Health board

The Meningitis Trust has developed a handbook to help teachers recognise and act on the signs and symptoms of meningitis and associated septicaemia. Children and teenagers are most at risk of getting this life-threatening disease, which can be caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. See meningitis-trust.ie or call the 24-hour nurse helpline on tel: 1800-523196.

The Multiple Sclerosis Society, MS Ireland, is holding the country’s first mud run on Saturday to raise funds. Everyone from first-time runners to serious athletes are invited to run or walk the 5km off-road driving course in Mondello Park, Naas, Co Kildare. See ms-society.ie for more details.

A series of consultation meetings between Junior Minister Áine Brady and older people on the National Positive Ageing Strategy go ahead next month.

Co-ordinated by the “Older and Bolder” campaign, the meetings will look at future policies, programmes and services for the elderly. See olderandbolder.ie or tel: 01-8783623 for dates and venues.

The Asthma Society has just launched new online videos with advice and information on all aspects of asthma and allergies. See asthmasociety.ie

Cancer survivor and author Bernadette Bohan (below) is holding a wellness course from Friday until Sunday at the Grove Health Spa, Shanballymore, Mallow, Co Cork. Booking on tel: 022-25518 or grovehealthspa.ie

COMPILED BY SYLVIA THOMPSON