In sickness and in health: More than 8,000 married couples aged between 30 and 74 took part in a study which found that the partners of people with asthma, depression and peptic ulcers were 70 per cent more likely to suffer from these diseases themselves.
People with partners suffering from other conditions, such as high blood pressure and hyperlipidaemia (excess cholesterol in the blood), were also more likely to suffer from the same conditions as their spouse. The researchers claim their findings could have implications for screening and treatments. Interventions targeted at couples may prove more effective, and screening spouses for some diseases should be considered, they conclude.
Alcohol in practice: The Irish College of General Practitioners and the Department of Health have launched a Narional Alcohol Awareness Practice study. The aim of the six-month study, which will look at the effictiveness of screening and treatment facilities in general practice, is to allow an estimate of the incidence of alcohol problems within general practice. The study also aims to increase awareness of alcohol problems and promote best practice. International experience suggests that GPs are the most important professionals in dealing with alcohol problems.
Breast checks are best: There is a new breast cancer diagnosis every five hours in the Republic, and Irish women have a one in 13 chance of developing the disease. In this Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Irish Cancer Society is calling for an extension to BreastCheck, the breast cancer screening programme. "Screening can detect breast cancer up to 18 months before it appears as a lump, and so we cannot afford to delay the complete roll-out of this vital national breast-screening programme," says Dr John Kennedy, consultant medical oncologist in the Breast Unit at St James's Hospital, Dublin. The full establishment of 13 specialist breast cancer units in the Republic, would, according to the ICS, reduce the death rate from breast cancer by 20 per cent.
Untying knots: Psychologist and writer Patricia Redlich will give the first of four evening lectures at the Marriage and Relationship Counselling Service offices (38 Upper Fitzwilliam Street, Dublin 2) on Thursday at 8 p.m. Her theme is minimising the fallout following the end of a marriage. Admission €10. Booking on tel: 01-6443906 or e-mail mrcs@eircom.net
Lifelines is compiled by Dr Muiris Houston and Sylvia Thompson