Researchers at Trinity College Dublin highlight significant role played by Vitamin D in preventing respiratory infections and boosting the immune system
A study just published by researchers at Trinity College Dublin highlight the significant and important role played by Vitamin D in preventing respiratory infections and boosting the immune system. Given what scientists know about the benefits of Vitamin D, the researchers go on to highlight that Vitamin D may in turn play an important role in the battle against Covid-19.
Of particular importance to those over 70 years of age is the fact that the researchers are from The Irish LongituDinal Study on Ageing, (TILDA).
In their study they conclude: “…people aged 70 and over are the fabric of our society and we must use all available tools to facilitate the reduction and transmission of COVD-19. Vitamin D is a potent immune modifying micronutrient and if vitamin D status is sufficient, it could benefit vulnerable adults in particular those 70+ years and older who are ‘cocooning’ during the COVID-19 outbreak.” [ See page 22 at the link shown HERE.
What is Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is one of the chemical compounds that we need in small amounts to stay healthy. We can get it from foods such as oily fish (e.g. salmon and mackerel), eggs, liver and cereals and milk fortified with Vitamin D. We also get it from the sun and it is made if we get 10-15 minutes per day of sun exposure.
Vitamin D Deficiency – who is at risk?
Many people in Ireland are at risk of Vitamin D deficiency particularly those whose diet lacks Vitamin D, those who smoke, those who are physically inactive and those who are obese. During winter the lack of sunshine prevents us in Ireland from making vitamin D with the help of the sun.
Rates of Vitamin Deficiency in Ireland.
The TILDA study provides data on the rates of Vitamin D deficiency in Ireland. TILDA estimate that 47% of all adults aged over 85 are deficient in winter; 27% of the over 70s are likely to be deficient, and that 13% of adults over 55 are deficient all year.
How can you prevent and treat Vitamin D Deficiency?
The editor of this article has no medical qualifications whatsoever and so if you are concerned about Vitamin D deficiency you should contact your GP. They can advise on changes to your diet and lifestyle. They may also recommend taking a Vitamin D supplement, with the TILDA report noting that to prevent a deficiency 10 ug is the minimum recommended daily amount during the winter time and between 15 -20 ug is recommended for most at risk groups.
The Japanese Kobelco excavator; its long arm fitted with a jaw like bucket reminiscent of a Triassic period Dinosaur, has now for the moment ceased its persistent pounding, having chewed up every remaining morsel of the once large, proud, busy industrial unit, known as Erin Foods, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
In just 14 days this former factory and its outbuildings; which in the past had provided a large workforce with an acceptable livelihood; while educating whole families and supporting local businesses, has now been reduced to a pile of dust and rubble.
The factory, which was closed in June 2008 after 46 years of production, by owners Premier Foods Ireland, had remained empty for almost the last 12 years.
But, out of this pile of rubble in this area, a colourful and vibrant Phoenix is now expected to be cyclically regenerated; rising from the ashes of its predecessor in the form of the German global discount supermarket chain known as Lidl Stiftung & Co..
Like it or like it not, the centre of Thurles is about to move its hub, from the historic Liberty Square, 600 metres distant, to Slievenamon Road, certainly in the next two years.
For businesses currently operating in the Liberty Square / Friar Street / Cathedral Street and Parnell Street areas; regardless of the current short-term regulations governing the Covid-19 pandemic, same have already begun to experience a huge reductions in their footfall. Once attractive businesses who have recently announced their intention to cease trading in the months ahead, will further add to this inevitable loss of business and isolation to other traders.
But business people are not really talking publicly about their inevitable demise, neither are they attempting to offer possible solutions.
So during this short time spent ‘Cocooning’, ‘Social Distancing’, ‘Restriction of Movements’ and forced ‘Self-Isolation’; why not let’s chat about the future.
How can we amalgamate, harmonise and fairly include, from a social and business perspective, the areas Liberty Square and Slievenamon Road, to the betterment of the town?.
Eliza Jane Brennan, my grandmother regularly stated, “If there is a problem, there is usually a solution. If there is no solution, it may be a fact of life. Live with it, but first seek that solution.”
Here on Thurles.Info. we welcome such public debate on how we can seek to save our town centre. We look forward to publishing all and any of your ideas. Send all correspondence to our website HERE
[Note: Names of contributors will not be published should they so request.]
With rainy days on the horizon, these five shows on Netflix might just help to keep kids and adults entertained and educated indoors.
(1) Our Planet(Video Trailer Above)
Narrated by that remarkable English broadcaster and natural historian, Sir David Frederick Attenborough; Our Planet explores the impact of climate change on all living things. Each spectacular episode takes you on a cinematic journey across the continents to view their incredible creatures. It is sure to enthral kids and adults, regardless of age.
