"TAKE CARE in the sun and be extra careful with young children." That's the message from the Irish Cancer Society, which has just been issued to all those planning to go on holiday either at home or abroad during the summer.
Children's hospitals in Dublin reported a number of children visiting casualty departments due to overexposure to sunshine last year, and the medical director of Hume Street Hospital, Dr Louise Barnes, stated that this was avoidable.
"It is imperative that parents ensure that their children use high protection sunscreens, wear Tshirts and hats with brims when they are playing outdoors, and not just when the sun is very hot, but also on cloudy days. The sun's rays still penetrate through the cloud cover," she added.
The Irish Cancer Society is operating a helpline with advice for the public on the dangers of summer sunshine. The number is freefone 1800 200700.
A RECENTLY launched campaign for cleaning up after dogs in South County Dublin has reported an enthusiastic response from the public.
The Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council campaign comes after the much discussed concerns over danger to children from toxocariasis, a relatively common blindness causing infection which may be present in roundworms carried by dogs, and deposited in their faeces.
The campaign has included signs being erected at the East Pier at Dun Laoghaire, and at Marlay Park, reminding people to clean up after their dogs. And scouts from Ballinteer and Gasoga na Mara will continue to hand out pooper scoopers in these areas.
Superquinn outlets at Blackrock and Baltinteer area stocking the English made scoopers, which are made of paper and card, near their dog food section. A spokesperson at the Blackrock branch said the scoopers were "selling slow but sure. People are amazed to see it there in the supermarket, but are not reacting negatively".
The council invites residents groups to link up with them in battling errant dog owners. Contact (01) 2806961 for information.
NURSES interested in pursuing further courses of study are entitled to apply for the Milton Educational Awards for Nurses, the deadline for which is fast approaching.
Participants should write an essay of 500 words, outlining why they wish to pursue a particular course of study, and how it will benefit them professionally. The courses involved could range from weekend seminars to diplomas in nursing.
The award scheme has a prize fund of £3,000. The winner will be announced in mid September.
Applications must be submitted on an official form, which is available from Milton Education Awards, 11 Lower Hatch Street, Dublin 2 (tel 01 6613188). The official application must be forwarded to that address by Friday week, August 2nd.
A NEW leaflet on the issue of sexual activity after hysterectomy has been published by the Coombe Women's Hospital. Between 2,500 and 3,000 Irish women undergo this operation every year, and a very common concern among them is when the resumption of sex afterwards is safe.
The leaflet is not intended to replace discussion with the doctor or gynaecologist, but may assist a woman to have a better understanding of the issue.
Copies of this leaflet are available to women and the partners of women who have had or are considering having the operation. Send an AS SAE to the Master's Secretary, Coombe Women's Hospital, Dublin 8, for a copy.