Healthy living

There are many things we can do to improve our health and sense of well-being. Your consultant believes that adopting the simple strategies of good nutrition and a sustained diet, while aiming for a healthy body mass, can lead to improved health, both in the long and short term.

A balanced diet consisting of carbohydrate, protein and fat, and five daily servings of fresh fruit and vegetables every day, will reduce the risk of cancer. Oily fish also contains many protective nutrients. Ensure you reduce the amount of saturated fats and salt in your diet and avoid processed carbohydrates whenever possible. Nutritional supplements and multi-vitamins may be helpful, especially for people with less healthy diets. Take exercise three times a week for at least twenty minutes. Try to avoid using the lift and take the stairs instead. When travelling by bus, get off before your stop and walk the rest of the way. Avoid using your car for short journeys. Join a gym and get professional help in a safe and comfortable environment.

Smoking is unhealthy and causes many diseases, including lung cancer. But not many people realise that smoking also affects circulation to the skin and can lead to premature signs of ageing. It also affects recovery from anaesthetic and surgery and can delay healing. Stopping smoking is one of the most useful strategies towards healthy living.

We all feel better when we feel the sun on our face. However, overdoing exposure to sunlight damages the skin surface. Ultraviolet radiation causes skin cancers as well as leading to premature signs of ageing. The sun makes us feel better and should be enjoyed using sun cream with a good skin protection factor.

Adopt a positive outlook on life - share your experience with a partner or friends - take time out to relax - and don't forget, a healthy sex life can play a useful part in developing a feeling of well-being.