Osteoporosis, the bone disease often called "the silent epidemic", affects one in four women and one in 12 men in the Republic. January's National Nutritional Survey found 40 per cent of adults do not get enough calcium from their diets. The Irish Osteoporosis Society (IOS), which recently introduced a "bonewise" logo (see above) that will appear on calcium-rich products, recommends a diet rich in calcium (found in dairy products, beans and broccoli) and vitamin D (found in oily fish, cod liver oil and some green vegetables), and regular weight-bearing exercise (i.e. not swimming) and maintaining a regular hormonal level. The first product to carry the bonewise logo is Squeez fortified orange juice. Phone the IOS on 01-8258159.
Acupuncture is effective for chronic illnesses, according to the British Medical Association (BMA), which carried out a two- year study on complementary medicine. It concludes acupuncture is beneficial in cases where patients take pain-killers long- term, for conditions such as nausea, vomiting, back and dental pain and migraine. Debate continues over its effectiveness on osteoarthritis. The research found it can make patients drowsy, and so driving after a therapy session should be avoided. The BMA recommends that acupuncture be integrated into the National Health Service and taught to medical students. (BBC Health)
Breast cancer kills some 600 women each year in this country, and the Republic ranks ninth in a European league (of 20 countries) on the incidence of cancer. Although more women are developing the disease (about 1,700 a year), fewer are dying from it. Reach to Recovery, a support programme which provides trained volunteers to help women who have recently had a diagnosis, has published a booklet which clearly explains the issues surrounding breast cancer, its treatment and recovery. The Reach to Recovery helpline is open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. (1800-200700).
The Western Health Board has published a new guide to weaning, aimed at helping parents to make informed choices about an infant's diet. The eight-page booklet stresses the importance of variety at a time of rapid growth, when diet has a major influence on a child's health - and has a bearing on adult life. The health board cites recent studies, which have shown that a low level of breast-feeding, early introduction of cow's milk and solid foods, and inappropriate use of drinks may cause nutritional problems for the infant. The booklet is available free through local doctors, public health nurses and dieticians, or directly from the Community Nutrition and Dietetic Service, Department of Public Health, Merlin Park, Galway (091775675 or 091-775582).
Autism, a developmental disorder characterised by social withdrawal and an inability to communicate, is usually diagnosed during the pre-school years, but the disorder begins in infancy. British researchers have compiled a behaviour checklist which may help to identify toddlers at risk for autism. In a study of 16,000 children, the Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (CHAT), a questionnaire which can be used by parents and health workers, correctly identified 38 per cent of children (aged 18 months) who later developed autism, and 32 per cent who developed pervasive developmental disorder. However, the benefits of early diagnosis and treatment remain controversial. (Reuters Health)
You are what you eat, but conflicting advice can be confusing. The frozen food manufacturer, Birds Eye, is running a healthy eating lecture series, in which nutritionists will talk about a balanced diet and how food can improve your health. It takes place tonight at Jury's Hotel, Cork; tomorrow at Castletroy Park Hotel, Castletroy, Co Limerick; Wednesday at the Great Southern Hotel, Eyre Square, Galway. All lectures begin at 7.30 p.m. Admittance is free, by ticket only. Tel: 01-4960244. Fax: 014975163. Email: amy.pilgrim@ogilvy.com