HEALTH

How far have you walked today? Probably not far enough. The majority of Brits walk less than a mile a day, according to a new study by Cancer Research UK.

On an average weekday, 52% of adults walk a mile or less and almost a fifth – 17% – manage less than a quarter of a mile.

This is despite the fact building in walking to your day can have many health benefits, including reducing cancer risk.

Moving more can help you maintain a healthy weight.

Cancer Research UK’s Katie Edmunds said: “Any level of exercise is better than none so building some moderate activity into your daily routine can really make a difference.”

Try getting off the bus, tube or train a stop or two earlier on your commute or force yourself to take a walk in your lunch break.

Prunes may help make your bones stronger.

Scientists found women had more genes linked to bone health switched on an hour after eating 100g of prunes. And cells that help form bone – called osteoblasts – were also more active, according to the US study in the Journal of Medicinal Food.

Prunes contain chemicals that slow how bone is broken down with age.

Scented candles may increase your risk of heart and lung problems, according to a study by San Diego State University.

They raise the risk of harm because they increase the levels of dangerous carbon and metal particles in our homes by 30%.

Experts also found that opening your windows does very little to help ease the problems they cause.

ANDREW GREGORY is the Mirror’s Health Editor