www.astrehabcentre.ie

If you, or a family member, need rehabilitation due to stroke, aneurysms, road traffic accidents or spinal cord injury, AST Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Centre may be able to help.  To find out exactly what AST could do for you, their new website is a sure place to start.

The new AST website highlights the wide variety of medical problems that their physiotherapy team can treat, especially those associated with neurology, orthopaedics and paediatric disorders. The web site not only facilitates medical professionals and the business sector, but is also geared for families and friends of patients.

New AST Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Centre web site

Adrian Tanzer, Manager Director of the AST Centre spoke about the new site.  “We have been looking forward to the launch of our new web site with great expectations. Many people don’t know where to turn when bad news breaks about a family member suffering from a neurological injury or illness and we are delighted to be able to provide the information that people need in times of crisis.” Adrian went on to note, “Our physiotherapists provide treatments and therapies on an out-patient basis that aims to help patients achieve a higher degree of independence and improved wellbeing. Some of the case studies on the web site make for fascinating viewing, particularly the story of Christopher’s progress  recounted by his father Danny – proving that special  things can and have happened at AST!”

For the medical sector, the services available at AST enable effective out-patient treatment for patients with severe neurological, orthopaedic and paediatrics conditions, such as CP. In addition to helping ease the long waiting lists for physiotherapy treatment in the public health services, their services also helps to relieve pressure on the availability of hospital beds as patients can live at home while receiving treatments.

For businesses, the new AST web site provides details on their Employee Wellness Schemes and Back to Work Schemes. Health Insurance companies will also be interested to see the cost benefits that can be achieved by working with the AST Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Centre.

Adrian spoke about the development of this new site which commenced a few months ago. “Margot Mulcahy of MDMpr was the project manager for the development process and pulled together a great team to get this off the ground – as well as providing all the written content for the web site. Internet Marketing Consultant, Vincent Walshe of WSI  provided his expertise for the design and construction of the web site, as well as the internet marketing strategy, and Michael Lynch, MD of AV3 Productions created our videos.” Adrian went on to note, “Our staff have all played a role in this development with great enthusiasm, and last, but in no way least, I would like to thank our patients, especially Christopher and his family, for their very special contribution to our new web site.”

2012 http://astrehabcentre.ie/  Project management and full content writing

2012 http://www.apexinsurance.ie/ – Content writing for this project

2011 www.titanic.ie  Project managed this development including content writing

2008 http://www.castlelake.ie/  Content writing for this project for Zebedee Marketing

2008 http://www.cobhcalls.com/  Project managed this development including image supply  and content writing.

2007 http://www.eastcorktourism.com/ this regional tourism site has over 500 pages.

2005 http://www.midletonfoodfestival.ie/  Launched the original version of this site (not the current version)

2004 Original East Cork web site of 6 pages

The internet has evolved at an amazing rate over the past ten years and what the future will bring remains to be seen – but it is sure to change rapidly!

MDMpr has been involved in website developments for over 8 years, completing the very first regional tourism site for East Cork in 2004. This was replaced with a newer version in 2007. The work undertaken has been the project management and coordination of the web site construction, from preparing the brief, sourcing suitable IT and internet marketing personnel to writing focused web site content. As time has moved on, trends have changed and some of those trends can be seen visibly from the 2007 South and East Cork web site, to my most recent undertaking, the AST Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Centre.

The spire, Seville Cathedral

Seville Cathedral

The brotherhood march in Seville for Semana Santa

Holy week in Spain is known as ‘Semana Santa’  and this week has seen traditional processions take to the streets all over the country. Seville hosts the most spectacular of these religious events in Spain, with the cathedral at the core of all activities (which is the third largest cathedral in the world)

These are some pictures from the processions last year  to share.

This event  features processions of enormous gilded  ‘pasos‘ that are carried on the heads and shoulders of brotherhood members.

Gilted Paso in Semana Santa Procession in Seville

The Virgin Mary is carried by brotherhood members in the Semana Santa procession.

These  floats depict scenes of the events from the passion or statues of the Virgin Mary, crying tears of blood in her grief.

Some of the sculptures are very elaborate and are considered artistic masterpieces, as well as being culturally and spiritually important.

The processions are organized by  religious brotherhoods. During the processions, members march ahead of  the pasos dressed in penitential robes and hoods – that look similar to those worn by the Klu Klux Clan!

Brotherhood members march in Semana Santa Procession in Seville

Brass band in Semana Santa Parade in Seville

They are often accompanied by brass bands – or just  drums. The atmosphere is extraordinary!

Drummer in Semana Santa Procession in Seville

Other marchers dress  in an array of uniforms, such as Roman Centurions

Roman soldier on parade in Seville

Semana Santa night time procession

Some of these processions are totally silent – an eerie spectacle!

The  route start  from their home churches and travel  to the Cathedral through the city streets, some of which are furnished with stands and seating for spectators. Some of the processions from the suburban areas can take up to 14 hours to return to their home churches.

With a family member living in the city, we were fortunate to view this amazing sight last year.

