Effects of cannabis useA recent study has found that long-term cannabis use is associated with memory impairment that persists beyond the period of use. The study also found that the impairment deteriorated with increasing years of regular cannabis use.
Long-term cannabis use was defined as the use of cannabis once a week for at least three years.
An Australian study found that 25 per cent of a surveyed 1,490 adolescents had used cannabis. The authors found that there was no gender difference, but use increased with age and was associated with living with a lone parent. Levels of depression and behavioural problems were found to be higher in those adolescents who used cannabis.
Irish survey on sexual abuse
The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre commissioned the Health Services Research Centre at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland to undertake a national survey of sexual abuse and violence. The Sexual Abuse and Violence in Ireland Report will be presented at a conference to be held in Dublin Castle on Friday. Booking: tel: 01-2898533; fax: 01-2898817; e-mail: cclark@indigo.ie
Helping to beat child poverty
Supplementary income support for children should not be dependent on the children's parents being unemployed, says John Sweeney, lecturer in the Education Department, St Patrick's College, Dublin. Studies in Canada, Britain and Australia have found that such supplementary income supports can help to lift children out of child poverty. Sweeney is one of the speakers at Ending Child Poverty - Making the Commitment Real, a conference on April 25th in the Royal Dublin Hotel, Dublin. Admission free. Contact the Children's Rights Alliance (01-4054823) for more information.
Complementary therapies
As the debate on the efficacy of complementary therapies continues, a review of articles in nursing journals carried out by nurse/lecturer, Dónal P. O'Mathúna from the Mount Carmel College of Nursing, in Columbus, Ohio, provides some interesting food for thought.
Following his comprehensive review, O'Mathúna concluded that reviews of herbal remedies in nursing journals are evidence-based and of good quality, but reviews of other complementary therapies, such as touch, homeopathy and energy-based therapies, have many inaccuracies and do not contribute to evidence-based practice.
Health over the weekend
Yoga Therapy Ireland is hosting a Complementary Healthcare weekend on April 27th/28th in the Marino Institute, Griffith Avenue, Dublin. Speakers include Dr Seán Collins, a psychotherapist with a special interest in behavioural medicine; Seamus Lynch, an expert in Indian head massage; Susan Bradshaw, an aromatherapist; and t'ai chi teachers Patricia and Alexander Gibbs. Yoga sessions will run throughout the weekend. Cost €110/90 (non-members/ members). Tel: 01-2352120.
- Lifelines is compiled by Dr Muiris Houston and Sylvia Thompson