Slí na Sláinte, meaning “Path to Health”, is a unique initiative of the Irish Heart Foundation designed to encourage people to get active and get walking on routes marked out at 1 km intervals. It uses signage at kilometre intervals on established walking routes to help walkers identify the distance they walk.
Supported by County Limerick Sports Partnership and the Irish Sports Council, the Adare Slí na Slainte route is a 500-metre-long loop walk around the grounds of Adare GAA Club. Attending today’s launch were representatives of County Limerick Local Sports Partnership (CLLSP) and the Irish Heart Foundation.
CLLSP Coordinator Phelim Macken, said: “We were delighted to work with the Irish Heart Foundation and Adare GAA Club on this project. The new Slí na Sláinte route is a great addition for walkers in Adare as it provides access to a well lit walk all year round plus convenient parking.”
Describing the new walking route, Mr. Macken said: “Easy to follow, the 500-metre loop walk around the pitch will cater for all fitness levels but is ideal for the beginner walker who wants to change their lifestyle in order to increase their physical activity levels. Many people do not realise it but physical inactivity is one of the main risk factors for heart disease. At least 30 minutes of physical activity at a moderate intensity, such as brisk walking, five days a week will keep your heart strong, improve muscle strength and make you feel good.”
Edel Byrne of the Irish Heart Foundation commented: “We are delighted to open the new Slí na Sláinte routes in Adare GAA Club and want to thank all involved for their commitment and hard work in developing the new routes in particular Adare GAA Club and Kathleen Kennedy and Phelim Macken from Limerick Sports Partnership. Using a Slí na Sláinte walking route is an excellent way to engage in regular activity to maintain a healthy heart, but above all walking is fun.”
The launch of the new route coincides with the Irish Heart Foundation’s heart month this September, which is a RED ALERT to all Irish women to know that as many women (5,000) as men die from cardiovascular diseases.
Anyone seeking further information on Slí na Sláinte can contact Edel Byrne, Slí na Sláinte National Co‐ordinator at the Irish Heart Foundation, 4 Clyde Road, Dublin 4, Tel: 01 668‐5001 or e‐mail: ebyrne@irishheart.ie