Healthy tips: what can I do?

Most people suffer from problems with their bowels at times.

Sometimes a change in diet can be all that is needed (especially if you are constipated). Try some of the tips below for yourself.

  • Take part in the screening programme every 2 years.
  • Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day.
  • Eat 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day.
  • Eat lots of fibre, e.g. wholemeal bread, cereal, beans.
  • Don’t eat too much red meat.
  • Stop smoking.
  • Gentle exercise can also help. It may surprise you to know that it can help to get your bowels moving properly.
  • Don’t be embarrassed to go and see your doctor if you have any worries about your bowel habits.

If you want to get healthier, your doctor or practice nurse can help you with healthy eating plans and exercise programmes.

Helpful sites

Walking is a good way of getting regular exercise

A poor diet and inactivity can lead to health problems, but the Healthy Living Scotland site has healthy eating advice and physical activity tips which can get you on the way to a healthier lifestyle.

The website canstopsmoking.com has all the information you need to give up smoking. You can search for your local NHS stop smoking service through the postcode finder, use the webchat facility to speak to a trained stop smoking advisor online and take advantage of the userful hints and tips associated with giving up smoking.

Paths to Health offers information on health walks throughout Scotland. You can walk by yourself, with friends and family or you can join a health walking group.

For more healthy eating advice, the NHS in England has a website called 5 A Day which has lots of recipes and tips on how to make sure you get five portions of fruit and vegetables a day.

The BBC has produced a guide on Fitness for over-50s which has some ideas about different types of exercise you can try.