The Lovin' Our Lungs Movie Award goes to...House of Swag Dance School. The contest consisted of groups directing and entering their own original 90 seconds movie, as part of an initiative set up by the Irish Lung Health Alliance.
Lung disease is the most common health condition in young adults aged 18 to 24 years old and almost 80% of smokers start the habit before 18. That's why this event was created - to highlight the importance of the three steps to keep lungs strong and healthy: 1) not smoking, 2) exercising 30 minutes most days and 3) eating a healthy diet.
Speaking about the awards, Treacy said: "We wanted to get people talking about their lungs and how, if we don't look after them, then it can mean a life less lived.
"It was really impressive to see people release their inner Spielbergs and the energy, passion and creativity that they brought to their movies. We think it makes for some really gripping viewing"
"We created the Lovin' Our Lungs Movie Awards to get young people thinking, talking and filming about lung health and how to get the most out of our lungs in a way that would grab the attention of their peers", added said Dr Ross Morgan, Consultant Respiratory Physician and spokesperson for the Irish Lung Health Alliance.
"We know that young people respond best to health messages when they come from themselves rather than being told by us adults, even if we know it's true!"
Dr Ronnie Delany, Olympic Gold Medallist and Lovin' Our Lungs ambassador said: "By making just small changes to the way we live our lives, in not smoking, in eating a healthy diet, in exercising most days of the week, we can maintain optimum health and fitness and truly look forward to a life without limits".
The winner, House of Swag Dance School, is a group of 5 teenagers. Their movie featured aerobics, breakdancing and hip hop and concluded with the message 'Take care of your lungs, or they won't take care of you'. Their movie will be broadcast on RTÉ Two’s Two Tube.
