Time to welcome spring’s snowdrops
With the coming of spring, flowers are beginning to break through the soil and it seems like the whole environment is coming back to vibrant life with a huge variety of colour.
What better way to enjoy the season than to take a walk in nature and enjoy one of the most beautiful flowers that blooms at this time of year – the snowdrop.
‘Snowdrop Walks at The Argory’ takes place every weekend of February. Organisers say: “Come and see our wonderful displays of snowdrops planted over the years by our estate staff and volunteers. Enjoy this spectacle at your leisure with a self-guided walk then relax in the coffee shop for a warm drink or tasty bite. Snowdrops will also be available to buy.”
The event is free for children under 5 years old and people can visit from 11am-5pm. The Argory is situated at 144 Derrycaw Road, Moy, Dungannon, Co. Armagh.
Plant-based cooking for the whole family
New to vegan cooking and not sure where to start? Don’t fret. In a cooking demo in Dublin attendees will be taught how to feed themselves and their family and friends on a plant based diet.
Organisers say it will cover main courses, quick dishes, fridge and freezer staples and questions will be answered along the way.
Students will taste dishes during the demo and all recipes will be provided. A small culinary goody bag will also be given at the end of the evening.
“The event is for vegans, vegetarians and anyone wanting to find out more about how to cook vegan dishes in a tasty and nutritious way. It is held in a fun and informal way and will hopefully inspire you to recreate the prepared dishes in your own home environment,” organisers say.
The event takes place on February 11 from 7-9.30pm at 3 The Strand, Marina Village in Greystones. Tickets can be bought online on Eventbrite.
Less sleep more anxiety for teens
Sleep deprivation is exacerbating mental health problems among teenage girls according to experts who conducted a study in the UK.
Research has shown almost a third of young people experience problems nodding off which has a negative impact on both mental and physical health.
But girls age 15 and over in particular are experiencing high levels of pressure in their lives which has contributed to anxiety and nervousness.
Leaders of the recent study, which focused on teenagers in Scotland, said the picture is complex.
The research, led by Glasgow University and commissioned by NHS Health Scotland, surveyed school-age children in 2018. It found that the proportion of young people reporting sleep difficulties more than once a week increased from 23% in 2014 to 30% in 2018.
Some areas of wellbeing did show improvement – such as a reduction in substance, alcohol and tobacco use as well as healthier eating habits and 85% reporting high life satisfaction.