Europa Donna Ireland calls on women of all ages to get active on breast health day
Thursday 15th October marks Europa Donna Ireland’s (EDI) Breast Health Day. 10 – 16% of breast cancers are related to inactivity and with over 22 free events taking place around the country EDI are calling on women of all ages to get out and get active.
Speaking about Breast Health Day Christine Murphy Whyte, Chair of EDI said:
“Exercise is vital to maintaining a healthy balanced lifestyle. Six women a day are diagnosed with breast cancer in Ireland and women have the opportunity to help reduce their risk of breast cancer by increasing their physical activity.
“What women do from the youngest age can influence their future and engaging in moderate exercise for at least 30-60 minutes every day is an easy and achievable step towards better breast health.
“Europa Donna is delighted to have the support of women’s and community groups around the country to encourage women to build a little exercise into their daily routine. Breast Health Day isn’t about fund-raising, it’s about raising awareness, showing that it is easy to take a little exercise, have fun and do yourself a lot of good.
“Through our partnership with DESSA- the Disability Equality Specialist Support Agency, we have 22 groups all around the country holding exercise events to mark Breast Health Day, details of which can be found on our website: www.europadonnaireland.ie,” Ms Murphy Whyte concluded.
According to the World Health Organisation, at least one third of all cancer cases are preventable. Excess body weight and physical inactivity account for 25-33 percent of breast cancer cases.
7 tips from Breast Health Day
1.Increase physical activity. Engage in moderate exercise for at least 30-60 minutes every day
2.Remember that what we do from the youngest age can influence our future breast health
3.Maintain a healthy body weight throughout adult life, with BMI between 18.5 and 24.9
4.Be aware of other lifestyle factors and choices, such as avoiding obesity and alcohol consumption, that can influence chances of getting breast cancer
5.Take steps towards a healthier lifestyle, including eating a well-balanced diet and limiting alcohol intake
6.Get information and access to appropriate screening programmes for early detection and treatment
7.Encourage other women you know to become more active by sending them Europa Donna’s e-card on Breast Health Day
A new booklet on breast health and physical activity will be launched on the day by Europa Donna and will be downloadable from www.breasthealthday.org from 30th September.
An e-card is now available for online circulation at www.breasthealthday.org and the BHD website will show the number and localization of e-cards received around the world.
For more information on events in your area please visit www.europadonnaireland.ie or call Deirdre on 01 4960198