HEALTHY IRELAND 2018 CALENDAR AN INITIATIVE OF
JUMPING JACKS Taking the plunge at the 40 Foot while enjoying the sunny weather in Dublin. PHOTOGRAPH: STEVE HUMPHREYS caption
Creating a healthier Ireland for all Michelle Holden, Kate Curtin, Stephanie Jones and Jessica Hill at the Cabinteely Park Run. PHOTOGRAPH: COLIN O RIORDAN HEALTHY Ireland is a major Government-led programme to encourage and help everyone to be as healthy as possible. Our health is our most important asset, both for us as individuals and as a collective society. Healthy Ireland aims to encourage people to make positive choices to improve their physical and mental health, while also helping to make the healthier choice the easier choice. These positive choices can be about eating more healthily, being more active, and minding our mental wellbeing. I know it s not always easy to make the healthy choice, and we all have to fight temptation every now and again. But when you do make the healthy choice, it s always the right one. Finding time for regular exercise can be a challenge too, but doing so undoubtedly boosts your mental health and relieves stress, as well as helping to keep you physically fit. Healthy Ireland wants to connect and mobilise people and organisations across the country to support everyone to enjoy the best possible health and wellbeing. So in 2018, I d encourage you to get involved, to make a positive choice to improve your own or your family s health, and to support the national effort to create a healthier Ireland for generations to come. LEO VARADKAR TAOISEACH AN INITIATIVE OF
KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED PHOTOGRAPH: GARETH CHANEY, COLLINS Lots of us will welcome the New Year making some promises to ourselves to improve our health and wellbeing. Operation Transformation will start by encouraging people all over the country, at home, at work and on the roads, to achieve a healthier weight and get moving. All you have to do? Start! Visit rte.ot.ie. Pictured: Ten-year-old Ebony Caffrey from City Quay School in Dublin during the launch of the Nutrition Standards for the State s School Meals Programme, which follows new healthy-eating guidelines. Only healthy food choices that meet the new standards will be funded for breakfast clubs, school lunches and snacks, after-school clubs and school dinners. January2018 Eanáir2018 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 New Year s Day Quitting is Winning If you re a smoker, you can QUIT and we can help quit.ie 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Third Quarter Full Moon Operation Transformation Nationwide Walks 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 New Moon 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 First Quarter 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 Full Moon Share the Wisdom European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week cervicalcheck.ie Until 3 February Before you make up your mind, open it. December 2017 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 February 2018 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 In association with
FIELDS OF GOLD PHOTOGRAPH: MARK CONDREN Cervical cancer is the most common cancer among younger women in Ireland, and it s also one of the most preventable cancers. We can protect against cervical cancer by making sure our girls get the HPV vaccination when they start secondary school, and then through regular smear tests for women over 25. Check the register at www.cervicalcheck.ie. Pictured: Emma Purcell walks through fields of daffodils on McCullough s family farm in Gormanstown, Co Meath. February2018 Feabhra2018 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 World Cancer Day 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 International 13 14 National No 15 16 17 18 Epilepsy Day Shrove Tuesday St Valentine s Day Ash Wednesday Third Quarter Smoking Day Get help to QUIT from quit.ie St Brigid s Day Chinese New Year RBS Six Nations France v Ireland, 4.45pm 19 20 21 22 23 24 Operation 25 26 27 28 1 2 3 4 New Moon First Quarter RBS Six Nations Ireland v Italy, 2.15pm Transformation 5k Run, Phoenix Park RBS Six Nations Ireland v Wales, 2.15pm Before you make up your mind, open it. January 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 March 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 In association with