Semana Santa procession in Seville

As some people say, every business has a story to tell as well as a product to sell. At MDMpr we try to help you tell your story to help you sell your product.

The saying that ‘Every Picture has a story to tell’ is not the whole picture! In fact, the words we use also play a critical role in all promotional activity. These real life stories can be turned into brochures, web sites, newsletters, media releases, social media content and adverts.

Media publications are a fundamental part of the mix in helping businesses to create awareness of their products. When they publish the news and stories we send in about business successes and future plans, it really helps to establish credibility. January and February have seen great local and national media coverage for some of my clients.

 Healy O’Connor Solicitors announce merger with Keane & Company - this story was featured in several newspapers, including the Evening Echo on the 1st February, the Cork News on the  10th February, the Cork Independent on the  14th February and the Irish Examiner on teh 24th February.

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AST Rehabilitaion and Physiotherapy Centre media coverage

Gibbs Pharmacy Celebrate 50 years

Gibbs Pharmacy celebrate 50 years

In the beginning of February, the Apex Insurance Brokers web site  went live. MDMpr, was delighted to work on this project and provided all written content for the site. The development was undertaken by Internet Marketing Consultant, Vincent Walsh, of WSI.

In addition to a full range of insurance products, APEX Insurance Brokers provide specialised products for Landlords Insurance, IT Business Insurance, and Waste Recycling Insurance.

The new web site for APEX Insurance Brokers

MD of APEX, Theo Hoare recommended this work. “Margot worked on our website and following a consultation was able to quickly grasp technical industry jargon and transform this to a well communicated message to our target customers. The work was of excellent quality delivered under tight time constraints. I would highly recommend Margot.” January 30, 2012

As the  last Port of Call of RMS Titanic, a series of events will be taking place in Cobh  throughout the year

March Newsletter for Titanic 100 Cobh

Maurice O’Connor, Shane Healy and Carmel Keane are delighted to announce that Healy O’Connor Solicitors (HOC) have merged with Keane and Co. This brings together a dynamic partnership, that is stronger and more efficient and will provide an even a wider range of expertise for clients seeking astute professionalism and sound legal advice.

Since the official opening of their new offices in Dublin and Cork in the past year, Healy O’Connor Solicitors has gone from strength to strength. Shane Healy commented. “We are not the biggest, so we try harder.” This point has been proved, the HOC workforce has increased from two to six over the past year, with plans to double this next year. “With the new merged entity we foresee a growth forecast of 100% for 2012.”

Job satisfaction plays a major role for the lawyers at HOC. “We represented a client who had already been to several other solicitors and who was facing a catastrophic result in a divorce case.” noted Shane, “On both a personal and professional level it gave us huge satisfaction to see her, against all odds, keep her house where she and her children were facing a precarious future.” Shane went on to note, “In another case, to see a man who couldn’t tell his wife and kids that he had been laid off, triumph in the Employment Appeals Tribunal, makes the practice of law in these difficult times extremely gratifying.”

What sets Healy O’Connor apart in this economic downturn is an ethos of hard work, professional dedication and a commitment to treating all clients equally. In addition, HOC have intentionally specialised in employment law, litigation, debt recovery, liquidations and other growth areas such as gaming. Maurice O’Connor remarked, “We identify with our clients and no matter how big or small, all clients have access to our mobile phones so they can communicate with us without difficulty. Solicitors and their families have not been left untouched by this harrowing recession and we leave no stone unturned to help our clients.”

HOC represent a wide range of clients in areas such as defamation actions, medical negligence and catastrophic brain injury cases. With the new merger, Carmel Keane brings an added dimension to the HOC legal services with increased benefits for clients. Healy O’Connor Solicitors will increase its capacity to deliver in the areas of Transfer of Wealth and Estate Planning. However, what continues to be a huge benefit to clients is the personal and professional commitment of HOC to their clients’ best interests.

Fifty years ago, Gibbs Pharmacy opened its doors for the first time on the Top of the Hill in Cobh. Founded by Harry Gibbs in 1962, the pharmacy quickly became a central part of the community and has continued to play a crucial role in the everyday lives of the locals ever since.

For those who remember Cobh in the late 50’s, the current premises of Gibbs Pharmacy used to be known as ‘Healy’s Sweet Shop’. When Harry senior took over, he totally refurbished the shop to suit the needs of a modern day pharmacy of the time.

The 50^th Celebration will take place on Saturday 4^th February. Top of the Hill Rose, Jane O’Connor, who is going forward to represent Cobh for the Cork Rose of Tralee contest under the guidance of Claire Cullinane, will be there to give the younger customers beauty advice. At 5pm, there will be a special blessing by Father Patrick Relihan. Customers are invited to come along for free raffles (prizes presented by our Cobh Rose), refreshments and canapés between 3pm and 5.30pm.  All are welcome!

Harry Gibbs was originally from Cork and his wife Maureen came from Macroom. The pair met in Macroom, where Harry worked as a druggist (this was the term used for pharmacist’s at the time). Harry went on to work with the Cork Chemical and Drug Company before deciding to open a pharmacy of his own.  When they set up business in Cobh in 1962, Maureen worked alongside Harry as she herself was a qualified chiropodist – many people in Cobh still recall her skills.

