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PHYSICAL INACTIVITY – THE BIGGEST PUBLIC HEALTH BURDEN
- Kanturk’s Health & Wellbeing Evening to Raise Funds for Cope Foundation -
“Physical inactivity is the biggest public health burden of the 21st Century”, according to Dr Zelie Gaffney Daly, who has been a General Practitioner with the High Street Medical Centre in Newmarket for 20 years.
“There is now overwhelming evidence proving that regular physical activity has very important and wide ranging benefits for health in areas ranging from heart disease or blood pressure; to osteoporosis or obesity,” says Dr. Gaffney Daly.
“There are less well known benefits, such as the evidence which shows that physical activity can delay cognitive decline (associated, for instance Alzheirmers Disease), or a reduction of stress, anxiety or depression,” says Dr Gaffney Daly.
“Physical activity also has a role to play in significant illnesses, with higher levels of activity associated with reduced risk of illnesses such as bowel cancer and breast cancer after the menopause.”
HEALTH & WELLBEING EVENT IN KANTURK
Dr Zelie Gaffney Daly is one of the speakers at a Health and Wellbeing evening which will take place in Kanturk on Thursday 12th February, 2009 organised jointly by North Cork Co-op and the National Dairy Council.
The event, which takes place in Kanturk’s Edel Quinn Hall and which will raise funds for The Cope Foundation, will also include presentations on The Nutrient Richness of Dairy – New Research Updates, by independent nutritionist and TV personality Paula Mee; and on The Holistic Approach to Body, Mind and Soul, by massage therapist Grainne Boyle.
In a presentation entitled “Physical Activity as Part of Comprehensive Care” Dr Gaffney-Daly will explore the benefits of physical activity throughout all stages of life and discuss some of the barriers which people say prevent them from taking part in exercise or physical activity.
“Physical activity needs to be seen as an opportunity for enjoyment, for improved vitality, for fun and for health and wellbeing,” says Dr. Gaffney Daly. “I hope this presentation will encourage everyone to think about how they can be more active.”
INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE DEMONSTRATION
The NDC & North Cork Co-op Health & Wellbeing evening on 12th February will conclude with a demonstration of an indian head massage by Grainne Boyle.
Grainne Boyle Aromatherapy was founded in Newmarket two years ago by Grainne. In consultations, Grainne takes time to talk to clients about their lifestyle and to try to identify if there are particular conditions or ailments which the client has been experiencing.
“Stress is a big contributor to a lot of our problems and a massage in a calming and relaxing environment will certainly help to reduce stress levels,” says Grainne. “When we can free ourselves from stress, our bodies and minds have a fantastic ability to heal themselves. Furthermore, a stress-free body and mind is a more energetic one, which in turn gives us the motivation to live a more positive lifestyle from eating healthily and increasing or exercise levels”.
“The techniques of aromatherapy massage or Indian head massage can provide beneficial relief to conditions ranging from headaches and backaches to arthritis or PMT,” concludes Grainne.
TICKETS - IN AID OF COPE FOUNDATION
Tickets for the North Cork Co-op & National Dairy Council Health and Wellbeing event on 12th February can be purchased in advance by contacting any of the local members of the Cope Foundation and from North Cork Co-op (Tel 029-50003). Tickets will also be available at the door on the night. Doors open at 8.00pm. All proceeds will be donated to the Cope Foundation.
COPE FOUNDATION
COPE Foundation provides services to some 1,600 children and adults with intellectual disability in 60 locations throughout Cork City and County.
COPE Foundation provides services to a broad spectrum of people, from individuals with profound disability who require extensive support, to people who have a considerable degree of independence. This kind of commitment calls for a wide range of programmes through which the individual can reach his or her full potential.
Over the years, a large range of services, facilities and expertise has been developed by COPE Foundation – spanning early intervention, schooling, training, adult day services, supported employment, housing, information and advice.
Much has been accomplished through the years, nevertheless, the Foundation is determined to ensure that further progress is made during the years ahead to meet the unmet and changing needs of persons with intellectual disability in their care.
The Cope Foundation’s Kanturk fundraising committee, co-ordinated by Geraldine Lucey, is supporting the Health & Wellbeing event.
For further information contact:
NDC: Antonina Ni Dhuinn, Progress Communications, tel: 01-2766117 nina@progresspr.ie
North Cork Co-op: Michael O’Halloran, tel: 029-60116 / 087-2684157 hallcom@eircom.net