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Women’s Health

The Healthy Clubs Project Team is delighted to introduce the inclusion of women’s health topics on our agenda for 2024. Further recognising the important role women play in the GAA and the surrounding community. Aiming to create further awareness and information to champion the physical and mental health of every member. By acknowledging and addressing the unique health needs of our female population we aim to create a supportive and empowering space for all. 

The Importance of Women’s Health

Women’s health is an essential pillar of overall well-being, deserving dedicated attention and care. In prioritising women’s health, we recognise the distinct needs and challenges that women may face throughout various stages of life. Embracing women’s health ensures that every member, regardless of gender, can thrive physically and mentally.  

Information included on: Cancer Prevention, Cancer Screening, Cardiovascular Health, Physical Activity, Smoking, Alcohol, Women’s health across life stages, Minding your well-being and Sleep hygiene. 

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Cancer Awareness: Healthy habits to reduce your cancer risk

A Woman’s Guide to Healthy Living booklet and cancer & and information on specific cancers that affect women: Select the Women’s Health Tab: 

Cancer prevention and awareness resources | Irish Cancer Society 

 https://www.cancer.ie/cancer-information-and-support/cancer-prevention  

Support Line Freephone: 1800 200 700  
Cancer.ie (2024) 

Cancer Screening information 

Can reduce the impact of cancer on women’s health, offering the potential for early intervention, improved treatment outcomes and a higher quality of life. 

https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/5/cancer/prevention/reduce-your-cancer-risk-icon-cancer-screening.jpg 

Screening to reduce your cancer risk, Dr Alan Smith, National Screening Service (youtube.com) 

Cardiovascular Health: Her Heart Matters Campaign 

How to protect your heart / The Menopause and your heart / Self Care and Wellbeing Journal / Women’s Stories 

 https://irishheart.ie/campaigns/her-heart-matters-heart-month/  

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Physical Activity

Increase your physical activity and lower your risk factors for non-communicable diseases. Recommended guidelines for adults aged 18 – 64 include at least 30 minutes a day of moderate-intensity activity, five days a week (or 150 minutes a week). HSE, (2023) 

Physical activity benefits PDF: Infographic poster 

Smoking

For help quitting smoking visit the HSE Stop Smoking Service www.quit.ie or call 1800 201 203 

Alcohol and your Health

Information on how alcohol affects your physical and mental health: Alcohol - HSE.ie  

Alcohol & You Booklet: Updated-Alcohol-and-You-booklet.pdf (drinkaware.ie) 

Women’s Health Across Life Stages 

Menstrual Health: Further Information at:  https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/period-problems/ 

Reproductive Years: Further Information at:  https://www2.hse.ie/my-child/ 

Menopause Health: Empower yourself with knowledge – with evidence-based and non-biased information for those experiencing symptoms of the menopause and peri-menopause:  Balance - Menopause  

Talk by Menopause Health. Menopause health talk resource 

Nutrition and the menopause information by the menopause hub: Nutrition and the menopause  

 Further information: https://www.wellnesswarrior.ie/ 

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Minding your wellbeing 

Minding your Wellbeing is a free online programme on mental health and wellbeing offered by HSE Health & Wellbeing. The evidence-based initiative is aimed at everyone to promote mental wellbeing. 

Topics include Practicing Self-Care – Understanding your thoughts – Exploring Emotions – Building Positive relationships – Improving your relationships. 

https://www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/healthwellbeing/about-us/minding-your-wellbeing.html 
HSE, (2023)  

Sleep Hygiene: “(a term used to describe healthy habits (behaviours) during the day as well as your habits before you go to bed, all play a role in how well you sleep). It is essential for your physical and mental wellbeing. Allowing your body time to recharge and your mind to process information. Without enough Quality sleep, our brains are unable to function properly” NHS, (2022) 

Tips on practicing a good sleep routine: https://www.sportireland.ie/sites/default/files/media/document/2020-05/info_sleep_hygiene.pdf