Stories about health
• PAIN RELIEF: The value of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) for the relief of chronic and acute pain will be studied by a new advisory group. This multidisciplinary group, which was launched in Dublin last week, will report on published research and provide treatment guidelines for clinicians. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation is a method of treating pain by passing small electric currents into the sensory nerves by means of electrodes applied to the skin.
The theory is that such electrical impulses stimulates the body to produce endorphins, its own natural painkilling hormones. It is currently used in for chronic pain conditions and during labour.
• FOOD READ: Only 9 per cent of shoppers fully understand food labels, according to a recent survey. In total, 84 per cent of all consumers were concerned about the contents of food products and only 33 per cent felt that labelling was totally believable. The survey also found that E-numbers and additives were the top things people checked for regularly on labels.
• ESSENTIAL DIRECTORY: The 2004-2005 edition of the Irish Medical Directory has just been published. Probably the most valuable contact book for health professionals, the directory includes contact details for hospital staff and services, health boards and State services, specialist clinics and therapy services, patient support organisations, GPs and consultants throughout Ireland. Cost €70. Details on info@imd.ie or 01 4926040 (fax).
• ALEXANDER WAY: Teachers of the Alexander Technique in Britain and Ireland will be giving workshops, lectures and introductory lessons next week to coincide with the centenary of Frederick Matthias Alexander's arrival in Britain. Frank Kennedy, one of five members of the London-based Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique (www.stat.org.uk) in Ireland, will give a free introductory talk at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 15th in the National College of Ireland, Irish Financial Services Centre, Dublin 1. Tel: 01 2882446.
Lifelines is compiled by Sylvia Thompson and Dr Muiris Houston