to stay and lists events that take place during the year. Great photography adds visual appeal to every itinerary, each of which has an illustrated map, showing the route hungry travellers should take.

For foodies looking for inspiration for their next weekend away, and ideas for new cuisines to taste and share, Food Trails will be the source of many happy faces and full stomachs!

F*CK FEELINGS: LESS OBSESSING, MORE LIVING — Dr. Michael Bennett and Sarah Bennett (9780008140564) Heartbroken? Horrible boss? Confidence crisis? Rubenesque body? Anxious? Lonely?

The solution is to find out what’s bothering you and change it, right?

Sorry lady. WRONG. You aren’t going to suddenly start loving yourself. You aren’t going to just become the Best Version of Yourself. You can’t stop your dad drinking, or your rubbish boyfriend from breaking up with you.

Fact is, there are some things you just can’t change, and will become miserable trying.

Instead, Harvard-educated psychiatrist of 30 years Michael Bennett and his comedian daughter, Sarah, show you how to: • stop overthinking • make smarter decisions so you can manage whatever life throws at you • stick to your values when good luck is nowhere to be found • come away from bad situations with your self-respect and sanity intact They may not promise lifelong happiness, but they do guarantee strength, pride, and a sense of humour.

HOW THE SECRET CHANGED MY LIFE: REAL PEOPLE. REAL STORIES — Rhonda Byrne (9781471158193) Since the very first publication of The Secret a decade ago, Rhonda Byrne’s bestselling book has brought forth an explosion of real people sharing real stories of how their lives have miraculously changed for the better. How The Secret Changed My Life presents a selection of the most heartwarming and moving stories in one inspirational volume. Each story provides 42

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an authentic, real-life illustration of the pathway that leads to success in every area of life: money, health, relationships, love, family and career. The people in How The Secret Changed My Life show time and again that no one is excluded from living the life of their dreams.

PRODUCT NEWS

NESTLÉ MATERNA NUTRITION DURING BREASTFEEDING A healthy, well-balanced diet is important during breastfeeding. Although a supplement does not replace a wellbalanced diet, it can provide some extra insurance on those days when taking care of your new baby keeps you from eating as well as you like. It is important to choose a multivitamin that is especially formulated for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding that supports your nutritional requirements adequately as a nursing mother. Nestlé Materna helps provide the vitamins and minerals you need during all stages of your pregnancy.

After pregnancy, Nestlé Materna provides both calcium and vitamin D to help meet the nutritional needs while breastfeeding.

ARONIA Aronia is one of the world’s best sources of antioxidants.

Organic aronia berries, have a significantly higher antioxidant capacity than even goji berries. Research studies show that the consumption of these products leads to countless benefits such as higher immunity, faster recovery after surgery, better looking skin, and stress hormone reduction.

Find us on facebook for more information: J. Calleja Caterers & Wholesalers Ltd. Email: storelocator@jcallejaltd.com

Available in Pharmacies

HIPP ORGANIC NOW IN MALTA

COUPEROSE NOT AN ILLNESS BUT A COSMETIC PROBLEM

HiPP Organic is passionate about feeding only the best to your babies and toddlers. Your little one deserves only the best start and HiPP uses organic ingredients to create wholesome and nourishing baby foods. The result is a delicious range of baby foods bursting with flavours and natural goodness, suitable for every stage of your baby’s development and all meal times. Our range is made up of formula milks fortified with important prebiotics and omegas and available in stage 1, stage 2, stage 3, Hungry Infant Formula and Good Night Formula. Curious to note is that 10 out of 10 mums who have changed to HiPP milk say their babies seem happier. We also have baby cereals, savoury and desert jars and pouches, fruit pots and tray meals, including lasagne, numbered and animal-shaped pasta, just to make meal times more creative for your children.

Cosmetics experts estimate that one in three women over thirty has a tendency to redness due to genetically induced or acquired connective tissue weakness. Thanks to new findings from dermatological and cosmetic research, there are new treatment possibilities to fight redness and initial couperose. DR. GRANDEL laboratories offer two special formulations which have proven to be highly effective. The COUPEROSE EXPERT Cream, reinforces the skin‘s blood vessels and connective tissue, regenerates and enhances stabilisation of the skin’s natural barrier, and optically reduces redness, attaining an even skin appearance. The COUPEROSE EXPERT Concentrate, reinforces the skin‘s blood vessels, strengthens the collagenous and elastine fibres, and enhances the skin’s natural barrier, while redness, irritations and infrared-induced damage are reduced.

A perfect duo: Anti-Couperose & Regeneration DR. GRANDEL... In love with perfection

HiPP Organic is available from all leading supermarkets and pharmacies.

Cherubino Ltd. T 2134 3270

Available in Beauty Salons and SPAs. Trade Enquiries: CAREWELL by Reactilab Email: sales@reactilab.com Mob. 9982 8498 or 9945 7245

ARTHRIMEL FOR ARTHRITIS Our joints undergo a lifetime of wear and tear and they can become damaged by injury, repetitive activity or overuse. Arthrimel, containing Glucosamine Sulfate, offers a good solution for your joint pain. Glucosamine is found naturally in your body and it keeps cartilage healthy. As you get older, your levels of glucosamine begin to drop, which leads to joint pain and stiffness. Glucosamine is not found in any natural food sources so it needs to be taken as supplements. Arthrimel will help to protect and repair joints and will reduce pain and stiffness. It is important to note that while many glucosamine supplements are available, Arthrimel contains good quality pharmaceutical grade Glucosamine Sulphate. Arthrimel should be taken as 2 tablets daily with or without meals.

