Promoting a healthier county for Health and Wellbeing week 2016

By Mary Dennehy

GET your ass off the couch is the message behind this year’s Health and Wellbeing Week, which is running across South Dublin County from September 12 to 18.

Now in its third year, Health and Wellbeing Week is an energetic seven-day programme of activities for all ages and fitness levels, with the event hoping to promote awareness, engagement and participation – introducing people to the health and wellbeing options available in their communities.

Some of the events include a 5km guided family mountain walk through Cruagh, an introduction to traditional Irish music, dance workshops, reiki, healing through clay, cookery demonstrations, reflexology, yoga for adults and children, circuit training and a non-alcoholic cocktail mixing class.

The Tallaght Health Fair is also back and will be staged in the Fettercairn Community Health Project on Tuesday, September 13, between 9.30am and 1pm.

The Health Fair will bring together information on the local, regional and national health services available to people living in Tallaght alongside the local Primary Care Team from the HSE.

Complimentary therapies like Indian head massage and cookingdemonstrations will also be available on the day alongside free testing including blood pressure, heart rate and blood sugar levels. 

Daniel McLoughlin, the Chief Executive of South Dublin County Council, said: “The Health and Wellbeing of our population is a measure of our success as a society, “As a local authority we influence physical and mental wellbeing through social inclusion events, as lead agency of interagency initiatives, recreation activities, library services, employment creation, housing supply, community infrastructure and financial supports.

“In South Dublin County Council we are very conscious of our role in this regard and continue to maintain the wellbeing of our citizens as a priority objective of service delivery”.

He added: “This week is a great opportunity for the council and its partner agencies to raise awareness of the many services and facilities available to our citizens aimed at improved health.

“Health and Wellbeing Week introduces new programmes and promotes ongoing activities to promote a healthier county.”

Health and Wellbeing Week will be officially launched this Monday, September 12, in Tallaght Stadium by County Mayor Guss O’ Connell in the presence of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Katherine Zappone TD.

The event is supported by partner agencies the Health Services Executive (HSE), Tallaght Hospital, Pieta House, South Dublin County Partnership and Trinity College Centre for Health Sciences among others.

To read the brochure of events visit www.sdcc.ie or drop into your local library or community centre.