The main event is a five mile run through the Phoenix Park which kicks off at 10.30am. There are also children’s races ‐ the 800m run for 8‐12 year olds and a 200m dash for the under 7s; spot prizes for people arriving in fancy dress; goodie bags for all participants; face painting by the 98 FM Thunder Team; plus fun, excitement and plenty of entertainment on the day for all ages.

Every year, the Dublin Simon Community works with over 2,000 individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. This year we aim to have at least 2,000 participants in the Fun Run – that’s one runner to match every person we help.

Dublin Simon has many different and services throughout the city. These include our Rough Sleeper Team, the Soup Run, Emergency accommodation, Housing Support and our Treatment Services. Each year, the Fun Run raises vital funds for these services from participant sponsorship.

For example:

Every €25 raised could provide our Rough Sleeper Team with an emergency pack for someone sleeping on the streets. These packs include a backpack with a built in sleeping mat, a sleeping bag and a rain jacket.

Every €50 could provide a person with a bed, food and a place to spend a safe and secure night in one of our residential services.

This year, we aim to raise €100,000 to continue to provide these services

For more information on any of the above please contact Ceri Teggin at ceriteggin@dubsimon.ie or Tel: 4715551.

The SpaCapsule has arrived in Ireland.  This ergonomically designed product has become popular worldwide as the health, fitness, and beauty industries have embraced it. The SpaCapsule is the ultimate wellbeing experience featuring dry hydro-massage, oxygen, aroma, sound and visual therapy.  This non-invasive experience stimulates all the senses as the hydro water jets massage tired and sore muscles.

Oxygen can be pumped into the capsule to boost energy levels and aromatherapy scents are available also.  Soothing music is offered, as well as a visual screen to become immersed in flowering meadows, waterfalls and fly through cloud-capped mountains!  The Client remains fully clothed and dry at all times due to the waterproof membrane separating them from the hydro water jets.

One of the key features of the SpaCapsule® is the remote control pause button which allows the user to focus on a particular area of the body such as the shoulders or lower back at any time during treatment. As soon as the pause button is released, the water jets continue the massage.

This is an excellent opportunity for those in the wellbeing, massage and sport therapy fields to add to their client offering.  As a high value product, the SpaCapsule can boost a business’ profile, expand their customer base and stimulate revenue.

John Sharkey, Exercise Physiologist, Neuromuscular Therapist and Director of the National Training Centre (NTC) for health, fitness & bodywork therapy in Dublin, endorses the Spa Capsule as a complementary treatment. “This is a great unit, there’s no doubt about it” says John,   “Although you can’t substitute for a good qualified therapist, the SpaCapsule is an adjunct to what they can offer their clients”.

John further adds that this product would suit therapists with their own premises, “It doesn’t take up much room, is low maintenance and even environmentally friendly as well”.  John is the founder and developer of European Neuromuscular Therapy and works closely with the Irish Olympic Team.

The benefits of using spa capsule:
•  Time saving for people on the go
•  Non invasive
•  No getting wet or undressed
•  De-stress, revive & rejuvenate
•  Detox & increase circulation and metobolism
•  Weight loss & cellulite reduction
•  Relieve pain / tension / aching muscles
•  Promote healing
•  Pre & post workout / treatment

For more information about the SpaCapsule’s profit sharing program contact the SpaCapsule team on
00 353 1 8574870 or email info@spacapsuleireland.ie.

 Tai Chi is a powerful internal martial art first seen in the Imperial Bodyguards as taught by Yang LuChan who learnt if in the Chen village.  When practiced regularly, Tai Chi can help anyone benefit physically and mentally, of any age or physical condition. It can be a great tool for recovery, calming the mind, improving flexibility, hydrating the joints, reducing stress or as a complement to other physical disciplines. With the back to school madness or the return from holiday blues, Tai Chi can be a great way to spend an hour or two a week, allowing you to unwind in a relaxed and friendly group, where movement is medicine.

