VACCINE BOOST: In a timely reminder of the importance of vaccinating against flu in older people, a recent study from the UK has found mortality rates were lower in those aged 75 and over who had with the influenza jab compared with those who had not been vaccinated.
This held true even outside the influenza period, which the authors say strongly indicates a protective effect for vaccination.
Over the four year and a half years of the study the proportion of deaths attributable to flu during periods of influenza was 13.4 per cent in unvaccinated people compared with 2.2 per cent in vaccinated people. So, if you haven't had it yet, now would be a good time to make an appointment to do so.
INFORMATION ROLE: The Healthcare Informatics Society of Ireland is holding its 9th Annual Conference and Scientific Symposium on November 10th and 11th in the Stillorgan Park Hotel, Dublin. The conference aims to contribute to the development and understanding of information and its associated technologies in the delivery of healthcare in Ireland. For more information or to register on line contact www.hisi.ie
THE WALKING WAY: Brisk walking combined with the use of an abdominal muscle stimulation machine has been found to improve fitness and body appearance in a study at the University of Ulster. The study compared groups of women who took 30 minute walks five times a week with those who carried out the same walks while wearing an electrical muscle stimulating devise.
Results showed that those in the latter group had the greatest decrease in body mass, a reduction in waist and hip measurements and an increase in abdominal muscle strength and endurance.
HEALING YOURSELF: California-based spiritual healer, Eric Pearl will host a "healing session" in the Lucan Spa Hotel, Lucan, Dublin tomorrow at 7 p.m. Pearl, who worked as a chiropractor for 12 years, has a reputation for helping people with a wide variety of serious diseases including chronic fatigue syndrome, malignant tumours and bone conditions. He is author of a number of books including The Reconnection: Heal Others, Heal Yourself (Hay House Publishers). Cost €35. Booking on Tel: 1890 946 466
CHRISTMAS PREPARATION: Now, that Hallowe'en is over, the wind-up to Christmas officially begins. If you feel that you need to prepare yourself for this emotionally-charged time of high expectations, then consider attending a series of Louise Hay workshops. Led by veteran positive-thinker, Manda Talbot-Brady, the first two-hour session in the six-week series begins on Thursday at 7 p.m. in Harmac Counselling Service, Stillorgan Road, Dublin. Cost €25 per session. Tel:086 3432528.
lifelines@irish-times.ie
Lifelines is compiled by Sylvia Thompson and Dr Muiris Houston