Healthy Living

Get practical tips for a healthier lifestyle and what you can do to reduce your risk of cancer and heart disease.

The key to good health is exercise and healthy eating. Find out more in this section and Related Pages.

Top Tips for Good Health

• Take at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise at least five times a week to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

• Drink plenty of water - aim for six to eight glasses (1.2 litres) a day.

• Eat at least five servings of a variety of fruit and vegetables a day, which will promote good health and help to reduce the risk of many cancers, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, strokes and other diseases.

• Try to include at least one starchy food in your main meals - most people do not eat enough fibre and wholegrain foods.

• Eat at least two portions of fish a week, including a portion of oily fish, rich in omega 3 fatty acids which help prevent heart disease

• Cut down on foods which are high in saturated fat and have foods which are rich in unsaturated fat instead.

• Try to eat less salt - no more than 6g a day. Check labels and choose foods with lower salt. Do not add salt at the table or during cooking.

• Do not skip breakfast - it provides the energy you need for the day, as well as essential vitamins and minerals. Eating breakfast could actually help you control your weight.

• Cut down on alcohol - heavy drinking can lead to serious health problems.

• If you smoke, the biggest thing you can do to improve your health is to stop smoking. Reduce your risk of illness, disability or early death caused by cancer, heart disease and lung diseases.