(2)Little Baby Bum
Little Baby Bum is the perfect show for pre-schoolers. It features hours of traditional and new nursery rhymes, which are a huge part of learning and laughter with this age group. Little Baby Bum can also be accessed through their YouTube channel HERE . With 26.7 million subscribers and counting, it’s a proven hit with parents and children alike.
(3)Ask the Storybots
A child’s sense of wonder is one of their most precious gifts and Storybots is the perfect programme for the curious child. With the help of five zany creatures, called Beep, Bing, Bang, Boop and Bo, each episode finds the answer to some very interesting questions. Ask the Storybots is highly recommended for younger children.
(4) Brainchild
For older children, Brainchild is a must watch. In a refreshingly relatable yet scientific way, it explores everything from germs to outer space and creativity to dreams. Its first episode explores social media. With kids on social media more than ever at present, it provides an excellent opportunity to re-visit some of the pros and cons of communicating via social media.
(5) Horrible Histories
Based on the popular books, Horrible Histories explores some of the least pleasant and downright disgusting moments in history. From the Stone Age to the Romans and beyond, young and old will learn, giggle and wince their way through history.
Today is March 11th 2020. I highlight this date because under the Wildlife Act 2000, hedge cutting is banned every year between March 1st and August 31st.
This necessary law was introduced quite clearly aimed at the protection and maintainence of wildlife diversity, thus establishing areas where wildlife can thrive during the seasons when birds nests and flowers [“In this particular area most notably an abundance of Meadowsweet”, latter a favourite of the Bee and the Chafer Beetle (or ‘June Bug’)] are most common.
Phone image taken today 11/3/2020. Photo G.Willoughby
However, laws written on our Statutes Books, don’t appear to apply to North Tipperary, as today we sat and watched hedge cutting machinery giving the “middle finger” to our statutes, while cutting rural hedges and an area where flowers were beginning to grow on the Thurles / Templetuohy roadside.
Questions: [A] So will the National Parks and Wildlife Service, latter under the remit of the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, now contact Tipperary Co. Council, seeking an explanation, before prosecuting? [B] Did no members of An Garda Síochána patrol this rural road over the past number of day, thus observing this flouting of our law?
Two things are also worthy of note:- [1] The hedge cutting machinery propelled by an 05 registered green tractor [Note: Machine Reg. No. noted but withheld] operated without the necessary health and safety signs required, when operating on a narrow public road. [2] This work had all the markings of Tipperary Co. Council authorisation. I base this on the fact that the only hedge cutting undertaken was from the roadside, none from the farmers side; an operation which could easily have been undertaken between the months August 31st 2019 and March 1st 2020.
Interesting to note, the last prosecution taken by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, handed out a fine of €750, accompanied by a further fine of €500, following claims that the offender was not familiar with the wildlife law. It would apper that ignorance of the law was no excuse.
As our readers will be aware; the 2020 Irish General Election took place on Saturday February 8th, same convening to elect members for the 33rd Dáil Éireann, latter the lower house of Ireland’s parliament. Each one of the 160 seats available were contested, with the Ceann Comhairle (Head of Council or Chairperson) being returned automatically.
Photo taken on March 1st. 2020, on the Templetuohy Road, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
For this election, posters were quickly erected by some candidates under cover of darkness, using plastic cable ties, on every perpendicular standing object throughout Ireland, and to the honest eye, it would appear that the election candidates who had achieved least over the past four years created most of the offensive plastic photo-shopped images.
Rules Governing the Removal of Election Posters
The rules governing the removal of such posters are easy to digest, even for politicians. Posters must be removed within 7 days of polling day. These requirements for election posters are set out under Section 19 of the Litter Pollution Act 1997 and the Electoral (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 2009.
There is a requirement for candidates to remove all posters, including any cable ties, within 7 days following a General Election and failure to comply with such conditions constitutes an offence. The responsibility for the enforcement of this litter law lies solely with the local authority, which in this case is Tipperary Co. Council.
Any election posters in place after this stipulated time frame are deemed to be in breach of such legislation and are subject to an on-the-spot litter fine of €150 per poster.
Possibly the main offender of this particular Litter Pollution Act is Professor Dr. Dolores Cahill, a member of the minor right-wing, hard Eurosceptic political party in Ireland, which call themselves ‘The Irish Freedom Party’.
While strongly advocating an exit from the EU, Dr. Cahill’s party claims to be a ‘patriotic party‘, confirming it is ‘pro-natalist and supportive of stable families for procreation’.
The Irish Freedom Party set up 11 candidates to contest the recent 2020 Irish General Election, with none of their candidates being successfully elected. Those candidates fielded achieved a share of first preference votes between 0.19% and 2.06% in their respective constituencies, while their Party Tipperary Chairperson Dr. Dolores Cahill came second-last in the Tipperary constituency, with a mere 521 first preference votes.
This on-the-spot litter fine of €150, would surely assist the Thurles Municipal District’s ongoing weekly cost of filling watery potholes with shovels of dry tarmac.
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