Health Board

Stretching class:Psychocalesthenics (Pcals) is a series of 23 stretching movements and breathing exercises which energise the body and mind. Declan Rothwell, a registered Pcals teacher, will give an introductory class on Saturday, February 2nd from 10am-4.30pm (registration from 9.30am) in the Marine Hotel, Sutton Cross, Dublin 13. Cost €100 (€70 for those repeating the course).

Advance booking with Declan Rothwell on tel: 087-6880865 or email: declanrothwell@gmail.com.

Amateur orchestra:Newpark Music Centre is inviting older adults from the Dublin/East Wicklow area to join in an adult amateur orchestra. Those interested can go along to an open evening on Monday, February 4th at 7pm in Newpark Music Centre, Newtownpark Avenue, Blackrock. Once up and running, the orchestra will perform in residential, daycare and other community settings. For more details, tel: 01-2883740.

Mindfulness course: An eight-week training course in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy begins on Tuesday, February 5th at the Mindfulness Clinic, Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin 2. Run by psychotherapist Gerry Cunningham, the course fee of €250 includes CDs, a one-day retreat and copy of Mindfulness Living in a Frantic World. See mindfulpsychology.orgor tel: 087-7989301.

Migraine intervention: NUI Galway PhD student and sports psychologist Niamh Flynn is looking for migraine sufferers who are willing to partake in a free online hypnosis intervention.

Flynn has successfully treated people with migraine using hypnosis. See promigraine.comor contact her at the Galway Clinic on tel: 091-720145 for more details.

Secondary cancers:The Irish Cancer Society will facilitate a new six-month support programme for those recently diagnosed with secondary cancers (ie when the primary cancer has spread to another part of the body). Meetings will be held in the Irish Cancer Society headquarters in Ballsbridge, Dublin, starting in March. Sessions will look at treatment options and their side effects, diet, mindfulness, reflexology and mutual support. Contact Deirdre Murphy on tel: 01-2310500 for more details.