Each year over the Christmas holidays, about 4,000 children visit the AE department of the Children’s Hospital in Temple Street, Dublin, due to accidents in the home.
Dr Peter Keenan, emergency consultant at the hospital, says parents should be extra vigilant at this time of year. His tips include checking the suitability of toys – particularly keeping tiny toys from Christmas crackers away from small children to prevent choking, guarding open fires and keeping burning candles out of children’s reach.
He also advises parents to secure large new appliances such as televisions correctly and make sure children aren’t standing close to cookers at meal times. (See feature on page 12 – Children to the rescue.)
ESB booklet helps elderly keep well this winter
The ESB, together with other agencies, has issued a booklet called Keep Well This Winter. Aimed at older people, it includes details of the community supports for older people and the warmer homes schemes.
It also has a list of emergency contact and out-of-hours GP numbers throughout Ireland.
Copies of the booklet are available from the ESB on request.
Four-day retreat in west Cork over the new year
The atmospheric Dzogchen Beara Retreat Centre in Allihies, west Cork, is the venue for a four-day retreat over the new year.
Focusing principally on the practice of meditation, the residential retreat offers participants the opportunity to reflect on priorities for the new year.
It costs €300 and is open to everyone. Booking on tel: 027-73032 or e-mail info@dzogchenbeara.org.
Online support for those with eating disorders
The Marino Therapy Centre will host live online chat for those experiencing difficulties with eating disorders over the holiday season.
Therapist Maire Soskova-Campion will be online between 5pm and 7pm on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day to offer support to those in distress.
For more details, see www.marinotherapycentre.com.