LOCAL SUPPORT SOUGHT: Psoriasis sufferers should organise themselves into local support groups, according to Caroline Irwin, chairwoman of the Psoriasis Association of Ireland.
"The psychological and emotional effects on sufferers are often ignored. It's a very lonely disease for people to deal with," she said.
The association has launched a website - www.psoriasisireland.ie.
Psoriasis is a non-contagious, non-infectious skin condition which appears as raised red dull patches on any part of the skin but most commonly on the knees, elbows and the scalp.
SCOOTER WARNING: The Irish Medicines Board has advised all owners of one model of battery-powered scooters, the Sungift 500, to stop using them.
Stockists of the scooters, which are used by those with impaired mobility, have also been asked to stop selling them and remove them from stock, following an accident in Norway.
See www.medicaldevices.ie for full details.
NUT-FREE RANGE: The Irish Anaphylaxis Campaign has welcomed the introduction of a nut-free range of foods by supermarket chain Superquinn.
The range is branded It's Nut Free and includes biscuits and cakes.
For further information, log on to www.itsnutfree.com
REAL MEN: The All-Ireland Gay Health Forum will take place on June 29th in Dublin Castle.
Organised by the HSE's Gay Men's Health Project, this year's theme, REAL men - representation, empowerment, assessment and location, "continues to highlight the realities of the lives of gay and bisexual men in Ireland", according to the organisers.
There is no fee but places are limited and assigned on a first register basis. Tel: 01-669 9553 for further information.
HEALING BIRTH: The loss of soul encountered by many women due to our modern medicalised way of birth will be the theme of a workshop on Saturday, led by psychotherapist Benig Mauger.
The one-day Healing Birth workshop will take place in the Teachers Club, Parnell Square and costs €95. Tel: 01 4970501 or see www.soul-connections.com for more details.