Bord Gáis Energy Cork City Marathon gets Ready, Steady, CORK for 2010

IRISH ATHLETICS legend Sonia O’Sullivan raced back to her home town to officially launch the Bord Gáis Energy Cork City Marathon. The event takes place on bank holiday Monday, June 7^th, 2010.  Entries are now open and with 180 days left to race day, Sonia advises “it’s never too early to start training.”

Back for a fourth consecutive year the Bord Gáis Energy Cork City Marathon expects to raise over €3m of vital funds for charity and attract a record number of 10,000 entries in 2010, a 10% increase on last year. The official charity beneficiary for 2010 is the Irish Cancer Society – however, all those taking part are welcome to run, jog or walk for a charity of their choice.

The ‘marathon for everyone’ encourages individuals of all levels to get involved – from first timers to professional athletes, with the option of running the marathon as an individual or as part of a relay team made up of up to five people.

Speaking at the launch, Cork Lord Mayor Cllr Dara Murphy, who is already in training himself to run the relay event, said: “Cork has a proud sporting history and the Bord Gáis Energy Cork City Marathon gives participants, and supporters lining the streets, an exhilarating opportunity to participate and enjoy one of Ireland’s great sport and community events.

“The event is going from strength to strength – year on year our entry numbers have grown by 15%, which is a real achievement and in particular, it’s a credit to our title sponsor Bord Gáis Energy’s fantastic commitment and support for the event. This year we want to hit our personal best of 10,000 entries and I’ll be out there myself running the relay hoping to achieve a personal record of my own!”

John Mullins, Chief Executive of Bord Gáis said: “Bord Gáis Energy is delighted to be on board for the second year. Fundamentally, the marathon is a fantastic event that brings volunteers, charities and communities from all over the country together. It’s a massive boost for the economy in the area, it showcases the city looking its best in early summer – and the relay event allows colleagues, friends and runners of all abilities come together and take part for a good cause.”

Speaking at the launch, Bord Gáis Energy Ambassador Sonia O’Sullivan said: “This will be the third year I will be back for the marathon and I’m really looking forward to seeing it go from strength to strength. The marathon stands up against any international event and hopefully we will see more and more athletes from at home and abroad travel to take part.

“This is the perfect time to start training for the big day, even if it is six months away. You don’t get into shape to run a marathon overnight and by gradually upping your fitness levels and distances you can have the perfect preparation to give it your best.”

The Bord Gáis Energy Cork City Marathon is open to everyone over 18 years and welcomes people from all walks of life and from different countries around the world. Participants can download and post their entry form or enter online at www.corkcitymarathon.ie.

City Manager, Joe Gavin said “The Marathon is a unique partnership between the City Council, the Athletics Association of Ireland , the Cork Business Houses Athletics Association, Gardaí, Defence Forces, Health Services Executive, almost 400 volunteers and our title Sponsor Bord Gáis Energy. It is a fantastic community, social and sporting event, which adds greatly to quality of life in the city and is part of what makes Cork one of the top ten cities in the world to visit. We are looking forward to another beautiful and enjoyable day for everyone“.

About the relay

The team relay event is the jewel in the Bord Gáis Energy Cork City Marathon crown and has become hugely popular – over 1,200 teams took part last year. With stages between 3 and 7 miles long, the relay event is open to teams made up of between 2 and 5 people. It offers runners, casual joggers and walkers of all abilities an opportunity to run the exact same course of the marathon without having to sweat it for the full 26.2 miles! It’s a great way to enjoy the marathon with friends and family and raise money for a chosen charity.

2010 Course Route

Starting and finishing in Patrick’s Street, Cork City Council’s Race Committee is working with marathon experts to improve the course to make it flatter and more enjoyable for all those taking part in 2010 – whether it’s the full marathon or the hugely popular relay event. The 26.2-mile route takes in some of Cork’s most iconic landmarks and scenery including the North Quays of the River Lee, Blackrock, Jack Lynch Tunnel and the Carrigrohane Road. Race organisers will announce the new 2010 course map early in January when details have been finalised.

