CHECK UP

. "REAL men get heart disease - you may be one" is the theme of this year's Irish Heart Week which begins today.

There will be information stands and blood pressure checks in towns throughout the country, aimed specifically at young men, to encourage them to be more aware of the need to look after their health.

. Australian clinical psychologist and author, Dr Dorothy Rowe, will give a public lecture on Depression and Happiness tonight at 8 p.m. in the O'Reilly Hall, UCD, Dublin 4. Dr Rowe has written many books on depression, the most recent of which is Dorothy Rowe's Guide to Life (Harper Collins, £17.99 sterling).

. Between four and five per scent of the population suffers from speech, language or communication difficulties. Next Thursday, speech and language therapists throughout the country will be available to answer queries on speech and language problems in children and adults. The National Helpline number, which will be operated from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. on Thursday, is: 1 800 44 44 66.

. A sponsored walk on the Northern Cross extension (at Finglas) of the M50 goes ahead next Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to raise funds for the children's ward in Beaumont Hospital. Everyone, from strollers to more competitive walkers, is invited to join in. Tel: 01-8377755 ext. 2161 for more information.

. The Irish Diabetic Association is holding its annual general meeting on Sunday next from 2.30 p.m. in the Gresham Hotel, O'Connell Street, Dublin 1. Speakers include Dr John Devlin, Department of Health and Dr Margaret Griffin, Mater Hospital.

. The Irish Lymphodoema Support Network is holding an open day on Saturday from 12 noon at the Irish Cancer Society, 5 Northumberland Road, Dublin 4. Social worker Tom Norton will discuss Stress Management and Wellness.

. "Africa and China: contrasting health traditions", is a lecture by Dr Michael O'Toole, Department of Pharmacognosy, Trinity College Dublin tonight in Room 3126, Arts Block, TCD at 7.30 p.m. Admission £3.

. "Fighting heart disease: exercise, diet and relaxation" is a public lecture by Joseph Fitzpatrick, regional manager of the Irish Heart Foundation in the Central Library, ILAC Centre, Henry Street, Dublin 1 tomorrow at 1 p.m. Admission free.