Activity of the Week: Wild Swimming

The summer seems to have finally arrived and you are desperate for a swim in cool waters. The Irish Sea can be a less than inviting prospect for those living on the East Coast. While the Atlantic Ocean is incredible but freezing and exposed on the West. The following has been growing in recent months for wild swimming. This means taking to local lakes and rivers rather than man made pools. This is far from a mad idea - ask your parents and they will likely remember swimming like this. For safety always swim with at least one other person, watch the weather, obey local rules or signage and ask a local about the best place to swim if you are out and about. Wild swimming has seen a bit of a boom in the UK where a guide book has been published pointing out the best spots to swim. Click here for more information http://www.wildswimming.co.uk/

MidSummers Eve Run @ Kilruddery

Monday 21st June. Kilruddery House. Bray. Co. Wicklow. 7.30pm. Take part in a 10k run as dusk falls over the majestic Kilruddery House. It's only €20 to participate with proceeds going to Special Olympics Ireland. After the run stick around to enjoy traditional drumming and bonfires. Check out http://www.aliveoutside.ie/index.php?id=69&eid=82 for more.

Health News: Irish Men Die Younger

More than 25% of all men who die in Ireland this year will be under 65 years of age. There is a high risk level and general poor health among Irish men in their 30's, 40's and 50's. Professor Alan White of the University of Liverpool says he is worried that young Irish men have a negative attitude to health and exercise along with a poor diet and high alcohol intake. In short: Irish men are turning themselves into health timebombs by overindulging and taking lots of risks while they are young with few or no immediate results. Their bad behaviour comes back to haunt them as they age and their bodies can no longer withstand the assault. This sadly leads to a high incidence of death from cancer and cardiovascular disease. The Professor recommends that all men attend regular health screening. This allows GPs to spot serious health problems before they become dangerous and to provide advice and treatment quickly and effectively. Professor White will speak at the Mens Health conference in Galway this week. Source: Irish Times. 

World Cup Fever

World Cup fever has struck the offices of Fitfone and we are very excited about a month of world class sport starting on Friday! This week why not pump up that tired ball in the shed and practice your skills? An hour of playing soccer will burn between 525 and 1125 calories. It's the perfect excuse to put jumpers down for goalposts and call for your mates to see if they can come out to play.

Events: The Dingle Adventure Race

There's still time to register for the Dingle Adventure Race on June 12th. The 26 mile high endurance course involves biking, hiking, kayaking and running in the stunning setting of the Dingle Peninsula. Individuals and teams of 2 or 4 can enter online at www.dingleadventurerace.com 

Sleep Well

A good nights sleep sometimes makes everything seem better and Doctors tell us that sleep is essential for our wellbeing and health. But are you getting enough quality sleep? You should be aiming to get at least 7 hours per night. If you find it hard to undwind and get to sleep at night try these tips: Turn off the TV a little earlier. It stimulates your mind and can cause headaches. Read a book. Reading for a short time before sleeping helps many people to slow their heart rate and become quiet and restful. Get into a rountine. This might mean getting into pyjamas, having a warm drink, lighting a candle or simply locking up the house and putting your mind at rest in the same routine each night. 

Sports News: World Cup 2010

We're just 10 days away from the greatest event in football: The World Cup. Sadly Ireland are not in the running. Enough has been said about that we think. So it’s time to pick your favourite and start cheering. Here at Fitfone we firmly believe that the joy can be in participating (we still love to win though). Taking place in South Africa the tournament will bring together teams from 32 countries to compete for the greatest honour in the game. The first match will take place at 4pm on June 11th when South Africa face Mexico in Johannesburg. Tune in and get accquainted because it's all anyone will be talking about for the next month. For more open any paper or turn on the TV.