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If you suffer from bumpy upper arms and calves, it's more than likely you tend to tackle the condition with an industrial-sized loofah.

Many of those who live with keratosis pilaris – as it is known among experts in the field of dermatology – are under the assumption that exfoliating the area will help to rid skin of patchy bumps, but it sounds like we're way off the mark here.

Commenting on the skin condition, dermatologist, Doris Day, explained that keratosis pilaris is not something you can simply erase with the help of some study exfoliating gloves.

"You can't eradicate keratosis pilaris," she says. "It's a genetic condition where, for some reason, the follicles on the outer arms and thighs get clogged and don't naturally exfoliate."

"We used to think if you exfoliated enough, you'd be able to undo KP," she continued. "But exfoliating can actually irritate the bumps and make them much worse."

So, what are we ladies of the bumpy upper arms meant to do now?

Well, according to Allure, we need to invest in cleansers which contain salicylic acid and moisturisers which contain lactic acid.

"Lactic acid is great for KP because it loosens cells over time to gently exfoliate skin," Dr. Day explained. "It's also a humectant, which means it will add moisture and minimize irritation."

Good to know!

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Remember when Colonel Sanders and the crew decided they knew as much about manicures as they do about chicken, and launched their very own range of nail polishes?

Well, they haven't stopped there.

According to their Twitter page, the uber-famous fast food restaurant have turned their attention to the world of sun protection,  and in a bizarre turn of events, people are actually all OVER it.

Having released 3,000 bottles of Extra Crispy Sunscreen this week – a product which leaves users smelling like a bucket of the fried stuff – the chicken superstars are now fresh out.

They are FRESH OUT of chicken-scented sunscreen, people.

Considering that very few of us seek to smell like a fast-food outlet of our own accord, we can only assume the public was seduced by the chain's snappy tagline.

Tying in the allure of their original product with the importance of their new one, KFC explained: "Because the only skin that should be extra crispy this summer is on your fried chicken."

Oh, you guys!

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It's only the very fortunate among us who don't feel the need to spend half a week in bed during that time of the month.

Discomfort, tiredness and general malaise mean most of us would happily build a duvet fort and refuse to emerge until we get the all-clear from our ovaries, but what with work, college and, you know, general life responsibilities, it's simply not an option.

You can, however, ensure you get the very best of the eight hours you do spend in the scratcher by following expert advice on the best sleeping position to assume during your period.

According to Glamour, experts in the field of womens' issues unanimously agree that the foetal position is the best option during those particular five days of the month.

Offering an explanation for this, Dr. Jennifer Wider said: "Many women report that the fetal position can help relieve cramps."

Elaborating further, Lisa Lindley, M.D., board-certified gynaecologist with Eisenhower Women's Health added: "Sleeping in the foetal position takes pressure off the abdominal muscles."

In addition to relieving the cramps which keep many of us up at night, the foetal position generally ensures against leaks due to the positioning of the woman's legs – something which cannot be said for the face-down position.

According to the experts, it's best to avoid this position when Aunt Flo is in town simply because lying on your stomach puts pressure on your uterus, results in more leaks and quickly increases your laundry pile.

Just something to keep in mind…

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A sub-franchise of a well-known chain of American gyms has come under fire recently after suggesting, in no uncertain terms, that women who rock the classic pear shape may want to get their head in the game and start changing it.

And people are, unsurprisingly, raging.

Taking to Instagram to highlight the offensive ad, Little Miss Sunshine star, Abigail Breslin, reminded the gym that women shouldn't feel pressured to work out purely to fit a gym's unrealistic beauty ideal.

"Wow honestly disgusted by this @goldsgym you should be ashamed of yourselves," she began in a post which has been liked thousands of times this week.
 

"Things like this are the reason 9 year old girls develop eating disorders," Abigail added. "Working out should be something you do for yourself, your health and your mind & body, not cuz a corporation declares your body shape isn't what girls should look like." (sic)

Grateful she didn't become a member of the gym, Abigail finished by writing: "Interesting they had to single out females. Good job for preying on people's insecurities and perpetuating body image issues!"

Like the actress, the public wasted no time sharing their views of the ad online.

 

 

Responding to the barrage of criticism they faced at the hands of outraged internet users, Gold's Gym have assured the public they will be taking immediate action against their Egyptian franchise.

Too little, too late?

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A renewed appeal for vigilance has been issued to Tipperary and north Cork residents following the confirmation of yet another case of measles in the region.

Addressing the outbreak, which came to public attention in May, public health consultant Dr Kevin Kelleher reminded Morning Ireland listeners that specific steps should be taken if you suspect you or someone you know has been infected with measles.

According to Dr. Kelleher, symptoms – which include high fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes and a red rash – should not be ignored, with those exhibiting signs of the condition advised to stay at home, contact their GP and avoid visitors.

With 38 confirmed cases since the outbreak earlier this year, Dr. Kelleher explained: "This case is still part of the whole group of cases that we’ve been speaking about for the last two or three months and it just shows how the trend can go on."

Reminding the public that measles is 'quite infectious', Dr. Kelleher explained: "It does just need a bit of contact like being in the same place as someone for a brief period of time."