Cobh was a busy industrial town in the early 60’s with the Verlome Dock Yard booming and Irish Steel in full swing. There were three pharmacies ‘down town’ with John Wilson, Jasper Wilson’s and Jack Twomey all running successful businesses and working with the local doctors, Dr. Ledley, Dr. Meagher, Dr. Kelly and Dr. McCarthy, many of whom were located at the Top of the Hill.

There are many stories that bring to mind the early days at Gibbs Pharmacy with fond memories. Ann Gibbs told us that Harry senior was renowned for being extremely good with animals. “Old Mr. Gibbs was particular attentive to the local farmers at the back of the island,” noted Ann, “At the time, druggists were permitted to treat animals to a limited degree. However, this did cause a few family problems! At my sister-in-law’s wedding in the late 1960’s, the wedding car was delayed because her Dad had to attend to a sick cow!” Ann also recalls how the pharmacy was a real part of everyday life for the community. “At the time there were no public health nurses, mothers had no way of measuring the growth of their infants. However, we had an old fashioned weighing scale with a Moses basket perched on the top. I would love to know how many Cobh babies sat on that throne!”

The Gibbs family settled into life in Cobh with their children, Declan, Evelyn and Harry junior, and the pharmacy integrated with community life. There were no medical cards or free doctor visits in the early days. As time moved on, Harry’s son Declan decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree (BSc) from UCD, going on to complete his training as a pharmacist at the College of Pharmacy in Shrewsbury Rd. With the advent of the medical card scheme in the early 1970’s, Declan took over the running of the pharmacy.

With the advent of the medical card system there was a radical change in the requirements of a pharmacy. This was when Declan took over the full running of the pharmacy. There was increased business, yet there also a necessity to dispense a huge range of pharmaceutical products that required additional space. The pharmacy was once again refurbished to meet this growing need. (It is interesting to note that Harry Gibbs senior purchased Jasper Wilson’s apothecary cabinet when he closed his shop – still in use at Gibbs Pharmacy today!)

Sadly, Declan Gibbs passed away in 2002 and Ann is now running the business on her own with the support of her sons, Declan and Harry. Ann looks to the future positively and recently refurbished the premises yet again. Gibbs Pharmacy continues to be a pivotal component in the local community’s at the Top of the Hill’s wellbeing – and as always, caring and compassionate.

AST Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Centre recently extended their medical facility at Little Island, increasing capabilities for additional treatments with new ultra modern equipment. The Centre will be holding an Open Day for the public on Saturday, 28th^st January between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. It will be a great opportunity to appreciate the benefits of the AST services and will comprise of a Free Advice Clinic, Mini-treatments and Refreshments.

AST (Another Step Together) is directed and managed by Adrian and Susanne Tanzer and backed up by their highly trained medical staff. They have been providing therapies at Rushbrooke in Cobh since 2005 and have gained worldwide recognition for their standards of excellence. The new centre is located at BAM House in the Euro Business Park. AST provides a full range of physiotherapy and rehabilitation treatments, including neurology, orthopaedics and paediatrics.

The orthopaedic section addresses the needs of clients with back problems, shoulder and neck pain, as well as sports injuries and those recovering from hip and knee replacements, etc. These patients are helped using treatments such as ultrasound, manual and electrotherapy, exercise programmes, soft and deep tissue massage.

Treatments at the AST Centre

This new extension provides extra space for ultra-modern medical equipment, such as Biomechanical Muscle Stimulation, that is geared to address the needs of CP patients and other patients requiring physical and neurological rehabilitation. This can be due to spinal cord and brain injury caused by stroke, aneurisms, road traffic accidents, etc. “When little hope remains and families of neurological patients are at their wit’s end, they should talk to us and we might be able to help,” noted Adrian Tanzer. “The centre has been successful in bringing many patients to a higher level of physical and neural wellbeing than had ever been thought possible their families. Treatments in this section are similar to those provided by the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dun Laoghaire, but on a non-residential basis.”

For younger patients, the paediatric therapies at AST are highly focused on cerebral palsy. CP patients suffer from neurological disorders that can involve brain and nervous system functions such as movement, learning, hearing and seeing. The goal of treatment is to help the child be as independent as possible through occupational, physical and speech therapies.  The paediatric section at AST also provides specialised care for Down syndrome children, with speech and exercise therapies as well as occupational therapy

For further details, contact Adrian at 021 4232318 info@astphysioclinic.com

Irish navy salute to the 123 Titanic passengers who departed from Cobh

On Sunday evening, the 1^st January, a poignant event took place in Cork Harbour to commemorate the 123 passengers who embarked from Cobh to board the Titanic.  The first day of the New Year  heralds the start of a yearlong series of worldwide events that will commemorate her fateful voyage in April 1912.

The Irish Navy launched 123 flares from Spike Island in acknowledgement to the 123 passengers who departed from Cobh. The flares  lit up the sky and whole harbour – an emotive and symbolic scene  for all to witness