Health board

Meditation teacher John Doherty will lead a residential retreat in the Bobbio Retreat Centre, Maheramore, Co Wicklow, from December 29th to Jan 2nd. The retreat will be a mixture of mindfulness, silence and meditation in the mornings, walks, rest, healthy food, ritual and movement. Healing and bodywork with Maria Jesus Lopez will be available at a reduced cost during the retreat. On New Year’s Eve, there will be a ritual for letting go of 2011 and visioning for 2012. Cost is €525 for a single room and €445 for sharing a room with one other. Call or text 086-0887277 or see thebeehive.ie

The Irish Medicines Board (IMB) has issued a guide to the maintenance of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) that will be of interest to sports clubs, gyms, community groups, shopping centres, schools and businesses that have an AED on their premises. The free guide is available at imb.ie. Printed copies can also be requested at tel: 01-6764971.

The Dyspraxia Association of Ireland is holding an art auction in aid of services for children and adolescents with this hidden disability. John De Vere will be the auctioneer for the event on Thursday, December 15th at 15 St Stephen’s Green (below Little Dublin Museum), from 6.30-9.30pm. The following artists have donated: Robert Ballagh, Graham Knuttel, Jonathan Knuttel, Steven Lawlor, John Moore, Mark O’Neill,Marja van Kampen and David Nolan. among others.

An award scheme that celebrates clear writing on healthcare is currently seeking entries from journalists and healthcare workers. Entry categories include Best Health Communication through Journalism, Best Project in General Practice, Best Project in a Hospital, Best Project in the Community or in a Social Setting and Best Health Promotion Project.

The closing date for entries in the Crystal Clear MSD Health Literacy Awards is noon, Friday, January 27th. See healthliteracy.ie