Paying attention.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is often misunderstood. But nurse specialists are helping families cope with the condition.

A lifeline for carers.

Supporting unpaid carers is an important but often unseen aspect of community nursing.

Handle with care.

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a genetically inherited condition that can lead to significant disability, but specialist nurses can help.

The nut crackers.

Peanut allergy can be life-threatening, but a new treatment shows promise.

Let's get physical.

Taking a lead from the airline industry, one hospital provides video exercise programmes for inpatients.

Home service.

Specialist nurses can bring enormous benefits for people with epilepsy, but they are in short supply.

Pressure to deliver.

Far from being a joyous time, for many women pregnancy is associated with stress, according to recent research.

Helping nature along.

Many couples who face infertility just need health information to make simple life changes. In one area of the country, two nurses have stepped in.

Waiting to practise. Many Zambian nurses come to work in the UK but face a struggle to find jobs that match their skills and experience.

Although there is an ethical agreement that the NHS will not recruit nurses from developing countries, many still come and work in the independent sector--often without their expertise being recognised.

Mind over matter.

A pioneering unit in Cambridgeshire is helping people with brain injury by taking a pragmatic approach to their long-term difficulties. Their work is now creating interest and changing practice in Russia.

A vision for eye care.

Ophthalmology is a low priority in many resource-poor countries, yet blindness has a huge impact on individuals and society. A link programme is helping to change this situation in Zambia.

From the top.

The Alexander technique can help nurses deal with their stressful jobs, as one group recently discovered in a session aimed at their specific needs. While work pressure helps people maintain motivation, excessive amounts can be stressful and damaging. The Alexander technique involves learning about stress-induced bad habits, such as tightening the neck muscles. It also involves mental techniques and discipline. Easing the weight-bearing points on the feet can be restorative after a busy day.

Baby shock.

While it is a joyful occasion for most parents, having a new baby can bring stresses to any relationship. Now a class is helping couples think through how they will cope.

Bedtime blues. Helping your children get a good night's sleep.

All new parents expect some broken nights but when a child's wakefulness becomes excessive it can lead to exhaustion and even marital breakdown. Sleep counsellors can help but are often in short supply.

Sweet solutions.

Like most nurses I was sceptical about complementary therapies at first,' says Janet Clarke, charge nurse at Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland Mental Health NHS Trust. The Hadrian Clinic provides services for adult acute inpatients with severe mental health difficulties. 'I might have thought aromatherapy was pleasant enough, but I would have doubted its use as a therapy.'

All rounder.

Patricia Hirst from Pinderfields and Pontefract NHS Trust is Macmillan clinical nurse specialist with responsibility for palliative care in Wakefield's care homes. One of only three such posts in the country, the role was the result of research by Macmillan Cancer Relief.