World Heart Day

22/09/2004

Archived item. This item is published here for historical reasons. The information below may be out of date.

Step in the Right Direction for World Heart Day

Heart disease is the cause of nearly 2 in every 5 deaths in Ireland today*

This year World Heart Day takes place on Sunday 26^th September where all over the world people will be coming together to promote a healthy heart.  The theme for this year’s event is ‘Get out walking with your Family and Friends’, with an emphasis on encouraging children and young people to get involved.

The Irish Heart Foundation are asking everyone to simply go for a walk, and have a fun and healthy day out at the local park, beach, lakeside or walk at one of the 140 Sl? na Sláinte Paths to Health, located around the country. The walking routes are safe and accessible and designed to be enjoyed by walkers of all age groups.

Last year over 260 organised walks took place across the country with nearly 7,000 people taking part. This year the goal of the Irish Heart Foundation is to see this number raised, getting more people on the path to a healthier heart.

Walking is a great exercise for reducing stress, maintaining a reasonable body weight, and avoidance of cardiovascular disease, which was the cause of 41% of deaths in Ireland in 2001. But remember you don’t have to be super-fit or invest in expensive gear; you just do what comes naturally to you, Walk!

Tanya Comber-Rait, National Coordinator, Sl? na Sláinte said, “Even small amounts of physical activity make people feel better – and walking is an activity suitable for all ages and abilities. I urge people to get involved in one of the many organised walks on World Heart Day.”

There are 5 Slí na Sláinte Routes in South Dublin County that are sign-posted with directional arrows throughout.  Also the regional parks of Corkagh, Tymon and Grifffeen Valley are fabulous parks to visit whether it’s just for a short stroll or a good steady fitness walk.

So on World Heart Day, Sunday 26^th September get active and walk your way to a healthier heart.

Organised Walks in South Dublin County on Sunday 26^th September 2004

Walk:            North Clondalkin Slí na Sláinte Route

Starts:            Ronanstown Youth Service, Neilstown Road

Time:            2pm

Walk:            Corkagh Park Clondalkin Slí na Sláinte Route

Starts:            Main entrance to park

Time            11am

Walk:            Tymon Park

Starts:            St. Aengus Community Centre, Castletymon Road

Time:            11am

Walk on Saturday October 2^nd 2004

Walk:            Saggart / Rathcoole Slí na Sláinte Route

Starts:            Heritage Centre, Saggart

Time:            3pm

For further information contact Paula Swayne South Dublin County Council 4149000