News Now Irish Heart Foundation welcomes under 18s cigarette ban. The Irish Heart Foundation has welcomed the news that Minister for Health Simon Harris brought proposed legislation to Cabinet to ban the sale of e-cigarettes to under-18s, but warned that much more needs to be done to ensure that another generation of young people in this country does not become addicted to nicotine. Chris Macey, Irish Heart Foundation Head of Advocacy, said: ‘The Irish Heart Foundation welcomes the proposed legislation to ban the sale of e-cigarettes to children under the age of 18. However, much more needs to be done to ensure that another generation of young people in this country does not become addicted to nicotine. ‘We know from our experience with youth smoking that a ban on sales to minors alone will not work. It is vital that in tandem with this measure a blanket ban is applied on the advertising of e-cigarettes to all age groups. Surreptitious online marketing tactics have driven what the Surgeon General has described as an epidemic of youth e cigarette use in the US. We also need to ban flavoured e-cigarettes. These are clearly aimed at young people, not those long-term smokers who might benefit from vaping.’
Innovative libraries respond to population ageing Fingal libraries are working with Age Friendly Ireland and other libraries across the Country to develop libraries in an Age Friendly way. Minister, Michael Ring, Department of Rural and Community Development officially launched the National Age Friendly Libraries Recognition recently. The proportion of older people is increasing in almost every country of the world and as life expectancy increases, the need to ensure that Ireland becomes a great country in which to grow old is increasing too. In 2016 data from the Healthy and Positive Ageing Initiative (HaPAI) survey showed that many older people were not using their public libraries, many reported finding them difficult to access. On foot of these findings, Age Friendly Ireland initiated a process with the Libraries Development Committee and the CCMA to encourage libraries to develop in a more age friendly way. Each local authority nominated one or more libraries to become an Age Friendly Library and in January this year, Age Friendly Ireland provided training in age friendly principles to 48 libraries nationally. Two Fingal Libraries, Rush library and Malahide library received the Age Friendly charter at the ceremony.
Successful launch of Ex-Pat Expo on Costa del Sol
The Mapuchi Moda team gave fashion shows each day.
The Dunnes Stores Christmas decorations proved popular
The recent inaugural Ex-Pat Expo –formerly the 50 Plus Expo -- at the IPV Hotel in Fuengirola drew positive comments from both exhibitors and visitors. Event sponsors Dunnes Stores Fuengirola displayed everything from candles to cashmere and store manager Leo Keheone said he was ‘delighted’ with the response to his company’s products, particularly the Christmas decorations and party clothes. The lifestyle event for the Costa del Sol residents featured an extensive mix of interests which drew impressive attendances on both days. Popular attractions were fashion shows, yoga demonstrations, free health tests as well as finance, legal and consumer advice. Once again Eric Knowles from The Antiques Roadshow and coin expert Mike Kelly were on hand to give free valuations. And once again they were both swamped with collectors. Said Eric: ‘This was one of the best events I have ever attended anywhere in terms of the quality 2 Senior Times l January - February 2020 l www.seniortimes.ie
Eric Knowles was delighted with the quality of items
of items brought. I have recommended two pieces to be brought to auction, one I valued at 15,000 Euro and the other at 10,000 Euro. Mike Kelly was similarly delighted, having valued one collection of coins at 5,000 Euro. Health and well-being was a popular feature of the event, with hearing specialists Sontec giving free tests and Specsavers offering eye monitoring. One of the most popular health stands was that of The Diabetic Support Group. Said organizer Anne Bowles: ‘The response was fantastic and we gave over 300 tests’. The British Care Services team had ‘a fantastic weekend attending the ExPat Expo’. It was a brilliant opportunity to network with local businesses and liaise with residents of the Costa Del Sol. We will certainly be returning next year!’. Concluded organiser Des Duggan: ‘Such was the interest in the event that we are seriously considering repeating it in the spring’
