“A healthy weight can be achieved by literally making small changes in your lifestyle” according to local Heart and Stroke Charity, Croí, who has just announced details of a new programme in Mayo to help individuals lose and manage weight in a healthy way.
The Croí ‘iBalance’ programme which is delivered by a Croí Dietician over 6 weeks (1 hour per week) includes expert guidance on all aspects of healthy eating, including the following topics: exploring your relationship with food; making healthy choices when shopping; understanding food labels and controlling portion sizes. During the 6-week ‘iBalance’ programme each person is encouraged to keep a food diary and a weekly ‘weigh-in’ is also provided for those who wish to participate.
Speaking about this initiative, Croí Nurse Ailish Houlihan said “Recent research undertaken by Croí, in collaboration with the HSE revealed that almost 50% of Mayo adults are overweight with a further 33% classified as obese. This is not unique to County Mayo, and mirrors national statistics, which are a significant concern for public health professionals.”
She continued by saying “Obesity is recognised as one of the key risk factors that puts an individual at higher risk of developing diabetes and heart disease. Croí ‘iBalance’ provides an ideal opportunity to receive up-to-date nutritional advice and learn some useful tips on how to make healthier food choices, reduce weight and improve overall health.”
The first Croí ‘iBalance’ programme will take place in association with Le Chéile Family Resource Centre in Castlebar and will commence in the Family Resource Centre on Thursday 21st April from 1-2pm. Booking is essential. A ‘not for profit’ fee applies. To book your place, contact Maria in Croí on 091-544310.
This Croí initiative is being rolled out as part of the on-going work of the ‘Mayo Action on Heart Disease & Stroke’ programme, a community-based prevention programme and partnership between Croí and Mayo PCCC, HSE West which aims to reduce the impact of heart disease and stroke in Mayo.