This event for Transition Year and 5th year students is hosted by The National Dairy Council with partners safefood . The 2018 event was a huge success , with nearly 3,000 students in attendance .
!
The seminar is designed to educate young people about the importance of healthy eating , physical activity and mental health in a practical , engaging and fun environment .
!
A recent study indicates that there is a “ startling drop-off ” in fitness among secondary school students after the Junior Cert .
!
The findings , gathered as part of the Irish Life Health ’ s 2017 school fitness challenge , are likely to be of concern to parents and policy-makers . The results of the study of more than 30,000 students throughout Ireland and a survey of physical education ( PE ) teachers shows a firm trend towards neglecting fitness in exam years and in particular after the Junior Cert .
!
Healthfest Speaker and fitness expert Karl Henry said “ Regular activity can have a very positive impact on how you feel about yourself . It ’ s about improving your energy and motivation . It ’ s about the fun and camaraderie of group or team-based activities . It ’ s about how good you can feel with each achievement along the way . But most of all it ’ s about the real difference this can make to your health now and in the future ”.
!
This year ’ s Healthfest didn ’ t disappoint , with Interactive sessions with the experts including leading ; Fitness expert Karl Henry , Leading Irish independent dietitian Orla Walsh , Chef Adrian Martin who demonstrated some of his favourite dairy dishes Special guest speaker , Eoghan McDermott of 2FM who will spoke to the students about the importance of looking after their mental health and wellbeing .
The MC for the event was radio and TV presenter and Mr Social Media for TG4 Michael Carey .
!
The National Dairy Council was honoured and delighted to have An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to launch this year ’ s event . He said ;
!
“ It ’ s essential that teenagers are informed about the importance of healthy eating and making time for exercise . I know it ’ s not always easy to do so , particularly if you are studying hard for exams . But it ’ s important to remember that getting out and about for some exercise helps to clear your head , it gives you more energy and it ’ s a great stress buster .
!
Developing good habits in our teens can help us to maintain a healthy attitude to food and physical activity as we progress through life . This year ’ s Healthfest aims to encourage secondary school students to stay fit and healthy by eating well and looking after their physical and mental wellbeing .”
!
To secure your booking for next year ’ s HealthFest , email Tara Regan in the National Dairy Council ; tregan @ ndc . ie
2018
WWW . TYIRELAND . COM