Maggots back:
Maggots are increasingly being recognised again as a useful treatment for infected wounds. Welsh researchers have found that maggots may even eradicate methicillin-resistant straphyllococcus aureus. Since 1996, specialist producers in the UK have supplied more than 1.5 million sterile maggots for clinical use.
Type II diabetes: The cholesterol-lowering drug pravastatin may help to reduce the risk of type II diabetes (non-insulin diabetes). This finding emerged from the five-year West of Scotland Coronary Prevention Study, originally designed to establish the effectiveness of the statin drug in reducing cardiac disease. (Circulation)
Migraine:
The genetic factor in migraine will be explored by Dr Michel Ferrari, an associate professor and consultant neurologist from Leiden University Medical Centre, in the Netherlands, at an information seminar on Sunday at 2.30 p.m. at the Royal Dublin Hotel, O'Connell Street, Dublin. Organised by the Migraine Association of Ireland, the lecture will be followed by workshops on migraine management using conventional and complementary medicine. Admission £5. Tel: 01-8724137.
Teen depression:
Up to 10 per cent of 13- to 18-year-olds suffer depression, according to Aware, the depression support group. "Too Young To Be Depressed" is the theme of Prof Carol Fitzpatrick's lecture on Wednesday in St Patrick's Hospital, James's Street, Dublin 8. The lecture begins at 7.15 p.m. Admission free. Tel: 01-6617211.
Complementary health:
"Mind Yourself" is the title of a series of free information sessions on complementary healthcare at the Central Library, ILAC Centre, Henry Street, Dublin over the next three Mondays at 6.30 p.m. Tonight's talk will focus on aromatherapy; next Monday's on reflexology; and Dara Moylan will give an introduction to yoga on Monday, February 26th. Tel: 01-8734333.
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