Genetic Disorder: Haemochromatosis is a common yet under diagnosed disorder in which the body absorbs too much iron.
The vast majority of cases are caused by a genetic mutation and diagnosis can be made by blood and genetic tests. Early symptoms include joint pain, tiredness, loss of sex drive and abdominal pain.
The Irish Haemochromatosis Association is holding its annual general meeting on May 29th at the headquarters of the Irish Blood Transfusion Board in St James's Hospital, Dublin. Speakers are Dr John Lee, consultant gastroenterologist, Sister Fiona Joy, haemochromatosis nurse, and Jackie Turner from the genetics department of Our Lady's Hospital, Crumlin. Tel: 01 8735911 or 01 2922705. See also www.haemochromatosis-ir.com
PATIENTS' ROLE: Cancer patients should be given a role in the search to find new and better treatments for the disease, according to Prof Jessica Corner, professor of cancer and palliative care at the University of Southampton's School of Nursing and Midwifery in Southhampton, England.
Prof Corner leads a research programme aimed at improving the care of people affected by cancer, researching people's experience of cancer treatment and care, and developing new approaches to managing the problems of living with cancer and improving end-of-life care.
YOGA YEARNING: Looking for a blast of yoga practice in a refreshing countryside setting? If so, check out the programme for the Burren Yoga Meditation Centre. Situated in Cappaghmore, Kinvara, Co Galway. The centre offers week and weekend-long residential courses in yoga through June, July and August. Tel: 091 637680. See also www.burrenyoga.com
ASTHMA - THE FULL STORY: Some 70 per cent of people with asthma have persistent asthma for which they require continuous treatment, yet in as much as 90 per cent of these cases the management of the condition is not optimal. Furthermore research reveals 87 per cent of asthmatics don't understand the importance of preventative treatment and only 10 per cent have an action plan for their overall asthma treatment, including emergency care.
These statistics are due to the serious lack of understanding of the condition and its implications in Ireland. In an effort to tackle this information gap and create a greater understanding of asthma, the Asthma Society of Ireland is holding a seminar entitled 'Asthma a Lifetime Condition?' at their AGM on Wednesday May 26th at 6.30pm in Jury's Montrose Hotel, Stillorgan, Co Dublin.