Autism video:
Micheβl Martin, the Minister for Health and Children, has launched Share The Moment, a video that aims to help develop the communication skills of those with autism. Produced by Vivienne Foley, a senior speech and language therapist, and facilitated by social worker Angela Quinn, it's the first video of its kind in the Republic. It uses footage of children's interactions with each other and with their parents and staff. It is hoped it will help other parents and professionals to find enjoyable ways to communicate with them.
Epilepsy and pregnancy register:
A significant concern for women of childbearing age with epilepsy is the potential effects of anti-epilepsy drugs on the baby in utero. A new study is being conducted in the Republic to determine which of the drugs used to treat epilepsy are the safest in pregnancy. A register has been set up at Beaumont Hospital in Dublin, supported by a grant from the charity Brain Research. It aims to collect information on the outcome of all pregnancies in women with seizures, whether or not the mother is taking any medication. If you would like to join the register, the information you provide may form the basis of advice to women considering pregnancy in the future. All information is strictly confidential and the results from the study will not be directly linked to individual women. If you would like further information or to register, call 1800-320820.
Fungal drug warning:
The results of a study published in a recent edition of the Lancet suggest a link between the use of itraconazole, a synthetic antifungal agent used for the treatment of local and systemic fungal infections, and a heart condition. Data from the US Food and Drug Administration's adverse event reporting system suggests the use of itraconazole is associated with heart failure. New onset congestive heart failure was noted in 58 patients who were treated with this medication. As a result, the drug's labelling
Energy drink safety:
The Food Standards Agency in Britain has asked the European Commission to investigate the use of medicinal herbs such as ginseng, guarana and echinacea as stimulants and flavourings in energy drinks. Companies may be forced to prove they are using safe amounts, print health warnings on labels and cut the level of potentially risky ingredients, according to a report in the London Independent. The US Food and Drug Administration recently contacted energy-drink manufacturers, requesting them to show that all ingredients are safe for food use.
Try this for size:
An industry that is usually blamed for making women feel bad about their bodies is now trying to help young women with eating disorders. Fashion houses are loaning clothes to the Centre Arthur in Marseilles, part of the French city's university hospital, to use in fashion therapy. The new programme aims to discourage the women from wearing the clothes they wore when they were ill and to teach them to enjoy their appearance by trying on the fashion labels.
Breastfeeding cushion:
Learning the art of breastfeeding is often a difficult task, even for earth-mother types. Incorrect positioning of the baby on the breast can be the root of problems that for some women become insurmountable. Using a nursing cushion will encourage good posture and reduce the weight on the new mother's back, arms and shoulders. The La Couche cushion is one of the few breastfeeding cushions available by mail order in the Republic. With samples available at many maternity hospitals, it is available for £31.75, plus £4 postage and packaging, from Banana Leaf (phone 049-4371023 or 049-4371024).
lifelines@irish-times.ie