Meet Dr. Eddie at Castlebar Library next Tuesday.

Health is wealth – at your local library

MAYO libraries will be brimming with health this month as the Healthy Ireland initiative is launched on Tuesday next by Dr. Eddie Murphy, from RTÉ’s Operation Transformation.

Health is wealth, as the old saying goes, and it’s no exaggeration to say that there’s a wealth of information out there, with old and new media alike bombarding us daily with the latest dos and don’ts of how to live longer, happier and healthier lives. Sometimes, it can be difficult to tell the difference between valid research and hype.

Under the new Healthy Ireland initiative, as part of the government’s strategy to improve health and wellbeing, libraries are perfectly placed as a trusted resource for tried and established research on a variety of health topics.

According to county librarian Austin Vaughan: “Libraries have always been a great place to find information you can trust, and with Healthy Ireland titles chosen by health librarians and professionals you can rely on these books to provide solid and approved advice on a range of subjects.”

The Healthy Ireland initiative launches on Tuesday, February 20, at 7 p.m. at Castlebar Library, with psychologist Dr. Eddie Murphy from RTÉ’s Operation Transformation on hand to kickstart the programme. He will also speak on a topic that is becoming more and more important in this high-pressured world - building resilience and tackling everyday challenges.

We’re delighted to welcome Eddie Murphy to Castlebar Library,” said Austin. “Many people will already be familiar with the sound advice he dispenses on Operation Transformation, and this is a great chance to hear him in person.”

Healthy Ireland at your library is in full swing throughout Mayo this month, with Healthy Ireland book titles available to borrow from all branches. The books on the reading list deal with various strands of the Healthy Ireland programme - healthy childhood, healthy eating and active living, wellbeing and mental health, positive ageing and dealing with dependence on alcohol and/or tobacco.

There is also a wide range of Healthy Ireland events scheduled throughout Mayo County Library, including lunchtime wellness talks in Charlestown; laughter yoga in Ballina; Marie Keating mobile health unit visits to Westport and Ballinrobe; Croí nutrition talks in Swinford and Castlebar, and more.

With such a varied selection of books and events – and online Healthy Ireland resources including ebooks, e-audiobooks and free downloadable magazines – it’s a better time than ever to join your local library. With no charge for library membership since last summer, the path to a better, healthier you is as easy as one, two, free.

Books on the Healthy Ireland reading list are available from all branches of Mayo County Library. For a full list of titles, ask at your local library, or check http://www.librariesireland.ie/healthy-ireland/healthy-ireland-book-list/

Mayo library branches near you are: Achill (098) 20910; Ballina (096) 70833; Ballinrobe (094) 9541896; Ballyhaunis (094) 9630161; Bellmullet (097) 82555; Castlebar (094) 9047936; Charlestown (094) 9255934; Clare Island (098) 29838; Claremorris (094) 9371666; Crossmolina (096) 31939; Foxford (094) 9256040; Kiltimagh (094) 9381786; Louisburgh (098) 66658; Swinford (094) 9253120; Westport (098) 25747. Or check out www.mayolibrary.ie for more information on events and a full library catalogue.

For more information on Healthy Ireland at Your Library in Mayo, contact Darina Molloy at (094) 9047936 or dmolloy@mayococo.ie.