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Following the untimely death of 16-year-old Michael Cornacchio in Cork earlier this week, the HSE has issued a warning to the public over the dangers of a synthetic drug known as U-4.

Michael was found unresponsive in his bedroom in Deerpark, Friars Walk on Monday, and despite medical intervention was pronounced dead at the scene.

Following the teen's death, David Lane, Co-Ordinator of Drug & Alcohol Services with the HSE, spoke with RTÉ, and highlighted the dangers associated with the drug which many may mistake for cocaine.

"It hasn't appeared in an Irish context previously. We are aware that this particular drug has been implicated in deaths in the United States, other parts of Europe and the UK," he explained.

"So we are issuing this public health message to let people know that it has made an appearance on the streets in Cork. We are appealing through various networks in Cork city for drug users to avoid taking the substance."

Echoing these sentiments, Dr Eamon Keenan, HSE National Clinical Leader for Addiction Services, said: "The substance has been discovered in Ireland for the first time. In this case this substance was sold as something else and bought as something else, cocaine."

"You never know what you're buying when you go into the drug market. There is no security or control."

According to The Irish Independent, the HSE has advised the public to dispose of the drug, which has been linked to 50 deaths in the United States since 2015, if they believe they are in possession of it.

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If ever there was a month you needed reminding that social media is little more than strategic angles, slick filters and clever lighting, it's January.

Struggling to get your gym gear over your thighs after a prolonged festive hiatus is perhaps the most difficult aspect of getting back on the horse, and it's made all the more agonising by social media feeds chock-full of taut arms and toned abs.

Aware of this, fitness instructor, Anna Victoria, set about reminding her followers that after posting shots highlighting her hard work, she then shakes herself out of her pose, unclenches her abs and becomes reacquainted with a figure more akin to a regular woman than a superhero.

Uploading a splitscreen shot of photos taken moments apart, 28-year-old Anna wrote: "Me 1% of the time vs. 99% of the time. And I love both photos equally. Good or bad angles don't change your worth."

 

Me 1% of the time vs. 99% of the time. And I love both photos equally. Good or bad angles don't change your worth ❤️ I recently came across an article talking about how one woman stated she refuses to accept her flaws, because she doesn't see them as flaws at all. I LOVED that because it sends such a powerful message that our belly rolls, cellulite, stretch marks are nothing to apologize for, to be ashamed of, or to be obsessed with getting rid of! As I'm getting older, I have cellulite and stretch marks that aren't going away, and I welcome them. They represent a life fully lived (for 28 years so far :)) and a healthy life and body at that. How can I be mad at my body for perfectly normal "flaws"? This body is strong, can run miles, can lift and squat and push and pull weight around, and it's happy not just because of how it looks, but because of how it feels. So when you approach your journey, I want you to remember these things: I will not punish my body I will fuel it I will challenge it AND I will love it If you're following my page, you're a part of helping me spread this message and creating this movement – thank you. #fbggirls www.annavictoria.com/guides

A photo posted by Snapchat: AnnaVictoriaFit (@annavictoria) on

"I recently came across an article talking about how one woman stated she refuses to accept her flaws, because she doesn't see them as flaws at all. I LOVED that because it sends such a powerful message that our belly rolls, cellulite, stretch marks are nothing to apologize for, to be ashamed of, or to be obsessed with getting rid of!"

Refusing to see perceived flaws as such, Anna celebrated her figure (at any angle), writing: "This body is strong, can run miles, can lift and squat and push and pull weight around, and it's happy not just because of how it looks, but because of how it feels."

The post which has amassed more than 271,000 likes since its upload yesterday has been inundated with comments from the public.

"I have started to slowly convince myself these things lately and the message you are spreading is both inspiring and important. Thank you and continue on this path," wrote one.

Tagging a friend, another follower wrote: "I love this ! See we don't need to worry about rolls when we bend or sit down! It's how it should be!"

Anna, take a bow.

 

 

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'Riveting', 'powerful', 'stunning'; just three of the words used to describe a short film which has taken social media by storm in the last 24 hours.

Uploaded to YouTube yesterday, Heartbreak, which was written and performed by Emmet Kirwan, tells the story of a young woman who finds herself pregnant and hopeless in modern Ireland.

The seven-minute video, which acts a a platform to highlight gender imbalance in Ireland, was directed by Dave Tynan who recently recalled the first time he heard Emmet perform the piece at the Fringe Festival last year.

"Everyone in that tent felt the power of it and it’s been a privilege to turn it into a film and bring it to a wider audience," he explained.

If you watch nothing else today, watch this.

 

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We're all used to seeing snaps of people before and after considerable weight loss.

