Health & Life highlights online and in the shops

Our weekly guide to some events and offers to look forward to online and in the shops.

Fri, 10 Jun, 2016 - 01:00

NATIONAL BIKE WEEK:

Enjoy eight days on two wheels as hundreds of free cycling events take place across the country from tomorrow for National Bike Week.

Alison Canavan and her son James, were at the launch of the event, held annually to promote the fun aspects of cycling as a family and with friends, as well as highlighting the health and environmental benefits of choosing cycling as a means to commute to work, to do the crèche or school run, or to run errands.

Studies have shown cycling is one of the most efficient ways to lose weight and that three hours of cycling per week can reduce the risk of heart disease by 50%.

As well as being greener and low-cost, cycling is also the quickest mode of transport in an urban environment for trips up to 6km.

Bike Week has events for all ages and abilities from free bike checks and family-fun cycles to school safety and cycling lessons. For more information see www.bikeweek.ie.

SCRATCHY SKIN:

Itcheze is cooling gel for the relief of itchy skin conditions including prickly heat, insect bites and stings.

It can be used on the face and body and for children as young as six months, handy for the family first aid box or holiday bag at this time of year. Itcheze Gel is odourless and comes in 100g, €7.75.

Itcheze Spray Gel 120ml is €9.75, available from pharmacies; clonmedica.ie

WAGON WHEELS:

From walking to the shops or the crèche, summer outings or festivals or just playing in the garden, you will find lots of uses for Radio Flyer’s Ranger Wagon and children love them.

Designed with a seat back and for added comfort and a safety harness for children from 18 months, there’s an extra-long handle for easy pulling which can be folded underneath for storage and a controlled turning radius to prevent tipping, €169.95; www.littleones.ie

STROLL ON:

Compact, lightweight and easy to fold, a stroller is a practical buy for trips to the shops and holidays with your little one.

There’s a large selection of models to suit all needs and budgets, including some that recline fully and can be used from birth like the Silver Cross Pop.

It has an extendable zip-away hood with a UPF 50+ lining for maximum sun protection, a roomy seat and higher seat back to keep growing toddlers comfortably supported and a good-sized shopping basket, €199.95; www.silvercross.ie