A round-up of today's other stories in brief
Boys twice as likely to wet the bed
ABOUT FIVE IN 100 children wet the bed at night, but boys are more than twice as likely to do it than girls, new research says. In the Journal of Pediatrics study of more than 6,000 children, researchers found that about seven out of 100 boys and three out of 100 girls wet their beds. at least once a month. Bed-wetting is hereditary in four out of 10 cases.
Dr Joseph Barone, paediatric urologist, said in most children, the best way to cure bed-wetting is to use an alarm – a sensor in a child’s underwear.
Mobile cardiac screening for 2,000 GAA players
HEARTAID, A NEW mobile cardiac screening service founded by Cork man Ed Donovan, has agreed a deal with the Gaelic Players Association (GPA) to provide screening to inter county players.
The programme, which will be available to more than 2,000 players across the country, will be funded by the GPA, and follows recommendations made by the GAA’s medical, scientific and welfare committee.
Recent reports have found that the incidence of Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS) is higher in the Republic of Ireland than many other European countries. Studies have shown that cardiac screening is an effective way of assessing risk in young persons in particular.
Heartaid provides mobile cardiac screening to schools, clubs and organisations involved in sport. The programme began two weeks ago with members of the Kildare senior football team, and will continue for six months.
The cardiac screening unit is brought to a location of the player’s choice, and each player is asked to fill out a personal and family history questionnaire. They are then examined by a medical doctor and submit to an electrocardiogram. The result of these tests are reviewed by a consultant cardiologist, and a final report sent to each player.
Mr Donovan said: “In Italy, cardiac screening is mandatory for people involved in competitive sports. They have reduced the incidents of sudden cardiac death by 89 per cent.”
For more information on Heartaid, see heartaid.ie or tel: 1890-300333
Plan could prevent one in four deaths from stroke
ONE-QUARTER of deaths from stroke could be avoided if a plan to improve acute services is implemented, according to the Irish Heart Foundation (IHF).
But this plan will only achieve the reduction in deaths, the organisation says, if people are quick to recognise a stroke when it is happening.
At the launch of Ireland’s first national Stroke Week yesterday, Chris Macey, IHF head of advocacy, said: “Increased access to clot-busting thrombolysis treatment and stroke unit care has the potential to reduce the annual death toll from stroke – which claimed 2,114 lives in 2009 – by up to 25 per cent.
“But these improved services promised by the HSE can only have an impact if people know the warning signs of stroke and get into hospital quickly enough to benefit from them. The doctors won’t be able to help you unless you’ve helped yourself first by spotting the symptoms and calling an ambulance.”
The IHF is urging everyone to Get Stroke Smart and learn more about stroke symptoms and prevention.
Mr Macey said: “For example, over 40 per cent of strokes can be prevented through the control of high blood pressure. Lifestyle changes such as drinking in moderation, not smoking, being more active and improving your diet can also have a dramatic impact.”
A series of public talks have been organised in Athlone, Waterford, Limerick and Galway to mark Stroke Week, which is supported by Covidien.
See stroke.ie or call the National Heart and Stroke Helpline on 1890-432787
