SUMMER SCHOOL FOR DEAF: From August 29th to September 1st, UCC will host the second summer school for deaf and hard-of-hearing students planning to study at third level.
This initiative is part of the national Deaf Needs Assessment project funded by the Higher Education Authority to increase the numbers of deaf and hard-of-hearing students in third-level education in the Republic. The three-day event will include two deaf/hard-of-hearing students from UCC and TCD relating their experiences. For further information, call 021-4902371 or 086-0845182 or see www.tcd.ie/disability
HERB LINKED TO LIVER DAMAGE: Authorities in the UK and Australia have acted on reports of possible liver damage associated with the herb black cohosh, recommending that products containing it include the following label: "Black cohosh may harm the liver in some individuals. Use under supervision of a healthcare provider".
Black cohosh has a long history of use in many parts of the world and has become increasingly popular as an over-the-counter product for menopausal symptoms. The Irish Institute of Medical Herbalists has pointed out that the incidence of liver reactions with the herb appears to be low, but if people have concerns they are advised to seek expert herbalist advice or discuss the issue with their pharmacist or GP.
RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES PROMOTE HEALTH: Research published in the American Journal of Public Health has shown that retirement communities in the US provide a low-cost approach to healthy ageing. Older people tend to be healthier in communities where the social and physical environment encourages greater activity and promotes well-being. The study indicates that it is these factors and not just medical or social services that keep older people healthy.
ALCOHOL INCREASES INJURY RISK: Researchers have formulated a single question that best identifies college students who have a higher than normal risk of injury because of alcohol. "In a typical week, how many days do you get drunk?" was better at identifying problem drinkers than questions about binge drinking. The researchers found that 54 per cent of students got drunk at least once a week and that this group had a greater chance of being injured at least once during the past year, compared with those who got drunk less frequently. (Academic Emergency Medicine, 2006.)
mhouston@irish-times.ie