Sick children visiting their GPs are usually distracted by playing with the toys in the waiting rooms. Children who are ill, possibly with infectious conditions, are likely to handle the toys or put them in their mouths.
Time to give teddy the boot
Another child is therefore potentially exposed to bugs that could cause them to become ill. Research from New Zealand into bacteria in toys has confirmed that waiting-room toys are a potential source of cross infection. Soft toys were found to have a higher bacterial count and were harder to clean. Hard toys were found to be less contaminated, easier to clean and did not recontaminate as rapidly as soft toys. The message is that it's probably best for children to bring their own toys.
Child's play
Children in Hospital Ireland is looking for volunteers to join its play teams in children's hospitals, units and wards. The group organises play times for child patients and supports their parents before, during and after the child's stay. They are hosting an introductory training programme for new volunteers over a series of four Wednesday mornings, starting this week, at 10.15 a.m., in Carmichael House, North Brunswick Street, Dublin 7. More details from Claire Connaughton at 01-8780448.
Shocking news
Only 4 per cent of people who have heart attacks outside hospital will survive. Research indicates that the use of defibrillation in the three minutes following the cardiac arrest can bring survival rates up to 70 per cent. Defibrillators give the heart a controlled electric shock, forcing the heart muscles to contract. The heart then restarts, with its intrinsic pacemaker bringing it to a regular rhythm. The Republic's first public-access defibrillators have just been installed at Blanchardstown shopping centre. In the US and some other European countries, public-access defibrillation is recognised as one of the most effective ways of saving lives after a heart attack. It is hoped other retail and leisure centres will follow suit.
No place like home
One in five children requiring heart surgery was flown overseas last year for the operation. Of 400 children who had heart surgery, the Department of Health and Children sent 44 to Britain and 33 to the United States. With waiting lists of up to six months for surgery here, many more children will have to travel abroad this year. Heart Children Ireland, a support group for families of children with congenital heart defects, is calling on the Government to provide the necessary facilities here. Operating theatres promised in January 1998 will not be ready until 2005, and additional consultants recommended in March 1999 have yet to be appointed, according to the charity, which provides financial assistance for parents who have to travel abroad with their children. Its annual street fund-raising campaign takes place on Friday and Saturday. Contact it at 1850-217017, or see www.heartchildren.ie
What causes glue ear?
Glue ear, a frequent cause of deafness in children, could be a result of gastric reflux - which results in stomach proteins accumulating in the middle ear via the Eustachian tube - according to British research. Glue ear is common in children after middle-ear infections, when mucus builds up. It is a particular problem for infants, partly because they spend so much time lying down. There are thought to be several causes, including bacterial and viral infection, allergy and the presence of stomach acid (and the enzyme pepsin) as a result of gastric reflux. The researchers believe anti-reflux treatment could therefore prevent some cases.
Compiled by Muiris Houston and Sylvia Thompson
lifelines@irish-times.ie