Be breast aware: In an effort to make more women breast aware and promote the breast-awareness code, Action Breast Cancer is planning a nationwide roadshow next month that will visit locations across the country.
Breast care nurses will give free information and advice on all aspects of breast awareness and breast cancer. Free evening information sessions will also take place, with experts speaking about breast awareness, breast clinics and diet and exercise. For further information on locations and activities taking place during breast cancer awareness month, contact Action Breast Cancer on its free helpline, 1800-309040.
Understanding heart disease
The Cardiomyopathy Support Group holds two information meetings a year to promote understanding of cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle, and the importance of screening close family when the condition is diagnosed. Its next information day is at the Gresham Hotel in Dublin from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday November 1st. For further details contact the Irish Heart Foundation at 01-6685001 or click on News & Events at www.irishheart.ie.
Terry Fox run
Terry Fox was a Canadian who, following a diagnosis of bone cancer and amputation of his leg, ran across Canada to raise funds for cancer research. Following his death, in 1981, the Terry Fox Run was established. It is now the world's largest single-day fund-raiser for cancer research. The Irish Cancer Society organises an annual Terry Fox run at venues throughout the Republic. This year it's on October 19th. For more information call 1850-606060.
Give blood
Ireland needs more than 150,000 blood donations every year to meet hospital demand. This week the Irish Blood Transfusion Service is collecting blood at venues throughout the country. If you would like to donate blood call 1850-731137, to find your nearest blood-donation clinic.
Explaining homeopathy
Many people have never heard of homeopathy or believe it to be a collective term for all things natural in medicine. Friday is homeopathy awareness day, and members of the Irish Society of Homeopaths will be on hand to explain the origins and practice of homeopathy and how homeopathic remedies are chosen and prepared. See www.irishsocietyof homeopaths.com or call 091-565040 for details of shopping centres, pharmacies and health stores that homeopaths will be visiting.
Migraine research
Beaumont Hospital's migraine clinic is seeking volunteers for its headache research projects. Applicants must suffer from chronic daily headaches or migraine, be aged between 18 and 65, not be taking daily preventative treatment for headaches and otherwise be in good health. If you meet these criteria and are interested in taking part call 01-8093354. This week, incidentally, is migraine action week. The Migraine Association of Ireland's helpline number, if you'd like information or advice, is 1850-200378.
Surviving SARS
Researchers in Canada, a hot spot for severe acute respiratory syndrome over the past year, believe the disease has a milder effect on children than it does on adults. Only 14 of Toronto's 247 probable cases were under 12 years old, according to Ari Bitnun of the city's Hospital for Sick Children. The 14 recovered quickly and without the need for respirators even though the disease can last for months in adults. Doctors believe the children's "naive" immune systems may be the key to their fast return to health, as their bodies did not fight the SARS virus.