Associated Charity

“The Irish Cancer Society is delighted to have been chosen by the Bord Gáis Energy  Cork City Marathon as their nominated charity for 2010. Running or walking is a great way to keep fit and being physically active helps avoid weight gain, obesity and reduces your risk of cancer. Therefore, we encourage as many people as possible to put on their running shoes and get involved in what is sure to be a challenging, empowering and worthwhile event. All proceeds raised will go towards our patient care services which advise and support people as they go through their cancer journey.” - John McCormack, CEO of the Irish Cancer Society.

Ireland’s first ‘salt cave’ has opened near Dublin

The hi-tech and therapeutic ’cave’ is the first in Ireland to offer ‘salt therapy’ to asthma and allergy sufferers.

Almost half a million people in Ireland have asthma and the country is ranked 4th highest in the world for asthma prevalence, according to the Asthma Society of Ireland.  One person dies from asthma every week in Ireland; with one in every five children suffering from the widespread respiratory condition.

Tucked away inside a busy Maynooth shopping centre, one of the retail units has been designed to recreate conditions found in a Siberian salt mine – except the unique ‘cave’ has calming music, soothing lighting and comfortable chairs!

Launched by a Hungarian GP and his entrepreneur wife, the revolutionary ‘cave’ can help alleviate and/or eradicate many conditions, including: asthma, pneumonia, hay fever, bronchitis, sinusitis and cystic fibrosis.

(Please note: You should always consult your physician before undertaking any form of treatment)

The’salt therapy’ treatment is widely used in Eastern Europe and Russia and has been a popular natural therapy for around 200 years. In this part of the world, people with chronic breathing disorders often spend two to three hours every day in underground salt grottos. The Russian government even approved salt caves for medical use in 1995.

‘Salt therapy’ is medically proven and clinical research shows that treatment has, in many cases, resulted in a full recovery, including an 80% success rate among children, with 85% of adults symptomless for at least 1 year.

The purpose-built Maynooth clinic, opened earlier this year, recreates a natural salt cave micro-climate above the ground.

Particles of salt are ground up by a computerised, state-of-the-art machine – a salt micronizer – and a fine, dry, salty aerosol or spray is then circulated around the insulated room.

These particles, invisible to the naked eye, penetrate deep into the respiratory system. Minerals, including potassium and magnesium, help reduce inflammation and clean out mucus blocking the airways, at the same time as boosting the immune system and lung capacity.

The treatment is natural and 100% drug free.

Mrs Orsi Sarkozy, owner of Ireland’s first and only ‘salt cave,’ said: “We first used ‘salt therapy’ in Hungary back in 2007 when one of our children was ill with croupy cough. We took her to a salt cave in Budapest and she recovered very quickly after just two sessions.

“My husband, who’s worked as a practising GP in Ireland for 4 years, studied salt therapy for 2 years before we started our ’salt cave’ business. He visited well-established salt caves in many countries in Europe and consulted doctors about the scientific background of this therapy. He is the Irish ’salt cave’s’ medical advisor.”

She added: “A special air purifying system in our ‘cave’ produces a germ-free and allergen-free environment, together with continuously refreshed air. This clean air microclimate is then filled up with very low concentration dry salt aerosol. The salt concentration, humidity and temperature are continuously monitored and controlled.

“It has been proven that extremely clean, dry air and the presence of a low concentration of dry salt powder are responsible for the therapeutic effects which are helping so many of our asthma and allergy patients to leave their conditions behind and live ‘normal’ lives.

Up to 8 patients can relax in the ‘salt cave’ at one time and there are toys to keep children busy. The treatment is particularly effective for young people as they react well to natural treatments.

(Please note: You should always consult your physician before undertaking any form of treatment)

Fancy a career in nutrition and dietary coaching?

