News

HEALTH & WELLBEING DATE FOR YOUR DIARY
- Information Evening To Take Place in Wexford -

The National Dairy Council and Wexford Creamery are jointly organising a Health and Wellbeing evening for members of the public, to take place in the Ferrycarrig Hotel, Wexford on Thursday 14th May. Doors will open at 7.30pm with proceedings starting at 8.00pm. Click here for directions.

Health & Wellbeing Information Evening for Wexford

The evening will include discussions by independent nutritionist Paula Mee, a presentation on osteoporosis prevention for all age groups by Michele O’Brien, National Health Promotion Officer of the Irish Osteoporosis Society and a make-up demonstration by Senior Beauty Therapist & Advisor, Abbey Taylor,from Sam McCauley Chemists.

The event will also raise funds for the Wexford Branch of Hospice Home Care, with the costs of organising the event supported by the two organisers and all proceeds from the €5 admission charge and raffle ticket sales going directly to the charity.

Small Changes Make a Difference

“The Irish are well educated and tend to have an understanding that it is important to exercise and to have a healthy and balanced diet - but most people who take a few minutes to really think about their day to day lives are surprised at how they may have slipped, or equally can be surprised at how simple steps can make big improvements,” says Dr. Logan, Nutritionist with the National Dairy Council.

Welcoming the announcement, Eamon Murphy, Chief Executive of Wexford Creamery said: “As we begin to look forward to the summer many people start to think about what small changes they can make to improve their health and wellbeing. We are delighted to be able to bring this event to the South East in association with the National Dairy Council and we hope that those who attend will find it encouraging as well as informative.”

Reaching for the Wrong Shelves

Research tells us that 86% of Irish adults manage to consume at least 3 daily servings per day of food from the top shelf of the food pyramid which includes cakes, biscuits and confectionery. These foods should be “difficult to reach” - to be consumed sparingly – because they are typically high in sugar, and/or fats. (Slan – Survey of Lifestyle, Attitudes & Nutrtition 2007). By contrast, according to TNS mrbi research (2008) nearly one third of Irish adults (29%) do not consume the recommended “three servings of dairy a day” recommended by the Irish Department of Health & Children.

Short Cuts Don’t Last

“The food pyramid dietary daily guidelines from the Department of Health & Children are set at levels to help Irish people achieve the recommended intake of essential nutrients which our bodies need,” says National Dairy Council nutritionist Dr. Logan. “Developing healthy habits and sticking with them is the most effective way to take control of health and weight. There are no easy short cuts for anyone that really work and last,” according to Dr Logan.

“Lifestyle trends also have a major role to play, many of us travel mostly by car, watch television and use computerised games and generally have increasingly sedentary lifestyles, with 41% of those who reported to be inactive, indicating “no time” as the reason for inactivity,” says Dr. Logan.

“Anyone who consumes an unbalanced diet, cuts back on nutrient-rich foods, snacks on the nutrient empty foods and skips meals such as breakfast will reap the negative effects, simply their physical appearance, body weight, health and wellbeing will suffer ,” says Dr Logan. “But these dietary and lifestyle trends appear to be very prevalent amongst many Irish people, who, should they continue with such habits, could be placing themselves at increased risk of serious long term health problems in the future, such as osteoporosis or cardiovascular disease.”

Tickets for the Wexford Creamery & National Dairy Council Health and Wellbeing event on 14th May can be purchased in advance by contacting Wexford Creamery on 053-914 2088 or e-mail info@wexford-creamery.com and local members of Wexford Branch of Hospice Home Care including John Browne on 053-915 9274. Tickets will also be sold at the door, subject to availability. All proceeds will be donated to the Wexford Branch of Hospice Home Care.

For additional press information contact:

NDC: Antonina Ni Dhuinn, Progress Communications, on 01-276 6117 nina@progresspr.ie

Wexford Creamery: Paula Ronan, Angel Marketing, on 051-421 370 paula@angelireland.com