Queues a healthy sign outside South-West Wexford CDP STAFF and volunteers at South West Wexford CDP (SWWCDP) were takenaback, though thrilled, to see long queues of women form - 450 women in all - outside their Ramsgrange Centre for a health information evening. The Womens Health Kicks ’06 event took place on Tuesday evening, May 9th, and the queues began at 6.30pm (the event was scheduled to begin at 7pm) much to the surprise of staff of the centre and up to forty volunteers who arrived to help out on the night. The CDP had been prepared for a crowd but described the level of interest as as "tremendous". The aim was to run a free evening promoting health awareness and healthy living for women of all ages in the South West Wexford Area. "It was massive," said project co-ordinator, Sharon Kennedy. She had facilitated meetings of the CDP’s women’s group who organised the event. Health activity checks were conducted and information and demonstrations held to raise awareness. The majority of women – their average age was 52 - came from Campile/Ramsgrange area but also as far afield as Foulksmills and Clongeen, most of whom heard about the event through friends, leaflets and the local newspapers. On the day, the CDP project hosted The Marie Keating Foundation Mobile Cancer Information Unit which was parked in the grounds of the Ramsgrange Centre, and provided cancer information and awareness to up to sixty women. A very popular activity on the evening were the cholesterol, blood checks and blood pressure health checks which were carried out by registered nurses. Fitness Instructor Rosemarie Dillon and her team carried out fitness tests on hundreds of women for Cardio-respiratory endurance, flexibility,

450 women attended a health information meeting run by the South-West Wexford CDP.

local muscle endurance, and body composition. Well-known guest speakers on the evening included, Marie Ryan, Heath Promotion adviser from the Irish Cancer Society and Consultant physician Dr. Paddy McKiernan, who with his team of nurse specialists discussed Heart Health Advice to a very packed audience in the centre. Ann Scanlon from The Irish Heart Foundation was also on hand for advice and information on healthy eating and physical activity as it relates to Heart Disease. Information was also available on smoking cessation and family planning advice . Highlights of the evening included the four cookery demonstrations from celebrity chef Kevin Dundon of Dunbrody Country House Hotel who demonstrated modern contemporary cooking with a healthy flair. In the refreshments room, staff from Wallaces Supervalu were kept very busy doing demonstrations and providing recipes for healthy and delicious smoothies and juices.

Health checks can save lives.

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An introduction to complimentary therapies, as part of a healthy lifestyle was very well received from the Claire Auld Skincare and Wellness Centre and local beautician Ruth Lacey. Representatives for Sam McCauleys Chemist, and Catherine Erskine, a beauty consultant, provided advice and demonstrations on skin care. At the end of the evening each participant was asked to complete a simple evaluation of the event to inform any future health evenings for the area. "The staff and management of the CDP and all the volunteers involved in the considerable work put into organising this event hope that the evening and the programme will work to encourage all who attended to make some small steps to a healthier and happier wellbeing," said project co-ordinator Sharon Kennedy afterwards.

Community arts kicks health THE Womens Health Kicks ’06 event was organized by the TATE (Taking Action Together Everyone) sub-group of SWWCDP. This group is the women’s sub-group within the management structure of SWWCDP and consists of voluntary members of the PATTAR (Parents and Tiny Tots at Ramsgrange) group, the Shelbourne Women’s group and the True Teens Group. The event was funded through the Women’s Health Seminars Initiative of the South East Health Service Executive. The idea for the event came from members involvement in a creative arts and health project, run in conjunction with Blue Drum Arts support agency and the Irish Heart Foundation in 2004. For more information, contact: South West Wexford CDP, Ramsgrange Centre, Ramsgrange, New Ross, Co. Wexford. Tel. 051-389418. E-mail: swwcdg@iol.ie Website: www.ramsgrangeproject.com (the website has just been newly revamped).

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