On Saturday 12th December The Institute of Health Sciences (IHS) is holding a free ‘taster’ workshop for it’s two new ITEC accredited certificate courses in Dietary Coaching: Nutrition & Health and Sports Nutrition.

“Learn from an expert how food and lifestyle can be used to optimise health and manage disease. Includes personal health questionnaire, superfoods, meal planning and a tasting session. Fun and informative!”

Courses offered by The IHS:

Diploma in Nutritional Therapy
Certificate in Dietary Coaching: Nutrition and Health
Certificate in Western Herbs
Certificate in Naturopathic Nutrition

“IHS offer a variety of innovative, academically accredited and industry recognised part-time courses in the field of Nutrition, Diet and Health. Our range of courses is designed to offer something for anyone with an enthusiasm for nutrition, from those simply wishing to explore a personal interest to those pursuing a new career in the industry. All courses are written and taught by a team of healthcare experts, committed to improving standards of nutrition education in Ireland. At IHS we provide the highest quality course material to all students ensuring that they can fully immerse themselves in our interactive lecture weekends. Many courses also involve practical workshops, cooking demonstrations and field trips to ensure students leave with practical skills as well as a wealth of new knowledge.”

Life and Fitness Magazine Ireland Online Issue

The November/December issue of Life and Fitness Magazine Ireland is now available to view online. This issue is packed full of great articles to help you achieve your fitness goals and lose weight, how to avoid gaining too much weight over the Christmas holidays and plenty more to help you live healthier and happier.  You can also have the opportunity to win a years free membership in a gym of your choice (see p34 for details)

Simply click on the image below to view.

83% of Women think that they cope with a Cold or Flu better than their Male Counterparts

50% of Irish people claim that they are as healthy or healthier in winter than at other times of the year, yet only 9% of Irish people consider winter their favourite season. A new survey, conducted on behalf of Danone Actimel to mark the launch of its Winter Defences Guide, finds that those that love winter said that they exercise more (27%) and eat healthier (17%) in preparation for the season.

 

Winter-lovers stated that cold crisp weather (33%); crackling fires (23%) and Christmas (21%) were their favourite elements of the season. In contrast, those who responded negatively towards winter were asked why they disliked the fast-approaching season and 65% said it was because they are outdoors less and exercise less.

 

When asked about colds and flu there was a huge disparity between the sexes as to who is perceived to deal better with winter ailments. 83% of women feel that they deal with a cold or flu better than their male counterparts, while only 37% of men agree with this point of view. Men were more inclined to be diplomatic, with 41% stating that men and women were similar in how they coped. Interestingly, the vast majority of respondents (79%) stated that they ‘carry on regardless’ when they have a cold or flu.

 

Paula Mee, Nutritionist explains: “To help us stay healthy during the winter months it is important that we look after our diet. What we eat can have a direct influence in supporting our overall health – our immune system in particular needs a gentle support to prepare it for the challenging weather and busier days ahead. As well as traditional preventative techniques such as wrapping up well and washing our hands regularly, we can help ourselves to stay well by making sure we eat a good balance of nutrients from each of the four food groups; wholegrains, antioxidant-rich fruit and vegetables, low fat dairy with probiotics, and omega 3-rich seafood.”

 

Jill McCarron, Health Affairs Manager, Danone said: “We want to help people love winter and our research shows that those who get out and enjoy themselves are likely to be healthier and to be more positive about the winter months. Our Actimel Winter Defences Guide is full of tips and ideas on how to help look after yourself this winter. A healthy, active lifestyle, supplemented with a daily probiotic drink, such as Actimel, can help us prepare to love winter.”

 

Some of the Tips and Guidelines included in the Actimel Winter Defences Guide, include:

 

• Take exercise and get out more
• Be positive and reduce stress
• Stay warm
• Eat well and keep hydrated
• Sleep well
• Keep hands clean

 

For more diet and lifestyle tips visit www.actimel.ie

 

Findings from iReach Consumer Research on behalf of Danone. Fieldwork was undertaken between 18/08/09 – 25/09/09 and involved a survey of 1,000 persons nationwide.

