In excess of 11,000 secondary students and teachers from all over the country are expected to attend this year’s Virtual HealthFest event on Wednesday, January 27, from 2pm to 4pm.
Organised by the National Dairy Council, HealthFest has become one of the most highly anticipated events for secondary school students. HealthFest is a free event tailored to teenagers (TY and fifth years primarily ), which has successfully run for four years. It is the only event of its kind, featuring experts in the areas of physical activity, nutrition and mental wellbeing.
This year’s event is being brought to you virtually – as HealthFest – a free festival of fun-filled demonstrations and engaging talks for teachers and their students.
They are using a very interactive platform to deliver credible information from Irish experts; and where students can visit exhibitor stands, win fantastic prizes and even take place in a virtual scavenger hunt!
Places are limited and will be filled on a first come, first served basis. Teachers can pre-register their students and find out more at www.healthfest.ie
As always Healthfest will have a number of exciting speakers on the day including MC and Broadcaster Doireann Garrihy.
“I am delighted to be hosting this exciting event for transition year students, and what a positive start to 2021 which we need more than ever after last year.
“Teenage years can be tough and young people are under an immense amount of stress; their bodies are changing physically and mentally, and peer pressure is ever present.
“Events like this can be a great way to come together with their peers and enjoy learning about good nutrition, keeping active, wellbeing and mental health from experts and admired influencers,” Doireann commented.
The other speakers on the day include Greg O’Shea (Professional Rugby 7s Player ), Professor Niall Moyna (Head of Health and Human Performance at DCU ), Dermot Whelan (Broadcaster and meditation expert ), Dietitian Caoileann Murphy and Paul Gilligan, (Chief Executive of St Patrick’s Mental Health Services ).
The virtual event will be divided into three different sections – Healthy Body, Healthy Diet and Healthy Mind and each speaker will speak to their subject area.
Greg O’Shea will kick off the event with a ten minute workout and this will be followed by Professor Niall Moyna will discuss the importance of staying active throughout the teenage years and into adulthood.
Dietitian Caoileann Murphy will talk through a selection of delicious and healthy foods and give advice on following a healthy balanced diet.
Finally, Paul Gilligan will discuss key tips for teenagers to mind their mental health; and Dermot Whelan will lead participants through a meditation demonstration.
There will be a virtual exhibition hall on the day with booths from Walk in my Shoes (St Patrick’s Mental Health Services ), Bodywhys, SpunOut, Sport Ireland Institute and Careers Portal.
For further information on Healthfest 2021 please visit https://healthfest.ie.
