ENCEPHALITIS SUPPORT: The Encephalitis Society of Ireland is a support group set up by two survivors to help improve the quality of life of those directly and indirectly affected by the life-threatening disease encephalitis.
The society hopes its website, www.encephalitisireland.ie, will raise awareness of the illness and encourage more scientific research. The site will also provide details of meetings.
Encephalitis means inflammation of the brain. It can strike at any age and is usually the result of a viral infection. Encephalitis can occur from a virus attacking the brain directly or because an infection outside the brain triggers the body's immune system to attack the brain. Around six in every 100,000 people in Ireland will contract the illness. The viruses responsible are measles, chicken pox, influenza, tummy bugs and the cold sore virus.
HEALTHY DIABETICS: Healthy Living is the theme of the autumn public meeting of the Dún Laoghaire branch of the Diabetes Federation of Ireland. Maeve Moran, dietician in St Vincent's Hospital, Dublin, and physiotherapist Sharon Kelly will speak at the meeting on Thursday, November 17th at 8pm in the Tara Towers Hotel, Merrion Road, Dublin. Admission is free.
MIGRAINE AND TEENAGERS: Secondary schools throughout Ireland will receive free copies of Migraine and Teenagers - the essential guide this month. Developed by the Migraine Association of Ireland, the guide explains ways in which children with migraine can try to avoid migraine triggers at school. It also gives teachers guidelines on what to do if a student gets a migraine attack at school and how such students can be accommodated during State examinations. Copies are available by calling 1850 200 378 or on www.migraine.ie
DEPRESSED STUDENTS: One in 13 Irish college students are depressed, according to recent figures. First and second year students are more likely to ignore and do nothing about their depression. A new leaflet and series of talks called Mind Yourselves aims to promote mental health in third-level colleges. Suggestions include changing your energy levels by going out more, dropping negative self-talk and sharing your feelings. The depression support group, Aware, can be contacted on tel: 1890 303 302. The Samaritans can be contacted on tel: 1850 60 90 90.