The Healthy Ireland 2018 campaign encourages people to get active together this summer  

As we approach the summer solstice and longest day of the year next week (Thursday 24 June), why not make the most of the brighter evenings while you still can, by taking part in the Healthy Ireland Summer 2018 campaign.

The Healthy Ireland 2018 campaign seeks to encourage people to get out and get active together this summer – whether walking with a group, visiting some of our many parks and heritage sites with family or sharing a salad or summer fruit with friends.

Building on January’s Healthy Ireland 2018 campaign, which encouraged people to make a small, healthy change, the Summer campaign highlights the benefits of making those changes with others – getting out and feeling good together. Research shows that starting a healthy habit with someone, such as a family member, friend or colleague, is more likely to last than if you do it alone.

These positive changes are focused on three key areas: eating more healthily, being more active, and minding our mental wellbeing. With the opportunities that the summer brings – longer days and better weather, along with healthy, seasonal fruit and veg – people are encouraged to ‘pause the box set’ and take the opportunity to be outdoors, to connect with others in our communities and enjoy our natural amenities.

Speaking at the launch of the Healthy Ireland Summer 2018 campaign recently the Minister for Health Simon Harris said, “Healthy Ireland is about supporting people to improve their own health and wellbeing. This summer provides us all with a new opportunity to take those first steps to a healthy change.  Creating a healthier Ireland is a job for us all and means every Government Department and every sector playing their part to achieve that vision. I’d like to thank all of our partners for their hard work and support.  If everyone made one small change this summer, it would add up to a big change for the health of the whole population.”

The Irish Heart Foundation is a member of the Healthy Ireland Network. Healthy Ireland is a major Government-led programme to encourage and support everyone living in Ireland to have the best possible physical and mental health and wellbeing.

Welcoming the summer campaign Janis Morrissey, Head of Health Promotion with the Irish Heart Foundation said, “As a Healthy Ireland Network member, the Irish Heart Foundation is pleased to support this new Healthy Ireland Summer 2018 Campaign. We would encourage the nation to engage in the ‘Feel Good Together’ theme and are ready with a range of supports for communities, workplaces and schools. For example, why not enjoy one of over 200 Slí na Sláinte walking routes across the country? Each Slí route is a mapped, measured walking routes which aims to encourage people to incorporate more walking into their day. Or why not bring a friend and visit our Mobile Health Unit together for a free blood pressure check?”