Whether they're pulling their (now extra large) waistband away from their stomach or using their (now oversized T-shirt) as a bed sheet, when it comes to social media weight loss is always in… until now.

Deciding to turn the trend on its head, body positive social media star, Arianna Dantone, initiated a brand new trend at the start of the year, and Twitter is officially loving it.

The #GainingWeightIsCool hashtag is Arianna's attempt to highlight the importance of weight gain when it comes to countless people's personal journeys.

Whether it's as a result of muscle development through exercise or during the recovery process of an eating disorder, #GainingWeightIsCool seeks to highlight that in many cases relating to physical and mental health, weight gain is just as worthy of celebration as weight loss.

And we're going to let Twitter take it from here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Living with strangers is tricky.

And unless you're exceptionally fortunate, you will, at some point, find yourself sharing a fridge, a bathroom and a remote control with people you don't know from Adam.

Friends and New Girl would have you believe that this period in your life is something to celebrate, but that's not always the case.

While firm friendships have, indeed, been forged while bitching about a landlord, there's no denying that shacking up with strangers isn't for the fainthearted.

And here are just ten signs you're officially done with the people you live with.

1. The sound of their key in the lock gives you the same sense of dread as the Sunday Night Blues.

Deciding that you'd rather sit in your room (with very, very spotty Wi-Fi access) instead of asking about their day is a sign you need to heave-ho.

"Jesus Christ, it's them. I'm going to have to go to bed at 5pm."

2. Their name flashing up on your phone immediately sparks butterflies (and not in a good way).

Assuming you've done wrong by your flatmate every time they text you is enough to send anyone over the edge.

"It's her! It's probably about the electricity bill! Or the internet bill! Someone get me a gin."

3. Their food touching your food in the fridge makes you irrationally angry.

When the way they store their food begins to impact on your mental wellbeing, you may want to start scouting out new places to live.

"His manky bolognaise is practically molesting my Tupperware. I literally can't live like this."

4. You no longer feel you can have a normal conversation with them.

The sound of their voice in the hall makes you want to abseil out the top window than bump into them.

"If I don't move a muscle, she'll never know I'm up here."

5. Hearing that they're planning a weekend away from the house is your new Christmas morning.

From the moment they drop the news, you begin planning how you'll spend those blissful 48 hours of freedom.

"And what time will you be back, precisely? You know, just curious."

6. You find any opportunity to spend time anywhere other than the place you pay rent.

When staying late at work becomes preferable to a night on your own sofa, you need to start asking yourself some questions.

"I know the office cleaner better than my own roommate, and I'm OK with that."

7. You begin to think they're robbing from you, and the feeling is mutual.

When a level of mistrust develops between you and another person under the same roof, it's only a matter of time before someone bails.

"She thinks I robbed her conditioner, but I KNOW she robbed my dry shampoo."

8. You have to gird yourself before turning the lock in your front door.

You allow yourself a fleeting fantasy where you might find a note from them on the hall table telling you that they've moved out.

"Please don't be home. Please don't be home. Please don't be home."

9. You manage to prepare and cook your dinner in record time these days, just so you can avoid conversation.

Frantically dashing between your bedroom and the kitchen is the only way you move around your house anymore.

"Pretty sure this chicken isn't cooked, but I heard the garden gate swing open."

10. You broach the topic of moving back home a bit too often.

Chats with your mam on the phone have you longing for the days you could live a life devoid of heated exchanges about loud sex, unpaid bills and shampoo theft.

"Have you been missing me because I was thinking…."

 

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Look, there are very few people who don't feel nervous at the prospect of a job interview.

Even if you're confident in your knowledge, experience and skillset, you're still attempting to sell yourself in a pressurised enviroment, and Lord knows that's not always easy.

They say a good CV will get you in the door, but a good interview will get you on the payroll, so preparing for that all-important meeting is absolutely paramount.

If you've recently been called to interview, it's now time to check out our top five tips to overcome nerves and show that interviewer what you're made of.

1. Research the company

Never, ever, ever go into an interview without a clear understanding of the company's goals and objectives.

Trying to bluff your way out of a question about the organisation's history or winging a response on their general aims will be a massive red flag for any interviewer.

You can't be guaranteed they'll always ask, but being able to slip your knowledge in during the conversation will rack up serious Brownie points.

2. Research the interviewer

If you have been given the name of your interviewer, the next step is to check them out on LinkedIn.

Not only will it help you put a face to a name, but it will give you an insight into the values and qualities they rate as both an employee and employer.

And hey, you may have something in common which you can mention if the opportunity arises in the interview.

3. Know your job spec inside out

An interview is your opportunity to show a potential employer that you, put simply, are the solution to their problem.

And the easiest way to do this is by addressing the various aspects of the job spec, and highlighting the various ways you can fulfil them.

