All are welcome to attend the countywide launch of the national initiative ‘Healthy Ireland at your Library’ in Waterford Central Library, Lady Lane on Tuesday 30 January at 11:00am with guest speaker, Aoife Hearne, RTE’s ‘Operation Transformation’s’ panel nutrition expert. The Deputy Mayor of Waterford City and County Council, Cllr. Séan Reinhardt will launch the countywide ‘Healthy Ireland at your Library’ programme of free events taking place in all 12 Waterford Library branches between January and March 2018.

‘Healthy Ireland at Your Library’ is running from now until the end of March 2018 and is being financed by the Department of Health as part of their ‘Healthy Ireland Framework for Improved Health & Wellbeing 2013-2025’. The Healthy Ireland campaign was launched nationally by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and seeks to encourage people to make positive choices to improve their physical and mental health, while also providing support and information to help people make those healthier choices. Public libraries are currently delivering the nationwide ‘Healthy Ireland at Your Library’ programme that will establish libraries as a valuable source within the community for health information.

Waterford Libraries have acquired a range of book stock, including Aoife Hearne’s latest book, ‘The Plan’ and lots of online resources. In addition there is a full programme of free events taking place in each of the 12 Waterford branches including Play, Dance and Music for Parents and Toddlers, Organised Walks, Nutrition and Health information talks, Family Yoga and much more! Pick up a programme in your local Library branch or phone 0761-102975 for more information.

Aoife Hearne is a registered dietitian and a member of the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute. After graduating and working in the United States for a number of years, Aoife returned home in 2005 to set up her own professional private nutrition consultancy, ‘Nutrition Solutions’ in Waterford City. Aoife works closely with local GP’s and also provides nutrition services to schools, industry, sports teams and community groups. Stemming from Aoife’s personal experience and interest in athletics, Aoife went on to complete a master’s degree in Sports and Exercise Nutrition in 2012. She has since worked with many elite athletes from a number of different sports including the Tipperary Senior Hurling panel. In 2014, Aoife became a panel member of RTE’s ‘Operation Transformation’ as the nutrition expert. Aoife was the first dietitian that was part of the TV show in the year it won an IFTA. In 2016, Aoife published her first cookbook, ‘The Plan’, which brings together all the recipes and practical advice you need to reach and maintain a healthy weight for life from the trusted TV dietitian.