Tai Chi Instructor Nicola Jones runs beginner Tai Chi courses across the Dublin South areas 6, 12, 14 and 16. Her courses teach Chinese lineage Wu style Tai Chi, here she shares the foundations of Tai Chi; namely interconnected physical movement, combining structure, breathe and awareness.

Structure

‘Health follows the power lines’. Each move has a martial application that can be tested for power. If the body is misaligned in any part of the form, power is lost and so are the health benefits. Throughout the form the body alignments are kept, ensuring safe movement, bending and twisting with maximum power. Tai Chi can help to drop tension in the shoulders, open tight lower backs, increase hip flexibility, strengthen the legs, help the lymph system pump, keep the joints hydrated through expansion and compression and generally helps to improve posture, coordination and balance.

Breathe

Movements are combined with deep diaphragmatic breathing, which helps increase oxygen levels, brings blood, oxygen and nutrients to the organs, helps expel waste from the organs, helps improve circulation and kick starts the parasympathetic system to aid relaxation.

Awareness

By learning martial applications in a slow continuous form this creates a high level of muscular sensitivity so that the student can micro-adjust their structure as they move and retain muscle memory. In Tai Chi, the student needs to know where they are in space at any given time using body awareness without relying on vision.  In daily life the mind often creates a stressful situation, whether looking at the past or into the future. The body does not have eyes; it merely interprets what the mind sees and creates a physical reaction. When practicing Tai Chi, by focusing on body awareness, alignment, movement and deep breathing, you remain in the now. There are no distractions or interruptions. Tai Chi forces you into the present, to listen to and feel the body, which in turn helps you move gracefully, relaxing the mind and reducing stress.

Contact Instructor Nicola Jones to reserve a place on the upcoming September courses, bookings before the beginning of September can avail of the ‘early bird’ discount.

David has been wakeboarding for 6 years having taken up water-skiing at the age of five. He regularly trains all year round at Lough Sillan in Cavan but this year the 16 year old, who attends St. Andrew’s College in Booterstown, took advantage of Transition Year and spent the month of January training with his coach in South Africa. Then, following an emergency appendicectomy, which only kept him off the water for 7 days, David moved to Florida with his Mum and spent a further three months training both behind the boat and on obstacles at the cable parks in Orlando. Whilst there, David was spotted by O’Brien, a major wakeboard company and signed as an international rider. He is the only Irish rider sponsored internationally by a major board company and the only European rider on the O’Brien team.

Prior to leaving Orlando, David competed in the Junior Men division at the Nautique Wake Games and achieved 1^st place. He also took the Gold Medal in the Pro Men division of the Irish National Wakeboarding Championships earlier this month.

The youngster is a qualified Wakeboard and Waterski instructor and has coached a lot this season, including a week at Loch Lomond in Scotland. He also loves to commentate on the sport and can be regularly spotted on the microphone at such prestigious events as Wakestock UK (20,000 spectators), the Irish Nationals and the European Championships. If you are interested in seeing David in action on the water check out  www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYHHJ_b1iIs

David would like to take this opportunity to thanks his sponsors, Relentless Energy Drink, O’Brien Wakeboards and O’Neill Wetsuits. Their sponsorship allows him to pursue his passion and follow his dreams.

*Wakeboarding, which is the fastest growing water sport in the world, is derived from a combination of waterskiing, snowboarding and surfing. It involves the wakeboarder being towed behind a specially designed speedboat at speeds of 20 to 25 miles per hour. The wakeboarder uses the wake of the boat to perform flips, spins and combinations of both. There are an estimated 30 million active water-skiers and wakeboarders globally.

Jim Durie, Chief Executive of énergieScotland, will be responsible for the overall successful transformation and commercial management of the nine acquired Jackie Skelly fitness clubs.

Jim Durie

Jim has worked in the Leisure, Health and Fitness Industry, internationally for 35 years. A post-graduate of Kingston University Business School, London he is experienced in the formation, communication and implementation of business strategy in the leisure industry.

Jim became attracted to the energie brand in 2005, becoming a franchisee in 2006 and an investor in the Master Franchise for Scotland in 2007.

