EXERCISE OVER SURGERY: Intense physical exercise has been found to be as beneficial as spinal surgery in the treatment of lower back pain.
A study of 349 patients in 15 hospitals in England and Scotland found that although a few of the patients who underwent surgery had slightly more relief of symptoms compared with those who were given the exercise programme and cognitive behavioural therapy, the results were not significant enough to suggest surgery was more beneficial. Patients in both groups reported less pain and disability and more mobility two years after the trial which was funded by the British Medical Research Council and led by orthopaedic surgeon Mr Jeremy Fairbank.
FOLIC ACID DEBATE: Should some foods be fortified with folic acid? The Food Safety Authority of Ireland wants to hear your views on whether it should make it mandatory for manufacturers to add folic acid to breads and cereals. Currently, food fortification is done on a voluntary basis and the current practice is to encourage women of child-bearing age to ensure they take folic acid supplements. Taking folic acid before conception and in the first three months of pregnancy reduces the risk of having a baby with a neural tube defect such as spina bifida. Have your say by logging on to www.folicacid.ie before June 24th.
STEPPING OUT: ARC house at 65 Eccles St, Dublin offers those diagnosed with cancer and their families a quiet space to reflect and participate in counselling/relaxation sessions. Its sponsored walks this year include a walk on the Famine Way route from Dholough to Louisburgh in Co Mayo from October 7th - 9th and a four-day walk in the Bavarian Alps from September 11th -18th. See www.arcchallenges.com for full details.
LIFE CHOICES: Reality therapy aims to help individuals to make choices to create more satisfying lives. One-week introductory courses run throughout the summer at venues nationwide. Cost €300. Contact the William Glasser Institute of Ireland, The Moorings, Crook Road, Mornington, Co Meath. Tel: 041 9887564 email info@wgii.ie. See also www.wgii.ie.
lifelines@irish-times.ie