- Taking 10,000 steps a day can help keep your heart healthy and reduce body fat? 10,000 steps = about 5 miles or 8 kilometers The average active person does about 6,000 – 8,000 steps anyway Although an office worker probably only does 2,000 steps a day
- Eating at least five portions of fruit or vegetables a day can help to reduce the risk of some cancers, heart disease and many other chronic conditions. Fresh, frozen, chilled, canned, 100% juice and dried fruit and vegetables all count towards your 5 a day One portion of fruit is, for example, 1 medium apple, or 1 medium banana, or 2 small satsumas or 3 dried apricots. A glass of 100% fruit juice only counts once a day, however much you drink. One portion of dried fruit counts, but other types of fruit and vegetables should be eaten to meet the rest of the 5 A DAY target Dietary supplements can’t replace actual fruit or veg
- It is recommended that the average adult should consume at least 2 litres of water per day? The British Dietetic Association advises that the average adult should consume at least 2 litres of water per day. Of this, 1.8 litres - the equivalent of six to seven glasses of water per day should come from drinking water/beverages, the rest will come from food particularly fruit and veg. Water is lost from the body through urine and sweat, and must be replaced through our diets. Many people, though, don't consume enough and as a result may become dehydrated, causing symptoms such as headaches, tiredness and loss of concentration. Chronic dehydration can contribute to a number of health problems, such as constipation and kidney stones.
- That the average adult should not take any more than 6g salt a day? 6g = 1 teaspooon 75% of salt we eat comes from processed foods Eating too much salt raises your blood pressure. People with blood pressure are 3 times more likely to develop heart disease
- There is an NHS 24 hour telephone helpline called NHS Direct? This is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The number is 0845 4647 and website is www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk They'll assess your problem and advise you on the best course of action. You may be told how you can look after yourself at home. If it's something more serious, you may be advised to see another health professional, such as your doctor.
