The guest speaker will be Ms. Claire Kerins, ‘Croí MyAction’ Dietician. This initiative is being organised as part of the ‘Heart Smart’ Mayo programme, a community-based prevention programme and partnership between Croí and Mayo Primary, Community and Continuing Care, which aims to reduce the impact of heart disease and stroke in Mayo.

Cholesterol is one of a number of important risk factors for heart disease and stroke and this talk will highlight how cholesterol can be managed through dietary changes. Research undertaken as part of the ‘Heart Smart’ Mayo programme found that almost half (49%) the participants had raised cholesterol (above the recommended levels). During this research over 1,500 people availed of free-of-charge ‘Heart Smart’ cardiac risk assessments in Mayo.

Speaking at the launch of this event, Croí ‘Heart Smart’ Mayo Co-ordinator Ailish Houlihan said “it is clear from the findings of our year long screening programme that the prevalence of risk factors, such as cholesterol and blood pressure, is high among the general population in Mayo. This talk provides an ideal opportunity to meet with a dietician with expertise in cardiovascular disease prevention and receive up-to-date nutritional advice and learn some useful tips on how to lower cholesterol, reduce weight, and improve overall health”.

To find out more about ‘Heart Smart’ Mayo contact Ailish Houlihan on 094-9049172 or for further information on your heart health contact Croí Heart Health Centre on 091-893500 or log onto www.croi.ie