This week’s column looks at the Irish Therapy Managers conference, which takes place this week, immune problems, talks taking place on stress management and holiday jabs.
Time to talk: Managers in chartered physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, clinical nutrition and dietetics and occupational therapy will come together to address the issues which affect all four professions. The aim of the Irish Therapy Managers conference, at the Grand Hotel, Malahide this Thursday and Friday, is to give delegates the opportunity to develop networks, to discuss common issues, to develop an understanding of other therapy professions and gain a greater insight into how to influence the system in order that optimal care can be provided to their clients. For information contact: Niall McLoughlin at 086-819 4842.
Immune problems: Patients with primary immunodeficiency require infusions of the missing cells. At St James's Hospital, Dublin, a home therapy programme for people who have received in- hospital therapy for at least three months has begun. While the success of the programme will be formally assessed after two years, the initial response from patients has been very positive. For further information, contact: Fiona Paologgi, Immunology Home Therapy Nurse, St James's Hospital at 01-453 7941.
Deep breath: Complementary health practitioners will give introductory talks on stress management, reiki and shiatsu in the Central Library, ILAC Centre, Henry Street, Dublin. Rebirthing practitioner Catherine Dowling will teach some deep-breathing techniques this Thursday, at 6.30 p.m. Reiki practitioner and teacher Gemma Phelan will speak about this hands-on healing therapy on June 17th at 6.30 p.m. and Seamus Connolly will introduce shiatsu, a Japanese hands-on therapy, on June 25th at 6.30 p.m. (booking essential only for this talk). Admission free. Tel: 01-8734333. And for those keen to try the Chinese meditative exercises, t'ai chi, there are introductory sessions on Sundays at 11 a.m. on Sandymount Strand, Sandymount, Dublin. No booking required.
Holiday jabs: More than 60 per cent of holidaymakers travelling to "at risk" destinations have not been vaccinated against hepatitis B, according to a new survey. "Many people don't realise that hepatitis B is a highly infectious liver disease which is vaccine preventable. Travel vaccinations protect for up to 10 years and should be received six weeks before travelling," says Dr David Thomas, president of the Irish Society of Travel Medicine. The hepatitis virus is transmitted through sexual contact or blood. Vaccinations are recommended for those travelling outside North America, Western Europe, Australia and New Zealand. See also www.travelvax.net