A round-up of today's other stories in brief
ABOUT ALZHEIMER'S:
Primary and secondary schools throughout Ireland are being encouraged to support a non-uniform day this Friday in aid of the Alzheimer Society of Ireland.
Participating schools in Alzheimer Hero Day will receive an educational pack on Alzheimer's disease, including a lesson and supplemental teaching notes. The aim of Alzheimer Hero Day is to educate children and young people, many of whom may already be affected by dementia.
"By teaching children what is happening with dementia, our aim to is to empower children to become part of the care solution," said a spokeswoman from the Alzheimer Society of Ireland.
Schools interested in participating can contact: 1800 719820 or www.alzheimer.ie
Meanwhile, a study has revealed that a diet high in fat and low in carbohydrates could help combat the development of Alzheimer's disease.
Scientists used mice engineered to suffer from Alzheimer's to test the effects of a high-fat, low-carb diet - called a "ketogenic diet".
The report, published in the journal Nutrition and Metabolism, appears to show the opposite to previous studies suggesting that fat has a negative effect on Alzheimer's.
TOBACCO FERTILITY LINK: Men who smoke are significantly less likely to be able to father a child, research has shown. It was long been known that tobacco can cause fertility problems for both men and women, and this fact has been used in awareness campaigns to encourage people to quit the habit.
Now a new US study - funded by cigarette giant Philip Morris' external research programme - has shown that the sperm of smokers is more likely to fail fertility tests in the lab.
The team from the University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, found that sperm from nearly two-thirds of chronic smokers in the study failed a special test to measure the ability of sperm to fertilise an egg.
They found that, on average, these men had a 75 per cent reduction in fertilising ability compared to non-smokers.
The results of the study were presented yesterday at the American Society of Reproductive Medicine annual meeting in Montreal.
OSTEOPOROSIS CONFERENCE: This year's Irish Osteoporosis Conference will be told that exercise and diet can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis and related fractures. The Minister for Health, Ms Harney will join internationally-renowned physicians in addressing the conference, which takes place on Saturday, October 22nd at the Conrad Hotel, Dublin.
Prof Moira O'Brien, President of the Irish Osteoporosis Society will also give a public lecture on Thursday at the same venue at 8pm to mark World Osteoporosis Day 2005. This year's theme is the role of diet and exercise. Osteoporosis strikes one in three women over 50 and one in five men worldwide.
PAIN RELIEF: More than 450,000 people live with long-term pain in Ireland, according to the Irish Chronic Pain Association. As part of European Week against Pain, the association will host information stands for the public in some of the major Dublin hospitals throughout this week.
In addition, the ICPA will conduct four self-help workshops this week with further workshops due to take place in Belfast, Waterford and Cork on November 22nd, 23rd and 24th respectively. For more information, contact the Irish Chronic Pain Association at: 01 804 567
WORKING DOWN UNDER: The first Working Down Under exhibition, targeting healthcare workers interested in working in Australia and New Zealand, opens at the RDS, Dublin on Saturday and Sunday. More than 40 exhibitors, including government bodies and recruitment agencies will supply visitors to the exhibition with information on opportunities and visa requirements.
According to the organisers, medical workers are in demand in New Zealand and Australia, in particular, doctors, nurses, midvives and physiotherapists. A seminar on Medical Careers Down Under, will be presented both days at 11am. The exhibition is open from 10am to 5pm and tickets are €10 at door or on: www.workingdownunder.com
THE PATIENT'S JOURNEY: Dentists play a key role in the diagnosis of oral cancers, with almost two-thirds of all oral cancers identified by dentists. The Royal College of Surgeons will host a conference on October 27th and 28th entitled: Oral Cancer - The Patient's Journey. Recent research has shown an increase in the incidence of oral cancers in Ireland, particularly among young women.
The conference aims to improve dentists' understanding of oral cancer, its management and so enhance delivery of care and support for patients and their families.