A healthy lifestyle directory produced by the local heart charity Croí and supported by the Galway City Sports Partnership was launched in the city yesterday (Wednesday ).
Up to 30,000 copies of the booklet, which was compiled by NUI Galway marketing students Laura Mahon and Joanne Buckley, are being distributed free.
The Croí Top2Toe Health Directory provides a comprehensive listing of more than 1,200 health promoting activities, organisations and clubs throughout Galway city and county which offer a wide variety of opportunities to engage in a healthy and active lifestyle.
Welcoming the launch of the booklet, Croí chief executive, Neil Johnson says cardiovascular disease continues to be a major cause of disability and distress today.
“It is a disease that develops in silence over many years, being influenced by many factors outside of our control, such as family history, age and gender. Interestingly, up to 80 per cent of the incidence of heart disease can be prevented through lifestyle and behaviour change.”
He says the Croi directory is a useful pocket size publication which lists an “enormous number of opportunities” for people of all ages to engage in heart healthy activities in the city and county.
“We are particularly indebted for the support we have received from Galway City Sports Partnership who share a common goal in encouraging active participation in sports and exercise.”
The health directory has been distributed to local schools and is also available from pharmacies, libraries and directly from the Croi heart health centre at Liosbaun. Telephone (091 ) 480816. An online version is available at www.croi.ie