Back pain: Some 40 per cent of Northern Ireland farmers and members of their families reported that they had experienced back pain during the previous 12 months, when questioned for a survey.
This included 18 per cent who had suffered pain during the previous week. The prevalence rate was highest, at 45 per cent, among those aged 35 to 64. For those aged under 34 and those aged 65 or over, the prevalence of back pain was in the region of 30 per cent.
The Art of Medicine: A collaboration between the Mayo General Hospital Art Group and the Irish Museum of Modern Art has resulted in the exhibition of artworks at Castlebar hospital. Using works in a wide variety of media by artists from the Republic and abroad, the exhibition aims to show art that is thoughtful and stimulating and will lead viewers to question and re-affirm their values and beliefs. The exhibition runs until January 3rd, 2003.
Bodywhys online: Bodywhys, the support group for sufferers of anorexia and bulimia nervosa, has recently launched an Internet-based service called bodywhysConnect in which group sessions will take place at designated times under the supervision of trained facilitators. Participants (who must be over 16) will have to register in advance and receive a password to join in discussions. More details on www.bodywhys.ie or e-mail: info@bodywhys.ie The Bodywhys helpline is open on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m.; Tuesdays and Fridays from 12.30 p.m. to 2.30 p.m. and on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon. Tel. 01-2835126.
Breathe easy: The Buteyko Method is a breathing technique developed by a Russian doctor, Konstantine Buteyko, as a treatment for asthma, emphysema, panic attacks and other ailments. Prof Buteyko's research concluded that chronic hyperventilation (over-breathing) causes many diseases by reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the blood. A reduced amount of carbon dioxide prevented sufficient oxygenation of the tissues and vital organs. Dr Natalia Lapa, a Buteyko practitioner in England, will lead a four-day workshop in the Buteyko Method in Killarney, Co Kerry, from Friday to Monday next. Contact Feargal Tobin at the Chiro Centre on 064-33192 for more details.
Lifelines is compiled by Dr Muiris Houston and Sylvia Thompson
lifelines@irish-times.ie