Sir Liam Donaldson, Chief Medical Officer for England, has presented his top ten tips for better health in the New Year.

Sir Liam said:

“At the start of the New Year, people often make resolutions about how to improve their lives. Following any or all of the tips above will help you to improve your health.”

The top tips are:

• 1. Don’t smoke and don’t breathe others’ tobacco smoke




• 2. Eat at least 5 portions of fruit and veg each day and cut down on fat, salt and added sugar




• 3. Be physically active for at least 30 minutes, 5 days a week




• 4. Maintain, or aim for, a healthy weight (BMI* 20 -25)




• 5. If you drink alcohol, have no more than 2-3 units a day (women) or 3-4 units a day (men)




• 6. Protect yourself from the sun. Cover up, keep in the shade, never burn and use factor 15 plus sunscreen. Take extra care to protect children.




• 7. Practise safer sex – use a condom




• 8. Make the decision to go for cancer screening when invited.




• 9. On the roads, THINK safety.




• 10 Manage stress levels – talking things through, relaxation and physical activity can help.

The Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service say that in 2003 the cost to business of absence was £11.6 billion with 176 million working days lost.