The Europe Against Cancer Campaign 1998, on the theme Men and Cancer, is being launched today at the European Commission offices in Dawson Street, Dublin. It aims to increase men's awareness of the importance of the prevention and early detection of cancer.
The key messages are to consult your doctor if you develop any of the following symptoms: difficulty in passing urine; blood in the urine; your stomach or bowels are giving you problems; one of your testicles has developed a lump; your cough will not clear up; something is wrong with your throat; you've discovered a new lump on your body; or a mole has changed in size or colour.
The Irish Cancer Society offers to deliver lectures or seminars in workplaces, community groups, hospitals, health centres or schools on men's cancers. The organisation has set up a freephone helpline for men who wish to discuss prevention, detection or recovery from men's cancers. Dial: 1800 200 700.
Quarter of a million Irish people suffer from asthma - and while the causes are the subject of medical controversy, experts agree that much needless suffering can be avoided by having correct and up-to-date information. The Asthma Information Day, next Saturday, aims to provide just that - with stands on asthma in children, women and over 50s. Nurses will demonstrate the latest inhaler devices and doctors will give advice on leading an active life with asthma. For everything you wanted to know about asthma, head to the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham in Dublin from 12-4 p.m. or ring the Asthma Line: 1850 445464.
Depressed by the thought of a cold dark winter? Help may be at hand - with the "sunshine herb", St John's Wort (available from most health food stores). Until recently, the only treatment for SAD (seasonal affective disorder) was to take anti-depressants or to spend two hours a day in front of a light-box. However, SAD sufferers in a recent UK trial found taking three Kira St John's Wort tablets a day resulted in a decrease of nearly 40 per cent in the severity of their symptoms of depression, lethargy and loss of libido. Or you could just buy Viagra and book that holiday in the Bahamas.
Discover more about female health issues in the Positively Healthy public lecture series beginning in the Coombe Women's Hospital tomorrow. The first talk, by Dr Noreen Gleeson, is Preventing Gynaecological Cancers. The other October lectures are HRT and the Menopause (13th), Promoting Urinary Continence (20th), and A Woman's Diet (27th). All lectures are free and begin at 8 p.m. in the hospital conference centre. Also at the Coombe, a new cervical screening clinic is to be held each Tuesday 5.30-8.30 p.m. (but women must be referred by a doctor).
Lesbian, gay and bisexual helplines in Ireland received approximately 14,000 calls last year. To mark the first Coming Out Day next Saturday, the 14 helplines will open for 24 hours from midnight on Friday. For details of local helplines, tel 018721717 in the Republic or 0870-6082030 in Northern Ireland.