Galway Advertiser 07.04.16 - Nutrition and Health Foundation

Galway Advertiser*
Thursday, 7 April 2016
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104
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Galway workers need
to get a move on
Fewer people are exercising at °ne generation." exercise are company organised
the recommended weekly levels Dr Cul|en added: "A healthier Pilates or other exercise classes
than they were 15 months ago, workforce is in everyone’s interest. (45 per cent), access to annual
according to new research from Four out of five employees believe health checks or screenings (45
the Nutrition & Health Foundation there is a positive link between per cent) and more facilities to
(NHF). Just over a quarter (26 their health and wellbeing and support exercise such as showers
per cent) of Ireland's workforce their company's productivity, and lockers (38 per cent).
exercise at the recommended Seven in ten (69 per cent) also
level of over 150 minutes of say they are more likely to stay
moderate physical activity every longer with employers who show
week, down from almost a third an interest in their health and
(32 per cent) only fifteen months wellbeing."
ago. Four in ten (42 per cent) say Croi, Fidelity Investments
they are either totally or extremely Ireland and Valeo are some of
inactive during their working day. the organisations in Galway that
The research was commissioned have signed up. They join Aer
to mark Ireland's second National Lingus, the Department of Public
Workplace Wellbeing Day on Expenditure and Reform, ESB,
Friday, 8th April 2016, which is Intel, the Irish Prison Service, Pfizer
being organised by the Nutrition & and Ulster Bank among many
Health Foundation and supported others. Wellbeing programmes
by Ibec. are not the preserve of large or
Hundreds of organisations highly profitable companies or
across the public and private organisations, according to Sinead
sector including many from Galway Doherty, CEO, Fenero, a Dublin
are expected to participate in the based company which employs
campaign which aims to improve 16 people. "Small companies and
employee health by promoting those on a low budget can pack
tbetter nutrition and exercise a serious punch with a strong
in the workplace. Amongst the wellbeing leader, a bit of creativity
many activities planned are health and a good company culture,” she
checks and talks, exercise and said,
fitness classes, nutrition talks and Cathy Farrell, Head of Employee
cookery demonstrations. As part Engagement, Glanbia, another
of this year's activities, employers of the companies participating
are also being encouraged to in National Workplace Wellbeing
arrange a "Lunchtime Mile” a Day, recommends that companies
one mile cycle, jog, run, or walk introduce initiatives that best
for employees in the vicinity of suit their employees and their
their workplace. Further details of working environment. "National
how companies can get involved Workplace Wellbeing Day is an
are available at nhfireland.ie/ ideal opportunity for employers
wellbeing. to promote what they are already
Calling on employers of all doing in the area and for everyone
sizes and their employees in - employers and employees - to
Galway to support the day, Dr try out new initiatives and find out
Muireann Cullen, Nutrition & what works best for them.”
Health Foundation said "We need According to the NHF research,
to work together to tackle Ireland's about half of employers are
obesity challenge. We spend so already trying to facilitate healthier
much of our lives at work that the lifestyles for their employees,
workplace is the perfect place to More employees also have access
promote better exercise and eating to health and wellbeing initiatives
habits. And with parents making within the workplace than they
up so much of the workforce, the did in 2014. The three most
workplace is an opportunity to popular initiatives mentioned
influence the habits of more than by employees to promote more
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