Attending an interview without having a clear idea of the role required of you will make for a pretty short interview. ( And not in a good way)

4. Prepare typical responses

Thankfully, most interviews follow a pretty typical pattern which means you can calm your nerves by preparing a list of questions they're likely to ask you.

Do not, however, learn any responses off by heart because – given the pressure of the moment – you may lose track and end up confusing both yourself and your potential employer.

Make some key points around standard questions, and go from there,

Prepare real-life examples

It's become more and more common for employers to ask you to draw on real-life examples in order to bolster and support your claims.

Being asked to provide examples when you don't have any prepared is a nightmare in anyone's language, so make sure you're sorted on this front.

Consider times you solved a problem for a employer or client, or recall incidents where your skillset remedied an issue, and communicate them clearly while allowing your interviewer to ask questions about it.

And finally….

Remember that your interviewer will expect nerves, and will give you time to relax before you get properly started.

Your interviewer wants you to be good because it makes their life easier, so keep that in mind throughout.

Take your time when answering the questions. There is no rush, so don't rap your answers!

Accept a glass of water – you will need it!

Wear an outfit you  feel confident and comfortable in – it matters more than you might think!

Only do what feels natural. Yes, you may have heard that being more animated with your hands makes you look more enthusiastic, but if it distracts you from answering the questions properly then really, what was the point?!

Don’t let changes in the interview set-up throw you. Your knowledge and skills remain the same!

Now, go get 'em, girl.

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Ladies, it's time to gather around for we have some very interesting news to share.

According to those in the know, the decision to go cold turkey on the alcohol front for the first month of the year is actually not as smart a move as many of us have been led to believe.

Putting it simply, Dr. Marc Romano, an addiction specialist at Pompano Beach, Florida's Ocean Breeze Recovery, explained that avoiding alcohol for thirty days is akin to going on a very strict, but short-term diet.

"It's been shown that people who engage in intense short-term diets actually end up putting on more weight when it's all said and done," Dr. Romano said. "And the same logic applies here, for sure."

"It's definitely possible, and probably likely, that anyone doing a Dry January run will probably bounce back even harder once their month is over," he continued. "In reality, there's a much better way to go about this."

While cutting down on drink is not to be discouraged, if you are embarking on a Dry January because you are genuinely worried about your relationship with alcohol, you definitely need to rethink your approach.

"If you are at the point where you need to take a month off drinking, or take stock in your relationship with alcohol, the 'cold turkey' method could present some serious health issues," said Dr Romano.

If you have been drinking at least three or four times a week, your body may react negatively to a sudden period of abstinence.

"Of course, not everyone is going to have seizures if they give up drinking. It all depends on gender, height, weight, frequency of alcohol consumption, all those variables," Dr Romano said.

"But there's really no way to know till it happens. Is that a risk you are willing to take?"

Well, when you put it like that Dr Romano…

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When it comes to winter, the Scandinavians have it nailed.

Embracing the weather, adapting their pastimes and creating a haven fit for a winter queen, our Nordic friends do winter (and everything it throws at them) in style.

But it's not just our friends across the water who have mastered this tricky season.

With Dry January limiting our options right now, many of us have adopted the wholesome attitude to winter which is normally attributed to those stunning Scandinavians.

And here are just six signs you're a complete and utter Fandinavian.

1. Weekends are all about brisk walks right now

During the summer months, you may have found yourself trailing home at 5am after a night on the tiles, but this all changed once winter set in.

These days, your Sunday mornings are dedicated to hearty, healthy breakfasts followed by long walks in the countryside.

"Didn't we see that couple last week too? Have we accidentally made new wholesome friends?!"

2. Your wardrobe is all about comfort

You may have been reared on sensible shoes and bobble hats, but once you started paying for your own clobber, your wardrobe began straining to contain all the glitz and glamour… until winter sets in, that is.

A true Fandinavian knows the importance of a good walking shoe, an insulated jacket and a coffee flask that doesn't crack on its first use.

"Look at your man trying to keep himself warm in that yoke. He needs a good padded gilet, and that's that."

3. Your home decor becomes very important

The moment the clocks go back, you're all about extra cushions, fleecy throws and wood-scented candles.

Creating a cabin-like vibe in your front room is what winter is all about, right?

"I haven't turned on a light since October. These candles are my only man."

4. Cooking becomes more of a pastime than a necessity

Throwing together a stir fry after work was the name of the game in the summer, but winter is a different story entirely.

You'll master homemade soup, and you'll make a fairly good attempt at a hotpot, but you have to admit defeat on Scandinavian-inspired fish dishes.

"I can see where they're coming from in fairness, but we were almost evicted over the smell of that trout."

