EATING HABITS:One in four children eat a different evening meal from their parents, according to a new survey. The same survey revealed that more urban-based children are likely to eat pizza, burgers and chips instead of more traditional home-cooked meals with meat or fish and vegetables.
Commenting on the results, Dr Mary McCreery, dietitian at the Blackrock Clinic, said, "The food preferences children form when they are young have many long-term effects. Establishing healthy eating habits in childhood can reduce the risk of obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, some cancers and osteoporosis."
PUMOLIFE LUNG MACHINE:As part of its campaign to encourage people to lead healthier lives, the Boots chain of pharmacies is now offering smokers a chance to check for early signs of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Smoking is the primary risk of this chronic condition and decline in lung function is an early sign. Smokers and non-smokers alike can have their lung age calculated on the Pumolife Lung Machine in some Boots stores throughout January and February.
DALKEY GOOD HEALTH FAIR:The Dalkey Good Health Fair will be held in the Dalkey Heritage Centre, Dalkey, Co Dublin this Saturday and Sunday from 11am-5pm each day. Now in its third year, the fair includes demonstrations and information seminars on many complementary therapies. Admission is free.
SAFETY AT WORK:Minister of State for Labour Affairs Tony Killeen has asked everyone to redouble their efforts to ensure their own and their colleagues' safety at work this year. Over the past five years 303 workers have lost their lives in Irish workplaces. Last year 50 people lost their lives.
"We can do something about this . . . We need to be constantly vigilant because when we look at the cause of many accidents we see that many could have been avoided," says Killeen.
Compiled by Sylvia Thompson