Working Life: I’m conscious of excessive sitting 

Laurence Gaughan, regional project manager, HSE Health & Wellbeing, Community Healthcare West

Laurence Gaughan, regional project manager, HSE Health & Wellbeing, Community Healthcare West. Photo: Karen Cox

7.30am

I wake up at my usual time and catch up with Morning Ireland. I do some early morning stretching, before sitting down to a breakfast of porridge, fruit juice, and toast. After a short morning walk with our dog Hazel, I set off on the quick 10 minute cycle to work at St Mary’s headquarters, Castlebar, as I am based in the office today.

8.30am

I begin with email updates and phone calls with partners on finalising our calendar of events for our upcoming Men’s Health Week in each county. This is followed by preparation of our media communication plan for the week with local radio stations and other partners.

In the work environment, I’m very conscious of excessive sitting and always promote our Move More at Work campaign. I have my standing desk in place for several hours of the day.

11am

During a coffee break with colleagues, I check progress on some of our other projects. These include staff health and wellbeing initiatives, which I coordinate across different sites in the region with colleagues.

1.15pm

Lunch today is in the excellent staff canteen at Mayo University Hospital followed by a 15-minute walk in our beautiful grounds with colleagues. This helps to support our ‘Steps for Health’ challenge currently running for HSE for staff.

2pm

I follow up on delivery and distribution of Men’s Health Week merchandise. This includes the Action Man booklets and the ‘Know Your Numbers’ (blood pressure, cholesterol, body mass index, etc) cards which have been developed as part of the campaign.

3pm

I have an online meeting with colleagues to plan a communications campaign and events for our own staff in Community Healthcare West around Men’s Health Week.

5pm

I usually spend half an hour checking and responding to emails and diary planning for the days ahead before leaving to cycle home at 5.30pm. I enjoy an evening meal with family. I also enjoy gardening — keeping our hanging baskets, windows and borders weed free and in good condition.

8pm

I attend a club game at my local GAA club, Castlebar Mitchells.

• Men’s Health Week takes place from June 10 to 16 (Father’s Day). 
• Details of events taking place across the island of Ireland are available on mhfi.org. 
• For people in the west region, check out westbewell.ie.