Health board

** Pharmacists are asking people to be careful about mixing alcohol with medicines or herbal remedies over the Christmas period.

“Some medicines can increase the effect of alcohol on the body, while alcohol can worsen side effects such as drowsiness, impaired judgment or loss of co-ordination and nausea, vomiting and headaches,” says Darragh O’Loughlin, the president of the Irish Pharmaceutical Union.

Alcohol can also make some medicines less effective, harmful or toxic. Check with your pharmacist regarding specific prescription and non-prescription drugs.

** Eating healthily can be tricky over Christmas, but following a few simple tips can help to prevent the post-holiday battle of the bulge. Including soups, herbal teas, porridge with berries, fresh or stewed fruit, smoothies and plenty of water in your diet will help your digestive system to cope with rich festive foods.

** The EU has just launched a European-wide patient website. It has detailed information on topics including rare diseases, organ donation, flu vaccination, patient safety, use of antibiotics, mental health and cancer. See ec.europa.eu/health- eu/europe_for_patients. For other facts and figures on healthcare, see ec.europa. eu/health/reports/European

** Connect is a free, confidential telephone- based counselling and support service for adults who were abused in childhood. Professionally trained counsellors will be available to speak to people every evening from tomorrow until January 2nd, 6pm-10pm. Tel: 1800 477 477 or see connectcounselling.ie

** Iceberg is an online support service for people who suffer from eating disorders, run by Marie Campion from the Marino Therapy Centre. Online support will be available on Christmas Day, 6pm-8pm on eating disordersselfhelp.com