A one-off series of free health and wellbeing events will be held on the islands in the coming weeks.
Healthy Ireland, a Government-led Health initiative, aims to create an Irish society where everyone can enjoy physical and mental health, and where wellbeing is valued and supported at every level of society.
The events will take place on Inis Oírr on 27 February, Inis Mór on 6 March, Inis Meáin on 7 March, and Inishbofin on 20 March.
Many community and voluntary organisations will be present including Croí, the Heart & Stroke Charity; Galway Rural Development, Healthy Ireland
at your Library; Western Drugs and Alcohol Taskforce; Galway Sports Partnership; Galway Citizen Information Centre; Irish Rural Link; Pieta
House; and AIDS West.
Suzanne Seery, Lead Dietitian at Croí, explained that this initiative is a coming together of diverse community groups all with a unified aim to promote health and well-being throughout the islands off County Galway.
“It is a great opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle across all age groups.
“The good news is that many health conditions such as heart disease and stroke are preventable and our aim is to offer individuals the opportunity to engage in risk factor screening along with offering practical advice in relation to healthy eating, physical activity, overall health and wellness and lots more,” said Suzanne Seery.
Exciting free activities and resources to promote health and wellbeing across all the islands will include; pulse and blood pressure checks; healthy cooking tips (such as a Q & A discussion with Croí Dietitian and residents of the islands about changing dietary habits and impact on health); yoga; relationship and sexual health education, including rapid HIV tests; resources on mental health and wellness; exercise and fitness tips; citizen information advice; and much, much more!
Máire Uí Mhaoláin, Manager of Inis Oírr Co-Op added: “Health is better than wealth! We welcome Healthy Ireland to Inis Oírr and we encourage people to
come out on the day and join us for this great event.”
Healthy Island dates and locations:
Inis Oírr, Feb 27th, 11am – 3pm, Halla Pobail Inis Oírr
Inis Mór, March 6th, 11am – 3pm & 7 – 9pm, Comharchumann Forbartha Árann
Inis Meáin, March 7th, 11am – 3pm, Coláiste Naomh Eoin
Inishbofin, March 20th, 11am – 3pm, Inishbofin Community Centre
