After obesity, inadequate sleep is our biggest public health problem, says Dr Pixie McKenna at Network Ireland West Cork event
The Network Ireland West Cork August event titled “Gráinne McCarthy of Wall Street Journal in conversation with Dr Pixie McKenna” took place recently (Wednesday, August 22nd 2018) at Glebe Gardens, Baltimore, Co Cork. TV doctor, writer, radio broadcaster, GP and Cork native, Dr Pixie McKenna, was the keynote speaker and MC on the evening was Gráinne McCarthy, Deputy Chief News Editor for The Wall Street Journal.
Speaking about the importance of sleep, Dr Pixie McKenna said “After obesity, it is our biggest public health problem. If you’re using your phone before bedtime you are more likely to wake up during the night. As a result, you are more likely to die younger, get cancer or cardiovascular disease. We should actively track our sleep, like we do our calories or our steps. There are so many stages of sleep and it is done in 90 minute blocks.
Dr McKenna is an advocate for more female involvement in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and spoke about her belief growing up that her four brothers were more intelligent than she was. “I think there is a huge void in Ireland and across Europe. It’s a real shame that girls are put off science because they think they’re not bright enough or that it’s a lads’ career. Science is for everyone.”
Asked about her opinion on vaccinations, Dr McKenna replied “I am pro vaccination and feel very strongly about it. We should be vaccinating our children and listening to science and the research and evidence that is out there.”
Speaking at the event, Adrienne Harrington, President of Network Ireland West Cork, said “The diversity of speakers, topics and venues offered by Network Ireland West Cork is attractive to many women in the area as it the high level of interaction among guests at events. The branch is growing, we now have 74 members and our calendar of monthly events continue to showcase the expertise on offer in West Cork.”
Network Ireland West Cork holds networking events for members and guests in different locations in West Cork on the last Wednesday of every month. The organisation currently has over seventy members and welcomes new members from across West Cork. For further information and to stay up-to-date with the latest news, subscribe to the monthly newsletter by emailing westcork@networkireland.ie or follow the branch on Facebook (www.facebook.com/NetIrlWestCork) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/NetIrlWestCork).
-ENDS-
For more information, contact Orla Clancy, PRO at Network Ireland West Cork and Senior Account Manager at AM O’Sullivan PR, at orla@amosullivanpr.ie / 087 938 8882.
