More than eight tonnes of unused or out-of-date medicine has been collected from pharmacies across south Dublin, Kildare and west Wicklow as part of the DUMP (Disposal of Unused Medicines Properly) scheme.
Studies have found that reducing access to unused medication also reduces incidences of completed and attempted suicide and accidental childhood poisoning. "For those who may be in crisis, it reduces the risk of impulsiveness to overdose with household medicines," according to Dr Denis O'Driscoll, chief pharmacist HSE South Western Area. The DUMP scheme, which is the first of its kind in Ireland, also diverts unused medicines away from water supplies and landfill sites.
Teachers of the Alexander Technique in Ireland and Britain commemorate the arrival in Britain of the technique's founder, Frederick Matthias Alexander every year between June 13th-19th. Veteran Dublin-based Alexander Technique teacher, Frank Kennedy will give a free public talk entitled "Posture and Pain" and a demonstration of the Alexander Technique at National College of Ireland, Mayor Street, IFSC, on Tuesday June 14th at 6.30p.m. See www.stat.org.uk and www.isatt.net for contact details of practitioners of the Alexander Technique in Ireland.
If you're looking for one source book for contact details of hospital specialists, public and private hospitals, GPs, practice nurses, specialist clinics and patients organisations, then the Irish Medical Directory is the book you need. The 2005-2006 edition has just hit the shelves at €75. Edited by Dr Maurice Gueret, copies are available via email info@imd.ie or Tel:01 4926040
Lifelines is compiled by SylviaThompson and Dr Muiris Houston