Actor Úna Kavanagh of Fair City fame tells Patricia Weston that she gets stressed just thinking about traffic in Dublin
Do you take regular exercise?
I try to exercise when I can. I like to do a spinning class once every fortnight and I have recently joined a gym so I try to do their aerobics classes. However, if I only have a half hour to spare I'll go for a walk in the Phoenix Park because I live beside it. Some weeks I can just fit in a walk and at other times I work out three days a week. It really depends on my schedule, energy and time.
Have you ever sustained a sports injury?
No, nothing serious thankfully but I have had shin splints and pulled a few muscles in my time.
Are you conscious about how you look?
I would be a liar if I said I wasn't but I think like most people you have good days and bad days.
Would you ever consider plastic surgery?
I don't think so. At the moment I feel comfortable the way I am.
Do you eat well?
I try to, but I love lattes and I love chocolate. I always have a little sugary treat because I'm weak, like most people.
What stresses you?
The tail of the Celtic Tiger, as in the traffic all around the city. I think Dublin traffic is insane, and as for the toll on the M50! Actually I better stop because I'm getting stressed just thinking about the hours and days I've lost sitting in traffic.
Do you think exercise is important?
Yes. I think we all should have it in our lives at some level. Find whatever activity suits you and enjoy it.
• Fair City actor Úna Kavanagh co-stars in Focus Theatre's production of Two Rooms by Lee Blessing, which runs at Andrew's Lane Theatre, Dublin 2, July 18th-29th, 8pm. To book call 01-6795720 or log on to: www.andrewslane.com
Patricia Weston recommends:
• Shin splints are a common muscular injury among athletes and those who participate in sports that involve a lot of running and jumping. It is a painful inflammation and tenderness along the shinbone at the front of the lower leg. Try this programme of specific exercises and stretches to help prevent shin splints.
• Walk around the room for four to five minutes putting your weight on your heel at each step and flex your ankle to strengthen the muscles at the front of the lower leg.
• Stand facing a wall using your hands for support. Stretch out the right leg behind and gently press your heel towards the floor. Hold for 40 seconds and repeat on the left leg.
• Stand straight with your arms by your sides and rise up on your toes as far as you can, hold for 20-40 seconds, then roll back on your heels and raise your toes towards the ceiling. Repeat five to six times.
• Always warm up to gently stretch out the muscles before exercise, and cool down and stretch afterwards.
• If you do suffer from shin splints after exercise, use the Rice technique: rest, apply ice to the area for no longer than 12 minutes, compress it by applying a bandage - not too tightly - and elevate the legs.
• Wear shock-absorbent shoes during exercise.
Patricia Weston is an NCEHS fitness instructor, personal trainer and Pilates teacher. pweston@eircom.net
•Consult a physician or qualified healthcare provider before embarking on any exercise regime and stop exercising if you feel nauseous or dizzy.