5. You watch the fire more than the TV

When you spend most of the evening staring at a fire, you'll know the transformation from winter-lover to full-on Fandinavian is accelerating.

Plumping for a book in front of the fire over a binge in front of Netflix is what you're all about these days.

"I can barely see the words over that damn candle flickering, but it's worth it."

6. Evenings spent on the drink require a cosy pub

You may have been all about the nightclubs at the height of summer, but once winter sets in, you need a small pub, a friendly barman and, of course, an open fire.

And if they serve soup and bread alongside your hot port, you won't be leaving until closing.

"When I'm a grown-up, I'm going to open my own tavern."

 

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If you've actively avoided social occasions while on a health kick, you're most definitely not alone.

While we may be able to stay on the straight and narrow for the vast majority of the week, the minute we begin socialising all bets are off.

Whether it comes down to manners or sheer lack of willpower, many of us find it difficult to decline a plate of goodies when pressed upon us by the friend or co-worker hosting us.

But according to new research, the easiest way to curb how much you consume at a party or gathering is by serving yourself, and ensuring you're the only one looking after your food intake.

The findings, which were published in the Journal of Marketing Research, concluded that people ate less unhealthy food when they tasked themselves with filling their own plates.

"We find that when participants are given the choice of whether or not to consume snacks that they perceive as relatively unhealthy, they have a greater inclination to consume these snacks when less (versus more) physical involvement is required to help themselves to the food." study authors Linda Hagen, Aradhna Krishna, and Brent McFerran said.

In other words, if you tell your host that you're good for now and will help yourself in a bit, you'll be less likely to consistently tuck in because, hey, who wants to keep getting up and down from the buffet?

When you accept a plate of unhealthy (but obviously delicious food) you tend to relinquish responsibility, but you don't have to.

“We suggest that this behaviour occurs because being less physically involved in serving one's food allows participants to reject responsibility for unhealthy eating and thus to feel better about themselves following indulgent consumption," the authors added.

Simply put, if you insist that it's your responsibility to keep yourself fed and watered at the next party, you're much less likely to overindulge.

And while that seems to make sense, all we can think about is getting free reign over a buffet…

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According to emerging reports, the lifetime ban which prevented men who have sex with men (MSM) from donating blood to the Irish Blood Transfusion Service has been officially lifted.

It has been established that as of today any man who has had sex with another man in the last 12 months will be allowed to donate as long as they meet specific blood donor selection criteria.

Health Minister Simon Harris has welcomed the news and assured the public that he is confident in the services provided by the IBTS.

"In June of last year, I accepted the recommendations of the Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) to change their blood donation deferral policies for men who have sex with men," he explained.

"The IBTS provides a safe, reliable and robust blood service to the Irish health system and has the necessary programmes and procedures in place to protect both donors and recipients of blood and blood products."

"Furthermore, the IBTS will continue to keep all deferral policies under active review in the light of scientific evidence, emerging infections and international experience."

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the IBTS for its work over the past six months, which today sees these recommendations brought to fruition within the timescale agreed," he added.

Prior to blood donation, the IBTS tests all prospective blood donors for a number of diseases, including HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.

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If ever there was a time to celebrate the wonder that is Ryanir, it's today, ladies.

In an effort to uplift the spirit of our good nation on the most depressing day of the year, Ryanair have announced a sale, but you've got to act fast because it ends at midnight.

Taking to Twitter moments ago, they wrote: "Forget #BlueMonday. We’ve launched a Blue & Yellow Monday sale. Fly from €9.99 & banish the blues."

Commenting on the offer, Ryanair’s Robin Kiely reminded the public if they want in on a spur-of-the-moment holiday, they need to get booking pronto.

"These sale seats are on sale until midnight tonight, Monday, so customers should log on to the Ryanair.com website and banish the winter blues by booking a bargain getaway today.” 

Ladies, we know what we're doing at lunchtime.

 

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If you regularly devour half a chipper before starting in on the contents of the fridge after a night on the booze, it's because… well… you're totally normal.

According to a recent study by the Francis Crick Institute in London, the consumption of alcohol activates a hormone in our brains which is directly linked to appetite.

Using mice as part of their exploration of the theory, researchers injected the creatures with alcohol once a day for three days – a measure which was the human equivalent of two bottles of wine or ten beers.

Researchers quickly realised that the mice which had, essentially, gotten tanked up consumed 25 per cent more food than the sober control group.

Further to this, researchers established that agouti-related protein (AgRP) neurons – proteins linked to their food cycles – experienced an increase in the amount of electrical activity following alcohol consumption.

So, the next time you hoof into the entire kitchen after a night on the beer, console yourself that your body is doing exactly what it should be.

Ahem.
 

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