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HEALTH & HABITAT

February/March 2014 • www.esb.ie/em

FED UP WITH YOUR BANK? WANT TO SWITCH YOUR MORTGAGE AND SAVE MONEY?

ST PATRICK'S CREDIT UNION (ESB STAFF) LTD.

By Simon Dunne

ST. PATRICK'S Credit Union is delighted to announce the launch of our new Mortgage Switch Loan, with a specially reduced interest rate of 4.25 % p.a. variable (APR 4.33%).This loan is available from January 2014 to all members who are looking to clear their home mortgage with a bank or building society.

The Mortgage Switch Loan is offered exclusively to clear a member's existing mortgage on the family home with another financial institution and is not available for the purchase of a property. This loan would be suitable for members who are on a variable rate mortgage with their current lender.

Find out how much the loan repayments on a Mortgage Switch Loan would be by using the Loan Calculator on our website www.stpatrickscu.ie and see what savings could be made by comparing these to what you are currently repaying to your bank or building society. Remember to include solicitors’ fees when making the comparison (you will need to engage a Solicitor if the Credit Union requires a legal charge on your property).

Members could make further savings by cancelling their mortgage protection policy, assuming the Mortgage Switch Loan is covered under the Credit Union's Loan Protection Policy. Please note that our Loan Protection Policy only covers members, so in the case of a joint mortgage the existing mortgage protection policy would need to be amended and held to maintain cover for the non-member.

For a list of the full terms and conditions please see our website or contact Siobhan on (01) 632 5121 or Simon on (01) 632 5125.

• Maximum loan amount is 150,000
• Maximum loan term is ten years
• Maximum LTV (Loan to Value) ratio is 50% i.e. the maximum loan amount available would be less than or equal to 50% of the value of your home

St Patrick's Credit Union Competition

Win an iPod nano!

To be in with a chance of winning please answer the following question and text your 9 following format: ‘CUCOMP followed by your answer (i.e. a, bore) and your name’.

What is the interest rate on the Mortgage Switch Loan?

A) 4.25% B) 5.25% C) 6.25%

Important: Only one entry per person, no mail entries acceptable, and the closing date is March 28th 2014.

Last issue's winner was John Heery, working in South Lotts Road. Congratulations John and your iPod nano is on the way out to you.

CLASSIFIEDS

SPAIN, COSTA DEL SOL

Benalmadena Costa. Three-bed, two bathroom apartment for rent beside all amenities. Shared swimming pool. Sleeps five. Contact 087 230 3462 or email pjfanning16@gmail.com.

TORREVIEJA

Beautiful two-bed, semi-d villa, garden, parking. Sleeps four. Situated 4km south of Torrevieja. Prices now reduced to €350 per week June-Sept. Colette: cdbrangan@gmail.com. Tel: 087 228 1027/018412800.

MARBELLA EAST APARTMENT

Well-appointed south-facing three-bed/ two-bathroom apartment in quiet area with pool. Contact JJ or Mary: 353 1 2761444,353 87 2071742 email odwyer.mary@gmail.com. Visit www.marbellabeachapartment.weebly.com.

TORREVIEJA - COSTA BLANCA

Three-bedroom apartment for rent. €250 p/w. Contact 086 355 0084.

VILLA TO RENT TORREVIEJA, SPAIN

Private villa with pool, sleeps up to seven. Close to restaurants, shops and bars. From €300 per week. Contact Adrian on 087 232 4411.

SOUTH OF FRANCE (CARNON)

Two-bed, first floor apartment with sea view balcony. Close to shops, bars, beach, public transport, water sports, golf, touring etc. All year-round/private parking. Tel: 0033 46786 1173 or email murielle.omahovy@wanadoo.fr.

Disclaimer: Classifieds are placed by individuals. The publisher does not accept responsibility for errors or omissions.

YOUR HEALTH & WELLBEING

LOOKING AFTER YOUR PHYSICAL HEALTH IN 2014

Want to achieve a healthy, fit body? The new year is a popular time for making new year's resolutions.

Be active

Being active makes you feel and look good. Regular physical activity brings so many health benefits. It can reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, some cancers, diabetes and high blood pressure. It can help control your weight, help you sleep better, reduce anxiety, as well as strengthen your muscle and bones. No more excuses - get active to-day and feel some of the health benefits immediately.

Any type of regular physical activity is good for you. For overall good health, include the following three types of activity.

Aerobic activity

Aerobic activity is any activity that uses your heart, lungs and large muscles over a continuous period of time. Walking, cycling, tennis, digging and mowing the lawn are all aerobic activities. Aim to do at least 30 minutes of aerobic activity at a moderate intensity five days of the week.

Strengthening activities

Strengthening activities will keep your bones and muscles strong and will help maintain a good posture. Brisk walking, climbing the stairs, hovering and weight training are all examples of strengthening activities and should form part of your activity at least twice a week.

Stretching activities

Stretching activities will keep you flexible, relax your muscles and prevent you from becoming stiff. During the day take time to stretch if you are standing or sitting for long periods. If you are doing more vigorous activity, warm-up and cool-down should be included in your activity.

To warm up start your activity slowly and gradually build up the pace. Towards the end of your activity, allow time to cool down by gradually slowing your pace before stopping. Ideally spend a few minutes gently stretching after your activity. Dancing, gardening, pilates and Tai Chi are all good stretching exercises. If you have any concerns in relation to starting a new exercise programme, you should consult your doctor.

Healthy eating

Healthy eating is for life. Eating the right food will not only reduce your risk of many diseases including heart disease, diabetes, various cancers and obesity. It will also improve your energy levels, can help improve sleep, and improve your general well-being. Healthy eating is about developing a well-balanced, satisfying relationship with food.

Some healthy foods

Lemons: Boiling water with lemon in the morning is the best way to start your day. It's incredible for your skin and digestion.

Oats: Fbrridge is a super food. It's cheap, nutritious, full of slow-release carbs and will keep you fuller for longer.

Avocado: Full of the best fats and super for the skin, hair and nails.

Water: Water is key for energy and body function.

HEALTHY TIPS

• Always make time to have a breakfast - people who eat breakfast are more likely to be a healthy weight.
• Drink 6 -8 glasses of water per day.
• Take time to enjoy three meals a day sitting at the table. Eat slowly and chew your food properly.
• Alcohol contains calories, so if you drink, drink sensibly within recommended limits and preferably with meals.
• Avoid eating at night.
• Shop when you are not hungry.
• Think in terms of balance, we all need carbohydrates, protein, fat, fibre, vitamins and minerals to sustain a healthy body.
• Eat protein with at least two meals as it is essential for repairing muscles and for all the body functions too.

SUPPORTS

External

Irish Heart Foundation - www.irishheart.ie

Safe Food - www.safefood.eu

Get Ireland Active - www.getirelandactive.ie

Internal at ESB

• ESB Cardiovascular Health Screening - The screening covers physical tests (height, weight, BMI) cholesterol, glucose/diabetes test, blood pressure and lifestyle.
• ESB Clubs Sharepoint - This allows you to join any new or existing clubs. It is available through the social and sporting site on the internet.
• Cycle to Work scheme.

HEALTH & WELLBEING COMPETITION

Win a €50 One 4 All voucher

To be in with a chance of winning one of the vouchers, please answer the following question:

What fruit in hot water is the best way to start the day?

(a) Pear (b) Apple (c) Lemon

Please email your answer to kathleen.mcdonnell@esb.ie.

Closing date: Friday March14th

Congratulations to Jonathan Cosgrove working in ESB International, Stephen Court who was the lucky winner of the last draw.