The Irish Timescovers other health matters
Calls for more stop-smoking services
As recent figures show that one in four Irish people over 18 smokes, experts point to the need for more stop- smoking services and public information campaigns.
The regular six-week stop- smoking course, run by the Department of Preventative Medicine and Health Promotion at St Vincent's Hospital, Dublin, has a good track record of helping smokers quit.
The next course starts tonight at 7pm. More details on e-mail f.conlon@svh.ie or tel: 01-2214958.
Hair mineral analysis seminar
Modern diets are often lacking in essential nutrients, causing imbalances in the body's mineral levels.
Zinc, for example, affects male fertility and selenium is believed to play a role in cancer prevention.
Mineral Check, a British company that analyses mineral status from hair samples, will give a seminar on hair mineral analysis today at 3pm in the Mount Herbert Hotel, Ballsbridge. Tickets €15.
Listowel Food Fair begins
The 14th annual Listowel Food Fair in Co Kerry begins on Thursday with a health and wellbeing day for school children and their parents.
Later on Thursday, food scientist and medical doctor Prof Patrick Wall and dietitian Aveen Bannon will lead a nutrition and healthy eating seminar.
Other events include awards presentation for the farmhouse cheese maker of the year and home baker of the year, a slow food winter supper evening and pizza- making workshop for children.
For full details, see www.listowelfoodfair.com or tel: 068 23433.
Meditation retreat on friendliness
A non-residential meditation retreat focusing on the capacity for friendliness and non-contentiousness towards ourselves and others will be held at the Oscailt Integrative Centre, Pembroke Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin on Saturday and Sunday next.
It will be led by meditation teacher Marjo Oosterhoff. Cost €160. Booking on tel: 01-6603872.
Meanwhile, in Cork, a workshop in Qi Gong, a form of gentle exercise based on traditional Chinese medicine principles, is on Saturday and Sunday next at Bru Colombanas, Wilton.
More details on 086-1732473 or www.qigongireland.com