Under the microscope

Chef and author Ken Hom, 72, answers our health quiz

CAN YOU RUN UP THE STAIRS?

I’M SURE I could, but when you reach a certain age you have to be a bit more careful. My favourite exercise is swimming, and I try to swim for at least an hour every morning.

GET YOUR FIVE A DAY?

ABSOLUTELY. I divide my time between my house in France and my home in Bangkok, and I find wonderful foods in both places. I have never been a huge meat-eater. I also try to be careful about how much I eat, and I tend not to eat very rich food, either. The most important thing for health is good digestion.

EVER DIETED?

NO, I haven’t. I’m 165cm (5ft 4in) and unbelievably I’m the same weight — between 65kg and 66kg (just over 10st) — as I was 50 years ago. Sometimes I gain a bit, but I am not neurotic about it. I just cut back a little.

HOW HAS THE PANDEMIC AFFECTED YOU?

LOCKDOWN gave me time to do all the things I didn’t usually do, such as decluttering the house. I was surprised at how much stuff I didn’t need.

ANY VICES?

I DO like my whisky and some wine, but like everything, you learn not to be excessive. And if you drink less you can afford a far superior bottle.

ANY FAMILY AILMENTS?

I HAVE inherited high blood pressure from my mother. Sadly my father died of a heart attack when I was eight months old, so I never knew him.

WORST ILLNESS?

I HAD prostate cancer 11 years ago. It was a huge shock as I only found out during a regular check up. I thought that if by going public about it I could save one life I’d be so happy.

POP ANY PILLS?

I TAKE multivitamins and blood pressure pills, and I have also learned to manage high blood pressure by drinking plenty of water.

HAD ANYTHING REMOVED?

ONLY my prostate.

EVER HAVE PLASTIC SURGERY?

NEVER. I don’t want any operation that is not necessary. Health comes first and what helps a lot is a good night’s sleep.

EVER BEEN DEPRESSED?

IN GENERAL, I try to look on the bright side. My work ethic has helped keep me grounded. I discovered that working hard gives you energy because you have a purpose.

WHAT KEEPS YOU AWAKE AT NIGHT?

I SET things aside before I go to bed and think ‘I’ll deal with that tomorrow’. I’m asleep in no time.

ANY PHOBIAS?

I FIND it distressing when people have no social conscience and aren’t thoughtful of others — and, for example, throw litter on the street. We all have to live together. n Ken is an ambassador for Prostate Cancer UK.