Seminar: "When a loved one is critically ill, how can I support him?" "How can I connect with a parent suffering from dementia?" "Is it possible to resolve my unfinished business after the person has died?" These are some of the difficult questions to be tackled in a public seminar at the weekend, entitled "Facing Death and Finding Hope". The seminar, at the Irish Film Centre, Temple Bar, Dublin, will be led by Christine Longaker, training director of the Rigpa Spiritual Care Education and Training Programme. Admission price for the two-day seminar is £85/ £55 (booking on tel: 027-73032).
Cholesterol: Sixty-one per cent of Irish adults have never had their cholesterol checked, according to a new survey. Only 27 per cent of 25- to 34-year-olds have had their cholesterol levels checked, compared to 61 per cent of 50- to 64-year-olds. Most of those surveyed felt that it was important to know their cholesterol levels because high cholesterol can lead to heart disease. However, almost 80 per cent had no idea what level of cholesterol would be a danger to health.
Women's hearts: Women under 50 are three times more likely than their male peers to die of a heart attack, according to an examination of medical records at 16 hospitals in the United States.
No disparities in the use of cardiac drugs and procedures were found. However, the researchers concluded that factors such as depression, lack of support and stress might put women at greater risk of dying. The younger women in the study may also have had more severe heart attacks. (British Medical Journal)
Breast cancer: The International Breast Cancer Advocacy organisation is holding its inaugural general meeting on Saturday from 12 to 3 p.m. at the Burlington Hotel, Dublin. Speakers include Sylvia Denton, specialist breast care nurse at St Bartholomew's Hospital, London, and Dr Bernadette O'Keefe, deputy chief medical officer, Department of Health. Dr O'Keefe will speak on the state of play regarding the establishment of specialist breast clinics around Ireland. All are welcome and admission is free.
lifelines@irish-times.ie