Arthrimel is a medicinal product. Always read the package leaflet. Arthrimel is available in all leading pharmacies. Trade Enquires: Cherubino Ltd on T 2134 3270

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FORCEVAL FEEL THE DIFFERENCE Beat the stress and boost your immunity this winter. Forceval multivitamin provides a complete multivitamin and multi-mineral supplement for adults and children over the age of 12. Forceval comes in capsules or soluble fruity-flavoured tablets and is ideal for relief of tiredness, lack of energy and to boost the body’s defence mechanism against illness like cold and flu. Forceval has been on the market for over 40 years and is the top selling multivitamin preparation in the UK. It is free of suger, gluten, yeast, lactose and artificial preservatives and is also suitable in pregnancy.

Forceval comes in a handy 30-day pack and 1 tablet a day is all that is needed.

PRODUCT NEWS

GOVINDA

PHLORETIN CF GEL

For 20 years, Govinda has been engaged in the manufacture of dried fruit specialties. Their motto is sweet, yet healthy, because sweets can also taste great without artificial additives. Undyed candy manufacturing, which is full of energy - this has always been their goal.

Phloretin CF Gel is a new, powerful serumin-a-gel antioxidant featuring a patented combination of 2% Phloretin, 10% pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic Acid), and 0.5% Ferulic Acid to neutralise free radicals induced by environmental stressors such as UVA/UVB and pollution which may lead to visible signs of accelerated skin aging.

Phloretin CF Gel diminishes hyperpigmentation, accelerates cellrenewal and retexturises skin. Its comforting gel base makes it ideal for normal to combination skin and non-serum users.

Imported by J. Calleja Import & Export Ltd. Email: storelocator@jcallejaltd.com

SkinCeuticals products are exclusively available from Persona Med-Aesthetic Centre in Ta’ Xbiex.

UNHAPPY WEARING SPECTACLES OR CONTACT LENSES?

FERTILITYSCORE®

The newly opened Saint James Hospital Eye Clinic in Birkirkara has launched the latest ophthalmic laser technology following an investment of over Eur1,000,000 in the new Zeiss Excimer Laser platform.

This technology provides an unprecedented level of precision and accuracy allowing for predictable and safe patient outcomes. Key advantages over previous procedures are the use of very advanced optic systems. The result is that patients are able to see immediately after the procedure, which is pain free and fast. There is no need to take medical leave as vision recovery is achieved within 24 hours in most cases. This laser surgery platform allows the doctor to select the optimal treatment for the patient, depending on the particular age and refractive error.

A couple is considered infertile if pregnancy does not occur after 12 months of unprotected intercourse. 10-15% of couples in the reproductive age group are infertile; 40-50% of cases are due to sperm problems.

Semen analysis measures sperm concentration, motility and morphology. The concentration of motile sperm is the major factor which affects fertility. FertilitySCORE, tests the number of motile sperm per ml. With FertilitySCORE, men can evaluate their semen quality at home without the need to visit a medical clinic.

FertilitySCORE Kits contain two tests. A positive or negative result is determined by a change or lack of change of color of the semen sample when compared to a color chart.

To have a proper sample volume, ejaculation should be avoided for 7 – 10 days. An easy to follow step by step process is available in every product insert.

More information on these treatments can be obtained by contacting St James Eye Clinic on Tel. 2247 2630/1 or visiting www.stjheyeclinic.com

FertilitySCORE can be bought over the counter in pharmacies. Trade Enquiries: REACTILAB LIMITED Email: sales@reactilab.com Tel. 2141 2673 Mob. 9982 8498

FEEL CETAPHIL, FEEL BEAUTIPHIL Skin should be nurtured, but not smothered; clean, but not stripped; smooth, but not greasy. This is the Gentle Power of Cetaphil®, making it suitable for adults, children and infants.

It is proven to hydrate dry skin and keep it mositurised.

Cetaphil can be used as a cleanser with or without water, making it the perfect product for everyday on-the-go use.

Cetaphil is available at leading pharmacies. Follow us on Facebook at GF Ltd or call us on Tel. 2143 7415 to find out more about Cetaphil.

HIPP ORGANIC POUCHES BURSTING WITH FLAVOUR Say hello to new mmmmm smooth, dessert and savoury purées from HiPP Organic.

They have been voted the Best Organic Baby Food range in the UK and are perfect to help your little ones continue on their tiny taste bud journey. This range has a smooth, thick texture and is full of BIG tastes, in a small pouch – a perfect portion for little ones. The range starts off from products suitable for babies from 4 months onwards, full of great food for babies exploring new tastes and textures.

HiPP Organic is available from all leading supermarkets and pharmacies.

Cherubino Ltd. T 2134 3270

October 2016

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PRODUCT NEWS

DIRTY WORKS SKINCARE A British brand, born and bred, Dirty Works loves to create sophisticated products to brighten up any regime. With its fresh, classy appearance Dirty Works offers everything for beautiful skin. Looking after your skin is so important yet so simple and we at Dirty Works believe in keeping things simple. Packed full of hydrating and soothing ingredients, you can't go wrong with this range to ensure skin in kept silky smooth, moisturised and refreshed. Our antioxidant-rich and skin conditioning ingredients featuring nourishing Shea Butter provides skin with a long lasting radiance for younger-looking complexions to boost, tone and lift skin.