Ted Vickey interview on Real Radio

Listen to Ted Vickey’s interview with Real Radio 100.3FM

One of the America’s top fitness management consultants, Ted Vickey has recently joined the editorial team of Life and Fitness Magazine Ireland. Ted is the former Executive Director of the White House Athletic Center under the Bush, Clinton and George W Bush administrations.

He is also a member of the Board of Directors for the American Council on Exercise. He joins the team of Life and Fitness as a contributing editor, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to the magazine.

Former Executive Director of the White House Athletic Center joins Life and Fitness

Ted Vickey

One of the America’s top fitness management consultants, Ted Vickey has joined the editorial team of Life and Fitness Magazine Ireland. Ted is the former Executive Director of the White House Athletic Center under the Bush, Clinton and George W Bush administrations. He is also a member of the Board of Directors for the American Council on Exercise. He joins the team of Life and Fitness as a contributing editor, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to the magazine.

Life and Fitness Magazine Ireland

Life and Fitness is Ireland’s leading healthy lifestyle magazine and is the first in the country to be distributed free through gyms and leisure centres nationwide. It contains articles on fitness, health, weight loss, nutrition and wellness from some of the country’s leading experts. The bi-monthly publication also offers regular email newsletters to subscribers, containing up to date news and developments in the health and fitness industry.

Derry O Donnell, publisher and editor said “We are absolutely delighted to have someone with Ted’s credentials join the team. He is very highly regarded in the fitness industry in the US. Ted has also written a number of fitness related books along with articles for several US and International publications. His expertise will be a great addition to us.”

Ted said “I am pleased to be part of the Life and Fitness magazine team.  Derry has some great things planned for the magazine and the readers and I am happy to be part of his journey.  Fitness is one of my passions, so this opportunity is a natural fit.”

Ted contributed to the magazine earlier this year with articles on golf fitness. The upcoming November issue of Life and Fitness Magazine will include a number of articles written by him on fitness and exercise.

Ted is President of FitWell LLC, a fitness consulting company to small businesses, corporations and the golf industry.  Clients have included the White House Athletic Center, The US Department of Commerce, Osram Sylvania, Fruit of the Loom and Eastern Mountain Sports.  He is a member of the Board of Directors for the American Council on Exercise and founder of myFitnessCaddy.com serving the fitness needs of golfers worldwide.

Ted received his Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sport Science from Penn State, a Master’s degree in International Entrepreneurship Management from the University of Limerick and has been an ACE Personal Trainer since 1992.

Over his career, Ted has helped thousands of people achieve their goal of better health through better fitness

The American Council on Exercise^® (ACE) is a nonprofit organization committed to enriching quality of life through safe and effective exercise and physical activity. As America’s Authority on Fitness, ACE protects all segments of society against ineffective fitness products, programs and trends through its ongoing public education, outreach and research. ACE further protects the public by setting certification and continuing education standards for fitness professionals.

Founded in 1985, today ACE is one of the largest fitness certification, education and training organizations in the world. They currently have more than 55,000 certified fitness professionals in 107 countries. ACE certification, continuing education and training are among the most respected in the fitness industry.

Events taking place around Ireland as part of Breast Health Day

Events for 15 October Breast Health Day are taking place in the following locations (by county):

1.      CLARE: Shannon FRC, Respond Centre, Riveanna View, Shannon: (061-707600): 2 guest speakers giving talks on “Importance of Breastcheck” & “Breast Awareness” followed by general dance session, 10-12.30pm.

