Lifelines

Child abuse: The Children At Risk in Ireland (CARI) Foundation has introduced a new national helpline number

Child abuse: The Children At Risk in Ireland (CARI) Foundation has introduced a new national helpline number. It is aimed at anyone who needs confidential advice and support if they are concerned about child sexual abuse. CARI's national director, Mary Flaherty, says: "It is vital that there is ease of access for anyone with a concern or suspicion of sexual abuse to talk to someone with specialised training, who will listen to them in confidence and take their concern seriously."

CARI received 2,239 helpline calls on its local helplines in 1999, an increase of 11 per cent from 1998. It has fulltime centres in Dublin and Limerick and satellite therapy services in Tralee, Navan and Cork. The helpline, which operates from Monday to Friday, 9.30 a.m. to 5 p.m., is 1890 924567.

Food for health: The Natural Foods and Healthcare Exhibition will be held next weekend in the Industries Hall, RDS, Dublin with more than 70 stands. Speakers include complementary health practitioner Jan de Vries and food writers John McKenna and Maureen Tatlow. Herbalist Judith Hoad and organic farmer Denis Cotter will give cookery demonstrations. A panel discussion on "Freedom of choice in healthcare - a myth or a reality" will take place on Monday at 2 p.m. Opening hours are 11 a.m.7 p.m. Saturday to Saturday, and Monday, and 12.30 p.m.7 p.m., Sunday. Admission £5.

Fats: Contrary to popular belief, the most dangerous fats are found in margarine, shortenings and heated oils, according to Canadian nutritionist, Udo Erasmus. In his book, Fats that Heal, Fats that Kill, Erasmus claims manufacturing processes such as hydrogenation, refining and deodorising and cooking methods such as frying turn essential fatty acids into trans-fatty acids. These trans-fatty acids have been found to affect our immune system, interfere with blood insulin function and are the strongest known risk factor for heart disease.

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Erasmus is giving three talks in Ireland this week: tonight in the Tara Towers Hotel, Dublin at 8 p.m., tomorrow in the Metropole Hotel, Cork at 7.30 p.m. and on Wednesday at the Gleneagles Hotel, Killarney at 7.30 p.m. Admission £5.

Mental health: Grow is the largest mutual support organisation in the mental health arena. It has a network of 100 groups throughout Ireland and offers support to those leaving psychiatric institutions and attending daycare services, and others with poor mental health. Its 10th annual conference is on Wednesday, November 1st, in the Vienna Woods Hotel, Cork. Speakers include Prof Julian Rappaport, Professor of Psychology at the University of Illinois, RTE Radio producer/presenter Colm Keane, and members of Grow. Tel: 056-23551 for more details.

The Alternative Doctor column has been held over due to pressure on space

Sylvia Thompson

Sylvia Thompson

Sylvia Thompson, a contributor to The Irish Times, writes about health, heritage and the environment