Compiled by Dr Muiris Houston and Sylvia Thompson
• HEART HOUSE CAMPAIGN The Mater Foundation's Heart Badge Campaign, which runs from February 9th to 22nd, will support the continuing development of the Heart House Project. This facility, located on Eccles Street, Dublin, provides specialised cardiac care for those living with heart disease. In addition to specialist staff training it provides a rehabilitation unit for patients from all over the country.
Funds raised from this year's campaign will go towards the addition of a cardiac screening facility( to ensure early detection and treatment for those at risk of heart disease) and a counselling service for patients and their families. If you would like more information or to join the Heart BadgeTeam please contact The Mater Foundation on 01 8305193.
• DIABETES SOCK There have been many requests for further information on a previous item featured in this column, the Legend Care sock. This new device is designed to help prevent serious foot complications of diabetes and to reduce the need for amputation as a result.
Further details on this product can be obtained from Emer Burton, Legend Care Ltd on 044-34099.
• WEATHER WARNING Over the next couple of weeks we face the prospect of icy roads, frost and plummeting temperatures. This very cold weather represents a particular hazard to older people and those with chronic illness. Where possible check on elderly relatives and neighbours to ensure they are safe, warm and have the necessary supplies in.
The older we get the more we feel the cold, so it is advisable to wear several layers of clothing, even indoors. If you do have to go outdoors wrap up well, making sure to wear a hat and gloves and low heel shoes. Make sure you have enough prescription drugs and food in the house to tide you over a cold snap.
• COMMUNICATION AFTER STROKE Learning how to communicate well with a family member who has suffered a stroke can be extremely difficult. Now, a new evening course organised by the School of Clinical Speech and Language Studies at Trinity College Dublin offers carers, nurses, nurses' assistants and any other people in close contact with adult stroke patients an opportunity to understand and improve communications.
The course runs on Tuesday evenings from 6 p.m. - 7.30 p.m. starting on March 30th. Cost €100. Closing date for applications is February 27th. Tel:01 6082160 or email acreed@tcd.ie