Asthma affects over 270,000 people in Ireland. Half of these are adult sufferers. The Asthma Society of Ireland is hosting a public forum for adults with asthma in the Education Centre, Tallaght Hospital, Dublin 24 on Saturday next (10 a.m. - 1 p.m.; adm free). The society's annual Asthma Information Day takes place on Saturday, October 7th from 12 noon to 4 p.m., RDS Concert Hall, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4. Admission: £5 per family, £2 adults, £1 children. Asthma Helpline: 1850445464.
The Irish Mind Medicine Academy is hosting a two-day seminar for those interested in improving their heart health. The seminar draws on the cardiac wellness programme at the Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Boston, where the approach includes a comprehensive stress management course and detailed analysis on lifestyle, diet, exercise and communications. (Oct 7th and 8th, Education and Research Centre, St Vincent's Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin. Cost: £95 Tel: 01-2353057).
The Bodywhys support groups for people with eating disorders and their families have altered their monthly meeting dates. The support group for people with eating disorders will meet on the first Wednesday of each month, starting on October 4th, while the support group for both sufferers and family members or friends will meet on the third Wednesday of each month, starting on October 18th. (Friends Meeting House, 4-5 Eustace St, Dublin 2, 7.30 p.m. - 9.30 p.m.; helpline 012835126)
Doctors and nurses have been urged to do more to ensure expectant fathers are able to play a greater role in the birth of their child. A recent study carried out by the National Childbirth Trust in the UK found that one in three fathers of newborn babies feels ignored and unsupported by health professionals. Fathers said they would have liked more information on mood swings in pregnancy, what to expect during labour and how to cope with a mother's post-natal depression. However, more than one-third said that they attended no more than one ante-natal class. (BBC Health News)