PEEK A BLUE PHOTOGRAPH: COLIN O RIORDAN Irish people drink more alcohol than the average European, and most of us underestimate how much we drink and how much harm it causes to our health and wellbeing. It s no harm to know how alcohol affects your health, your weight, your family and your mental wellbeing, and you can find out all that and more from the HSE s askaboutalcohol.ie website. Pictured: Three-year-old Rebecca Johnson with Piyanuch Chanphet and Rachel Lalley from the Artastic Pageant Company at the launch of the St Patrick s Festival at St Patrick s Park in Dublin. March2018 Márta2018 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 26 27 28 1 2 3 4 Full Moon 5 6 7 8 World Kidney Day 9 10 11 12 National Brain 13 14 15 16 17 18 Cheltenham Festival Until 16 March Third Quarter St Patrick s Day New Moon RBS Six Nations England v Ireland, 2.45pm All-Ireland Club C ship Finals March Equinox 19 20 21 World Down 22 23 Daffodil Day, 24 25 St Patrick s Day Bank Holiday Awareness Week Until 18 March Syndrome Day International Women s Day Irish Cancer Society RBS Six Nations Ireland v Scotland, 2.15pm First Quarter World TB Day Allianz National Hurling League Final 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 Full Moon Mother s Day Summer time begins Good Friday Easter Saturday Before you make up your mind, open it. February 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 April 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 In association with
TAKE THE PLUNGE PHOTOGRAPH: STEVE HUMPHREYS We re living longer, and we also want to make sure we live well as we age. Keeping active in body and mind, and keeping in touch with friends and neighbours are simple and powerful ways to ensure we enjoy healthy older age. Joining a walking group is a simple way to do both find one near you at getirelandwalking.ie. Pictured: Roisin O Doherty from Ballybrack in Dublin prepares to dive into the 40 Foot. April2018 Aibreán2018 Bowel Cancer Awareness Month Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 World Autism 3 4 5 6 7 World Health Day 8 Awareness Day Easter Monday Grand National, Fairyhouse Augusta Masters Until 8 April 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Allianz National Football League Final Fairyhouse Easter Festival Until 3 April Easter Sunday Third Quarter 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 New Moon Aintree Grand National First Quarter 23/30 24 World 25 26 27 28 29 Full Moon (30 April) Active Schools Week 23 27 April Immunisation Week www.immunisation.ie Until 30 April Punchestown Festival Until 28 April Before you make up your mind, open it. March 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 May 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 In association with
JUMP TO IT PHOTOGRAPH: CODY GLENN, SPORTSFILE Our kids need to be moving for at least 60 minutes every day to stay healthy and well, and getting them out and about preferably with us in tow is one of the best ways to set them up for a healthy future. You ll find ideas on how and where to get moving at getirelandactive.ie, or visit aldicommunitygames.ie or parkrun.ie to get involved in your community. Pictured: Members of the Mucklagh Girls Football Club from Tullamore, Co Offaly, celebrate winning a morning match in the U15 tournament at the Aldi Community Games May Festival at the National Sports Campus, in Abbotstown, Dublin. May2018 Bealtaine2018 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 30 1 World Asthma Day 2 3 4 5 World Hand 6 Bealtaine Festival Older People in the Arts Hygiene Day 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 May Bank Holiday Third Quarter 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 New Moon Rugby: European Challenge Cup Final Rugby: European Champions Cup Final 21 22 23 24 25 Aldi Community Games 26 27 First Quarter 28 29 30 World MS Day 31 World No Tobacco Day 1 2 3 Full Moon Tattersalls International Horse Trials Until 3 June April 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Bloom In The Park Until 4 June June National Festival, University of Limerick Until 27 May 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 UEFA Champions League Final Before you make up your mind, open it. In association with
PRIDE IN THE NAME OF LOVE PHOTOGRAPH: SAM BOAL, ROLLINGNEWS.IE Did you know that volunteering is good for you? While volunteers give their time and energy to help others, there are also well-proven benefits for their own health and mental wellbeing. Win win. Get involved with what s happening in your local community at volunteer.ie. Pictured: People at the Gay Pride Parade in Dublin. June2018 Meitheamh2018 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Bank Holiday Third Quarter 11 Men s Health Week 12 13 14 World Blood Donor Day 15 16 17 Until 17 June New Moon Taste of Dublin National Carers Week Until 17 June Bloomsday Until 17 June Golf: US Open Rugby Test: Until 17 June Australia v Ireland Father s Day First Quarter Dublin LGBTQ Pride Until 30 June National Bike Week Until 17 June 18 19 20 21 June Solstice 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 1 Full Moon Irish Derby Festival, Curragh Racecourse Until 1 July Rugby Test: Australia v Ireland Rugby Test: Australia v Ireland VHI Women s Mini Marathon Gay Health Forum Before you make up your mind, open it. May 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 July 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 In association with
