I certainly wouldn’t call myself Dr Dishy

TV’s Dr Hilary Jones’ informed advice and calm manner have become one of the nation’s favourite prescriptions during Covid. meets the doctor don’t care about the risk because they don’t think it impinges on them, and aren’t particularly sympathetic about the knock-on effect to other people.

In reality, it could impact on them if they lose their jobs because businesses go to the wall, they haven’t got money, and can’t socialise because of another strict lockdown.

They need to urgently realise everyone needs to play their part.

How is your TV colleague Kate Garraway [her husband Derek Draper is still seriously ill in hospital since contracting the virus]? KATE has spoken very movingly and intelligently about Derek’s situation. He’s still gravely ill and this is still a virus we don’t know much about, so the outlook is uncertain.

But while he’s alive, there is hope. She’s been very strong and whenever she talks about him, she’s very careful to sympathise with everybody else in their situation and thinks about them too. She’s been very inspiring.

LUCKILY, I’m a natural optimist and very pragmatic. Being busy and active is very important for me and fortunately I’ve been able to be that throughout this time. I’ve not really experienced lockdown as I’ve continued going into the TV studio, while taking all the necessary precautions, and I’ve been keeping myself as fit as possible with cycling, squash and walking my dog. normalise weight, helps people put diabetes in remission, helps protect against heart disease, all of which pre-dispose vulnerability to Covid-19.

On top of that, exercise helps people’s mental health. Physical activity triggers ‘happy’ hormones which can help boost self-esteem and confidence.

I’d always prefer to prescribe exercise rather than any medication.