Online and in the shops: Skin Awareness Week

Skin alert: Skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis affect up to one third of the Irish population.

The colder weather and indoor heating can dry and irritate sensitive skin, causing flare-ups at this time of year. This week is Skin Awareness Week, culminating in Skin Awareness Day tomorrow in St Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre (Top Floor) from 10am to 4.30pm. Organised by the Irish Skin Foundation, there will be talks, lectures and workshops on a range of skin conditions, all of which are free.

* For further details visit: www.irishskinfoundation.ie

Coping with grief: Benji and Jackie Bennett’s son, Adam, aged 4, died suddenly of a brain tumour in Aug 2007. To help Benji through his grief, keep Adam’s memory alive and spread a very important message of the importance of love, laughter and play in the family, he wrote his first book Before You Sleep, supporting Barretstown. The award-winning author has just launched the 7th book in the series, When You Were Born, with proceeds to the Laura Lynn Foundation. When You Were Born, €9.99, is available from bookstores, Dunnes Stores and www.adamscloud.com

Beating itches: Irish website Econatural specialise in natural products for the relief of dry skin conditions and recommend ScratchSleeves to help babies and children stop scratching itchy skin. Available in sizes 0-3 months to 5.6 years, prices from €10.50. Econatural also recommend Aalgo Seaweed Powder, €14 and the Salcura range for the treatment of irritated skin. For more details see www.econatural.ie

New Monopoly: If you have rarely managed to finish a game of Monopoly with your kids, this year’s new shorter version might just rekindle their interest in family board games. Monopoly Empire, €23.99, features 22 leading brands, aimed at younger players, age 8+.

Check out monopoly.com or www.facebook.com/Monopoly