Children step up pace for healthy initiative

PUPILS at a Northside school stepped up the pace recently for a programme to encourage a healthy lifestyle.

Children from Gaelscoil Bhaile Brigín walked 2,000 steps to Balbriggan Library to raise awareness of the Healthy Ireland at Your Library initiative taking place across Fingal Libraries.

The children used pedometers provided by Fingal Libraries to count their steps.

Mayor of Fingal Cllr Mary McCamley, Director of Services for Community and Housing, Margaret Geraghty and County Librarian Betty Boardman greeted the children on their arrival.  

Úna Smyth, co-ordinator of Healthy Ireland at Your Library for Fingal, and Laura Hartney arranged an interactive talk on healthy eating delivered by Deirdre Doyle of the Cool Food School.

Mayor McCamley welcomed the programme.

“We know that a good diet and regular exercise are both vital elements in taking care of your health,” she said.

“This initiative will help educate children from an early age and provide them with tools to make healthy choices. 

“I was delighted to see the children so enthusiastic walking to the library and promoting such a valuable initiative.”

The Department of Health is implementing the Healthy Ireland programme through Public Libraries because of the increasing role they play in providing information and education to residents of all ages.

County Librarian Betty Boardman said the programme will enhance current health information in Fingal Libraries by providing a new book stock, e-books, e-audiobooks, e-magazines and health and wellbeing online courses. 

“The Healthy Ireland Book Stock and online resources will be complemented by a range of talks, discussions and workshops with a focus on physical health, mental health and health literacy,” said Ms Boardman.