Hepcats, the Dublin Hepatitis C support group, is hosting a lecture, Current Concepts in the Treatment of Hepatitis C and Emerging Therapies, by Dr Michael Curry, senior lecturer in hepatology at St Vincent's Hospital, on Saturday, 3 p.m., at the Blessed Sacrament Church Hall, Bachelor's Walk, Dublin 1. email gerrymac2@hotmail.com
For anyone whose hearing is not as good as it used to be, the National Association of Deaf People is offering Hearing Help classes around the country, beginning this autumn. Participants will learn lip-reading skills, how to revitalise the hearing they have, and find out more about technology which can help. For more information, contact Brigid MacSweeney, 35 North Frederick Street, Dublin 1. Tel 01-8723800, fax 01-8723816, email nad@iol.ie, website: www.ihha.ie
Alzheimer's sufferers who take Aricept (donepezil) may be able to function independently for longer, according to the results of a one-year study into the effects of the drug. Researchers found that, although dementia continued to worsen in the group of patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's taking Aricept, they maintained their ability to perform daily activities, such as dressing, eating meals, and enjoying hobbies, for five months longer than the patients taking a placebo. --(Reuters)
Breastfeeding could prevent children from developing asthma and allergies, according to Australian research. The study followed over 2,000 children up to the age of six, and concluded that feeding a baby for the first four months on breast milk alone may help to prevent childhood asthma and allergies. (British Medical Journal)
Losing weight - and then putting it straight back on - is a common complaint. Scientists in the US have discovered a "fat thermostat" (or adipostat) - neurons in the brain which apparently memorise and regulate a person's weight, and can prevent weight loss and even make dieters put lost weight back on. This discovery could lead to medication which can be reset the body's adipostat to a lower level, making weight loss easier and longer-lasting. (Neuron)
Most users of alternative therapies (particularly herbs and dietary supplements) mix them with prescription drugs but do not inform their doctors, US researchers have found. Although there is growing evidence showing that these alternative remedies work, there is concern about side-effects and the herb-drug or vitamin-drug combinations. Side effects of St John's Wort, an anti-depressant, include fatigue and sensitivity to sun, while gingko, used as a memory aid, include increased blood flow, which could be harmful to anyone with clotting problems. (Eureka)