In addition to advising Munster residents of the latest case, Dr.Kelleher explained that some confirmed cases were as a result of being imported into the country and not specifically connected to the outbreak.

"The cases we’re talking about have come about as a result of people travelling to parts of Europe and coming back with measles as a result," he explained.

"Your measles vaccine is as important as having your passport ready," he explained. "Because there are parts of Europe where people often go on holiday where measles is still endemic."

According to the HSE, vaccination is the best method of prevention.

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Most of us are guilty of working out with a face full of makeup, right?

Whether it's down to a lack of time to remove it or the fact that you are a little self-conscious about your skin and you just know the gym is brimming with hotties, there are few women who can say hand-on-heart that they have never gone to the gym working a full foundation look. 

We all know that we SHOULD remove makeup before getting all hot and bothered, but do you really know why?

1. It clogs your pores:

Which can lead to blackheads and dull looking skin.

 

2. Your skin needs to sweat AND breathe:

But when there is a barrier of makeup, creams and oil it can struggle to release perspiration and breathe.

 

3. When your skin cools down the pores tighten:

This in turn locks dirt and grime in.

 

4. It can cause redness and uneven tone:

When you are working out with makeup on the heat can become trapped under the skin which can cause flare ups like rosacea.  

 

5. You are merely hiding a skin issue:

Most of us who wear makeup when working out either don’t have time to take it off or are self-conscious about our skin. However, covering up with makeup is merely masking the issue and in fact can make it worse.

 

6. You don’t need it:

Seriously! Everyone will be too busy making sure they look OK working out to be bother by whether you have makeup on or not.

Feat image: Getty

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This latest health trend kinda reminds me of when I was a kid and my mother had to hide the vegetables in my meals so I'd eat them.

And it seems this trend is here to stay. So far, veg like black beans have made their sly way into brownies and even sweet potato has been made into some sort of toast.

But now, it's the zucchini's turn to weasel its way into something.

Say hello to #Zoats, zucchini and oats all mixed together to make a delightful porridge. Sounds odd, yes, but it looks unreal.

Instagram's fittest stars have been all over the trend lately as you're not only getting a good dose of Vitamin C in this morning meal, but you're also making it double the size without adding many calories at all. Win, win.

Just look at these IGs for some inspo:

Berry Zoats

 

A photo posted by Lucy Baker (@fitlifelucy) on

 

Chocolate Zoats

 

Snicker Zoats

 

A photo posted by ELF  (@emlouisefitness) on

 

Banana and Strawberry Zoats

 

A photo posted by Becky B (@food.flowers.flowyoga) on

 

Caramelised Zoats

 

A photo posted by Clean Plate (@clean_plate_claire) on

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So, it doesn't exactly sound like the Suicide Squad cast fully nailed it in the performance stakes, but when it came to the aesthetic for the highly-anticipated superhero flick, it looks like those guys gave it their all.

Having to share the vast majority of her screen-time with a pair of miniscule hot pants, Margot Robbie dedicated herself to a work-out regime which anyone can recreate…as long as they have three hours a day to spare.

According to Margot's trainer, Andie Hecker, in the run-up to a scene which shows her in little more than a bra and fishnets, the Aussie actress exercised for a staggering three hours per day.

Opting for a Pilates-based routine as opposed to high-intensity interval training, Margot worked herself into the shape which has gotten movie-goers talking since the first sneak peeks of the film leaked earlier this year.

In addition to incorporating extra reps into a standard Pilates routine, Margot's trainer also included swimming sessions as well as a ballet-inspired jumping circuit which saw Margot perform ballet jumps, jump rope, and make use of a rebounder trampoline.

Acknowledging that the actress was not required to prioritise any one body part over another, Andie told Cosmopolitan: "It was very important to me to keep her regiment well-rounded in order to condition the entire body and not overwork any one muscle group."

Between Margot's regime and Gigi Hadid's dedication to the gym mat, we can just FEEL our motivation increasing…well, ya know, kinda.

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It has been established that 12 food businesses around the country have been issued with Closure Orders – five under the FSAI Act of1998 and seven under the EC (Official Control of Foodstuffs) Regulations of 2010 – while one was issued with a Prohibition Order during the month of July.

When officials rule that there exists a grave or immediate danger to public health, a Closure Order is served which can lead to the immediate closure of all or part of the food premises, or all or some of its activities,

Commenting on the issue, Dr Pamela Byrne, Chief Executive of the FSAI, insists food businesses have a responsibility to their customers, saying: "There are simply no excuses for putting consumers’ health at risk through sub-standard food hygiene practices."

"The summer months are busy months for food businesses and systems must be put in place to cope with the increase in customers," she added.

"It is essential that all food businesses have the appropriate food safety management systems and procedures in place and that all staff are fully trained to ensure these systems and procedures are adhered to all time."

With 13 businesses hitting the headlines for non-compliance, Dr. Byrne issues a warning, saying: "We are re-emphasising to all food businesses that they must comply with food safety and hygiene laws at all times."

