CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS: The Irish Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (IASBH) is seeking part-time volunteers to help raise funds for its new resource centre.
The centre will provide sporting activities, a drop-in centre, mobility training, social and educational events. The incidence of spina bifida and hydrocephalus in Ireland is among the highest in the world with an average of 75 babies born each year with spina bifida, 80 per cent of whom have hydrocephalus. See www.iasbah.ie
CHILDREN AT PLAY: Children between the ages of four and five spend less than 5 per cent of their waking time partaking in vigorous physical activity, according to a study of rural Irish children. The study, which was reported in the Irish Medical Journal, found that boys of four and five spent about 4 per cent and girls of the same age spent 2 per cent of their time in vigorous activity. Boys, however, spent up to 20 per cent of their time in light physical activity as compared with 16 per cent of girls' time.
The study comes at a time when initiatives to increase physical activities are deemed crucial to tackle rising obesity levels among Irish children.
In recognition of Cork's designation as European Capital of Culture 2005, the Department of Occupational Therapy, University College Cork will host the 4th Occupation UK and Ireland Occupational Science Symposium onSeptember 8th and 9th.
This interdisciplinary symposium, which will explore the theme of 'Culture and Health: An Occupational Perspective', will bring together clinicians, researchers and educators in Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy and those with an interest in understanding and enhancing the health and well-being of people across cultures.
The conference takes place in the new Brookfield Health Sciences Complex, UCC.
Anyone interested in attending should contact Kerry Murphy, Symposium Secretary on 021 4901569. Further information is also available at www.ucc.ie/conf/cultureandhealth.
You can also get further information from: Marie McSweeney, Assistant Press Officer, University College Cork, Tel. 021 4902371; mobile 086 0845182.