While living in this increasingly busy world, health inevitably takes a lower position on our ladder of daily responsibilities. The new age of materialism has replaced the ways of old - why take a casual stroll along the beaches of Tramore bay when one can watch the latest DVD release at home? Daily life is hectic - why spend the time cooking a healthy meal when one can eat a take away quickly, cheaply and with convenience?
             The harshest truth is that heart disease and obesity has increased exponentially since the 1940s. The boom of videogames and digital entertainment is luring more of our children inside our homes and away from the healthy and crucial pastime; sport.
             Not only is sport healthy, but it's also beneficial to us socially, intellectually and spiritually. Socially, sport binds us - it creates a true sense of community. Intellectually, it teaches us the importance of teamwork, and spiritually it gives a wonderful feeling of achievement and boosts self-esteem. Being involved in sport keeps cholesterol low, increases bodily physique and enhances overall vivacity of character.
             Granted - our lives are too busy for sport, but it is always possible for us to practise sport or exercise during weekends and even during our workings days. What you need to do is find personal time for yourself. Striking a reasonable balance between work and play is difficult, but not impossible. Work is essential too, but we should try not to overexert in our jobs. Perhaps you could drop a negligible hobby in favour of a sport?
             There's a right sport for everyone. If you find that the popular sports such as soccer and hurling don't appeal to you, there are always extreme sports, martial arts, fencing, and so forth.
             Sport is an integral part of our culture and our humanity. Our ability to pit ourselves against other individuals and attempt to go for gold is a fundamental human instinct - it awards us with the strength and confidence to live
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