Light household chores can add years to your life
FACED with dirty dishes, the temptation is to slump on the sofa. But a study shows in doing so you might be lazing your way into an early grave.
Scientists have found even light household chores – such as doing the washing-up or the dusting – provide enough exercise to substantially cut the risk of an early death.
Sitting or lying around all day can more than double the risk of dying before your time.
The researchers say their results show just staying active, rather than trying to achieve unrealistic exercise goals, can help you live longer.
The new research tracked more than 36 000 adults over six years – and categorised their daily activity levels on four levels, from least to most active. The study, by Leicester University and the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences in Oslo, found that any level of physical activity, regardless of intensity, was associated with a lower risk of death.
An hour of light chores, or five minutes of moderate activity such as vacuuming or mowing the lawn, halved the risk. More vigorous exercise, such as a 24-minute jog or bike ride, cut the risk by 60%. But the study, published in the British Medical Journal, found sitting or lying down for nine hours a day – not counting sleep – more than doubles your chances of dying early.| MERCURY Wine Week gets under way this week, offering you the chance to taste wines from South Africa’s top wine estates.
In addition to the free tasting, there’s the chance to meet the wine makers and many up and coming wine stars of the future. Tokara, Kleine Zalza, Paul Cluver wines, Zevenwacht, Delheim and Spier are just some of the names to look out for.
Besides all the best estate wines, there will be three bars at the show: a bubbly bar with a range of champagnes, a spirits bar, and a gin bar. “Gin bars are the thing at the moment,” says event co-ordinator Justine Snyman.
One of the new exhibitors at the show is Sasha Naidoo’s Salacia Gin, which is inspired by the summery flavours of Durban.
In addition there is an upmarket market food emporium. “Here you can get all your fancy chilli sauces or dips, or onion marmalade, imported nuts and a great cheese selection,” says Snyman.
On the spicy side, cheese is a classic pairing with wine and there will be a number of the country’s top cheese makers at the festival.
The Big Cheese and Fairview Cheese will both offer some top local cheeses, while the Checkers stand will take in its extensive range of local and imported cheeses, along with its exciting Odd Bins wines.
Then there’s Delagoa Bay’s delicious periperi dips and sauces, while Stephany Pais will be showing off her Spais chilli sauces.
Yes Chef offer an array of exotic and unusual pickles, jams and preserves, while other food exhibitors include Mari’s Fudge, Simply Nuts and The Grind for everything coffee. Maison Caitlin also offers a range of ready to bake croissants, breads, pastries and waffles
“Eat Greek are doing the catering so if you’re hungry, you know it will be good. Expect the likes of calamari strips. And there will also be a delicious harvest table,” says Snyman.
The food and wine theatre is the place to meet the winemakers and to enjoy some delicious food and wine pairings. In addition, entrance is free.
So get ready for hostings from Simonsig, Distell or Checkers as well as from a number of individual estates.
“If you want to taste a variety of wine estates and talk to the people behind them, then this is for you. We can only seat 20 to 30 people at one time, so it’s first come first serve basis,” says Snyman. “It’s great fun.”
Mercury Wine Week is famed for its fun photobooth and this year is no exception. “Climb into it and wait for the one, two, three, flash,” says Snyman. In addition this year, wine couriers Aramex have a number of fun installations including a jinga game and a “giant blow up dart board you can throw tennis balls at”, says Snyman
Malawian caricaturist Trymore will be ready with his pen to do a quick sketch drawing, while ice sculptor Fiona Davies will be back after her success two years ago with an ice sculpture at the entrance. “Last time everyone stopped and took selfies against it,” said Snyman.
■ Catch Mercury Wine Week at the Greyville Convention Centre from August 29-31 from 5.30pm to 9pm. Tickets are R120 from iTickets and R160 at the door.