STROKE PREVENTION: A new booklet, Stroke Prevention - Avoiding a First or Second Stroke, is available free from the Volunteer Stroke Scheme.
It provides practical information to help reduce the risk of stroke and covers areas such as high blood pressure, smoking, diet and exercise. In addition, it explains in a simple and clear way what a stroke is and how it is caused. A copy can be obtained by sending an SAE to the VTS, 249 Crumlin Road, Dublin 12 or by telephoning 01 4559036.
CANCER CONFERENCE: Cancer 2005, the St James's Hospital Cancer Conference, will be held at Dublin Castle on March 31st and April 1st. A collaboration between the Regional Oncology Programme Office and the Health Services Executive, this conference will bring together medical experts from the UK, the US and the Republic, including: Prof Mike Richards, national cancer director, England; Dr Joe Harford, director of international affairs, National Cancer Institute, US; and Prof John Reynolds, professor of surgery, St James's Hospital and TCD. It promises to provide insights into cancer strategies, the role of the public in shaping cancer strategy and new approaches to cancer prevention.
HOLIDAY VACCINATIONS: Less than 50 per cent of Irish people travelling to destinations where vaccinations are recommended are being vaccinated. Two of the most common illnesses, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B, which are easily transmitted through food, drink, poor hygiene and body fluids, are vaccine preventable, according to the Tropical Medical Bureau (TMB). The TMB has set up an online booking system for vaccinations. "Vaccinations should be done at least four to six weeks before travel," according to Dr Graham Fry of the TMB. See www.tmb.ie and www.travelshop.ie
ADDICTION SEMINAR: A little advance notice of an evening seminar organised by the Addiction Research Centre at Trinity College Dublin. Dr Craig Reinarman from the department of sociology, University of California, Santa Cruz, US, will speak on Thursday, April 14th about the merits of basing drug policy on explicit moral principles or keeping it shrouded in political ambiguity. The seminar will be held in the Swift Theatre, Arts Building, TCD from 7.30pm to 9pm. Admission is free but advance booking is necessary on tel: 01 6083647.