Survey reveals healthy Irish habits
30/4/2008
More Irish people are engaging in healthy lifestyle habits than last year, according to a new study.
Unveiled by health promotion and food safety minister Pat The Cope Gallagher yesterday (April 29th), the National Health and Lifestyle Survey showed that half of the Irish population believe their health to be very good or excellent, representing an increase over 2007.
Furthermore, fewer Irish residents engage in risky drinking habits now compared with last year, while nearly two-thirds of respondents said they get their five-a-day in terms of fruit and vegetables on a daily basis.
However, it was also revealed that levels of exercise decrease the older the population becomes, while 39 per cent of over-18s were found to be overweight.
"While many of the findings provide sombre reading, they give vital direction for policy and service developments in the coming decade," commented Professor Hannah McGee of the research team behind the study.
A recent report from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) found that Ireland is one the most infrequent users of medical care compared with other OECD nations.
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