Homeopathic remedies - often used to improve the quality of life of children with asthma - are no better than placebo pills, according to new research. The findings are based on a study of 93 five- to 15-year- olds who use inhalers.
The half given homeopathic remedies as well over a year did no better than the half given dummy remedies.
Feet first
Conventional boots and sports shoes, with smooth insoles, mask vital sensory cues to the soles of the feet. Air cushions or gel cells to absorb shock only make matters worse, according to researchers who have designed textured insoles for players from the Australian women's soccer team. They hope to reduce foot and ankle injuries.
Tackling dyspraxia
About one in 20 people may suffer from dyspraxia, a condition that results in poor co-ordination, speech and writing difficulties, or both. Dr Amanda Kirby, mother of a son with dyspraxia and author of Dyspraxia: The Hidden Handicap, will address the annual conference of the Dyspraxia Association on Saturday. The conference runs from 9.15 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. in Callan Hall, South Campus, Maynooth College, Co Kildare. Admission is 60. More details from 01-2957125.
Coping with lymphoedema
Blockage of the lymph drainage channels results in a swelling of the tissues commonly known as lymphoedema. This condition often arises following surgery, particularly for cancer. Treatment options and self-help strategies will be discussed at the Irish Lymphoedema Support Network's annual open day on Saturday, at noon in the education centre of St Luke's Hospital, Highfield Road, Rathgar, Dublin.
Resistance movement
Misuse is contributing to antibiotic resistance, according to a survey of patients at a GP's surgery in Cork. Almost 60 per cent of them had failed to complete a course of antibiotics; almost 40 per cent confessed to keeping a semi-completed course for the later use of themselves or somebody else. A third admitted they would not consistently follow the dosage.
Lifelines is compiled by Dr Muiris Houston and Sylvia Thompson
lifelines@irish-times.ie