Europa Donna Ireland, the volunteer-led patient advocacy group working for better breast cancer services nationwide, today marked Breast Health Day with a call to the nation to ‘Kickstart Your Health’. The organisation hosted an event with the support of Medtronic, one of the world’s largest medical technology, services and solutions companies, to mark Breast Health Day 2015.
Held every year, Breast Health Day aims to disseminate information concerning breast health and raise awareness of prevention and early detection of breast cancer among women and men.
The ‘Kickstart Your Health’ event took place in Joe’s Restaurant, Montague Street, Dublin 2.
The event, which was open to the public, was open to the public to come and gain fresh ideas and advice from a panel of health and fitness experts regarding how to incorporate healthy lifestyle habits into their daily routine.
Dympna Watson, Chairperson, Europa Donna Ireland, said: “A growing body of evidence shows the link between healthy lifestyle choices and a lower risk of developing breast cancer, with excess body weight and physical inactivity accounting for 25-33% of breast cancer cases. The aim of this ‘Kickstart Your Health’ event was to remind everyone that engaging in physical activity, maintaining a normal body weight and eating a healthy diet can help protect their breast health. We’re delighted to once again be partnering with Medtronic for Breast Health Day and we’re hoping that through our expert panel of speakers, attendees learnt a lot and took away some top tips on how to create a healthier lifestyle for themselves.”
The expert panel consisted of:
– Domini Kemp, breast cancer survivor and Irish chef, author and restaurateur, who will speak about the importance of healthy eating and how simple it is to eat both healthily and deliciously.
– Jen Feighery, women’s fitness and wellness expert, who will offer tips and advice on how to make exercise part of a daily routine.
– Marie Ennis O’Connor, Europa Donna Ireland Committee Member and Campaigner, who will speak about all things related to breast health. Marie herself has experienced breast cancer and is an international speaker on the subject and health blogger.
– Sophie Spence, Irish Women’s Rugby Team, Who will discuss the positive impact of sport and exercise on both mind and body, and what her daily routine involves to maintain her healthy lifestyle.
Alma Curran, Medtronic said: “This is Medtronic’s fourth year supporting Europa Donna Ireland on its Breast Health Day campaign. We were very excited to be involved with this event and the focus on healthier choices which supports Medtronic’s global vision of building healthy communities. We all know how busy day to day life can be and this hopefully helped to provide people with tips on how to introduce activity and healthier choices into busy schedules.”
Attendees enjoyed healthy snacks and juices upon arrival, followed by an interactive panel discussion with expert speakers. Following the discussion, attendees were afforded the opportunity to ask the experts any questions they have vis a vis healthy eating, fitness and breast health.
Speaking about the event, Domini Kemp, Irish chef, author and restaurateur, said: “I was delighted join Europa Donna Ireland for this event to help them highlight the importance of a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Having been through a cancer diagnosis myself, I feel passionate about advocating for the cause and helping people understand the role a healthy diet can play in disease prevention and recovery.”
For details please log on to www.europadonnaireland.ie.