The Republic has the lowest rate of breastfeeding in Europe - 30 per cent - partly because the current maternity leave does not allow for the necessary four-month period, according to a report, New Mothers at Work, based on research carried out for the Employment Equality Agency. La Leche League of Ireland, which supports breastfeeding, is holding its annual conference on April 1st and 2nd at the Great Northern Hotel in Bundoran, Co Donegal. Topics covered will include "Breastfeeding Begins before Birth", "Postnatal Depression", "Responsible Parenting", and "The BMA Code Report: How Babyfood Companies Put Profit before Infant Health in Ireland". One person for two days costs £25, a couple, £35. One day for one person costs £20, a couple, £25. To book, tel: 01-2807402.
A Vegan diet can lead to vitamin deficiencies, which could result in irreversible loss of eyesight. A French research team which studied the case of a strict vegan suffering from progressive visual loss, found deficiencies in zinc, selenium and vitamins A, C, D, and E, and advises vegans to take supplements, particularly vitamin B12. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Silicone breast implants do not cause connective-tissue or autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, according to an independent panel of experts, who reviewed previous research for a US judge presiding over several cases involving breast implants. However, the panel found that women with these implants were more likely to have the autoimmune disorder, Sjogren's syndrome, and a 1997 study found that about 95 per cent of silicone breast implants break within 20 years of being implanted. (Reuters)
The Irish Lymphoedema Support Network is compiling a database of people suffering from the condition, a painful swelling in the limbs which may develop after treatment for breast cancer. Contact the Irish Cancer Society (01- 6681855). Further information is available at the network's open day (which has as guest speaker, a founder member of the UK's support network) on Saturday April 1st at noon, at the Montrose Hotel, Stillorgan Road, Dublin 4.
A magic "diet dust" could soon be available to sprinkle onto food, to encourage people suffering from obesity to eat less, according to the UK forecasting organisation, Foresight. Chemicals contained in this "mood food" would send messages to the brain, improving the mood of the diner and preventing them from gorging. Other ideas include intelligent foods which decide for themselves when they will be digested, to avoid weight gain, and additives which prevent fat and sugar being absorbed. (BBC Health)
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