The most common cause of blindness in people aged 25 to 65 is associated with diabetes - diabetic retinopathy. According to the charity Fight for Sight, almost 200,000 people in Ireland may suffer from diabetes and many of these are undiagnosed. Some 90 per cent of these are at risk of developing this eye disease. Early detection can prevent blindness in the great majority of cases. An eye examination will spot early signs of retinopathy, which can be discerned before there is any threat to the eyesight.
Each year, more than 26,000 Irish couples experience difficulty in conceiving a child. A new helpline offering information and advice for couples has been set up by the J. Marion Sims Clinic, one of the four clinics in the State providing IVF treatment. Phone 01 4975270; Monday/Tuesday 24 p.m. and Wednesday/Thursday 46 p.m.
Pregnant women are being offered a free HIV screening service at the Coombe Hospital. New treatments for pregnant women with HIV mean it may be possible to avoid passing the disease to the child. The service includes counselling by specially-trained midwives.
A blow to the abdomen of a pregnant woman may be a cause of cerebral palsy and epilepsy in new-born babies, according to a US study. The researcher suggested blunt trauma, such as a kick, to the mother's abdomen can be transmitted directly to the head of the foetus. To avoid being kicked accidentally, pregnant women are advised not to pick up a toddler having a tantrum. (Reuters)
Hearing-loss in older women may be related to nutrition, say US scientists. A study of women aged between 60 and 71 found that women with impaired hearing had lower levels of vitamin B12 and folate than those with normal hearing. Further research is needed to determine whether increased levels of B12 and folate can prevent or delay age-related hearing loss. (Eureka)
A potential vaccine for peanut allergy - the most common cause of death from food allergies - has been discovered by US scientists. The number of sufferers of the allergy is increasing and children are particularly at risk. Even a trace of peanut dust can cause severe itching, rashes, stomach problems and sometimes a fatal fall in blood pressure. Pre-immunisation could prevent allergic attacks, most of which are from accidental exposure to peanuts. Pregnant women have been advised not to eat peanuts. (BBC)
More than 4,000 parents called Parentline's helpline in 1998. There was an increase in calls relating to suicide, eating disorders, adoption, depression and physical abuse, and an increase of 12 per cent in calls from men. The helpline number is 018787230 and it operates Monday Friday 10 a.m. - 9.30 p.m.