Mid-week Medical: Lifestyle Choices

Disclaimer : The information provided on this page is for general purposes only.  The information should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.  Always seek the advice of a doctor or other qualified health provider if you have questions regarding a medical condition.

If you’ve missed our Chief Medical Officer on his weekly slot on Wednesday afternoon on FM100, don’t worry because we’ve got the highlights for you right here.

What are ‘Lifestyle choices’?

The choices people make about how to live and behave according to their attitudes, tastes and values.

Leading causes of death

  • cardiovascular disease
  • cancer
  • respiratory disorders.

Risk factors

  • hypertension
  • smoking
  • high cholesterol
  • obesity
  • lack of exercise/physical inactivity
  • alcohol

Smart choices to help you stay healthy

Obesity:

  • watch your weight
  • the way to lose weight is a combination of eating less and exercising more
  • no diet works long term
  • lots of fresh fruit and vegetables and more fish
  • cut down on fatty foods, red meat, processed foods
  • less salt

Regular exercise:

  • research has shown that a sedentary lifestyle is very bad for your health
  • physical activity that gets you mildly out of breath and a little sweaty e.g. jogging, swimming, cycling, fast walking
  • most benefit derived from at least 30 minutes physical activity on most days of the week
  • exercise to be adjusted to personal circumstances and age.

Smoking:

  • No smoking
  • If you are smoking, stop immediately
  • health benefits occur rapidly as soon as you stop
  • smoking can cause lung cancer and increases your risk of heart disease and stroke.

Alcohol:

  • men should drink less than 21 units per week, maximum 4 units per day and 2 alcohol-free days per week
  • women should drink less than 14 units per week, maximum 3 units per day and 2 alcohol-free days per week
  • pregnant women should not drink at all
  • one unit = half a pint of beer, 2/3 glass of wine or one tot of spirits.

Sexual health:

  • teenagers and sex – not emotionally mature enough
  • teenage pregnancies
  • STDs – Sexually transmitted diseases i.e. HIV, Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia etc
  • use of condoms
  • oral contraception.