Expert Tips

Pharmacy2U Pharmacist Melanie King has some tips on how to keep yourself healthy...

◆ Standards of living and public health have improved dramatically over the last century, meaning more and more of us are living for longer – in fact, the UK recently reported record numbers of centenarians (those aged 100 or over). There’s no secret weapon to stop the ageing process but a healthy lifestyle will allow you to make the most of later life.

◆ For anyone with diabetes, it’s important to manage your blood sugar level, blood pressure and cholesterol. Some people with type 2 diabetes can manage their condition by increasing activity levels and following a healthy diet. If these changes don’t help, there are many medication options your GP can discuss with you, such as tablets or insulin.

◆ If your blood pressure is high, it can often be lowered by changing your diet, quitting smoking and increasing exercise – even taking regular short walks or using the stairs instead of the lift can make a big impact. These changes can improve sleep quality, which also helps lower blood pressure.

◆ There’s evidence that regular exercise can help protect joints by improving muscle tone, but too much exercise can accelerate the onset of osteoarthritis. A healthy diet – particularly one rich in vitamin C from fresh fruit and veg, and omega-3 fatty acids from oily fish – may help slow the progression of OA and ease joint pain and inflammation.