Sports stars help kick off health education week

DISCUSSIONS about sex, drugs and suicide will fill the halls of a Cork school this week but they are taking place inside the classroom rather than in quiet whispers.

These are some of the subjects in the programme at Presentation Brothers College Health Promotion Week, in which students and their parents have had a key role in deciding what issues they would like to know more about.

School principal, Michael Hennessy, said the aim was to generate greater levels of awareness of major health issues, with problems around mental and sexual health being common for youngsters these days.

“We’re aware of the pressures on young people such as bullying, emotional distress, addictions, peer pressure and exam pressure. The stresses associated with everyday life combine in many cases with difficulties coping with significant life events such as bereavement and relationship problems,” he said.

“Education and information is fundamental to the campaign, to enable people to make healthier lifestyle choices.”

Mr Hennessy stressed that the important part played by sports in combating drug abuse and crime, and the school’s proud record particularly in rugby, had a central role in this week’s events.

Enterprise Minister Micheál Martin, who is on leave from his teaching job at the school, officially launched the events yesterday morning with fellow staff member and Munster rugby coach, Declan Kidney, Cork senior hurler, Ronan Curran, ex-Cork manager, Donal O’Grady, and RedFM DJ, Stevie G.

But all eyes will be on the Six Nations trophy when it is brought along this morning by former Ireland hooker and captain, Keith Wood, joined by RTÉ sports broadcaster, Des Cahill, and ex-Wales star, Ieuan Evans.

Topics include obesity, dental hygiene, back care and manual handling skills. The events are supported by local groups, including Cork Mental Health Association, AWARE, Cork Youth Health Services, and the Health Service Executive.