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Medical card eligibility to be reviewed
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has proposed that the Government should increase the current income guidelines used to assess eligibility for medical cards by 20 per cent. p
Nearly half of last year's physiotherapy graduates still without work
About half of all last year's physiotherapy graduates have been unable to find permanent employment in the Irish health service, a report drawn up in the Department of Health reveals. p
Cases of glaucoma increased by 25% in three years
The number of reported cases of glaucoma, an eye condition that can lead to blindness, has risen by more than 25 per cent in the past three years, according to new figures from the National Council for the Blind in Ireland (NCBI.) p
Exam students especially vulnerable to eating disorders
Students undertaking exams are seen as being particularly at risk of developing eating disorders, according to a new campaign launched yesterday by an organisation specialising in the area. p
Doctors win trust by giving patients a hand
Doctors should shake hands, smile and use a person's first name when greeting a patient for the first time, according to new research. The study shows most patients want to shake hands when they first meet a doctor and just over half would like to be greeted by their first name. p
Other Health Stories
Healthy food claims to be examined
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) yesterday called on food manufacturers to submit scientific evidence to back up health claims on food products sold in Ireland. pEU schools' fruit plan on hold
A plan that would provide free fruit to schoolchildren across Europe has been temporarily stalled because of concerns about the proposed programme's €100 million annual cost. pPolicy moves to recognise mothers as consumers
Developments in the northeast have led to the most significant shift in maternity policy in the State in more than 50 years with the emphasis for the first time on the mother as consumer, a conference heard at the weekend. pIrish man to travel to South Africa for Aids awareness
An Irish man working with HIV-positive people will travel to South Africa this month to live and work in a country where one in five adults has the virus and where about a thousand people die from Aids-related illness every day. pSmile for a change of attitude
That's men for you: 'Assume a virtue if you have it not," the Prince of Denmark advises his mother as he rather tiresomely lectures her on the vexed topic of sleeping with his uncle. pA wide range of jobs on offer at St Vincent's
Health Sector Jobs: St Vincent's University Hospital in Dublin has a wide range of job vacancies. The hospital is seeking a medical scientist in endocrinology and the post has a salary scale of €34,045-€52,954. pIn Short
A round-up of this week's other health stories in brief: p
Will there be a doctor in the House?
Two prominent medics are running for the Seanad but the path from doctor to senator is not an easy one, writes Deaglán de Bréadún , Political Correspondent. pCalls for ban on all public smoking
Researchers and activists are calling for the smoking ban to be extended to all public spaces, writes Erin Golden . pWilling to take the risk
Heart Beat: On waking this morning, I found the world had disappeared. A dense mist blanketed the whole area, reducing visibility to a few yards around the house. It hovered above the glistening grass in the meadow and probed smoky tendrils around the hedgerows, writes Maurice Neligan . p
Making your holiday work for you
We spend months looking forward to a summer holiday but many people come back drained and in
need of another break. Hélène Hofman asked the experts what you can do to get the most out of
going away, even once you get back. pAt times it's better not to fly
Medical Matters: There was a good response to last week's request for "cures" for jet lag. A regular traveller to New Zealand says he goes for a run as soon as he arrives and continues to exercise every day while abroad. p
Have insurance, will travel
It may not be top of your holiday check list, but getting the right holiday insurance policy is essential if you want to ensure a carefree break. Claire Shoesmith reports. pPolicies at a glance
Some of the policies on offer: pThe Small Print
What to remember before you go and if you become ill while on holiday. pAvoid picking up any nasty surprises
Regardless of where you're on holiday, you could come home with a nasty souvenir. Hélène Hofman looks at some of the illnesses you're most likely to pick up and how to avoid them pAre we there yet?
Top tips for family holidays: pGive your soul a break
Mind Moves: Like many of you, I have come to a point in the year where my soul needs a break. p
Myths of manhood
The Bigger Picture: Last March, I wrote an article celebrating women, and promised the same attention to men in the near future. With Father's Day just around the corner, this article seems timely, writes Shalini Sinha . pShould we go ape with our diets?
In his book, The True You Diet, Dr John Briffa says many 'healthy' foods are not good for us, writes Sylvia Thompson . pMy Kind of Exercise
Steve Barton, Boots chemist scientific skincare adviser, tells Patricia Weston about his rigorous exercise routine. pCheck-up
While all around me delight in this current spell of warm weather, I hate the heat as it causes me to sweat profusely. Why do I struggle to keep my cool?
Virtually an operations man
A New Life: From the army band to computer science, Dave Murphy tells Michelle McDonagh how he is now on a fascinating journey of exploring the application of new technology to the medical field. pSpecial ethos based on individual needs
TVScope: Sweet Child of Mine, BBC1, Wednesday, June 6th pResponding with care
My Working Day/Alan Gaughan , emergency medical technician (EMT) at Belmullet ambulance base, Co Mayo, monitors and cares for patients on the way to hospital. pOn the Couch
Malcolm Smyth, Professor of analytical chemistry and dean of the faculty of science and health, DCU. pLifelines
AWARE LECTURES: Dr Harry Barry, GP and author of Flagging the Problem: A New Approach to Mental Health (Liberties Press), will give the June lecture in the Aware Monthly Lecture Series tomorrow at 7.30pm in the Swift Lecture Theatre, St Patrick's Hospital, James St, Dublin. Admission is free and all are welcome. p
