Benefits of stable relationships: Poor and unstable interpersonal relationships can lead to mental health problems just as the development of stable interpersonal relationships can bring people back to mental health.
So said Prof Hugh McKenna, Dean of the faculty of life and health science at the University of Ulster's third annual mental health conference last week. "What patients need most in the midst of this healthcare maze are sensitive and caring healthcare professionals willing to enter into interpersonal relationships that foster hope and prevent hopelessness," he said.
Salt risks: Reducing children's salt intake by half results in immediate falls in blood pressure, according to a review study published this month in the journal Hypertension. Previous studies have suggested that significant reductions in systolic blood pressure across a population would confer more benefit than all of the blood pressure treatment tablets that are being prescribed. Reducing children's salt intake could also lead to major reductions in the risk of developing stroke, heart attacks and heart failure in later life. See also www.actiononsalt.org.uk
Lung cancer threat: Seventy per cent of European patients with lung cancer never regarded cancer as a threat prior to learning of their condition. The results of this pan-European public and patient survey were published to coincide with Lung Cancer Awareness Month which runs in November. A public meeting on lung cancer will be held on November 13th at 7pm in the Westin Hotel, Dublin. Admission is free with advance booking on 01-618 8454. For advice on quitting smoking, callsave 1850 201 203. See also www.cancer.ie
Information series: Haemochromatosis is a genetic condition which results in excessive absorption and storage of iron in various body organs. If untreated, it can lead to heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, diabetes and other conditions. A series of haemochromatosis information meetings will be held in Sligo, Tipperary, Wexford, Cavan and in Limerick during November and December. See www.haemochromatosis-ir.com