RACING CERTAINTIES PHOTOGRAPH: TONY GAVIN Forty per cent of cancers can be prevented, as they re linked to how we live our lives what we eat, how much we move, and a range of other factors. To reduce your risk of cancer, keep a healthy weight, keep active, quit smoking, don t forget the sunscreen and make sure you take up invitations to attend free cancer-screening services, like BreastCheck, CervicalCheck or BowelScreen screeningservice.ie. Pictured: Michael McInerney, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co Clare, Des Hartigan, Croom, Co Limerick and John Hynes, Meanus, Co Limerick discuss the favourites at the Galway Races. July2018 Iúil2018 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 25 26 27 28 29 30 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, Ballyliffin Until 8 July Third Quarter 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 New Moon Groove Festival Until 8 July 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 First Quarter 23/30 24/31 25 26 27 28 World Hepatitis Day 29 Galway Races Summer Festival 30 July 5 August June 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Golf: The Open Championship Until 22 July August 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Before you make up your mind, open it. In association with Full Moon
DADDY S GIRL PHOTOGRAPH: STEVE HUMPHREYS We all love our children and want the best for them but parents in Ireland agree that daily battles to get healthy food into our little ones can be one of their toughest challenges. Try to carve out just one daily win like veggies in the pasta, or cutting out sugary drinks makeastart.ie has lots more tips and advice. And if you re expecting a baby, and considering breastfeeding to give them the very best start in life, there is great support available online and on social media from the HSE s breastfeeding experts at breastfeeding.ie. Pictured: Nathan Jamieson and his daughter Lucy from Tallaght enjoying some daddy-daughter time at Bord Bia s Bloom in the Park in the Phoenix Park. August2018 Lúnasa2018 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 30 31 1 World 2 3 4 5 Breastfeeding Week Until 7 August Third Quarter 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Bank Holiday Dublin Horse Show, RDS Until 12 August 13 14 15 16 17 Aldi Community Games 18 19 Golf: The US PGA Until 19 August National Festival, University of Limerick Until 19 August Rose of Tralee Festival Until 21 August 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 New Moon First Quarter International Youth Day Fleadh Cheoil na héireann, Drogheda, Co Louth Until 19 August All-Ireland Hurling Final Full Moon 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 Electric Picnic Until 2 September Before you make up your mind, open it. July 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 September 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 In association with
THE HUMAN FURROW PHOTOGRAPH: MARK CONDREN Dementia is caused by diseases of the brain, and there are 55,000 people living with it in Ireland. Many people and families affected can become unnecessarily isolated, but with our collective support and friendship, people living with dementia and their families can live well in the community and take part in day-to-day activities. Visit understandtogether.ie to see how you can help and get involved. Pictured: James Coffey from Roscommon participating at the National Ploughing Championships in Screggan, Tullamore, Co Offaly. September2018 Meán Fómhair2018 Irish Heart Month Irish Heart Foundation World Alzheimer s Month Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Third Quarter Dublin Fringe Festival, Until 23 September 10 World Suicide 11 12 13 14 15 16 Awareness Day All-Ireland Football Final New Moon International Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Day 17 18 19 20 21 World Alzheimer s Day 22 23 First Quarter National Ploughing Championships, Tullamore Until 20 September 24 Positive Ageing Week 25 26 World 27 28 29 30 Full Moon August Contraception Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 October Golf: The Ryder Cup Until 30 September 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Before you make up your mind, open it. In association with September Equinox European Week of Sport Until 30 September Great Dublin Bike Ride National Fitness Day #BeActive Nights Family Sportsfest
