Lifelines

In line for a bursary?

In line for a bursary?

If you are a primary-care worker you could benefit from a bursary awarded by the Fiona Bradley Foundation. The charity, which is managed by Trinity College in Dublin, was established in memory of Dr Fiona Bradley, a GP with a passionate interest in providing the best medical care for those suffering from physical and social deprivation. Its travel and education bursaries are for attending conferences or courses, visiting other countries to examine their healthcare systems or taking part in similar projects. You have until July 14th to apply for an award, which is worth up to . You can download an application form from www.tcd.ie/ Community_Health/Special.html or contact Deirdre Handy, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Trinity College Centre for Health Sciences, Adelaide & Meath Hospital, Tallaght, Dublin 24, 01-6082293, dhandy@tcd.ie.

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Lousy myths

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The British Medical Journal has dispelled some of the myths about head lice. It says that head lice on clothing or furniture cannot infect you, that cutting hair or tying it back is not helpful and that banning children with nits from school is ineffective. Head lice are probably more common in girls because girls are more likely to have close contact during play, not because they have longer hair, it concludes. The really good news is that head lice are harmless.

Kit yourself out

Seventy-seven per cent of holidaymakers are bitten by insects, 56 per cent are burnt by the sun and 52 per cent suffer from travel-sickness. Packing a basic kit of medicinal creams and tablets to treat such conditions is always a good idea if you're going abroad on your holidays.

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Balancing act

Is your life out of balance? If so, you might might try a seminar with veteran life coacher Brian McIvor. He's running a residential weekend course at Crumlin Park, Co Galway, next Friday until Sunday (€395), and a non-residential course at the Milltown Institute, Dublin, from June 20th to 22nd (185). More details from 041-9884035 or www.brianmcivor.com.

Lifelines is compiled by Dr Muiris Houston and Sylvia Thompson

lifelines@irish-times.ie