Jan Spaticchia, énergie group CEO commented: “We are delighted to welcome Jim to our team in Ireland. His experience within the fitness industry, matched by his strategic planning skills, will be invaluable for the successful rebranding and transition from Jackie Skelly to énergie.”

He added: “The strong performance of our existing clubs in Ireland together with our recently newly acquired clubs will position énergie as the leading fitness and wellness club in the country.”

The “Kerryman Dingle Marathon” 2010 has attracted huge overseas interest with 32% of the marathons current entries hailing from countries from as far as New Zealand, Malaysia and the United States. On race day the marathon is expecting over 2,500 participants, bringing in an estimated €1.5 million in extra revenue to the area.

The course will see athletes partake in a unique run passing beautiful scenery, idyllic villages and historical sites, providing a natural lift of spirit for all the runners.  This year the “Kerryman Dingle Marathon” is offering its participants the choice of the full marathon (26.2 miles), half marathon (13.1 miles) or new to this year, the Ultra marathon (50 miles).

Renowned motivational speaker, Gary Leboff, is hosting a seminar on the Friday night before race day for all registered runners. Leboff, a world class business coach and sports psychologist, will provide a unique insight into the tools of achievement, providing the Dingle marathon runners with the tolls to achieve outstanding results.

Race organisers have made an appeal to the public for volunteers for the event. An estimated 300 are needed to help with everything from the pre-race setup of the starting and finish lines, registration, and manning water stations to chip removal at the finish line and clean up.  If you are interested in volunteering in this year’s Dingle marathon please call Tadhg on 066 9796898 or email him at tadhg@approved.ie.

Entries for all distances will close at Midnight on Tuesday, August 24^th. Runners can register on www.dinglemarathon.ie. All are welcome to run on behalf of a charity of their choice or one of the charities currently involved with the marathon.

We’re all aware by now of the benefits of eating in season, and with peppers and lettuce now at their peak, Keelings, the 100% Irish family owned company and experts in fresh produce, say that increasing our intake of these scrumptious salads need not be a chore and in fact has the potential to be downright pleasurable, especially now that we’re well into BBQ season!

It’s a well known fact that adults do not consume the recommended intake of fruit and veg on a daily basis, but a little known one that the figures are alarmingly low, with Irish adults on average only eating 3 portions a day of fruit and vegetables. Children eat even less with an incredible 60% not eating enough vegetables which are essential for their health now and in the future. According to Keelings, however, a few simple additions of salads to the diet, such as lettuce and peppers, could make that significant difference.

Lettuce is exceptionally low in calories and contains 90% water. Salads can be made using only one lettuce or a mixture of many. Tear rather than cut the leaves of loose-leafed lettuce; icebergs and other large lettuce are commonly sliced or shredded. They should be served as soon as possible after preparation – the perfect accompaniment to a freshly cooked beef burger off the BBQ!

Peppers are an excellent form of Vitamin C when eaten raw.  Red and yellow peppers contain almost 3 times as much Vitamin C as oranges. They equally offer countless opportunities for preparation. Skewered with a selection of other vegetables they can be grilled to serve as vegetarian kebabs or as a vegetable side dish with barbecues. They can be added to fillings used in sandwiches, panini, burritos, fajitas and tortillas. Their bright colour makes them very attractive as a garnish for dishes and displays.

Sliced, they can be fried with onions and garlic and then braised with tomatoes and herbs to form a basic ratatouille. They can be sprinkled with olive oil and roasted or can be grilled and skinned and added to salads (To skin peppers put them into a plastic bag after they have been grilled until the skin is charred. Close the top of the bag and leave it for a few minutes. The skins will be easy to remove when the peppers are taken out of the bag)*

* www.bestinseason.ie

Below are some deliciously simple recipe ideas to help you reap the benefits of Keelings lettuce and peppers! For these recipes and more visit the Keelings website: www.keelings.com

Lettuce

B.L.T. Salad with Basil Mayo Dressing
Serves: 4
Preparation: 15 Minutes
Cooking: 10 Minutes

