This festive season, the HSE is encouraging people to get active. At this time of year, with the shorter days, rain and cold, sitting by the fire watching TV often feels like the best option. However, getting more active is a great way to improve your mood and enjoy the festive cheer, with the added benefit of helping to burn off extra calories from the party season.
The HSE recommends that all adults should aim to be active for at least 30 minutes a day five days a week. Children and young people should be active for at least 60 minutes everyday. You don’t have to do it all at once. You can build up to 30 minutes or more a day by doing a number of short bouts of physical activity. However, you must be active for at least 10 minutes for it to count. Activities such as brisk walking (one mile in 15-20 minutes ), cycling (slower than 10 miles an hour ), ballroom dancing, or work around the home such as brisk hovering, will be of benefit. Children are naturally active, so any amount of physical activity counts towards their 60 minutes.
Méabh McGuinness, HSE health promotion officer for counties Carlow and Kilkenny says, “being physically active is one of the most important steps you can take to improve your health, whatever your age or ability. If you’re not sure where to start, www.getirelandactive.ie will be a great help” www.getirelandactive.ie is a dedicated website which is a one stop information source for events, advice, information and motivation to help you get more physically active. Events can be submitted by the general public and the site is updated regularly by Local Sports Partnerships. Many of the activities listed are free and some of the activities listed on the site include:
Fit4Life – a programme run by Athletics Ireland and local Sports Partnerships for people interested in running for fun can meet and train. Beginners are welcome.
Goal Mile Event – last year over 107 Goal Mile events were held around the country. This fun event is a great way to walk or run off the excess Christmas calories.