1. CORK: Curves, The Boys Club, Church Rd, Bantry (027-20222): All day exercise session open to all female members/friends and from 6-8pm open to male partners/friends.
2. DONEGAL: (Weds 21 October) Family Resource Centre, Eskeside Bungalow, New Row, Donegal Town (074-9725337): Walk and coffee morning at Centre starting at 10am.
3. DUBLIN: (Blanchardstown) Mountview Resource Centre, 11 Whitechapel Crescent, Mountview, Blanchardstown (01-…): Information session around light exercise and nutrition 10-4pm at Centre.
4. DUBLIN: (Rialto) (Weds 14 October): Fatima Groups United, F2 Centre, 3 Reuben Plaza, Rialto, Dublin 8 (01-…): Health morning drop-in at Centre with Keep Fit and some nice food! (This will be a regular weekly event)
5. DUBLIN: (Stephen’s Green): Join us, Europa Donna Ireland, for a walk around the Green.Generously supported by Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, while stocks last! Meet at the Summer House at 12.30!
6. DUBLIN: (Stoneybatter): An Siol CDP, is running a “juice and exercise hour” from 12.30 – 1.30 in Aughrim Street Parish Centre. The purpose of the day is to make the link with health living and reducing the risk of breast cancer with some useful exercise tips.
7. DUBLIN: (Sunday 18th October) (Howth): Deer Park Hotel and Healthpro will be co-hosting “Taking Steps to Reduce the Risks of Cancer”. This walk will start and finish at the Deer Park Hotel Golf and Spa, Howth, Co. Dublin at 2pm. Refreshments will follow the walk at the Deer Park Hotel. The walk is to promote awareness of both breast cancer and prostate cancer. This day is promoting the fact that your lifestyle reflects your health. Please register in advance with Antoinette ( antoinette@deerparkhotel.ie  087 9258339 ) or Harriette ( harriette@healthpro.ie 086… )
8. DUBLIN: (Glasnevin/Drumcondra): Walk – meet Mobhi Road end of Griffith Avenue at 8.30 pm for a walk – approximately 1 hour. Contact Nora on 01-7978995  or 086 3733615.

10.  DUBLIN: (Wednesday 21 October) (Crumlin/Drimnagh) Information session on breast cancer and cervical screening, followed by gentle yoga session. St John Bosco Youth Centre, Drimnagh. 8 pm. Contact: Winnie 087 6197100

11.  DUBLIN: (North Inner City) Hill Street FRC Parents and Toddlers Group – Walk from Centre to Dublin City Council Park, Blessington Street Basin, and back again. Leaving Centre at 10.30.

12.  GALWAY: Breastlife, c/o Cancer Care West Drop-in Centre (087-6756230): Walkabout on the Prom, Salthill : Meet 2pm at Blackrock, Salthill, walk to Martin Connolly Causeway (entrance to Mutton Island) and back again.

13.  LOUTH: Gary Kelly Centre, Georges St, Drogheda (086-8172914): “Exercise and Breast Health” – talk by cancer survivor Banban Goulding at 2pm, followed by tea/coffee

14.  MAYO: Cara Iorrais, 2 Church St, Belmullet, Co Mayo (097…): Walkabout starting from centre of Belmullet 5-6pm.

15.  OFFALY:  Dochas, Teach Dochas, Offaly St., Tullamore (057…): Walk in Charleville Castle, Tullamore starting at 10am.

16.  ROSCOMMON: Roscommon Women’s Network CDP, Unit 5, The Old Mill, Castlerea, Co Roscommon (094…): Meet at Old Mill before 1pm  followed by walk through Demesne and around Castlerea and back to Old Mill.

17.  SLIGO: Sligo Cancer Support Group 44 Wine St, Sligo (071-9170399): Open Day at centre with refreshments and information 10-4pm.

18.  WATERFORD: St Brigid’s Family & Community Centre, 37 Lr Yellow Road,  Waterford (051-375261): Information morning 10.30-12 noon – with information about breast health and the benefits of exercise and healthy lifestyle. A Breastcheck Promotion Screening Officer will be there to answer questions and talk about the service, how to be breast aware and registration for the programme. This will be followed by some light exercise.

