This article is from page 69 of the 2008-09-16 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 69 JPG
A NEW campaign aimed at reducing heart attack and stroke in Clare has just been launched.
According to Health Promotion Officer Geri Quinn, local research shows that two out of three Clare adults over 35 are overweight, have high cholesterol and high blood pres- sure, all of which increase their risk of developing heart disease.
Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of chronic illness, dis- ability and early death in Ireland. 22 per cent of premature deaths (under age 65) are from cardiovascular dis- Cos
A person with high blood pressure or cholesterol feels well, looks well and rarely has any symptoms. How- ever, high blood pressure and cho- lesterol makes the heart and arteries work harder, causing damage over the years. This can lead to a heart at- tack or stroke.
Mr Quinn said, “Knowing your blood pressure and cholesterol is re- ally important. Blood pressure and
cholesterol can be controlled but first you need to know your numbers”. If you are over 30, the Irish Heart foun- dation recommends that you should have your blood pressure checked every two or three years.
During Heart Health Week, the Ennis Leisure Complex is offering a personalised fitness programme at the special price of only ©40. This includes blood pressure, lung capac- ity and flexibility checks and body composition assessment and a fit- ness programme is drawn up to suit the client’s individual needs. It also includes three free uses of the pool ZNO mcatenee
“Physical activity and stress reduc- tion help to lower blood pressure so we are delighted to work with the Ennis Leisure Complex to promote good heart health,” said Mr Quin
Heart Health Week is part of a three-week campaign to make Clare a healthier place. Clare sporting and health organisations including Clare Sports Partnership, the Clare branch of Mental Health Ireland, the En- nis Leisure Complex and the Clare Health Promotion Unit of the HSE will join forces to show three steps to
a healthy mind and a healthy body.
The campaign runs from September 22 to October 12. BNO OA Lered has a sep- Nel Kommn eI related message and there er Mee NUTS variety of activities, workshops and talks on of- fer, everything from rock climb- ing to sailing and brain training to laughter yoga.