Lifelines

A pink ribbon will be worn by many in October to show support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Ribbons and a "guide to breast examination" bookmark can be collected at Estee Lauder, Clinique, Prescriptives, Aramis and Origins counters in outlets throughout the Republic. Early detection is the best defence against breast cancer, which affects one woman in 12. The risk, which increases with age, is greater for women who have one or more female relatives who have had breast cancer before menopause. For further information, contact the Irish Cancer Helpline Freefone 1800 200 700.

Another cuppa or a handful of Brussels sprouts? There's not much difference according to some health experts, who believe tea may have greater anti-oxidant power (to release the power of vitamins in the body) than most fruit and vegetables. They estimate that drinking just one cup is equivalent to eating one portion of vegetables. Meanwhile, a Dutch study suggests drinking five cups a day could cut the risk of stroke by up to 70 per cent, while a US study found a daily cuppa makes it easier to conceive. (PA)

An estimated 140,000 people in Ireland have diabetes - but half of them do not know it yet. Free diabetes tests are available at the National Ploughing Championships in Ferns, Co Wexford this week. Although early diagnosis is essential to prevent severe complications such as kidney failure, strokes and heart attacks, there is an average of seven years between the onset of diabetes and diagnosis.

The simple three-minute test, from medically-qualified staff, is available from Tuesday to Thursday in the Lions Club stand, No 56, row C.

Alzheimer's is the fourth largest killer in the Western world, after cancer, heart disease and stroke. Alzheimer's, which is a disease and not a normal part of ageing, can occur in people as young as 35.

A significant number of the 33,000 sufferers in Ireland are under 65 and it is estimated the total number of sufferers could double by the middle of the next century. The Alzheimer Society of Ireland is having an open day on Saturday, 2-4.30 p.m. at the Day Care Centre, St Paul's Swimming Pool, Sybil Hill Road, Raheny.