Environmental Health Officers from Hertsmere Borough Council and Public Health doctors from West Hertfordshire Health Authority examine everyday issues affecting our health. This month Head of Environmental Health Richard Crooks has some thoughts on his own New Year's resolutions

After the indulgences of the festive period -- and who can resist -- it's not unusual to find yourself weighing up the extra inches and less-than-glowing reflection in the mirror and making a brave New Year's resolution to be fitter and healthier in the coming year.

Unfortunately, and certainly in my case, inevitably, though the intentions are good the will is weak and just a few days into 1999 I'm finding it hard to keep to the healthy regime I know I should follow.

We all know from advertisements on the television, from our doctors and a wide range of other experts and from our own common sense that there are a whole host of things we can do on a daily basis to improve our health in the long term. So why do we find it so hard to change our ways?

I know that my bete noir is eating, especially chocolate. My lifestyle habits have all been acquired over the last 50 years and I know it will take more than a few brave words after a large meal on New Year's Day to change all that.

Many habits start when we are very young by learning from people and situations around us. Other habits are picked up in our teenage years, particularly smoking and drinking. And if, like me, you're a chocaholic it probably kicked off with your first tube of Smarties in the pram!

Many of us in our later years then compound the effects of these bad habits with being less physically active.

The result is a couch potato lifestyle that will, without doubt, reduce our life expectancy and, even worse, reduce the quality of our later years.

It is one of the responsibilities and priorities of Environmental Health to raise the awareness of the importance of health. Each year just before Christmas and again in the summer, the health department of the council host its health fairs. I went along this year to the Village Hall in Shenley Road and watched dozens of children taking part in important health messages while playing with animals, taking part in quizzes, discussing safety issues and obviously thoroughly enjoying themselves. No specific part of this health fair will make the children who visited adopt a healthier lifestyle but I believe it's part of a process that, when shared with local schools and the media, will help raise awareness -- especially in young people -- about the need to look after our bodies and our surroundings.

We as parents should try to support that process by listening to our children's views and knowledge on health and by seriously considering the impact our habits may have on them.

It's harder to change bad habits when you are older -- and fond of them! I know perfectly well that inactive people have double the risk of heart disease and three times the risk of a stroke as someone who takes regular exercise.

I know exercise will reduce the risk of obesity and high blood pressure and protect against diabetes, osteoporosis and some cancers. It helps reduce stress and can improve self esteem. I also know there is a clear link between my diet and cancer. If I ate less fatty and sugary foods and increased my intake of grains, vegetables, bread, pasta and fruit it would improve my chances of a healthier, longer life.

I have come to the conclusion that the answer for me is to take small, positive steps towards a healthier lifestyle -- not unrealistic resolutions that I will never keep.

As the main shopper for my household, for instance, I will make sure there are less chocolates, sweets and biscuits in the house to avoid temptation. I now use the stairs instead of lifts at work and I will volunteer to walk the dog each evening instead of sitting in front of the television.

Small changes perhaps but certainly positive steps in a healthy direction.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000.Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.