Ingredients:
225g bacon rashers
120ml mayonnaise
10g finely chopped fresh basil
4 medium slices French bread, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
5g salt
2g ground black pepper
15ml olive oil
455g Keelings Lettuce – rinsed, dried, and torn into bite-size pieces
300g Cherry Tomatoes, quartered

Method:
Place bacon rashers in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Remove bacon when cooked and cut into small pieces, reserving 2 tablespoons of the drippings left in the bottom of the skillet.
In a small bowl, whisk together the reserved bacon drippings, mayonnaise, vinegar and basil and let dressing stand, covered, at room temperature.
In a large skillet over medium heat, toss the bread pieces with the salt and pepper. Drizzle with the oil, continue tossing and cook over medium-low heat until golden brown.
In a large bowl mix together the Lettuce, Cherry Tomatoes, bacon and croutons. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well.

Peppers

Rib Steak Casserole
Preparation: 15 minutes
Cooking: 2 hours
Serves: 4

Ingredients:
1.2kg/2lb 6oz rib steak, cut into 4cm/ ½ inch cubes
75g/3oz plain flour
Olive oil
40g/1½oz butter
2 onions, sliced
2 carrots sliced
2 sticks celery, sliced
1 Keelings Irish Red Pepper, deseeded and sliced
450ml/ ¾pt Beef Stock
150ml/ ¼pt red wine
1 tbsp tomato puree
1 bay leaf
2 tbsp chopped herbs
Sprigs of thyme

Method:
Toss steak in flour, mixed with salt and pepper, and shake off the excess.  Heat a little olive oil with butter in a frying pan.  Sear the meat, in batches, adding more oil and butter as necessary, until the meat is browned.  Transfer to an ovenproof casserole dish.
Heat 1 tbsp oil in frying pan, add your Keelings Irish Red Pepper and other vegetables and cook over a medium heat for 10 minutes.  Stir in the stock, wine, tomato paste and herbs and bring to the boil.  Add this mixture to the meat, stir well and season to taste.  Cover and bake at 350°F, 180°C, gas mark 4 for two hours or until the meat is tender.  Serve with small baked potatoes, sprinkled with thyme leaves.

According to the Chiropractic Association of Ireland (CAI), as the number of participants in recreational and competitive running continues to increase, so does the number of people who need treatment for running-associated injuries. The majority of running injuries generally fit into two groups; traumatic injury, such as a slip, fall, or collision or repetitive stress/overuse injury.

The following is an overview of the typical running injuries that a Chiropractor treats, outlining cause, symptoms and prevention. To treat running injuries a Chiropractor will be carry out foot, knee, hip and pelvis assessment and alignment where necessary.

Shin Splints

Shin splints, a repetitive stress/overuse injury, are one of the most common running injuries that Chiropractors treat.  They are essentially the strain of a muscle and its attachment to the tibia and are medically known as tenoperiostitis or traction periostitis.

Common causes of shin splints are faulty posture, training errors (too far, too fast, too soon), changes in routine, inappropriate shoes, long distances, hills, hard/uneven surfaces, fallen arches, inadequate warm-up, over pronation/under controlled pronation, exercising on unyielding surfaces and over training

Symptoms to look out for include pain or discomfort on the front, inside and/or outside surface of the shin bone or directly on the shin bone.

Preventative measures that can be taken include good shoes with shock absorbing features, heel toe landing for the minimum impact, calf stretches and professionally fitted custom made orthotics. Sports taping will also help.

Stress Fracture

Stress fractures are small fractures that occur due to excessive stress (overuse of the bone) or an increase in intensity or distance running, resulting in gradual breakdown of the bone.  Weakened bones, due to old injuries or other conditions are much more susceptible to stress fractures because they are unable to handle the new stresses applied to them. Athletes with compromised bone density must be very careful when increasing their work load.

This type of running injury can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages and can be confused with shin splints. Healing usually requires six to eight weeks of rest.

For stress fractures pain occurs especially in the foot and lower leg becoming more intense with weight bearing activity. X-rays may appear negative initially but fractures become visible up to two weeks after the initial injury so it’s important to keep an eye on it.

