Bereavement: St Francis Hospice provides a comprehensive specialist palliative care service serving north Dublin city and county. As part of its services, a new day-care and children's bereavement centre was recently opened by the President of Ireland, Mrs McAleese.
The expanded facilities of the unit provide patients with a place to go for advice and to avail of complementary therapies. Bereavement support is available to relatives and friends through bereavement liturgies, information evenings and a volunteer support service. The new bereavement counselling facility provides space for hospice social work staff to meet with individuals, families and, particularly, bereaved children.
Dementia: New data has shown that blood pressure lowering treatment can reduce the risk of dementia and severe cognitive decline. The PROGRESS study involved 6,105 people with prior stroke from 10 countries. After four years treatment with the drug perindopril, dementia and severe cognitive decline was assessed.
The blood pressure lowering therapy was found to reduce the risk of dementia following recurrent stroke by 34 per cent, the overall risk of severe cognitive decline by 19 per cent and the risk of severe cognitive decline following recurrent stroke by 45 per cent.
Reiki: The hands-on Japanese therapy, Reiki, has grown hugely in popularity in Ireland in the last five years. Although still viewed with caution by many conventional medical doctors, its role in relieving stress and encouraging deep relaxation are recognised.
Mari Hall, an American Reiki teacher, arrives in Ireland next week to give talks, seminars and short training courses in Reiki. These events take place in Spiral Lodge, Dunsany, Dunshaughlin, Co Meath. Contact Miriam Wright on 085-7169811 for details.
Skin cancer: Our disappointing summer weather is driving many people to use sunbeds to achieve a tan. The Irish Cancer Society warns that UV-A and UV-B radiation, the ultraviolet light used in sunbeds, sunlamps and solariums, damages the skin and may lead to an increased risk of developing skin cancer. Freefone 1800-200700 (weekdays 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.) for an information pack on how to avoid skin cancer.
Yoga: Interested in a yoga summer holiday? If so, the week-long course of yoga in Lios Dana, Dingle, Co Kerry, from August 5th to 10th may be for you. Suitable for beginners and experienced yogis alike. Cost €425. Tel: 01- 4553530.
Lifelines is compiled by Dr Muiris Houston and Sylvia Thompson