No Harm In Knowing... a round-up of other news
Absolutely lentil!
Good news for fans of Tayto, Ireland’s favourite crisps and snacks brand: the firm has just launched a brand-new flavour in the Lentil Chips range: Creamy Paprika. Tayto Lentil Chips rapidly rose to popularity following the launch of the range in 2022. The new flavour is the third addition to the range, joining Cheese and Onion and Sour Cream and Onion, and is expected to become a fan favourite.
This lighter snacking option is aimed at those who want to make healthier choices this year. Lentil Chips contain all of the flavour that Tayto is known for, with 40% less fat and lots of fibre in each pack.
Short film competition
A film competition for secondary school services has just been announced by St Patrick’s Mental Health Services (SPMHS) and Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland.
The Frame of Mind Short-Film competition, now in its 10th year, calls on students to inspire conversations about mental health through film by creating short films that challenge stigma or promote a positive mental health message. The competition, which is accepting entries up to March 22, is open to secondary school students throughout Ireland.
Screen Ireland will offer participants the opportunity to undertake online training in video content creation, and the winning films will be featured on the Screen Ireland Short Film Player, which showcases award-winning Irish short films. Winning films will be announced during a special screening event in April. For more details, visit walkinmyshoes.ie.
A year without alcohol?
A trend that many people have committed to is going alcohol-free in January. Many will have seen an improvement in their mental and physical health, a healthier bank balance, and better-quality time spent with friends and family.
For anyone who has completed this ‘Sober January’ challenge, Fiona O’Malley, CEO, Turn2Me, is suggesting they extend their resolution for the year.
“I guarantee the sobering resolution that embracing the ‘one year no beer’ challenge will improve your mental wellbeing,” Fiona said, admitting that while she understood the initial scepticism that may arise at such a suggestion, the impact that a departure from alcohol could have on participants’ mental health was profound.
“While alcohol might provide a temporary escape from stress or anxiety, it often exacerbates these issues in the long run,” Fiona said. “The foggy haze that follows a night of drinking can leave us feeling depleted, both physically and emotionally. By removing alcohol from the equation, we give our minds the opportunity to navigate life’s challenges with greater clarity and resilience.”
She said that a break from alcohol can mean that instead of relying on a glass of wine to unwind after a tough day, it is possible to learn to explore alternative avenues for relaxation and self-reflection such as mindfulness practices, jogging, pursuing creative outlets, or simply spending quality time with loved ones, the possibilities for personal growth are endless.
Lego ‘Bricktionary’
Who doesn’t love Lego? Even adults confronted with a few bricks cannot resist the temptation to lock them together.
But if you want to see what really talented Lego users can create, it’s going to be worth checking out the LEGO ‘Brictionary’ experience, which opens in Ireland in March (on Mother’s Day, March 10), having already been at locations all around the world, from Asia, to the US (it’s coming to us from Sydney).
From life-sized animals to fashion and fantasy, some of the biggest and best LEGO® creations ever made will be featured in ‘Bricktionary: The Interactive LEGO® BRICK Exhibition’ opening in the Theatre of Light, Dublin.
The Irish opening marks the European debut of this huge exhibition, which has previously toured in Asia, Australia, and The United States.
The exhibition will feature over 150 models from the best-selling book ‘The Bricktionary Ultimate A-Z of LEGO®’ and models from the television series ‘LEGO® Masters Australia’, which is currently airing by on Channel 4. The exhibition also includes 45 new brick models from the imaginations of The Brickman team, ranging from life-size animals to space travel.
In total it has taken more than 6,500 hours to build the complete exhibition, all built by hand by one of the world’s leading LEGO® brick artists and LEGO® certified professional Ryan ‘The Brickman’ McNaught, and his team.
Tickets can be purchased via scopetickets.com.
FitLine Telephone Mentoring Service Seeks Participants to Get More Active
“I love having someone from FitLine ring me regularly”
FitLine is a volunteer-led telephone mentoring service that supports people aged 50+ to be more active. It is designed to help people who want to feel healthier but just don’t have the motivation, confidence or information to get moving.
“We are launching a call-out for FitLine participants,” says Meg Hegarty, FitLine coordinator with Age and Opportunity’s Active Programme. “It’s a nationwide initiative that has supported many people to date and we’re excited to be growing FitLine in 2024.”
Anyone who signs up as a FitLine participant will receive regular calls from friendly volunteers who understand the challenges of getting active. They will discuss your life situation and preferences and can offer suggestions to encourage you to be more active.
FitLine is a free initiative of Age and Opportunity, a national organisation that provides a range of opportunities for older people who want to get more involved in arts and culture, sport and physical activity, civic engagement and personal development.
To join FitLine as a participant, or if you work with others (for example as a GP, physiotherapist, social prescriber) and you would like to refer someone with their agreement, call this freephone number, 1800 303 545 or email fitline@ageandopportunity.ie.
Epilepsy first aid
In advance of International Epilepsy Day on February 12, Epilepsy Ireland is appealing to people across the country to learn about Seizure First Aid. As part of the drive, the organisation is highlighting the importance of knowing the three key words of TIME, SAFE, STAY.
Stating that as many as around 900 people living in Westmeath are affected by the condition, Paddy McGeoghegan, Advocacy and Communications manager at Epilepsy Ireland, said it is crucially important the public know how to respond to a seizure.
“This is one of the most common themes we hear from people with epilepsy and their families,” he said.
“You never know when you might need to respond to a seizure so please do take five minutes to learn more about epilepsy and TIME, SAFE, STAY for International Epilepsy Day.”
The ‘Time’ element of the mantra is a request that the length of the seizure should be timed, as if it goes over five minutes, an ambulance should be called. The ‘Safe’ advice is that a person be kept safe by cushioning their head with something soft if possible and removing any harmful objects, eg furniture from their vicinity.
“Never put anything in a person’s mouth or restrain them during a seizure,” Paddy continues, adding that there are also types of seizures where the person does not experience convulsions. Instead, they may “zone out” or stare blankly, become confused or agitated, display behaviour like chewing, smacking their lips, fiddling with their clothes, or wandering aimlessly.
In that type of seizure, the person’s awareness of their surroundings is affected, and it is important to gently guide the person away from any danger.
The third word in the mantra is ‘STAY”’. Epilepsy Ireland advises that during the seizure and after it passes, stay with the person until recovery is complete, explain what has happened and gently reassure them.
To learn more about epilepsy and seizure first aid, or to contact your local Epilepsy Ireland Community Resource Officer, visit www.epilepsy.ie.
That’s gas!
The overall demand for gas in Ireland during 2023 decreased by seven per cent year-on-year when compared to 2022, due to an increase in energy powered by wind according to the 2023 Gas Networks Ireland annual demand statement.
According to Gas Networks Ireland, gas generated 47% of total electricity in 2023 versus 48% in 2022. While wind’s overall contribution to electricity generation increased from 34% in 2022 to 39% in 2023.
Gas was the largest energy source of electricity generation in Ireland for the first 10 months of 2023, and wind energy was the key source in December. Both wind and gas made an equal contribution of 41% in November.
Gas generated 47% of the total electricity used in Ireland in 2023; wind energy contributed 39% and coal 4%. June saw the highest reliance on gas during the year, as it provided 58% of electricity supplies during the month. Wind energy made its largest contribution in December, generating 53% of all electricity in the State.
Gas peaked at 89% of electricity generation during April, but never fell lower than December’s 9.5%. Wind peaked at 80% in December, but at times fell to lower than 1%.