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis is usually characterised by pain in the area of the heel bone and the sole of the foot. Proper assessment of the foot is essential as Plantar Fasciitis pain mirrors the pain associated with a bone spur at the heel of the foot. It is a condition that develops over time due to joint and muscle imbalances of the lower leg and foot.

Symptoms to look out for include pain in a specific area on the bottom of the foot towards the heel, possibly radiating towards the ball of the foot. The foot feels tender early in the morning and becomes less painful with movement, often associated with pronation and a fallen arch.

Treatment includes stretching and strengthening the calf muscle as well as improving the balance and strength of the small muscles that make up the sole of the foot. In some cases the patient may require orthotics to control improper foot movements.

Prevention includes regular stretching of the calf and Achilles tendon, and it’s also important that the feet are assessed for any biomechanical problems.

Runners Knee

Runners Knee essentially means the softening of the cartilage of the knee cap. Portions of the cartilage may then be under either too much or too little pressure which may result in cartilage deterioration at the inner part of the knee cap.

Usual symptoms of this running injury include pain directly under the kneecap, or the surrounding area. Pain can be worsened by activities, especially climbing, squatting or running, but can also be worse after prolonged periods of sitting with knees bent. A feeling of giving way can occur which is caused by the inhibition of muscle contraction in response to pain.

Runner’s knee generally responds well with biomechanical evaluation and an orthotic, when indicated.

Achilles Tendonitis

The Achilles tendon is the connection between the heel and the most powerful muscle group in the body, the calf.  Unfortunately it is a very common site for a disabling injury.

With this type of injury its imperative that you get it treated immediately.  If your Achilles tendon is sore do not run through the pain as this could result in a chronic injury

Symptoms are usually described as diffuse pain in or around the back of the ankle (from the calf to the heel). The pain is aggravated by activity, especially uphill running or climbing stairs, and relieved somewhat by wearing higher-heeled shoes or boots

Again, it is also important that the feet are assessed for any biomechanical problems. Orthotics or insoles may also be prescribed and the use of soft heel-lifts are effective as part of chiropractic treatment.

If you’ve sustained an injury, the best course of action is to see a professional and until you get the chance to do so remember the acronym PRICE:

P    Protect injury to prevent additional damage
R    Rest the injured area
I     Ice injury to abate swelling, bleeding, muscle spasm, and pain
C    Compress injury

E    Elevate the injury, particularly when dealing with ankles and knees

A Chiropractor can give expert advice and management to insure that your injury will recover in the best possible way. Chiropractors use gentle, specific manipulation and adjustment techniques to free stiff joints, restore normal movement and remove spinal irritation.  Treatment is generally painless, although some short-term discomfort may sometimes be felt around the injured area.

For a full list of Chiropractors in your area please visit www.chiropractic.ie

The growing trend towards safe natural solutions to health problems is highlighted by the 25% increase in attendance at last year’s Rude Health Show says Alan McGrath, Chairperson of the  Irish Association of Health Stores, sponsors of this hugely successful annual natural health exhibition.

Rude Health returns to the RDS on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th September, with Ireland’s biggest health and wellbeing event offering visitors a multitude of natural ways to look after the health and lifestyles of themselves and their families.

“With such a huge  increase in attendance at Rude Health last year,  it was clear that stress, and sleeping problems were major concerns of people attending the show and that more people than ever are looking for safe alternative solutions”, he said.

Top speakers this year include the always hugely popular Patrick Holford, Dr. Marilyn Glenville, Jan de Vries, Professor Jane Plant, holistic therapist Karen Ward, Bernadette Bohan and many others.
More than 200 exhibitors will be offering visitors advice on natural health solutions, including the use of vitamins, herbs and homeopathy; there will be tastings and cookery demonstrations using delicious organic ingredients; and visitors can experience mini sessions in aromatherapy, shiatsu, reflexology and many more therapies.

