MY HEALTH: Dr Alan Stout
Did you contract Covid? If so, how did it affect you?
I’ve not had covid, but the rest of the family did have it earlier this year. Having spent such a long time talking and thinking about covid it was still a shock when they tested positive. Luckily it was a mild case for everyone.
Do you consider yourself to be healthy?
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdI think I am pretty healthy. I have never been seriously ill and I try to do all the ‘right’ things to keep myself healthy. The last few years have been extremely pressured at work but I made a conscious effort to exercise when I could and take time away from the computer and social media for my mental health. I am lucky to live by the sea and I really think being able to walk in the fresh air beside the sea helps my health.
Do you smoke/drink?
I have never smoked, but I do enjoy sharing a nice bottle of wine on a night out at the weekend.
Do you take supplements?
No, I try to eat as healthy and as balanced a diet as possible. I think this, combined with regular exercise this prevents the need for supplements.
Ever been on a diet?
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdI have never been on a diet but I am very conscious of what I eat and try to eat a good balanced and healthy diet. This can be difficult in a busy working day, but there are always options and opportunity to go for a healthier option – reach for the fruit not the biscuits!
Any big health scares?
I am very fortunate in that I haven’t had any significant illness except for a couple of broken bones in my rugby playing days.
Have you tried alternative/complementary therapies?
I have never tried them myself but lots of patients use them and say they help them.
Do you take regular exercise?
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdI really do try to get some exercise every day, even if it is walking the dog at night. I try to get to the gym two or three times a week and also like to play golf at weekends and whenever I have any free time.
I try to walk to meetings or even on home visits whenever possible.
How well do you sleep?
I am told that I sleep very well and never have any trouble getting to sleep.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdI am a chronic early riser though and find it impossible to sleep in.
I get up about 6.30 every day and am generally in bed at 11.00.
What one thing would improve your health?
The past couple of years have seen us all operate under more stress and pressure, hopefully this will start to become a little bit more manageable and this will undoubtedly be beneficial to my health.
A message from the Editor:
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.
With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.
Subscribe to newsletter.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to the best Northern Ireland and UK news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdOur journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.
Ben Lowry
Editor
Comment Guidelines
National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.