Irish Women - Living Longer is the title of a free public information day aimed at providing women aged 50 and over with an understanding of common health risks. Topics covered will include osteoporosis, breast cancer, heart disease and how to get the best out of your GP. There is also an opportunity to assess your own health risks. At the RDS on Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tickets can be requested from the Lilly Women's Health Bureau (01-6789333)
Smoking harms sperm quality - and men who smoke also have lower sex drives and less frequent sex, according to researchers in the US. Smokers in the study reported having sex 5.7 times a month, compared to non-smokers who had sex 11.6 times a month. Non-smoking couples also reported greater satisfaction with their sex lives, giving it 8.7 on a scale of zero to 10 in contrast to smoking couples, who gave it a 5.2 rate. (Reuters)
Almost 1,700 women in the Republic will develop breast cancer this year, although nine out of 10 lumps found are harmless. Studies show early detection can save lives, yet many women do not know how to carry out a breast self-examination. As part of international breast cancer awareness month, specialist nurses will be available in Boots stores around the country, including October 7th, 8th and 15th in Dublin's Jervis Centre. Contact your local store for details.
The risk is high at this time of year for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) which is the leading cause of hospitalisation and illness in premature babies and infants with lung disease. RSV causes an infection in the lungs and is the leading cause of pneumonia and bronchiolitis in infants. Symptoms at first seem like a cold, but then develop into wheezing and difficulty in breathing. A new treatment (a monoclonal antibody), which significantly reduces hospitalisation and illness in children at risk, has recently been licensed in Ireland.
"Don't let asthma slow you down," is the message of the Asthma Association of Ireland, which is holding an information day on Saturday. Areas covered include exercise, children, asthma triggers, the latest inhaler devices, recent advances in treatment and how to create a model low-dust bedroom. At the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham, from noon to 4 p.m. Admission: families £5, adults £2. Medical card/concessions £1 off. More information from the Asthma Line on 1850-445464.
High cholesterol levels may be a risk factor for preeclampsia, a condition of pregnancy which affects thousands of women and can be fatal. It also increases the risk of premature labour and C-section delivery. One quarter of the women with preeclampsia in the study had elevated cholesterol levels. (Eureka)
smarriott@irish-times.ie
