More health news in brief.
Birth defects linked to mother's asthma
Asthma flare-ups early in pregnancy may raise the risk of birth defects, a new study suggests - highlighting, researchers say, the importance of good asthma control in pregnant women.
In a study of 3,477 asthmatic women who gave birth at least once in 1990-2000, Canadian researchers found that those who had had symptom flare-ups in the first trimester were 48 per cent more likely to have a baby with a congenital malformation.
Overall, 13 per cent of babies born to women with asthma attacks had at least one malformation, such as a birth defect of the heart, facial structures, spine or digestive system. That compared with 9 per cent of infants whose mothers had well-controlled asthma in early pregnancy.
The findings are published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
Poorly controlled asthma during pregnancy may be dangerous for the foetus as it can hinder the flow of blood and oxygen to the placenta.
Classes for bone health
TherapyXperts Maynooth and Curves at Maynooth Business Campus have joined forces to offer Bone Health classes from August 5th for men and women who have osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is a condition which leads to brittle, easily broken bones. It is estimated that one-quarter of the entire population over 50 have osteoporosis. Some one in three post-menopausal women and one in five men aged over 50 have it.
The course aims to promote safe and appropriate exercise for osteoporosis, according to the organisers, and is aimed at the 45-75 year-old age group, male and female, who are medically "well" but want to have the information and knowledge to manage their diagnosis correctly.
The course will involve four sessions. As the course has been organised and run by chartered physiotherapists, the usual reimbursement rates will apply for all medical insurers. Places are limited and must be booked in advance by contacting TherapyXperts Maynooth on 01 62894341 or Curves Maynooth on 01 6291000.
Campaign aims to get people talking
A new campaign has been launched worldwide to get adult children and their senior parents talking. The idea is if you're in your 40s or your parents are in their 70s, it's time to start talking about certain senior topics. Free booklets on how to broach all sorts of subjects are available from Home Instead Senior Care and online at www.homeinstead.ie