““People are also worried about hospital bugs and doctors’ bills so they are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of taking charge of their own health and wellbeing and that of their families, thus preventing illness.  Rude Health offers people the opportunity to reassess their own health and wellbeing within their own homes,”said Alan McGrath.

“It is also an opportunity for us to remind people that they can come into any of our IAHS stores and talk to highly trained and qualified staff who can give them excellent advice on improving their health and lifestyles very naturally and safely.”

There are over 100 IAHS member stores nationwide, all of which have met specific training standards.  In London earlier this year, the Health Food Institute, which organises professional exams for stores in the UK and Ireland, awarded 2 of their 3 top examination prizes to Irish retailers.

“Irish retailers have also been awarded fellowships for their commitment and contribution to the health trade”, said the IAHS chairperson.

“Health stores play a key part in frontline and primary healthcare. By helping hundreds of thousands of  customers deal with minor self limiting ailments and the promotion of dietary and lifestyle changes for optimal health, health stores have a key role and a unique position in reducing the pressure on our public healthcare system, thus relieving pressure on already hard pressed GP services and A&E departments.”

There has never been a better time to take charge of your own health
and wellbeing and that of your family. So why not join us at Rude Health this year and see what we can do to help you – naturally.

Date: Saturday September 11th and Sunday September 12th 2010
Venue:  Main Hall, RDS Dublin
Time: 11am -6pm
Entrance fee €12 (Senior citizens €8 and under 12s free)
Senior citizens – €8
www.rudehealth.ie

Emerging science underpins the need for increasing our levels of D-vitamin as a way of preventing disease but according to a new study, supplements are better than sun for obtaining that boost. Using a computer-simulated model to determine how much sun was needed to produce blood levels of D3-vitamin in the range of 400 or 1,000 IU (10 or 25 micrograms), researchers from the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York and the Norwegian Institute for Air Research found that there were considerable variations depending on geography, season, and skin type. This insecurity combined with the fact that increased sun exposure is associated with an increased skin cancer risk led them to conclude that supplements are a safer and more practical solution.

Problems during winter
Writing in the June issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, the scientists describe how they chose two geographical sites, Miami (Florida), and Boston (Maine), for their research. Their simulation was done during the months January, April, July, and October.
During summer in Boston, three to eight minutes of UV exposure to about 25% of the body surface would synthesize 400 IU of D-vitamin, whereas it would be difficult to produce any D-vitamin during winter in that area. In Miami, on the other hand, three to six minutes of daily exposure would produce 400 IU of D-vitamin all year round.

Important nutrient
Recent studies have revealed that a surprisingly large part of the populations in European countries with climates similar to that of Boston have lower-than-optimal levels of D-vitamin. Considering that daily intake of D-vitamin up to 50 micrograms (2,000 IU) is viewed as safe, a recommendation of D-vitamin supplements rather than increased sun exposure is probably a more prudent strategy.
D-vitamin deficiency is associated with an increased risk of such ailments as sclerosis, osteoporosis, certain cancers, bone fractures, infectious diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and there is even evidence pointing to an increased risk for diabetes.

Source:
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
June 2010, Volume 62, Issue 6, Pages 929.e1-929.e9
“Estimated equivalency of vitamin D production from natural sun exposure versus oral vitamin D supplementation across seasons at two US latitudes”
Authors: V. Terushkin, A. Bender, E.L. Psaty, O. Engelsen, S.Q. Wang, A.C. Halpern

____________________________________________________

How to choose the best supplement

There is a huge variety of D-vitamin supplements on the market but it pays off to be selective. D-vitamin is a fat-soluble nutrient and research1 shows that oil-based D-vitamin supplements are absorbed better than supplements based on powder or ethanol.

D-Pearls contains 38 micrograms of D3-vitamin dissolved in cold-pressed olive oil in small, round gelatin capsules (“pearls”) that are easy to swallow – or chew (they have a pleasant taste of fresh olive oil). The product is manufactured by Pharma Nord, one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of high-quality nutritional supplements and natural remedies. D-Pearls complies with GMP standards (Good Manufacturing Practice).

1Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, april 2010.