19.  WESTMEATH: LARCC, Ballinalack, Mullingar (044-9371971): Walk around Belvedere House and gardens 10 – 12am, followed by tea/coffee afterwards. Meet at Belvedere House before 10am.

20.  WEXFORD: (Friday 16 October) (Enniscorthy)  Hope Centre Swimming session, Enniscorthy Swimming Pool 3pm. Contact: Angela Travers 086 3758722

21.  WICKLOW (Bray): Bray Cancer Support Centre 36b Main St, Bray (01-2866966): Walkabout starting 11am from Drop-In Centre down Main St onto Quinsboro Road, onto Promenade. Return via Sidmonton Road and back to Centre for refreshments. This should take 50-60 minutes.

22.  WICKLOW (Enniskerry): Powerscourt Golf Club, Enniskerry: 9 hole shotgun competition starting at 9.45am followed by lunch at 12.30.

10 – 16% of Breast Cancer cases related to lack of exercise

Europa Donna Ireland calls on women of all ages to get active on breast health day

Thursday 15^th October marks Europa Donna Ireland’s (EDI) Breast Health Day. 10 – 16% of breast cancers are related to inactivity and with over 22 free events taking place around the country EDI are calling on women of all ages to get out and get active.

Speaking about Breast Health Day Christine Murphy Whyte, Chair of EDI said:

“Exercise is vital to maintaining a healthy balanced lifestyle. Six women a day are diagnosed with breast cancer in Ireland and women have the opportunity to help reduce their risk of breast cancer by increasing their physical activity.

“What women do from the youngest age can influence their future and engaging in moderate exercise for at least 30-60 minutes every day is an easy and achievable step towards better breast health.

“Europa Donna is delighted to have the support of women’s and community groups around the country to encourage women  to build a little exercise into their daily routine. Breast Health Day isn’t about fund-raising, it’s about raising awareness, showing that it is easy to take a little exercise, have fun and do yourself a lot of good.

“Through our partnership with DESSA- the Disability Equality Specialist Support Agency, we have 22 groups all around the country holding exercise events to mark Breast Health Day, details of which can be found on our website: www.europadonnaireland.ie,” Ms Murphy Whyte concluded.

According to the World Health Organisation, at least one third of all cancer cases are preventable. Excess body weight and physical inactivity account for 25-33 percent of breast cancer cases.

7 tips from Breast Health Day

1.Increase physical activity. Engage in moderate exercise for at least 30-60 minutes every day

2.Remember that what we do from the youngest age can influence our future breast health

3.Maintain a healthy body weight throughout adult life, with BMI between 18.5 and 24.9

4.Be aware of other lifestyle factors and choices, such as avoiding obesity and alcohol consumption, that can influence chances of getting breast cancer

5.Take steps towards a healthier lifestyle, including eating a well-balanced diet and limiting alcohol intake

6.Get information and access to appropriate screening programmes for early detection and treatment

7.Encourage other women you know to become more active by sending them Europa Donna’s e-card on Breast Health Day

A new booklet on breast health and physical activity will be launched on the day by Europa Donna and will be downloadable from www.breasthealthday.org from 30th September.

An e-card is now available for online circulation at www.breasthealthday.org and the BHD website will show the number and localization of e-cards received around the world.

For more information on events in your area please visit www.europadonnaireland.ie or call Deirdre on 01 4960198

Free Diet Ebook

We came across a useful Diet Ebook recently entitled ‘52 Guaranteed Strategies to Lose Weight and Keep it off‘.  The Ebook can be downloaded for free from The Brain Changing Diet website. The strategies are listed in a brief, easy to read format and offer some useful, no nonsense tips to anyone who is trying to lose weight. The author Conor Hughes, originally from Ireland, is currently living in San Diego. You can chat with him on Twitter