For more information on the full range of Dirty Works Skincare check out WWW.DIRTYWORKSBEAUTY.COM Dirty Works is found in leading supermarkets and pharmacies. Exclusively distributed by Alfred Gera & Sons Ltd, Tel: 2144 6205/6

BIOBALANCE® STRETCH MARK REMOVER

BIOBALANCE® FACIAL WHITENING CREAM AND BRIGHTENING EYE CREAM During pregnancy, mothers commonly experience conditions such as puffy eyes and pigmentation. These facial flaws heavily affect a mother’s overall appearance.

Eye puffiness, a byproduct of lack of sleep, stress and allergies, is caused by the swelling of the thin skin surrounding the eyes. With the unique blend of vitamins, minerals and phytoproteins, BioBalance® BRIGHTENING EYE CREAM helps reduce dark circles and visible puffiness through the strengthening of the skin density, resulting in vibrant, fresh and younger eyes.

Facial pigmentation, often manifested through symmetrical, blotchy, brownish pigmentation, is a consequence of overproduction of melanin caused by pigment cells present on the skin. With BioBalance® FACIAL WHITENING CREAM, facial pigmentation is a problem of the past. The unique blend of licorice extract, lactic acid, vitamins A and C reveals a more luminous complexion in just 4 weeks. BioBalance® products are formulated from natural ingredients only, making them safe to use without any restrictions.

BioBalance®, NEW, Back to Nature

Pregnancy is a unique, exciting and joyous experience in a woman's life, as it highlights the woman's amazing nurturing power in fostering a bond between her and her baby. But pregnancy also brings along a number of changes to the woman’s body. Some are acceptable, such as the growing belly to accommodate a growing wonder, but some ailments brought about by the stretching of the skin are dreaded by many, if not by all. Stretch marks are a form of skin scarring which form due to the tearing of our skin’s second layer. Rightly so over time, a stretch mark’s appearance may diminish but will not disappear completely. However, if we cannot eliminate them we can prevent them by acting early in the pregnancy. With BioBalance® Stretch Mark Remover, stretch marks may no longer be so petrifying. With the unique blend of palmitoyl carnitine which improves the elasticity and firmness of the skin, licorice extract which helps to whiten the skin and balance skin tones and, centella asiatica extract which helps to reduce stretch marks, BioBalance® Stretch Mark Cream guarantees results within weeks. As it goes, prevention is better than cure. Prevention is definitely a smarter approach than treatment. BioBalance® products are formulated from natural ingredients only, making them safe to use without any restrictions. BioBalance®, NEW, Back to Nature

Available in pharmacies and leading retail outlets. Trade Enquiries: REACTILAB LIMITED Email: sales@reactilab.com Tel. 2141 2673 Mob. 9982 8498

Available in pharmacies and leading retail outlets. Trade Enquiries: REACTILAB LIMITED E-mail: sales@reactilab.com Tel: 2141 2673 / 9982 8498

PHIL SMITH BE GORGEOUS

GOOD THINGS PORE FECTLY CLEAR Good Things Pore-fectly Clear is a simple skincare routine that combines active charcoal with caffeine, Willow Bark Extract and Pomegranate to gently but effectively draw out impurities for deeply cleansed, clearer looking skin. This range has been specially formulated with calming yet powerful spot-fighting ingredients to soothe and clear oily, blemish prone skin. Two additional blemish fighting products include Good Things Overnight Serum to help reduce the appearance of blemishes and spots and help prevent future breakouts, and Good Things Spot Clearing Gel to help stop spots in their tracks.

Good Things Skincare range is found in leading supermarkets and pharmacies.

Exclusively distributed by Alfred Gera & Sons Ltd, Tel. 2144 6205

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Now available in Malta, Phil Smith Be Gorgeous is an inspirational range of professional haircare products that help you look and feel gorgeous, whoever you are. The range targets all different hair types namely, Volume Boosting, Moisture & Nourishing, Shine and Gloss, Damage Protection as well as ranges for Curly, Blonde, or Bruanette colored hair. Each product uses premium natural ingredients to deliver specific performance benefits for that hair type • Bombshell Blonde Radiance Shampoo, with chamomile extract for natural, coloured or highlighted blonde hair • Big It Up! Volume Boosting Shampoo, with soy protein for fine, flat or fly-away hair • Coco Licious Coconut Oil Shampoo, with Coconut Fruit Extract for normal to dehydrated hair Phil Smith hair products are salon inspired, simple to use and sold at affordable prices. Feel gorgeous and you’ll look gorgeous.

For more information on Phil Smith hair products contact exclusive distributors: Alfred Gera & Sons Ltd, Tel. 2144 6205/6

Munchkin offers your child a wide range of colourful, interactive toys that make bath time fun and enjoyable. From a Bath Fun Bubble Blower, Undersea Explorer, Bath Tea and Cupcake Sets and a large selection of bath toys, Munchkin is sure to keep your child entertained.

With their bright and vibrant colours Munchkin toys are designed to help engage sensory skills as well as encourage your child to learn how to develop play patterns and interactive play.

Munchkin also offers a wide range of feeding bottles, spill proof cups, training cups, flip straw cups, dining sets, door bouncers, safety car mirrors, backpacks and much more.

