SUNSCREEN LABELS: The European Commission has launched an initiative to improve the labelling of sunscreen products. The idea is to enable consumers to compare UV protection levels with the standardisation of information on products across EU states
. The initiative aims to remove from labels claims such as sunblocker which give the impression of total protection. Another aim is to ensure that labels have to have clear instructions regarding how to use sunscreen properly. See also http://ec/europa and eu/enterprise/cosmetics/sunscreens
MEN-ONLY COURSES: Detox programmes for men only will start at the Cloona Health Centre in Westport, Co Mayo this summer. Owner Dhara Kelly, who has been running detox programmes for 30 years at Cloona, says it is filling the new demand for men-only courses. The five-day courses run from June 11th-16th and September 10th-15th. Cost €690 per course. See also www.cloona.ie for more details. Tel: 098-25251.
MOBILE TESTING: A leading health insurer and functional food manufacturer have come together to offer free blood pressure and cholesterol testing in a touring mobile heart health screening unit. Members of the public who avail of the screening from a Bupa Ireland nurse will also get a guide to heart health. See www.floraproactiv.ie for dates and venues.
SHOWTIME: Shadowbox will perform Industrial Yarns, a new play based on the writings of older people in the community and set against the backdrop of Ireland in the 1960s.
It focuses on working life, most especially the women who formed the fabric and backbone of economic life in small towns around Ireland at that time, according to the organisers.
The first performances are in the Civic Theatre Tallaght on May 24th and 25th at 8pm. There will also be one performance in Mermaid on June 9th at 8pm. The rest of the performances take place in eight residential and day centres in the Dublin mid-Leinster region.
HAEMOCHROMATOSIS AGM: The annual general meeting of the Irish Haemochromatosis Association takes place on Saturday at the Irish Blood Transfusion Service, St James Street at noon.
Guest speakers include Prof John Crowe, consultant gastroenterologist, Mater Hospital, Dublin, and Annette O'Shea and Paula Butler, Young Scientist Exhibition Prize winners who will present their project. A member of the association will tell how he was diagnosed.
The talks will be followed by a question and answer session. The talk will be preceded by a business meeting for nurses and medical professionals, which is not open to the public. For details, ring Rosaleen Mc Court, Irish Haemochromatosis Association, on 086 8463068.
Lifelines is compiled by Sylvia Thompson