How to look after your Health

‘Your health is your wealth’ Adopting a healthy and active approach to living will benefit all
citizens in Dublin. An active lifestyle and proper diet combined together, directly leads to
better health. Health may be defined as a complete state of physical, mental and social well
being and not merely the absence of sickness.
Top Ten tips for Better Health
The following tips will not only make you look better and feel better, but they will also keep
you from developing long-term serious health problems.
 Cover up in the sun
UV rays are penetrating the earth’s atmosphere all year long. It’s important to wear
protection at all times to protect yourself from excessive sun exposure.
 Cut out fat
Dairy products such as cheese, milk and cream should be eaten in low fat
versions.Butter and sauces in sandwiches should be kept to a minimum, if possible.
And try to avoid fried or fast food, as they have a high amount of fatty acids in them.
 Don’t smoke
Give up smoking as soon as you can. Smoking not only causes lung cancer, but its
also recently been linked to many other illnesses. Research has shown that smoking
reduces life expectancy by seven to eight years. So try giving up the next one.
 Drink alcohol in moderation
Recent studies have shown that a glass of red wine a day can help protect against
heart disease. But if you drink excessively, you will have health problems such as
liver and kidney disease and cancer in later life.
 Eat Healthy
Make sure you eats lots of fruit and vegtables each and every day. Even try adding a
multivitamin to your daily routine. You’ll soon see the difference.
 Get active
One of the best ways to stay healthy is to exercise. It’s recommended to do 30 minutes
of cardio exercise 3 times a week. This even includes going for a walk with the dog,
or even running around with the children.
 Keep stress in check
Getting stressed out is bad for your health. If you are stressed in the work place you
are more likely to cause an accident and injure yourself or even fall ill.
 Positive outlook
It has been scientifically proven that a person with a positive outlook on life will be
healthier than someone who doesn’t.When you smile your brain releases small
amounts of serotonin that give your body a good feeling. So next time your sad, smile.
 Relax
Relaxation has actually become a medical treatment. It’s very important to relax in the
evenings after working. Try find somewhere that you feel comfortable, and just kick
back. It can be anywhere from a chair, to a bubble bath.

Stress Management

Stress comes about when there are so many demands and just not enough resources to
deal with them all effectively. Stress in small amounts can be a positive thing and many
people use it to drive them. However, if it becomes overwhelming it can have serious
negative consequences for your physical and mental well-being.

Tips for dealing with Stress:

 Exercise regularly This will keep you healthy, and more importantly will help
you release those mighty mouse hormones called endorphins all around your body
making you feel all happy inside.
 Learn to say ‘no’ – you’ve got enough on your plate. People will have to accept
that everyone needs time to themselves.
 Prioritise When you’ve done this, you can better manage your time and fit in
most of the things you need to do in your week and not feel too stretched.
Remember to plan for recreation too, and not to let study take over your life.
 Mind yourself All-nighters and dosing up on coffee and Red Bull, while
inevitable, isn’t good for you. Be sure to eat properly and sleep well before an
exam to make sure you’re on top form.
 Let it go (Let it goooooo!!!! –sorry!) This applies to exams and life in general.
You’ll almost always do better than you think you will.
 Have someone you can talk to/rant at It can be really helpful to get someone
else’s perspective on things and get things off your chest.
 Laugh Being too serious is bad for your health. Look what happened to Father
Stone…
 Be optimistic Positive things happen to positive people.
 Talk to us If you feel you’re struggling drop into Niamh your Welfare Officer.

Important Welfare Contacts

Samaritans 1850 609090 www.samaritans.org
Aware 01 6766166 01 6766166 www.aware.ie
Rape Crisis Centre 1800 778888 www.dree.ie
Women’s Aid 1800 341900 www.womensaid.ie
Department of Social and Family Affairs 01 8748444 01 8748444www.welfare.ie
Students with Disabilities www.ahead.ie

Outhouse 01 8734999 01 8734999 www.outhouse.ie
National Gay and Lesbian Federation 01 6710939 01 6710939
Teen Help 01 4543374 01 4543374

AIDS Ireland 1800 232230 www.aidireland.ie
AIDS West 091 566266 091 566266
Red Ribbon Project Limerick 061 316661 061 316661
Dublin AIDS Alliance 01 8733799 01 8733799
Cairde 01 8730006 01 8730006
Drugs HIV Helpline 1800 459459