Compiled by Dr Muiris Houston and Sylvia Thompson
HEARING LOSS: Can Your Baby Hear You? is a new service aimed at detecting hearing loss in young children and babies. Developed by public health nurses in the Northern Area Health Board, it is the first of its kind in the Republic. About 70 per cent of childhood deafness can be identified by parents, and the programme aims to help parents in the assessment of their child's hearing ability.
CHAMPIONSHIP REFERRALS: Half of those screened at the recent National Ploughing Championships required immediate referral to see their GP. The free service identified problems of raised blood pressure or high cholesterol in 50 per cent of the individuals who came forward voluntarily for the health screening. See also www.irishheart.ie for preventative healthcare advice and strategies.
CONTROLLING ASTHMA: Asthma Total Control Week begins on Sunday. During the week, information stands in shopping centres in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Waterford and Galway will enable asthmatics to assess their asthma control and get advice from a respiratory nurse. For more information on asthma, visit www.asthmasociety.ie or phone the asthma line on 1850 44 54 64.
ME INDICATORS: Sedentary children have a higher risk of developing chronic fatigue syndrome in later life than children who regularly play sport in their spare time, new research has found. Chronic fatigue syndrome or myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is a common disabling condition characterised by persistent unexplained fatigue that imposes a considerable burden on families and the health services.
Its causes remain unclear, but previous studies have implicated a range of risk factors, including parental illness, childhood psychological distress, academic ability and high levels of exercise. The study involved 16,567 babies born in 1970. "Contrary to previous suggestions that high levels of exercise increase risk, the most sedentary children were found to be at greatest risk, adding further weight to current public health efforts to promote healthy exercise and reduce sedentary behaviour among children," the authors conclude.