Health? It’s just a question of lifestyle

UNHEALTHY lifestyles are sending a quarter of Brits to an early grave, according to new figures.

Cigarettes, fatty food and booze are the three worst offenders

But how healthy or unhealthy do Oldhamers think their lifestyles are?

Reporter BEATRIZ AYALA took to Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre to find out.

Norma Holmes (70), from Chadderton, said: “I’m unhealthy because I eat the wrong food, but I think stress is the underlying cause of people’s unhealthiness.

“I don’t smoke and don’t really drink. But I am more healthy in the summer as I eat salad then.”

Her pal Eileen Cullen (63), from Middleton, said high costs can make it difficult for people to eat more healthily.

She said: “I’m totally unhealthy. Buying fresh fruit costs a lot of money.”

Edwin Agard (75), from Chadderton said he is a firm believer in the motto you are what you eat.

He said: “I don’t drink, don’t smoke and don’t eat meat and I feel healthy.

“The stresses and strains of daily life do make people live more unhealthy, but everyone has a free choice to do what they want and live their own life.

“It’s up to them to look at their lifestyle and think if it is right or not.”

Robert Glover (17), from Holts, said: “The figures have surprised me, I didn’t think there would be that many deaths from unhealthy lifestyles.

“I don’t smoke or drink and I exercise, so I’m all right.”

His friend Lauren Gilsenan (16), from Moorside, admits she is really unhealthy but will change her bad habits when she is older.

She said: “I eat what I want and don’t take any notice of my diet.

“I can eat anything I like without putting on weight so when that changes, I’ll do something about it.

“I don’t smoke and the majority of my friends don’t either so I think the no-smoking message is working.

“I’m not really thinking about my lifestyle at my age.

“When I get older, I’ll do something about it.”

Matthew Ross (23), Failsworth, said: “I do eat fatty foods and I do have a drink, but I don’t smoke. I go to the gym three times a week and play football.

“I despise smoking, why would you put something that has been lit into your mouth?

“It’s toxic, more so that eating badly or drinking.”

Danny Maguire (32) and his wife, Caroline, both admit they lead unhealthy lifestyles.

Mr Maguire said: “I used to play football and worked as a bin man for 10 years which was quite physical.

“But I’ve smoked 20 a day since I was 15 and eat bad food.

“I could be fitter as I don’t really exercise now, but I am looking after three children aged 12, nine and two.

“The kids are always asking me to give up smoking, they are definitely more healthy than me.”

Mrs Maguire said: “I’m not healthy at all.

“I don’t drink or smoke but I am a chocoholic.

“It’s a habit and I know I eat it out of boredom.

“If they banned chocolate, I’d be like Kate Moss!

“Our little girl always says we should be eating more fruit but when I buy it, it just goes to waste.”

Keith Dickenson (64), from Chadderton, said: “I had a quadruple bypass four years ago and I should imagine that was down to unhealthy food.

“When I was young, there wasn’t as much healthy advice as what is going on today.

“I don’t think people should have excuses now for being unhealthy because everything is clearly displayed on packages, it’s up to people to make the right choices.

“I try to eat a bit of salad, stopped frying food and use my George Foreman grill.

“I feel better for the changes I’ve made, but getting older means you don’t really notice it is helping you along.

“I’ve always found healthy eating costs more than buying bad food and it is amazing that a non-alcoholic drink costs as much as an alcoholic one in pubs.

“Healthy things should be reduced in price.”