NI Needs Healthier Outlook, Says Boots

Two thirds of people in Northern Ireland don't think they'll make it to 80 years-of-age, despite this now being the average UK life expectancy.

That's according to an assessment on the state of the UK's health that was commissioned on behalf of the new Boots Health Assessment Tool.

It shows that that people need to reassess their lifestyles and make important changes if they are to live a full and healthy life.

The Boots Health Assessment Tool is a new online tool that assesses an individual's current health, whilst providing top tips and advice on how they can improve their health status.

In 2010, 98% of people in Northern Ireland decided to quit smoking, eat more healthily, exercise more or lose weight, but, according to high street pharmacy the review demonstrates that NI is not taking health into consideration at a young enough age.

Just 5% of the UK's 18-24 year olds know their cholesterol level; even more concerning is that just 43% of over 55s know theirs.

With a quarter (25%) of people in Northern Ireland reporting a family history of coronary heart disease, the highest of any region surveyed, it is essential that vital statistics such as cholesterol levels and blood pressure are assessed and monitored regularly.

But, despite attempting to make positive changes to their diet over the past year, the report has shown that 70% still do not know the recommended maximum amount of saturated fat a man is allowed to consume in a day.

Northern Ireland is also snubbing important guidelines such as the Body Mass Index; over half (58%) do not know their BMI and 62% do not even know what a healthy BMI range is.

The results from the report also showed we are feeling the effects of stress, with 98% of people in Northern Ireland saying they feel stressed at some point.

The UK's 18-24 year olds are suffering the most, a third of which claiming to feel stressed every day.

Following a year of immense financial strain on the whole country, the subject of money stresses out 65% of people in Northern Ireland, whilst 53% worry about relationships.

Dr Chris Steele commented: "As a nation we continue to live our lives in the fast lane, so ensuring we review our health on a regular basis is becoming increasingly important.

"The results released by Boots UK seem to demonstrate that our busy lifestyles, over-indulgences, stress and lack of exercise are even making us question our own life expectancy.

"The Boots Health Assessment Tool will create a personalised action plan for you and provide you with tools to track your progress to help keep you motivated and stay on track.

"It is rewarding and reassuring to see your health score improve when you do progress re-assessments, which will also give you the incentive to stick to your new good habits."

(GK/BMcC)