Have a happy and healthy Christmas from Coleraine Borough Council

Overindulgence always plays a big part in the festive season, and why not! But after a few work parties and family reunions the abundance begins to take its toll.

The average person will consume 6000 calories on Christmas day. Choosing a healthy option as an alternative can be extremely beneficial, grilled as an alternative to fried, cutting down on portion sizes and being more active during free time can effectively contribute to keeping your diet under control. Being active will help to work off those extra calories, as well as dancing the night away at all those office parties and on Christmas day, wrapping up warm and going for a walk after lunch. These small steps have huge benefits for general health and overall wellbeing.

As a New Years resolution, why not take advantage of one of the many Council facilities dotted throughout the towns and villages in the Borough, including Coleraine Leisure Centre which offers various activity programmes. There is something to suit everyone and as no two people are the same, a highly qualified and experienced staff member can provide advice and information on the best form of exercise for those with specific needs and requirements.

Debbie Blair, Health and Wellbeing Officer at Coleraine Borough Council added “At this time of year, it is so easy to unwittingly consume a lot more calories than normal.  Make plans to have a better diet and get yourself and the family active – dancing, shopping and post-meal walks all contribute to burning off those extra calories.

She continued; “Coleraine has been recently crowned a ‘Heart Town’ by the British Heart Foundation, one of only three towns chosen in Northern Ireland. This will put emphasis on and increase awareness of the importance of a maintaining a healthy lifestyle and a healthy heart which, in turn, prevents Cardio vascular disease, the main cause of death across the Borough. Linking with a healthy heart and in preparation for No Smoking Day in March 2013, why not quit smoking as a New Year’s resolution”.

For further information on any of the subjects included, please contact Debbie Blair, Health and Wellbeing officer at Coleraine Borough Council on 028 7034 7171 or visit www.colerainebc.gov.uk