Lifelines

A selection of upcoming health events

Rutland open day offers help  with addiction

Are you concerned about someone’s drinking, drug taking, gambling or struggles with food? If so, the Rutland Centre, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, welcomes you to its open day tomorrow from 9am-5pm.

Based on Knocklyon Road (opposite Superquinn), Dublin 16, the centre offers residential programmes for those with alcohol, drug, gambling or food addictions. See www.rutlandcentre.ie or tel: 01-4946358 for more details.

How to cope with Christmas stress

Christmas is meant to be a time of celebration but for many it is a time of angst, uneasiness and increased stress. PCI College in Dublin is holding a free personal development workshop on life skills for Christmas tomorrow from 7.15pm-9.45pm.

The aim of the workshop is to give support and teach relaxation techniques to help cope with the stress. The centre is in Corrig House, Old Naas Road, Clondalkin. Advanced booking on tel: 01-4642268.

Tips on dealing with depression

Depression in Later Lifeis a new guide offering older people tips on how to cope with depression. The clearly-written booklet explains how to recognise depression and suggests many ways to alleviate it.

These include getting involved in activities, eating healthy meals, doing pre-retirement courses and talking to your GP about possible treatments.

The guide, which is available free in pharmacies and GP surgeries, also contains a list of useful organisations. The depression support group, Aware, can be contacted on 1890-303302.

Marathon task for runners

Two runners are planning to run 32 consecutive marathons in 32 counties in just 32 days.

Starting in July next year, Gerry Duffy and Ken Whitelaw are hoping at least 32 runners will join them in running a marathon in each county.

The pair are looking for those planning to run a full marathon with them to raise €1,000 each. There’s also the option of running a half-marathon.

Proceeds from the event will go to Irish Autism Action. A portion of the monies raised will go to the Irish Cancer Society. For more information, log on to www.32marathons.com.