Mouth Cancer Awareness Day

Today is Mouth Cancer Awareness Day.  Check out this short video from the Irish Cancer Society to learn about the signs, symptoms and what causes mouth cancer.  If you, a friend or family member have any questions or concerns about mouth cancer contact you doctor or dentist or for more information visit:  https://www.cancer.ie/reduce-your-risk/health-education/mouth-cancer-awareness#sthash.w6BjCRx4.dpbs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGrG6jNoc_k

Mental Health Week - Theme

For Mental Health Week - "The Five Ways To Well-being" are simple, accessible and achievable for everyone.

CONNECT

• Talk to someone instead of sending an email
• Speak to someone new
• Ask how someone's weekend was and really listen when they tell you
• Phone or meet someone you care about for a proper catch up

BE ACTIVE

• Regular physical activity
• Walking 
• Cycling
• Running

TAKE NOTICE

• Go for a walk and make a conscious effort to notice the landmarks and landscape
• Have a "clear the clutter" day
• Go somewhere pleasant for lunch, away from your normal setting, and really savor the environment and the tastes and textures of your food
• Take notice of how people around you are feeling or acting.

KEEP LEARNING

• Do a course, do a crossword or Sudoku
• Research something you've always wondered about 

GIVE

• Volunteer to a local organisation
• Donate to a local charity supporting mental health
• Participate in local events and help raise awareness on mental health

visit www.alive2thrive.ie or www.mentalhealthireland.ie for more information

Mental Health Day 2018

As part of mental health week we are holding a mental health day full of activities related to mental health. We are promoting mindfulness and activity for better mental health for all. 

Mindfulness with Mary

Mary started relaxing mindfulness sessions this morning with some members of staff and trainees.

Lads Active - Soccer

The lads had an enjoyable game of soccer this afternoon with Chris Donaghy at Doorly Park

Lads Active - Gym

Some of the male trainees went to gym at the Sports Complex, thanks to Wesley for assisting the trainees in gym work.

Trainees at the gym working out

Quitting Smoking Impact

Pauline Kent gave an informational talk at the centre yesterday in which many trainees attended, we all found the information helpful and gave some of us the motivation to try and give up smoking. Pauline brought a jar full of tar to demonstrate how much tar a person who smokes 20 cigarettes a day for two years would have in their body, it was quite alot of tar and gave me and many other trainees a visual representation of how much damage we were doing. I also found some of the points Pauline brought up very interesting such as once you attempt to quit smoking you are much more likely to keep trying even if you fail which I found quite motivating, Pauline also highly recommended that when trying to quit it is very important to take up exercise as a way to relieve stress and replace the time with something more beneficial for your body. There are supports out there for people who wish to quit. A good website for further information and services is https://www.quit.ie/

Pauline works full time helping people quit and finding what works for each individual she helps. Personally I feel much more motivated after hearing the talk and I will be trying to quit with the supports available, if you wish to quit please contact your doctor or Pauline (information below) these services are free for medical card holders.

Pauline Kent
Sligo Smoking Cessation Specialist
Sligo University Hospital
071 9174547
087 0519789
pauline.kent@hse.ie

Maija's Motivation Tips

Healthy Eating

Always start your morning with something that will fill you up and will be a slow release of energy (Porridge, Weetabix, Granola and Yoghurt). It will be a great booster for your day.

Why exercise is key

When your starting life you might not know much about keeping fit but as we learn now, exercising can prevent a lot of illnesses early and make your body prepared for any challenges. It also increases the levels in your brain so you can cope with stress more and overcome obstacles.

How to start

There are so many different types of ways of keeping fit. You need to explore and see how much you are willing to do. You can start off as simple as stretching for a half hour in the morning, even yoga would be as good. This will encourage you to take on the day and you will feel more positive.

How to keep going

It’s always hard to keep yourself motivated every day. As long as you set yourself a goal and what you want to achieve. Write yourself a timetable of different exercises you want to do and set yourself a day and time you are free and try to keep to it. Here is a website of some simple exercises you could start with and try it for a week every day. 

https://skinnyms.com/5-quick-and-easy-workout-moves-for-absolute-beginners/

Smoke-free Campus

Women's Health Week - Marie Keating Foundation Information Unit

Photo of the female staff and trainees at the Marie Keating Information Unit at the centre today, thanks to Marie the nurse for her very informative talk this morning on cancer awareness.  What a fantastic service provided by the Marie Keating Foundation!

Men's Health Week - Blue Day

Planting Herbs

Aideen, Emer, Patrick, Lee and Katie were planting some flowers and herbs today: oregano, chives and parsley.

Lad's Active - Soccer

The Lads Active group playing soccer in the sports complex with Ryan.