Trying to prevent health problems in the future

[violaine]

What advice would you give for trying to help prevent or at least reduce the risk of health problems in the future, especially cancer and heart disease? What things should you eat and drink, and not eat and drink; what is the best kind of exercise to take; can vitamin and mineral supplements help, etc? I've never smoked, but I'm sure my diet could be healthier. How should you go about maintaining your mental health as well, and help prevent against Alzheimer's, etc? Sorry I know this is a long and rambling post, but any advice on maintaining good health would be appreciated.

[violaine]

There is no need to be so rude.

[violaine]

One of the main rules of The Answerbank is: Treat others as you would like to be treated. We encourage the exchange of opinions and healthy disagreements, but do so respectfully. Name calling, harassement or abuse will not be tolerated. I don't think calling someone 'pathetic' constitutes being respectful.

[Elle]

Check out the How It Works section, Violaine. I don't think he'll be back.

[andy hughes]

I think you are a new Member - I haven't seen your name before, so on behalf of the vast majority here, you are very welcome, I hope your initial experience does not put you off coming back to us. As for your question - good diet and exercise will keep you healthy. Obviously avoid bad habits like slokjing and drinking, and try to do some light exercise most days - walking and swimming are just fine, you don't need to go mad. Mental health is helped by peace of mind - try to get some quiet time to yourself every day to relax and unwund, andif problems are bothering you, gert someone to talk them over with - this Site is a great place, most people share experiences of one sort or another. Finally, stay happy - laughter really is the best medicine.

[answerbok]

We are all suffering from affluence, too much sugar, too much food, not enough exercise due to cars, our lifestyles are encouraging our bodies to become fat and unfit. Try a 3 month exchange holiday with someone frrom 'third world' maybe, otherwise Eat less, Move more. This is serious comment and not sarcasm. Other than that, apart from fresh fruit and veg, something that goes with just about anything, which we overlook yet it's a power food, excellent for combating free radicals, which google[w.g.] and for helping with antioxidants and that supplies rare natural nutrients like vitamin E and folic acid and more; you should eat some everday as a base part of your diet. There's about 20 different kinds commonly available and yet most people ignore them. Got to get that power food. - and i do everyday and i feel less tired as a result and more able to exercise fat into muscle. What is this amazing food, that we normally just eat at christmas? come on it's easy.. :-)

[shybearuk]

Turkey? Stuffing? Brandy Butter? Christmas Pud? Marzipan? Satsumas? Nuts? Mince Pies? I'm lost... :S

[violaine]

Thank you andy hughes for your welcome and advice. Also thank you to answerbok for your advice as well.

[answerbok]

Nuts, Norman.. :-)

[AB Editor]

violaine - sorry you were one of the targets of a rogue poster, now banned from the site.

[darth vader]

cod liver oil is a personally recommended daily supplement which is good for joints. Also (especially if you're female) a half pint of milk a day or other calcium based food to protect you from osteoporosis later in life. Apart from that i would say stay reasonably active, healthy, DO NOT SMOKE! (I did when i was 16, then spent the next 15 years trying to give up) and try not to worry about your health too much and enjoy life! Darth