CHECK UP

THE Rutland residential addiction treatment centre is holding two lectures on addiction and its effects on individuals and their families in Milltown Park, Ranelagh, Dublin 6 tonight and next Monday night at 7.30 p.m. The first lecture, "Addiction, alcohol and drugs - their role in the destruction of human potential" will be given by Maura Russell, the newly appointed director of the Rutland Centre. The second lecture, "Addiction and the Family - the impact of addiction on family members and their role in mobilising and intervening in the problem" will be given by counselling psychologist and author, Michael Hardiman. Admission is free to both lectures.

NEXT Sunday is World AIDS day and this year's theme is One World, One Hope to emphasise the need for co operation in responding to HIV infection and AIDS.

PSYCHIATRIST and broadcaster, Prof Anthony Clare will address the annual general meeting of AIM Family Services on Sunday next at the Mespil Hotel, Mespil Road, Dublin 4. The meeting begins at 11 a.m. and all are welcome.

INCU BABES, a parent to parent guide for your special care baby, is a new booklet to help parents deal with the trauma of having a premature baby. An informative, sensitively written publication, it includes practical information on the technology of maternity hospital special care units, how to communicate with your baby while he/she is in intensive care and the value of breastmilk for pre term babies. The booklet is available through hospital special care units or by contacting Incu babes on Tel: 01 6265673/8205355.

HOW do you relate to your body? Are you comfortable with its shape and size? How good are you at tuning into your body's needs? These are some of the questions which will be addressed by psychotherapist Catherine Murray at a residential psychodrama workshop next weekend in Newtown House, Doneraile, Co Cork. Cost £125 which includes full board and lodgings. Advanced booking essential: tel: 022 24117.

LINDA Douris from the Mental Health Association of Ireland will discuss ways of coping with stress in the final health talk on tomorrow at 1 p.m. at the Central Library, ILAC Centre, Henry Street, Dublin 1.