Emma Short

being physically active, minimising the time spent sitting down, eating a healthy and balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, moderating alcohol intake and maintaining social relationships.

If we are physically active, our risk of death from any cause is reduced by around fifty per cent compared to those people who are inactive. Generally, the fitter we become, the greater the reduction in risk

When we exercise, our bodies release chemicals called endorphins. These are similar in structure to morphine, and make us feel positive and energised, and can also reduce our perception of pain.