• EU SUNBED WARNING: Solariums and sunbed-makers should provide skin cancer warnings with their products and place limits on their usage time, according to EU Scientists. The EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Products has warned that anyone who is prone to sunburn, has freckles or multiple moles or a family history of skin cancer should steer clear of sunbeds altogether. People under 18 are particularly at risk of developing melanoma.
• ROSEHIP PAIN RELIEF: A herbal supplement derived from rosehips has been found to reduce pain in osteoarthritis patients. The study of 94 patients in Copenhagen, Denmark found that 82 per cent of patients experienced a reduction in pain in the knee or hip after three weeks of taking the supplement. Consultant rheumatologist Dr Rod Hughes says the study suggests that rosehip extract offers potential relief from pain for osteoarthritis sufferers without the side effects that are often found with conventional anti-inflammatory drugs or pain killers. See www.arthritis-foundation.com for more details.
• LEARNING KINDNESS: Opening the Heart is the title of a special meditation residential retreat in Esker House, Athenry, Co Galway on July 21st-23rd. "This retreat is an excellent opportunity to deepen our capacity for kindness," says Marjo Oosterhoff, the teacher of the Passaddhi Meditation Centre in Adrigole, Beara, Co Cork who will lead the retreat. Cost €165. Booking on tel: 091 844549.
• SUMMER SPORTS: Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has an impressive summer exercise programme that should have other local authorities sitting up and taking note. The programme includes outdoor lunchtime yoga for beginners in the People's Park, Dún Laoghaire (July 18-20th and 25th-27th at 1.15pm-2.15pm, €5 per class) and an American multi-sport camp with tag rugby football, baseball and Olympic handball in various venues. Contact the Sports Development Officer at Dún Laoghaire County Hall for full programme details. Tel: 01 2054878.
• ABUSE AND DEPRESSION: Colm O'Gorman, director of One in Four, the support organisation for those who have experienced sexual abuse, will look at the possible link between depression and sexual abuse in the next lecture in the Aware Monthly Lecture Series. The lecture takes place tomorrow at 7.30pm in the Swift Lecture Theatre, St Patrick's Hospital, James's Street, Dublin. Admission is free and all are welcome.
sthompson@irish-times.ie