This is a unique opportunity to learn about the hugely Successful GAPS treatment protocol for learning disabilities,psychiatric and psychological disorders,immune system problems and digestive problems.GAPS Syndrome(gut and psychology syndrome) is a condition which establishes a connection between the functions of the digestive system and the brain.This Seminar is being held in Ballykisteen house in Tipperary.Tickets are priced at 55 euro including lunch, running from 10am-5pm,further information and tickets bookings can be made through moc.l1369490242iamg@1369490242ranim1369490242esSPA1369490242G1369490242.

Eating Disorder Awareness Week runs from feb 11th-17th feb ,with the aim of bringing greater awareness and education to people about eating disorders and to challenge the stigma and sterotypes that exist.Check out great article by counsellor Fierna Kennedy on Eating Disorders,on page 2 of this weeks Limerick Leader,supplement- leader 2. We all know someone who either does or may have an eating disorder , or some form of eating distress,it’s important to realise that there is help out there.This article by Fierna Kennedy would be very beneficial to anyone who may themselves have some form of eating distress,or for family members, Fierna can be contacted at ei.wo1369490242nytin1369490242eres@1369490242ofni1369490242 for more infomation!

November is both prostate cancer and Lung cancer awareness month,running from Nov 1-30th,check out www.cancer.ie for info on events and advice,also www.lungcanceralliance.org . Lung cancer is one of most prevalent cancers in men and also exceedingly common in women,although smoking is major rick factor ,so too is excess Alcohol,excess saturated and processed fat,high intake of processed and red meat,lack of or low intake of fruit and veg,high pollution or diesel fuel,and radon exposure to name a few.Diet plays an important part as always.

The annual men’s health week, which is run this year from today June 11-17th is working to raise awareness among men of all ages of their health. This year’s campaign takes on the theme of encouraging boys and men to develop a “first instinct” which is to seek help and support in times of difficulty or trouble. Worryingly it is predicted that by 2015 a third of all Irish men will be clinically obese…putting massive pressure on their heart, increasing risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Irish men have a life expectancy of 75.1 years on average, this is about 6 years earlier than Irish women, furthermore, men have higher death rates at all ages ,and for all leading causes of death.

The good news is Positive nutrition and lifestyle changes in men can help prevent heart disease, diabetes, stroke and many diseases and cancers.

Heart health-cardiovascular disease remains leading cause of death in men, so men need to be aware of their cholesterol levels, and their blood pressure, diet wise eating plenty of fruit and veg ,especially green leafy veg , such as kale , broccoli , spinach ,rocket and watercress and in general aiming to eat as many colours of the rainbow in different fruits and veg help ensure an adequate intake of antioxidants which are protective to the heart.

Other nutrients important for heart are omega 3 fatty acids , either by consuming oily fish 2-3 times weekly(salmon , mackerel , sardines) or taking a good quality fish oil supplement. Vitamin C and E other important nutrients for the heart and Co-enzyme Q10 is also known to offer protection for the heart.

Zinc is critical mineral for healthy sperm, in terms of quality and motility. Selenium is also necessary for male fertility.

Foods and habits to reduce or avoid- reduce intake of refined, processed foods, in favour of wholefoods , whole grains , beans and pulses, good quality protein and lots of fruit and veg.

Cut back on alcohol as this can increase risk of cardiovascular disease, Diabetes and well as weight gain and obesity.

Stop smoking as this clogs the arteries as well as numerous other negative health effects.

PROSTATE SUPPORT .

Benign prostate hyperplasia, commonly known as BPH , is one of the commonest problems to affect men , yet because it deals with the prostate, men can sometimes be reluctant to discuss it. It causes an enlarged prostate, and symptoms can include frequent trips to toilet, getting up during night to go to toilet, feeling of not having emptied bladder properly, and loss of libido. It is a condition that effects millions of men, and chances of getting it rise as one gets older, by age 80 , it is estimated that 70 % of men will be affected by BPH. It is very important to keep an eye on symptoms, and if concerned about anything contact your doctor, just to rule out anything more serious, such as prostate cancer.

The herb Saw Palmetto is good choice of supplement available from health stores for men suffering from BPH , as it can help deal with urinary symptoms.

The limerick lifelong Learning festival , which will run from Monday 26th March to Sunday 1st April 2012 , is a celebration of learning across the region. Building on the success of the pilot Festival held in Limerick City last June , the 2012 festival will feature over 140 events and activities across the city and county-all of which are free and open to all. For more info and list of events check out www.limerick.ie/lovelearning

It can be tempting to starve ourselves before that special event/party as we know there will be lots of food there , and we want to “save ourselves for the buffet table” this is a very bad idea , as when we cut back during the day our blood sugar levels go very low…so by the time we reach the buffet table we’re ready to demolish everything in sight…not a pretty sight!Best to have a healthy meal/snack 2-3 hours before heading to party…result being balanced blood sugar levels, balanced mood ,and it prevents the urge to eat everything in sight , plus importantly keeps metabolism ticking over at a constant level. Good options for healthy snacks to eat before heading out would be-Carrot sticks with hummus, natural live yogurt and fruit/berries, handful natural nuts and banana , avocado and pineapple chunks , apple slices with almond butter, oatcakes with hummus, or a boiled egg. Best options when at the dinner/party would be Choose good quality protein(lean meat,fish,chicken,bean burger etc)with wholegrain carb if possible(pitta bread,brown rice,wholemeal rolls) or couscous  or baked potato. Go easy or ideally avoid white refined carbs.Load up your plate with lots of salad and veg, avoid the sauces and use olive oil and lemon juice instead.Incorporating lots of dark green , leafy veg into diet is great for liver ,skin ,heart, immune system and intestines .Kale,broccoli and Brussels  sprouts are great for liver detoxification.

The senior times over 50′s show is coming to the RDS dublin from this friday21st-23rd october,from11am-7pm daily.This is a lifestyle and health event for people over 50′s offering something for everyone,from health and wellbeing to fashion and beauty.Check out the NTOI(Nutritional therapists of ireland) stand where you can speak with Nutritional therapists from all over Ireland on all matters relating to health and wellbeing!

Mental Health Week kicks off on Saturday October 8th,with an awareness day in the crescent shopping centre,Limerick,from 10am-4pm,there will be speakers on the day and lots of fun activities as well,all events are free of charge,check out www.mentalhealthireland.ie for more info and further events on around the country.

National breastfeeding week runs from Oct 1st-7th,there are a series of events on throughout the country to inform and educate on the numerous health benefits of breastfeeding to both baby and mum,check out www.breastfeeding.ie for more details.

Rude health show takes place on september 10th and 11th,at RDS from 11am-6pm. It’s guaranteed to be jam packed with top guest speakers,fabulous food and drinks to nibble , and of course lots of interesting stands to browse through,check out stand 111 by (Irish Institute of Nutrition and Health)and stands 19 and 21 by(NTOI) Nutritional Therapists of Ireland,for lots of free advice on nutrition and health matters,hope to see you there!