EVERYDAY SUPERHEROES PHOTOGRAPH: STEVE HUMPHREYS One in every four of us will experience mental health problems in our lifetime, but every one of us will know what it s like to feel stressed, or to go through a tough life change or bereavement. There are some free, simple but proven steps that can protect our mental health, and guide us through a difficult time. Being active, talking about our problems and keeping connected to people around us can make all the difference yourmentalhealth.ie. Pictured: Robin aka Roger Craig taking part in the Dublin Marathon 2017. October2018 Deireadh Fómhair2018 Breast Cancer Awareness Month Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 National Breastfeeding Week Until 7 October Third Quarter World Mental World Sight Day 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Health Day New Moon 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 First Quarter European Restart a Heart Day 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Full Moon Winter time begins 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 Third Quarter Dublin Marathon Bank Holiday Halloween Before you make up your mind, open it. September 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 November 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 In association with
FROM LITTLE ACORNS PHOTOGRAPH: GERRY MOONEY Heading into the winter, few of us will escape the annual cold, flu or tummy bug. For really useful common-sense advice on how to calm a cold or tame a temperature, go to undertheweather.ie, provided by GPs, pharmacists and the HSE. For older people, pregnant women and anyone with a long-term condition if you haven t got your flu vaccine yet, do visit the GP or pharmacy without delay; it s a lifesaver. www.hse.ie/flu. Pictured: Isabelle (2) and Holly Brennan (5) from Lucan pictured in the leaves from a horse-chestnut tree in the Phoenix Park, Dublin. November2018 Samhain2018 Movember Prostate Cancer Awareness Month Irish Cancer Society Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 New Moon 12 13 Antibiotic 14 World Diabetes Day 15 16 17 18 First Quarter 19 EU Action on 20 21 22 23 24 25 Alcohol Week Theme: Alcohol and The Family. Visit www.askaboutalcohol.ie for more information Until 23 November Awareness Week Until 17 November World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease(COPD) Day 26 27 28 29 30 1 2 Third Quarter Full Moon Remembrance Sunday October 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 December 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Before you make up your mind, open it. In association with
STRIKE A POSE PHOTOGRAPH: DAMIEN EAGERS Healthy Ireland is here to help us all improve our health and wellbeing, and to help protect us and our children from some worrying health trends in our nation. It s a mixture of government policy, legislation, communications messages, health and health screening services, and hundreds of employers and organisations all over the country. We re working together, changing how we do things, and trying to make it easier for you to make healthy choices. healthyireland.ie Pictured: A group of Filipino dancers at a Cruinniú na Cásca gathering in St Stephen s Green, Dublin. December2018 Nollaig2018 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 26 27 28 29 30 1 World AIDS Day 2 3 International Day of 4 5 International 6 7 8 9 People with Disabilities Volunteer Day New Moon 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 First Quarter 17 18 19 20 21 December Solstice 22 23 Full Moon 24/31 25 26 27 28 29 30 Christmas Eve (24) New Year s Eve (31) Christmas Day St Stephen s Day Leopardstown Christmas Festival Limerick Christmas Festival Until 29 December November 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 January 2019 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Third Quarter Before you make up your mind, open it. In association with
FRUITS OF LABOUR PHOTOGRAPH: GERRY MOONEY Sisters Olivia (6) and Ellen Foley (8) pictured in The Strawberry Bed Garden designed by their mother Maeve O Neill in the show garden of Bloom 2017. January2019 Eanáir2019 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 New Moon 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 First Quarter 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 Full Moon Third Quarter 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 December 2018 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 February 2019 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Before you make up your mind, open it. In association with
AFTER THE STORM PHOTOGRAPH: MARK CONDREN Elsa (7) and Tom (5) Dollard on Centre Park Road in Cork after Hurricane Ophelia. Every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of this calendar prior to publication. The Irish Independent cannot accept responsibility for any unforseen circumstance arising from information published.
BELLES OF THE BALL PHOTOGRAPH: COLIN O RIORDAN Some real-life princesses waiting to enter The Savoy Cinema on Dublin s O Connell Street to see Beauty and The Beast.
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