Drinking contest: During last year's World Cup, 160 per cent more patients were referred to a Dublin psychiatric clinic than in a comparison period in 2001, according to new research.
Its authors, who point out that alcohol is traditionally associated with a range of social events in Irish society, say their study is evidence that major sporting events trigger increased consumption and altered drinking habits in Irish people.
Staying put
A study in Northern Ireland has found the notion that a "Saturday flit is a short sit" has cost a health board more than €800,000 a year. About 15 per cent of patients refused to be discharged on Saturdays, as they feared they would be readmitted soon after. Although it is thought to have originated in medieval times, the saying still influences decisions about moving house and starting work.
Who do you think you are?
The peacemaker, the reformer, the helper, the motivator, the individualist, the thinker, the loyalist, the enthusiast and the leader are nine fundamental personality types, according to the theory of the enneagram. Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson will lead a workshop this weekend on the enneagram in relationships, at All Hallows College in north Dublin. Tickets cost 195. More details from 01-8393146 or www.enneagraminstitute.com.
A salt charge
Children should consume no more than 6g of salt a day, according to new guidelines from the Food Safety Authority. It says babies under six months should have less than 1g a day, those between seven and 12 months no more than 1g a day, one- to three-year-olds no more than 2g a day, four- to six-year-olds no more than 3g a day, seven- to 10-year-olds no more than 5g a day and 11- to 14-year-olds no more than 6g a day (also the limit for adults). Three-quarters of the salt we eat may come from processed food - a bag of crisps has up to 0.4g - which complicates calculating a child's intake.
Back for good
Inside Out, the journal of the Irish Association of Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapy, is back after four years. You can get it for €5 from specialist bookshops or by e-mailing iahip@indigo.ie