Diary dates and other newscompiled by SYLVIA THOMPSON.
HSE booklets on underage drinking
Straight Talk - a guide for parents on teenage drinkingand Less is Moreare the titles of new booklets on teen drinking from the HSE.
Underage drinking is a risk factor for heavy drinking later in life and starting to drink in mid-teens increases the risk of alcohol dependence in later life, according to the HSE. The booklets are part of a wider campaign to delay the age at which teenagers start drinking alcohol and are available at www.hse.ie or on the Infoline 1850-241 850.
Talks on cardiac death in the young
The Sudden Cardiac Death (in the young) Support Group is holding an information day on June 6th from 10am in the Celtic Suite, Croke Park, Co Dublin. Aimed at parents and friends who have lost young people to sudden cardiac death, there will be talks from a cardiologist and pathologist. E-mail: info@scdyoung.ie. The Irish Heart Foundation helpline is 1890-432 787.
Learn how to cook healthily
Interested in learning how to bake bread and cook wholesome meals? If so, consider attending a course entitled Learn how to live the good life from July 21st to 25th in the Organic Centre, Rossinver, Co Leitrim. Now in its fifth year, the course features sessions on growing vegetables, fruit and herbs. Cost €690 (not including accommodation). Tel: 071-985 4338 or e-mail info@theorganiccentre.ie.
Free health screening
Visitors to the Bloom gardening festival in the Phoenix Park from May 30th to June 2nd can avail of health information and testing from Pfizer. Most tests are free, but there is a charge of €20 for tests which identify cardiovascular risk factors. The health information area will also include cooking demonstrations and talks from the Irish Cancer Society, the Alzheimer's Society of Ireland and Age Action Ireland.
Irish medical directory
The Irish Medical Directory2008-2009 has just been published. A database of GPs, practice nurses, pharmacies, paramedical clinics, hospital specialities and consultants and the HSE, the directory can be ordered online at www.imd.ie, via e-mail at info@imd.ie, or by fax on 01-492 6040.