MENOPAUSE is a natural transition and the more we talk about it and educate ourselves the better we will manage says Ennis doctor Máire Finn ahead of a free event in Ennis to mark World Menopause Day next week.
Clare County Council, Creative Ireland and Healthy Clare are encouraging individuals to “Live Well Through the Menopause” by supporting the event in glór on Thursday October 17, the day before World Menopause Day. The event aims to provide valuable insights, support, and resources for people in perimenopause and menopause, with doors open from 9am.
This informative morning will cover essential topics such as health and wellbeing, mental health, diet, nutrition, physical activity, sexual health, and pelvic floor health, with a keynote address from Dr Finn of Centric Health Ennis.
Highlighting the importance for individuals to have access to accurate information on signs, symptoms and treatments at this time of change, Noeleen Fitzgerald, Director of Finance and Support Services, Clare County Council, said, “Clare County Council is leading the way in this space as an employer. In 2023, our HR department had the pleasure of welcoming Dr Máire Finn to our organisation to speak with staff. This year, we are supporting our staff to attend this event during their regular working hours, as we continue to embed our recently launched Menopause Policy in Clare County Council. We are also widening the scope of this year’s Menopause event by inviting the wider community to attend, recognising that people can be supported to live well during this time.”
Mayor of Ennis Cllr. Clare Colleran Molloy, welcomed this initiative, adding, “Talking about menopause openly is vital for health and wellbeing. People need to know that they are not alone and that there is help available through the services presenting at this event.”
Dr Finn continued, “Menopause is a natural transition phase of life for women. It can bring many challenges but the more we talk and educate ourselves the better we will manage. We can and should aim to live well through menopause.”
Events scheduled for the day have a focus on supporting wellbeing and enhancing quality of life including: Chatting with friends and colleagues over a tea and scone from 9.15am; Creative activities for wellbeing such as Chair Yoga and Mindful Journalling; Speaker input and panel discussion from 10am facilitated by Mental Health Ireland with speakers on menopause signs, symptoms, treatments, mental health, physical activity, lifestyle and nutrition from the Ennis Medical, Centric Health, the HSE and Food Choice.
Eva Birdthistle, Creative Communities Engagement Officer, Clare County Council, said, “Creative Ireland is delighted to be part funding this collaborative project. By working together, we are not only strengthening our cultural landscape but also enriching our community’s creativity and engagement.”
Helen Walsh, County Librarian and Creative Ireland co-ordinator, added, “This event embodies our commitment to the Culture and Creativity strategy, fostering a vibrant and inclusive environment for all.”
Samantha McCarthy, Healthy Clare, is encouraging participants to pose questions as part of the booking process, “During booking, there is an opportunity to ask questions that will be addressed by the panel on the day of the event. Due to the busy schedule, there will not be time on the day for the audience to ask questions. This event is open to all women, healthcare providers, family members and anyone interested in learning more about menopause. Together, we can create a supportive community and foster a better understanding of this natural phase of life. As a community we can learn to live well and improve quality of life during menopause.”
To register for the event, please visit: https://glor.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows?tags=livingwiththemenopause