Five Closure Orders were served under the FSAI Act, 1998 on:

 Blueberries “Pop Up” (restaurant), No. 13 Lower Cork Street, Mitchelstown, Cork

 Fade Street Social (restaurant), 4-6 Fade Street, Dublin 2

The Spice House (restaurant), 2 Church Street, Cavan

Nite Star (take away), Main Street, Glenties, Donegal

Majas Virtue (food stall), Trading at Farmleigh Estate, Phoenix Park, Castleknock, Dublin 15

Seven Closure Orders were served under the EC (Official Control of Foodstuffs) Regulations, 2010 on:

Chen’s Chinese Take Away, Parnell Street, Mountmellick, Laois

Cashel Take Away Foodstall, Cashel, Achill, Mayo

The Jolly Roger (public house) (closed activity – food production, handling and storage), Sherkin Island, Skibbereen, Cork

Sandyford House (restaurant) (closed area: kitchen and food service areas only), Sandyford Village, Sandyford, Dublin 18

Azeem Meat and Grocery (butcher), 2 Pound Street, Edgeworthstown, Longford

Lucky Dragon (take away), 70 Fassaugh Avenue, Cabra, Dublin 7

Craigs Fresh (wholesale), Drumnabratty, Raphoe, Donegal

One Prohibition Order was served under EC (Official Control of Foodstuffs) Regulations, 2010 on:

Kearney's Restaurant, Main Street, Tallow, Waterford

Further to this it was established that a successful prosecution was carried out by the HSE on Dragon Inn Chinese Take Away of Barrack St Waterford, which is now under new ownership.

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If you – like millions others – blame your little handheld device for being unable to concentrate on a book for more than ten minutes these days, you may want to try a little bit harder… for the good of your health.

While so many of us can happily devote 12 hours to a Netflix binge, the thoughts of spending an hour alone with a book while our phone charges in another room is enough to bring an embarrassing number of us out in a cold sweat.

But in addition to all the standard benefits associated with reading, experts have recently established that those who read tend to live longer lives than those who don't.

In a study of more than 3,500 individuals over the age of 50, scientists discovered that those who read for up to 3.5 hours a week were 17% less likely to die in the following 12 years while those who read more than that were 23% less likely.

Commenting on the findings, Becca R. Levy, a professor of epidemiology at Yale University said: "People who report as little as a half-hour a day of book reading had a significant survival advantage over those who did not read."

Researchers established that, on average, regular readers tend to live two years longer than those who don't.

Ladies, it's time to attack that book pile by the bed.

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Hovering near the scales – also known as The Sad Step – before gingerly stepping onboard often signals the beginning of a fitness and nutrition plan which you SWEAR you're going to stick to this time.

And while experts are blue in the face reminding us not to get hung up on a single number and focus instead on dress size, muscle mass and measuring tapes, many of can't bring ourselves to ignore that scales completely.

Reminding her followers that weight gain doesn't equate with failure, one fitness blogger took to Instagram to share a snap which shows her at three different weights.

Despite a difference of just 5lbs between her original weight and current size, it's clear the blogger's body has undergone an incredible transformation.

"When I first started #bbg I was 8 weeks post partum and 145 lbs," she wrote.  "I weighed 130 before getting pregnant, so based on nothing besides my own warped perception, I decided my "goal weight" should be 122 and to fit into my skinniest jeans."

 
After reaching that goal, the blogger explains that she then gained 18 lbs and began changing her perspective on weight, writing: "I finally learned to start measuring my progress by things that matter — strength, ability, endurance, health, and HAPPINESS."

"Take progress photos and videos," she advises. "Record how many push-ups you can do, ect. And if you can, your BFP — there is only a 5 lb difference between my starting and current weight, but my body composition has changed COMPLETELY."

 "And if I didn't say #screwthescale long ago, I would have gave up on my journey," she admits. "So to the little teeny tiny voice in the back of my head that still said "wtf is this- not 140!?" last week when I stepped on the scale, I say SCREW. YOU."

This girl is our new fantasy BFF.

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This time two years ago, our social media newsfeeds were awash with footage of friends and family members dousing themselves in ice-cold water all in the name of charity.

And as the public became more and more creative with the execution of their own Ice Bucket Challenge, it wasn't long before many of us forgot the main aim of the endeavour, and simply went around nominating mates for a freezing.

Gaining momentum in the US, the Ice Bucket Challenge was born of a desire to raise awareness of ALS – also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease – and it looks like what many ultimately considered an internet fad has paid off in ways few would have anticipated.

According to numerous reports emerging from the States today, one million of the $115 million raised went towards Project MinE which has aided in the identification of a gene responsible for the degenerative disease – a development which has brought scientists closer to treating the disease which sees the rapid deterioration of patients within just five years. 

Commenting on the breakthrough, Dr. Lucie Bruijin, Chief Scientist at the ALS Association said: "The sophisticated gene analysis that led to this finding was only possible because of the large number of ALS samples available."

"The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge enabled The ALS Association to invest in Project MinE's work to create large biorepositories of ALS biosamples that are designed to allow exactly this kind of research and to produce exactly this kind of result."

In Ireland, our own version of the Ice Bucket Challenge raised a staggering €1.4 million for Motor Neurones Disease.

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