THIS summer, a ‘Drink Wise, Age Well’ van will be stationed at the Walled City Market on June 2 & Strabane Market on July 27 offering free health checks to adults aged over 50.‘Drink Wise, Age Well’ is a National Lottery funded programme that helps people make healthier choices about alcohol as they age.
Leanne McBrearty, Resilience Worker with the ‘Drink Wise, Age Well’ programme at Bogside and Brandywell Health Forum, said:
“Significant cultural changes and an ageing population means harmful drinking in the over 50s is showing up in national statistics as never before.
“Indeed, approximately one in three older adults with an alcohol problem first develop it later in life – often for changes such as retirement or bereavement – which can leave older adults feeling isolated or drinking more to cope.
“There is also a particularly strong stigma around drinking later in life – which prevents people from getting the help they need to live healthier lives.
“We are therefore delighted to be out and about in June with our health check van to help local people make healthier choices about alcohol as they age.
“Indeed, the health check van will be stationed at the Walled City Market on June 2 and Strabane Market on July 27.
“These health checks are free of charge – and will include blood pressure, cholesterol, sugar levels, weight and height measurements etc. offered to adults aged 50 and over.
“As well as conducting our free health checks, information will be provided on alcohol and getting older – to help people make informed choices about their alcohol use, including on unit guidelines, tips for cutting down and where and how to get help if they need it.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Council and the Markets Team in particular for their assistance in facilitating this important progamme.”
Trading at both the Walled City Market and the Strabane Market takes place from 11am to 5pm where you can purchase many artisan products such as freshly baked goods, sweet & savoury treats or end the search for that unique handcrafted gift.
Further information on the Council markets can be found by visitingwww.derrystrabane.com/markets, Facebook Derry Strabane Markets, Twitter @DSMarkets, or by contacting the Market Development Officer on [email protected].
