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kilkennyobserver.ie
The Kilkenny Observer Friday 25 February 2022
Opinion
Primal scream: how can we keep ourselves safe? AS I SEE IT MARIANNE HERON
Talking with a group of women friends last week our conversation turns to self- protection. The topic was triggered by the recent spate of horrific robberies of elderly people and violent attacks on women. It’s a really serious issue but protecting yourself in a way that isn’t either illegal, dangerous or just plain foolhardy turns out to be a head scratching subject. A lot of the advice around is about prevention. Keeping a watchful eye on things through Neighbourhood Watch in urban areas and Community Alert in rural areas is one approach involving two-way communication between the community and the Gardai about suspicious or anti- social behaviour in the area. But suppose you are about to be robbed or attacked? How about zapping the attacker or robber and incapacitating them? While this may work in Nordic noir thrillers, defensive weapons like tasers, stun guns or even pepper sprays are illegal here in Ireland although there a plenty of
devices offered on line. Googling local self-defence organisations later, I find pictures of wall-to-wall males in martial arts outfits and
can’t quite imagine flinging them onto an EVA foam mat. More likely I will be flung. Someone suggested using a really loud sound device
Liquid versus tablets CLAIR WHITTY
MANY of you can’t swallow large tablets or capsules and are always on the lookout for alternatives to them. Floradix Liquid Iron is an iron supplement many of you are familiar with. It occurred to me that you might not know that there are other fantastic Floradix liquid supplements, so I thought this week I would tell you about some of them. I like these products because not only have they been around for years but they’re effective and contain natural ingredients. For example, if you’re stressed think about Neurobalance this contains Ashwagandha. A herb I talk a lot about too. Ashwagandha is commonly
used for energy, stressful, and anxiety. Typical times would be around exams, house buying, stressful times like we have just been through, going back to work, or travel. These are all times that you might find the benefits of Ashwagandha. It’s combined with Lemon Balm and Rosemary, so you have an ideal mixture to help with stress and anxiety, helping you to feel good again. Some of you can’t swallow tablets so Neurobalance could be ideal for you. Floradix Immune Support contains vitamin C, D, B12, B6, selenium, zinc and a herbal extract with echinacea for the normal function of the immune system. This is great mix of herbs, vitamins, and antioxidants all in one formula and is ideal if you don’t want to buy all of these separately. It’s easy to take and will get into
the system quickly. Floradix Gallexier Aperitif and digestive aid is a really nice option to support digestion. It contains artichoke, dandelion, turmeric and other bitter herbs. Bitter herbs help stimulate the digestive system which can reduce bloating and digestive discomfort. Floradix Liquid Magnesium is a great option again for people who don’t like powder forms or large tablets. It can ease sore muscles, improve energy, help sleep problems, and reduce the symptoms of restless legs. Some of the other products in the Floradix range include B Complex, Calcium, Saludynam which contains a lovely mix of calcium, magnesium, and zinc, an ideal choice for healthy bones and teeth. And Kindervital, which is a pleasant tasting multivitamin for kids. Floradix use only the best available ingredients and are excellent quality. I think it is worth checking out the Floradix range of liquid supplements. Why not call in to see at Market Cross Shopping Centre. Phone: 056 7764538 Email: info@naturalhealthstore.ie Shop online at www.naturalhealthstore.ie
handy when worn as a deterrent, loud enough to discombobulate an attacker or alert people nearby. Sirens may be effective and
all right to use so long as they emit safe sound. But sonic devices or powerful amplifiers capable to sending sound over long distances can cause hearing loss, others can cause nausea or discomfort and while you might want to inflict this on the assailant you don’t want to be affected yourself. Again, there are lots of devices advertised on the internet. There were 21,265 burglaries here in 2016, many while homeowners were out but one guesstimate suggests that in around 15,000 cases people encountered the robbers. There are a variety measures that could keep people safer from attack when at home like inexpensive, readily available door viewers, chain locks, door jammers. Home and personal alarms are more costly deterrents and only effective so long as someone answers them promptly. But offensive weapons including sap (reinforced) gloves, Kusarigama and Ninja Shuriken ( Japanese ball and chain weapon and throwing star in case you wondered,)are out. CCTV cameras are quite an effective deterrent and there are some relatively inexpensive types suitable for home use. One bright spark suggested putting up a notice saying “Smile you are on camera” to put off robbers.
Other ideas to prevent burglary that came up in the conversation ranged from dog deterrents, not necessarily a four-legged friend but alternatives like a Beware Of The Dog notice, a barking dog recording and even a large bone by the front door to indicate the presence of a hound. Various subterfuges that come up in the discussion include: pretending to have an epileptic fit, threatening the rascals with a convincing toy gun, keeping a small sum of money hidden to give to thieves in the hope they will be satisfied. One of the worrying things to emerge is the fact that several of us have been attacked or followed. There are local places where the women thought it wasn’t safe to walk alone, including a beauty spot where there have been attempted attacks. Having public spaces with CCTN cameras and lighting would certainly help. Fingal County Councillors recently announced a move to consult with women in North County Dublin about ways to make public spaces safer. Let’s hope more councils follow suit. My own suggestion in time of danger is to scream at the top of your lungs, primal maybe but it certainly scared off two hooded youths who were intent on robbing me.
Return to the office not all bad ANDREW MCDONALD HYPNOTHERAPIST
IN every negative, there is a positive. For many people the plus point of covid lockdown and restrictions was being able to work from home. More time with families or for leisure activities, no need to endure the challenges of travelling. If that hasn’t already come to an abrupt end for everyone, the move back to the office isn’t far away now. If you were one of those who got used to remote working, how do you feel about returning to the workplace? Excited to soon be mixing with colleagues again? Or anxious about having to dress up and leave the safety of your home? The flexibility and freedom of working from your home will be hard to give up for many. The thought of losing them is bound to increase worrying. That said, there have been reports of WFH (Working From Home) burnout, people feeling
under pressure to endure longer working hours and a difficulty in separating work and pleasure. All of that has a detrimental effect on mental health. Returning to the office may, therefore, not be all bad! As social creatures, humans crave contact with others. That is likely to be another plus point of returning to the workplace. What should you do if you’re struggling with the anxiety of that return to normality though? The first thing experts suggest is to familiarise yourself with the health and safety policies in your workplace. These should cover important issues such as keeping workers safe during a pandemic and managing stress caused by work and the office environment. Another important task is getting back into a routine. Facing into a long day at the office when you haven’t slept properly is particularly unpleasant. Getting back into the rhythm of going to bed at a suitable time will help as will avoiding caffeine in the hours before putting your head down for
the night. Believe it or not, physical exercise is great for reducing stress! Even walking for 15 minutes can make a big difference. So can meditation. Just remember to be selfcompassionate and avoid overdoing it. Even though it may be difficult if the return to the office is looming like a dark shadow, try to focus on the positives. Getting back to the workplace means meeting with colleagues again, some of whom may be your friends. Escaping from the house was in itself a goal for many during the most restrictive periods of lockdown! Talking is proven to be extremely effective in dealing with stress and seeing others again is an opportunity to do just this. Always remember that if stress and anxiety become unbearable or stay with you for a longer period of time, you should ask your GP or another health professional for support. It isn’t weak to ask for help. In fact, admitting you’re struggling is the bravest thing you can do.
