Photo: Fitbit.com A musical new year
Why not start your new year off with a bang…of a cymbal and the beat of a drum? Join the National Youth Orchestra of Ireland and Symphonic Waves conducted by Gearoid Grant and James Cavanagh for a New Year celebration at the Bailey Allen Hall, NUI Galway!
NYOI works with the next generation of musicians (aged 12-18) on a full symphonic programme including works by Beethoven, and Schubert. Their mission is to inspire young Irish musicians through the study of challenging and exciting repertoire under the guidance of music professionals, encouraging performance of the highest standard on national and international platforms.
The event takes place on January 4 at 6.30 pm. Tickets are priced €20, €13 (concessions), €10 (children aged under-18) and will be available for purchase at the door. This will motivate all the music lovers in the house to pick up an instrument and start playing!
The green elixir?
As cities become more industrialised, we risk losing an abundance of natural landscapes – but these green areas may be more important than previously thought.
According to a new study which appears in The Lancet Planetary Health, green urban spaces can actually help people live longer.
The research team, using the available evidence from studies that had looked at the same group of individuals over a number of years, analysed the availability of green space and premature death due to all causes.
The studies they reviewed covered more than 8 million people across the US, Canada, China, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and Australia.
The meta-analysis revealed that for every 0.1 increment in vegetative score within 500 meters of a person’s home, there was a 4% reduction in premature mortality.
This means that those who live in close proximity to green spaces like parks are forests are more likely to have a longer lifespan.
A Fitbit future
One of the most popular New Year resolutions is to eat healthier foods and exercise more – but the motivation to keep this up usually wanes after the first week. Without a particular goal in mind or an efficient way of recording your progress, you’re more likely to fall back into old habits. Fitbit watches have become very popular in recent years and for all the right reasons. The smart device allows you to track activity, exercise, food, weight, sleep and more for real-time information about your day and night. Mobile tools will provide you with graphs and charts to help you understand how well you’re doing and what to do to improve. Once you celebrate a milestone, you’ll receive an achievement badge and this will only motivate you to keep going. If getting fitter is a goal you’d like to accomplish this year, consider picking up this nifty health gadget.