Fifteen coaching members from Aungier Celtic Football Club in the south inner city became lighter and fitter as the 10-week REACH Health Improvement programme came to a close. More ...

The programme, which was organised and funded by RCSI’s REACH programme, required the men aged from 30 to 50 years old, to undergo fitness programmes and health workshops in conjunction with coaches from Glasgow Celtic FC and leading medical professionals.

Some of the key results presented by Dr Kilian McGrogan, Mercer Medical Clinic, included:

• At the beginning of the programme, six of the 15 men were classed as average or below average in fitness levels. At the end of the programme, 12 men were classed as having good or excellent fitness levels.
• The average participant has reduced their average weekly alcohol intake by one-third. Lower sugar and cholesterol levels were recorded while the average participant is 13% fitter.
• The average man in the group of participants had a one in 77 chance of developing serious heart trouble in the next 10 years. That risk has now decreased to a one in 111 chance.

Dr Terry McWade, Deputy CEO of RCSI and Chairman of the REACH RCSI programme, said: “Despite the fact that many of the diseases and health conditions that men face can be prevented or treated if they are found early, many men are still more reluctant to visit their doctor than women. Increased awareness and increased willingness to consult the doctor is vital. The results from the programme demonstrate the positive consequences of regular exercise and illustrate that making small lifestyle changes and being increasingly aware of health issues can make a big difference to long-term health and wellbeing.” 

As part of the programme, coaches from Glasgow Celtic tailored individual fitness plans for the participants, while also carrying out fitness and training sessions. A number of leading Irish medical professionals also delivered health related workshops on topics such as weight management, diet and nutrition, good mental health and testicular and prostate cancer. Mercers Medical Centre carried out medicals and fitness tests on participants to measure progress, while student volunteers recorded blood pressure and weight of participants on a weekly basis.

As a reward for successfully completing the programme, participants received a certificate at an informal ceremony held at RCSI. They will also travel to Celtic Park, Glasgow in January to watch a game and to meet former and current players. 

Established in 2007, REACH (Recreation, Education and Community Health) RCSI is a recreational, education and community health outreach programme at RCSI. The programme works in partnership with primary and post primary schools, youth and community groups together with the local community on educational, recreational and health initiatives.