Munchkin is found in leading supermarket, pharmacies and baby shops and is exclusively distributed by Alfred Gera & Sons Ltd, Tel: 2144 6205/6.

Munchkin…It’s the little things.

VIVISCAL HAIR CARE NEW innovative Viviscal range of shampoo, conditioner, elizir treatment, volumising and densifying fibres - for thicker, fuller looking hair.

Nearly half of all women and men will experience hair shedding and thinning at some point in their lives. Thinning hair can be caused by stress, poor nutrition, age medication or over-styling. Viviscal Gorgeous Growth Shampoo and Viviscal Gorgeous Growth Conditioner contain Ana: Tel™ complex which reduces hair fall, blended with Biotin, Keratin and Zinc to promote the appearance of healthy looking hair growth. Viviscal Gorgeous Growth Densifying Elixir is the ultimate, lightweight, body-boosting leave-in treatment for thicker, fuller looking hair.

Viviscal Volumising Conceal and Densify fibres are a unique formulation to provide instant coverage to make hair look thicker and fuller.

Quick and easy to apply with a unique applicator for targetted application and to boost volume, Viviscal fibres are available in natural looking colours which can blend to tailor to your hair.

For more information on the Viviscal range, contact exclusive distributors Alfred Gera & Sons Ltd, Tel: 2144 6205/6

HAPPY NATURAL PRODUCT RANGE At Happy Naturals we recognise that stressful lifestyles can leave your skin in need of some serious pampering! The Happy Naturals Spa Argan Oil range encompasses super moisturising, nourishing Argan Oil for the ultimate in spa therapy. Argan oil is widely recognised for its amazing skincare benefits- it is exceptionally rich in Vitamin E and Omega Essential Fatty Acids and therefore well known for its anti-ageing, moisturising and anti-oxidant properties. Our Happy Naturals Sea Mineral range combines essential oils with mineral rich, energising Dead Sea Salts to rejuvenate your skin and leave you feeling pampered and revitalised.

Happy Naturals ranges are exclusively distributed by Alfred Gera & Sons Ltd, Tel : 2144 6205/6

d�ect�y ATTARD / BALZAN / IKLIN / LIJA M4 PHARMACY, OLD RAILWAY ROAD ATTARD 21436531 MISRAH KOLA PHARMACY, PITKALI ROAD ATTARD 21434137 ST. CATHERINE PHARMACY, TRIQ ID-DIELJA K/M TRIQ SANTA KATERINA ATTARD 21413442 ST. MARY PHARMACY, 2 ANTONIO SCHEMBRI STREET ATTARD 21436348 BALZAN PHARMACY, 70 ST FRANCIS STREET BALZAN 21444035 MEDICA PHARMACY, NAXXAR ROAD BALZAN 21445741 MILIA’S PHARMACY, 73 COTTONERA STREET, BIRGU 27600126 IKLIN PHARMACY, GERONIMO ABOS STREET IKLIN 21415499 IL-MEHRIEZ PHARMACY, 31 GIOVANNI CURMI STREET IKLIN 21435567 ST. JOSEPH PHARMACY, 164 ANNIBALE PRECA STREET LIJA 21418846 ST. MICHAEL PHARMACY, TRANSFIGURATION AVENUE LIJA 21435875 BAHRIJA BAHRIJA PHARMACY, RADDET IR-ROTI STREET C/W SCHOOL STREET BAHRIJA 21450743 BORMLA / SENGLEA / VITTORIOSA VITTORIOSA PHARMACY, 9 TRIQ IL-MINA IL-KBIRA, BIRGU 21807529 VERDALA PHARMACY, 57 TRIQ IL-GENDUS BORMLA 21824720 WHITE CROSS PHARMACY, SHOP A BLOCK 1 SAN PAWL BORMLA 21821671 SAN FILIPPU PHARMACY, 155 VICTORY STREET SENGLEA 21800681 VICTORY PHARMACY, 32 VICTORY STREET SENGLEA 21801698 BIRZEBBUGIA / MARSASCALA / MARSAXLOKK BLOSSOMS PHARMACY, TRIQ IL-GURGIER BIRZEBBUGIA 21652226 BRITANNIA PHARMACY, 5 PRETTY BAY STREET BIRZEBBUGIA 21658622 MARTIN’S PHARMACY, 182 MAIN STREET BIRZEBBUGIA 21651031 BELLAVISTA PHARMACY, 88 TRIQ IL-ĦORTAN MARSASCALA 21633788 SAN GWAKKIN PHARMACY, 1 ST ANNE STREET MARSASCALA 21637994 SAN TUMAS PHARMACY, LAMPUKA STREET MARSASCALA 27023322 ST. ANNE PHARMACY, TRIQ IL-QALIET MARSASCALA 21637615 POMPEI PHARMACY, 28 XATT IS-SAJJIEDA MARSAXLOKK 21651278 BUGIBBA / QAWRA / ST PAUL’S BAY PROMENADE PHARMACY, PIONEER ROAD BUGIBBA 21571530 ST. SIMON PHARMACY, 8 ISLETS PROMENADE BUGIBBA 21571649 EL MEDINA CHEMIST, TRIQ IL-MASKLI QAWRA 21576308 EURO CHEMIST, TRIQ IL-KURAZZA QAWRA 21581876 QAWRA PHARMACY, EARL’S COURT/1 TRIQ L-IMĦAR QAWRA 21585633 PARKES PHARMACY, 582 ST PAUL STREET ST. PAUL’S BAY 21571764 ST. PAUL’S BAY PHARMACY, 504 MAIN STREET ST. PAUL’S BAY 21573406

