Health scan lifestyle Q&A

Liam Doran, general secretary, Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation

Do you think you have a healthy lifestyle?

Yes, broadly speaking I do. I walk as much as I can around town and I play golf as often as I can. I’m very conscious of getting plenty of fresh air and walking and exercise, so I try to keep myself fit generally.

How often do you exercise?

I’d walk every day to get myself out and about and stretch the muscles. It’s mostly to and from meetings. One of the things I hate is sitting in a car in traffic, so I walk as much as I can. I’m lucky enough that I have a son who plays golf competitively, so we get out and about.

Do you get your five a day?

Not every day, but I eat as much fruit as I can. When I’m walking I’d have an apple, banana or pear. I always have breakfast, orange juice, Weetabix and a mug of tea. I’d be conscious of eating plenty of veg and I get a very good dinner every evening, thanks to my better half.

Do you worry?

I’d class myself as being very conscientious of trying to do the right thing for the people I represent – conscientious yes, a worrier probably not.

What do you do to relax?

Family is priceless to me. I very much value my home time and, after that, sport. I’m a Kilkenny person, so I’m a mad hurling follower. We went down home to Kilkenny a few weeks ago to watch the county semi-final and that was a lovely relaxing family day.

That’s what I do to relax and switch off; it tends to be around family and sport.

What’s your unhealthiest habit?

One of them would be bringing work home. It’s a demanding position and you can’t shut it down completely at five o’clock. The phone is never off – I have to accept that and just get on with it and try not to let it encroach on the precious family time. If you don’t relax, you can’t be at your best.

In conversation with Joanne Hunt