Women with physical disabilities are up to five times less likely to receive preventative healthcare than other women, according to researchers in Los Angeles.
Reporting their findings in the British Medical Journal, the researchers found that women with "severe mobility impairments" were five times less likely to have cervical smears, three times less likely to have breast examinations and three times less likely to have mammographies. The authors suggest the women should be considered a vulnerable population for receipt of breast examinations, mammographies and cervical smear tests.
Dystonia support
Dystonia is a little-known neurological disorder that affects up to 3,000 Irish people. Often misdiagnosed at first, it is caused by a genetic deficiency. Dystonia is characterised by involuntary muscle contractions that force parts of the body into abnormal and sometimes painful movements and postures. More information from Dystonia Ireland (01-4922514).
Healing music
The first of three seminars to look at the role of music therapy in healthcare takes place on Saturday, at the University of Limerick, organised by Dr Jane Edwards, director of the MA in music therapy at the university's Irish World Music Centre. As part of the series, music therapists working with sick children and children with learning disabilities will discuss their work. More details from Dr Edwards (061-213122).
Milk monitors
Ireland has the lowest breastfeeding rate in Europe. The theme of the annual conference of the La Leche League of Ireland, on Saturday and Sunday in the Westport Woods Hotel, Westport, Co Mayo, is how we can become a breastfeeding-friendly community. Contact Margaret McGuigan at 047-80922 for booking details.
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