The magazine is also available for free at the following pharmacies and clinics FGURA / PAOLA / TARXIEN ALPHA PHARMACY, ‘MARIA IMMACULATA’ COTTONER STREET FGURA 21673811 CILIA’S PHARMACY, 303 ZABBAR STREET FGURA 21801962 FGURA PHARMACY, TRIQ IL-KOPPLA FGURA 21675250 BROWN’S PAOLA SQUARE PHARMACY, 64/65 ANTOINE DE PAULE SQUARE PAOLA 21821646 BROWN’S PHARMACY, 45 PAOLA HILL PAOLA 21694818 DE PAOLA PHARMACY, 36 PJAZZA ANTOINE DE PAULE PAOLA 21826408 DISTINCTION PHARMACY, 32 PJAZZA ANTOINE DE PAULE PAOLA 21693412 FLEMING PHARMACY, 61 ZABBAR STREET PAOLA 21696893 ST. MONICA PHARMACY, 157 ST MONICA STREET PAOLA 21667146 SONREN PHARMACY, ZEJTUN STREET TARXIEN 21672757 TARXIEN PHARMACY, 59 TARXIEN STREET TARXIEN 21802986 THERESA JO PHARMACY, 3A TRIQ XINTILL TARXIEN 21672703 FLEUR DE LYS / BIRKIRKARA HERBA PHARMACY, 183 MAIN STREET BIRKIRKARA 21443406 HOLY CROSS PHARMACY, 37 MAIN STREET BIRKIRKARA 21448454 MARRIT PHARMACY, 1ST MAY STREET FLEUR-DE-LYS 21488613 PHARMAPLUS GANU STREET BIRKIRKARA 21492958 RATIONAL PHARMACY, 74/75 VALLEY ROAD BIRKIRKARA 21441513 ST. ANNE PHARMACY, 24 ST HELEN SQUARE BIRKIRKARA 27441913 ST. HELEN PHARMACY, TUMAS FENECH STREET BIRKIRKARA 21441589 ST. JUDE PHARMACY, 213 VALLEY ROAD BIRKIRKARA 21492151 ST. PAUL’S PHARMACY, BRARED STREET BIRKIRKARA 21442135 THE LOCAL DISPENSARY, CAN. K. PIROTTA STREET BIRKIARA 21493549 FLEUR-DE-LYS PHARMACY 32 FLEUR-DE-LYS 21488884 MACKIE’S PHARMACY, L. CASOLANI STREET BIRKIRKARA 21496089 FLORIANA / VALLETTA CHEMIMART LTD., 14 ST ANNE STREET FLORIANA 21239310 ST. PUBLIUS PHARMACY, 48 TRIQ IL-MIRATUR FLORIANA 21225444 VILHENA PHARMACY, 3 ST ANNE STREET FLORIANA 21244114 WATERFRONT DISPENSARY, FORNI 2I PINTO WHARF FLORIANA 21233034 MEDICINE CHEST PHARMACY, DEMITRIJU FARRUGIA ROAD GHARGHUR 21422204 ST. ALBERT PHARMACY, ORATORY STREET GHARGHUR 21413402 CHEMIMART PHARMACY REPUBLIC STREET, 20/21, REPUBLIC STREET, VALLETTA 21246051 CHEMIMART CITY GATE PHARMACY, 24, CITY GATE, VALLETTA, 21238355 COLLIS WILLIAMS PHARMACY, 15 REPUBLIC STREET VALLETTA 21226281 EMPIRE PHARMACY, 77 OLD THEATRE STREET VALLETTA 21225785 EMPIRE PHARMACY BRANCH, 46 MELITA STREET VALLETTA 21225785 NEW BRITISH DISPENSARY, 109/110 ST JOHN STREET VALLETTA 21244813 REGENT PHARMACY, 70 MERCHANTS STREET VALLETTA 21245135 ROYAL PHARMACY, 271 REPUBLIC STREET VALLETTA 21252396

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d�ect�y GHAXAQ / QRENDI / MQABBA BETA PHARMACY, 50/52 SANTA MARIA STREET GHAXAQ 21663311 CHRYSANTHEMUM PHARMACY, ST NICHOLAS STREET QRENDI 21680828 QRENDI PHARMACY, 6 MAIN STREET QRENDI 21683781 ST. PHILIP PHARMACY, TRIQ IĊ-ĊEPPUN GHAXAQ 21808723 GUDJA / LUQA / MARSA GUDJA PHARMACY, 9 TRIQ SAN ĊIRU GUDJA 21696422 MEDICAID PHARMACY, 62 VJAL IT-TORRI GUDJA 21676294 AIRPORT PHARMACY, GROUND FLOOR ARRIVAL LOUNGE MALTA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TERMINAL, LUQA 23696349 CENTRAL PHARMACY, 6 ST JOSEPH STREET LUQA 21692546 ST. ANDREW’S PHARMACY, 51 ST GEORGE STREET LUQA 21820795 SAN RAFFAEL PHARMACY, 247 QORMI ROAD MARSA 21221188 TRINITY PHARMACY, 32 MARSA ROAD MARSA 21235595 VIVIEN PHARMACY, TRIQ PATRI MAGRI MARSA 21221701 HAMRUN / SANTA VENERA BROWN’S PHARMACY, 706 MAIN STREET HAMRUN 21238623 CHEMIMART INTERNATIONAL PHARMACY, 650 MAIN STREET HAMRUN 21236 477 COSMED PHARMACY, SOCCORS VILLAMBROSA STREET HAMRUN 21225991 DARWIN PHARMACY, 152 MAIN STREET HAMRUN 21221512 FRA DIEGO DISPENSARY, 94 VILLAMBROSA STREET HAMRUN 21224898 LISTER PHARMACY, 678 MAIN STREET HAMRUN 21245627 NATIONAL PHARMACY, 17 SANTA MARIA STREET HAMRUN 21225539 ST. GAETAN PHARMACY, KAPPILLAN MIFSUD STREET HAMRUN 21234570 THE CROSS PHARMACY, 859 MAIN STREET HAMRUN 21227682 THOMAS’ PHARMACY, 796 MAIN STREET HAMRUN 21238018 FATIMA PHARMACY, TRIQ IŻ-ŻONQOR SANTA VENERA 21482856 LANTERN PHARMACY, MISRAĦ IL-KEBBIES SANTA VENERA 21444648 ST. BARTHOLOMEW PHARMACY, 230 FLEUR-DE-LYS SANTA VENERA 21492271 ST. VENERA PHARMACY, 532 MAIN STREET SANTA VENERA 21238625 KALKARA KALKARA PHARMACY, NO. 8 MISRAĦ L-ARĊISQOF GONZI KALKARA 21807740 KIRKOP KIRKOP PHARMACY, 9 PARISH STREET KIRKOP 21682028 PRESTIGE PHARMACY, 16 ST JOSEPH STREET KIRKOP 21641328 MELLIEHA BROWN’S PHARMACY, SHOP A GEORGE BORG OLIVIER STREET MELLIEHA 21523554 MELLIEHA PHARMACY, 111 GEORGE BORG OLIVIER STREET MELLIEHA 21523462 BROWN’S VILLAGE PHARMACY, MAIN STREET MELLIEHA 21523536 MĠARR PHARMACY, MAIN STREET C/W VITALE STREET MGARR 21577784 ST. MARY PHARMACY, 71 SIR HARRY LUKE STREET MGARR 21580711 MOSTA / NAXXAR GROGNET PHARMACY, 41 CONSTITUTION STREET MOSTA 21432038 ROTUNDA PHARMACY, 7 EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS ROAD MOSTA 21411197 SANTA MARGHERITA PHARMACY, VJAL IL-QALBIENA MOSTIN SANTA MARGHERITA ESTATE MOSTA 21416426 SGHAJTAR PHARMACY, SGĦAJTAR STREET MOSTA 21415198 ST. JOSEPH PHARMACY, 1 TRIQ IŻ-ŻAKKAK MOSTA 21417593 ST. LOUIS PHARMACY, CALI’ STREET MOSTA 21432802 ST. MARY PHARMACY, 14 PJAZZA ROTUNDA MOSTA 21433833 TAT-TARGA PHARMACY, PLOT NO. 2 CONSTITUTION STREET MOSTA 21433141 BROWN’S CHEMISTS, ST PAUL STREET NAXXAR 21417652 NAXXAR PHARMACY, VJAL IL-21 TA’ SETTEMBRU NAXXAR 21411438 PILLBOX PHARMACY, 63 TRIQ IL-BJAD NAXXAR 21417406 VICTORY PHARMACY, 16 VICTORY SQUARE NAXXAR 21412454 MQABBA KRISTIANNE PHARMACY, TRIQ IC-CAVI MQABBA 21683048 MQABBA CENTRAL PHARMACY, ST CATHERINE STREET MQABBA 21641133 MSIDA / PIETÀ /GZIRA/ TA’ XBIEX DEBY’S PHARMACY, 1 QUARRIES STREET MSIDA 21227920 MAYER PHARMACY, 33 TA’ XBIEX SEAFRONT MSIDA 21331732

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October 2016

The magazine is also available for free at the following pharmacies and clinics

REGAL PHARMACY, 39B ANTONIO BOSIO STREET MSIDA 21313115 REGIONAL PHARMACY, E.H. FURSE STREET MSIDA 21312449 BROWN’S PHARMACY, SHOP 10 YACHT MARINA APARTMENTS TRIQ IL-MARINA PIETÀ 21244366 CHARING PHARMACY, MIMOSA STREET PIETÀ 21232954 ST. ANTHONY PHARMACY, 56 ST JOSEPH STREET PIETÀ 21237327 ST. LUKE PHARMACY, ST LUKE STREET PIETÀ 21241293 D’ARGENS PHARMACY, 330 RUE D’ARGENS GZIRA 21330817 O’HEA PHARMACY, 128 MANOEL STREET GZIRA 21330268 ST. MATTHEW’S PHARMACY, 213 THE STRAND GZIRA 21311797 TONY’S PHARMACY, 100 SIR PATRICK STUART STREET GZIRA 21332080 PHARMALAND DISPENSERS, 5 TAGLIAFERRO MANSIONS PRINCESS MARGARET STREET TA’ XBIEX 21346547 PERSONA MED-AESTHETIC CENTRE, 42, MARINA COURT, SIR UGO MIFSUD STREET, TA’ XBIEX 21340366 REMEDIES CHEMISTS, MARINA COURT 49A ABATE RIGORD STREET TA’ XBIEX 21341649 PACEVILLE / SAN GWANN / ST JULIANS POTTER CHEMISTS LTD., WILGA STREET PACEVILLE 21363244 LOURDES PHARMACY, NAXXAR ROAD SAN GWANN 21387479 MARC PHARMACY, 92 MENSIJA STREET SAN GWANN 21373275 MEDICAL PLAZA DISPENSING CHEMISTS, CASS-I-MALL BUILDINGS VJAL IR-RIHAN SAN GWANN 21372195 SAN GWANN PHARMACY, 11 FELIĊ BORG STREET SAN GWANN 21386974 SPIŻERIJA KAPPARA, ŻBIBU LANE SAN GWANN 21381776 BALLUTA PHARMACY, 30 MAIN STREET ST JULIANS 21317888 MELITA PHARMACY, 127 ST GEORGE STREET ST JULIANS 21378657 SPIŻERIJA MERĦBA, SHOP 2 LAPSI STREET TA’ GIORNI ST JULIANS 21333886 ST. JULIANS PHARMACY, 24 GEORGE BORG OLIVIER STREET ST JULIANS 21369426 PEMBROKE / SWIEQI / ST ANDREWS J.V.’S PHARMACY, SWIEQI VALLEY SWIEQI 21371062 KRYPTON CHEMISTS, IBRAGG STREET SWIEQI 21370141 ST ANDREWS PHARMACY, 87 GIUSEPPE MALFEGGIANI STREET ST ANDREWS 21372784 PENNY LANE PHARMACY, SEJJIEĦ STREET SWIEQI 21375373 SAN GIORGIO PHARMACY, MANWEL BUHAGIAR STREET PREMBROKE 21378485 ST. ANDREW’S PHARMACY, TRIQ IL-QASAM ST ANDREWS 21355205 QORMI ANICI PHARMACY, ANICI STREET QORMI 21487162 BROWN’S PHARMACY, 278 VICTORY STREET QORMI 21499697 DRUGSHOP DISPENSARY, VJAL DE LA CRUZ QORMI 21443221 EVANS PHARMACY, 96/98 ST SEBASTIAN STREET QORMI 21487020 PINTO PHARMACY, 43 ST SEBASTIAN STREET QORMI 21487311 ST. GEORGE’S PHARMACY, 21 MAIN STREET QORMI 21443045 TAL-HLAS PHARMACY, TRIQ IL-ĦELSIEN QORMI 21487739 DINGLI / MTARFA / RABAT SANTA MARIJA PHARMACY, FRENĊ ABELA SQUARE DINGLI 21452447 SPIŻERIJA CARMEN, 1 TRIQ MISRAĦ SUFFARA DINGLI 21457128 IMTARFA PHARMACY, 207 ST. DAVID ROAD MTARFA 21451261 MAKE OVER PHARMACY, BLK A TOWN CENTRE HOS MTARFA 21452833 CENTRAL PHARMACY, TRIQ GĦAJN KAJJET RABAT 21455959 IDEAL PHARMACY, 63 MAIN STREET RABAT 21455479 NIGRET PHARMACY, TRIQ IŻ-ŻAHAR RABAT 21450602 NOVA PHARMACY, 142 COLLEGE STREET RABAT 21454247 ST. ANTHONY PHARMACY, 18 MAIN STREET RABAT 21454187 SAFI PASTEUR PHARMACY, TRIQ IT-TELLERIT SAFI 21689944 SAFI PHARMACY, ST. JOHN STREET C/W BIEB IL-GARRA STREET SAFI 21649552 SANTA LUCIA MADDALENA PHARMACY, SHOP 2 TAL-FAQQANI BUILDING TOWER AVENUE SANTA LUCIA 21677037 STA. LUCIA PHARMACY, 1 MISRAĦ DORELL SANTA LUCIA 21890111

SIGGIEWI MENELO PHARMACY, DR NIKOL ZAMMIT STREET SIGGIEWI 21462957 ST. NICHOLAS PHARMACY, 1 PARISH STREET SIGGIEWI 21460828 THE BYPASS PHARMACY, MONS MIKIEL AZZOPARDI STREET SIGGIEWI 21461681 SLIEMA BROWN’S PHARMACY, UNIT 22 TIGNÈ STREET SLIEMA 21313233 CHEMIMART PHARMACY, 4 5 6 IL-PIAZZETTA TOWER ROAD SLIEMA 21338369 DRUG STORE, 382 MANWEL DIMECH STREET SLIEMA 21334627 EDWARD’S PHARMACY, 115 MANWEL DIMECH STREET SLIEMA 21334102 HARLEY PHARMACY, 1 NATHALIE POUTIATINE TABONE STREET SLIEMA 21334635 MRABAT PHARMACY, MRABAT STREET SLIEMA 21313535 NORMAN’S PHARMACY, 133 HIGH STREET SLIEMA 21332243 RUDOLPH PHARMACY, 133 RUDOLPHE STREET SLIEMA 21344722 STELLA MARIS PHARMACY, 34 MILNER STREET SLIEMA 21335217 THE ECONOMICAL DISPENSARY, 86/87 SIR ADRIAN DINGLI STREET SLIEMA 21330376 VICTOR’S PHARMACY, 9 TOWER ROAD SLIEMA 21330352 WALES PHARMACY, 183 MANWEL DIMECH STREET SLIEMA 21335492 ZABBAR ST. ELIAS PHARMACY, TRIQ SAN ELIJA XAGHJRA 21660300 FELICE DISPENSARY, 95 SANCTUARY STREET ZABBAR 21827939 MAY DAY PHARMACY, VICTORY STREET ZABBAR 21826529 MEDIATRIX PLUS PHARMACY, 7 SANCTUARY STREET ZABBAR 27826685 POLYMER PHARMACY, TRIQ IX-XGĦAJRA ZABBAR 21676263 ST. JAMES PHARMACY, 1 MISRAĦ SAN ĠAKBU ZABBAR 21666194 ST. PETER PHARMACY, TRIQ IS-SEBBELLIKA ZABBAR 21663750 ZEBBUG DE ROHAN PHARMACY, 24 ST ANTHONY STREET ZEBBUG 21464128 PLAZA PHARMACY, 86 MAIN STREET ZEBBUG 21467459 SANTA MARIJA PHARMACY, 40 GĦASFURA STREET ZEBBUG 21465346 SPIŻERIJA ĦAL-MULA, DUN SALV CIAPPARA STREET ZEBBUG 21461693 TAL-GRAZZJA PHARMACY, FRANĠISK FARRUGIA STREET ZEBBUG 21462068 BROWN’S PHARMACY, 47 VJAL IL-ĦELSIEN ZEBBUG 21465411 ZEJTUN GERADA PHARMACY, 46 MATER BONI CONSIGLI STREET ZEJTUN 21806009 GREEN CROSS PHARMACY, 31 GREGORIO BONNICI SQUARE ZEJTUN 21693723 JOHN J. BORG PHARMACY, 1 CONSTITUTION STREET ZEJTUN 21898728 ST. CATHERINE PHARMACY, PLOT 3 TRIQ IL-QADI ZEJTUN 21678039 ZURRIEQ KRISTIANNE PHARMACY, PIETRU PAWL SAYDON STREET ZURRIEQ 21647391 SALUS PHARMACY, 21 REPUBLIC SQUARE ZURRIEQ 21680761 ZURRIEQ DISPENSARY, 68 MAIN STREET ZURRIEQ 21689971 BRONJA PHARMACY, SONATA BRONJA STREET ŻURRIEQ 21682251 GOZO FONTANA PHARMACY, TRIQ IL-GĦAJN FONTANA 21566979 GĦAJNSIELEM PHARMACY, INDEPENDENCE SQUARE GHAJNSIELEM 27203615 LAURETANA PHARMACY, 36 MGARR STREET GHAJNSIELEM 21563017 SOKKORS PHARMACY, ST GREGORY STREET KERCEM 21553018 TONY’S PHARMACY, “EGRET COURT”VALLEY STREET MARSALFORN 21563617 NADUR PHARMACY, PJAZZA IT-28 TA’ APRIL 1688 NADUR 21563589 VELLA PHARMACY, 15 13TH DECEMBER STREET NADUR 21566431 ST. JOSEPH PHARMACY, 28 ST JOSEPH SQUARE QALA 21555348 ABELA’S PHARMACY, 42 G.P.F. AGIUS DE SOLDANIS STREET RABAT 21556170 AZZOPARDI PHARMACY, CAPUCHIN STREET RABAT 21563233 BATU PHARMACY, 38 PALM STREET RABAT 21551841 CASTLE PHARMACY, 2 INDEPENDENCE SQUARE RABAT 21556970 PALM PHARMACY, 2 PALM STREET RABAT 21566170 TAĊ-ĊAWLA PHARMACY, 7 JUNE 1919 STREET RABAT 21557819 PISANI PHARMACY, NEW BUILDING SANNAT STREET SANNAT 21564447 JOYCE’S PHARMACY, VJAL IT-8 TA’ SETTEMBRU XAGHRA 21561486 XAGĦRA PHARMACY 55 CHURCH STREET XAGHRA 27551140 GOZO CHEMISTS, MGARR ROAD XEWKIJA 21557278 ST. JOHN’S PHARMACY, 85 INDEPENDENCE STREET XEWKIJA 21563052

HAIR RESTORATION HAIR TRANSPLANT & PRP HAIR RESTORATION

PRP Hair Restoration is a state of the art, natural, non-surgical, medical procedure used for the treatment of hair loss or hair thinning. Your own enriched blood cells, particularly

At Persona Med-Aesthetic Centre we are offering Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Hair Loss

platelets, are injected into the scalp stimulating natural hair growth thanks to the growth

Therapy as a less invasive, affordable alternative to our greatly successful FUE/FUT Hair

factors present in these cells. PRP is the ideal solution for hair loss sufferers, both male

Transplants. Our internationally renowned medical specialist, who has performed over

and female, who are not candidates for a hair transplant, or who would prefer a less

3,000 hair restoration procedures recognizes the potential of this proactive therapeutic

invasive treatment. Procedures are performed by our dermatologic surgeon, assisted by

option for both male and female patients experiencing hair loss after achieving success

his experienced team of medical professionals. Call our centre to make an appointment

with it over the past few years.

with our Hair Restoration Specialist and find out what we can do for you.

Any surgical procedure carries risks. Always seek prior advice from an appropriately qualified medical practitioner. Image used for illustration purposes only.

42 Marina Court, Sir Ugo Mifsud Street, Ta’ Xbiex 21 340 366

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