Health scan: Lifestyle Q&A

Dr Anne Maria Dennison, national president, Irish Countrywomen's Association

Do you think you have a healthy lifestyle?

Yes, I believe I have. I am gone past the age of living it up and realise it’s important to have a healthy lifestyle. I eat a good balanced diet and generally look after my health.

How often do you exercise?

Not as much as I should. Since being elected president of the ICA, I’ve been extremely busy. This year is the centenary of our association, so I’m invited to travel to celebrations at our federations all over the country. There is also the day-to-day running of the organisation, and as I live 165 miles from our central office in Dublin, it doesn’t give me much time to exercise. That’s my excuse.

Do you get your five a day?

Yes. My day begins with a large bowl of assorted fruit and yogurt. At dinner, I always have fresh vegetables with meat or fish. When travelling around the country, I have some fruit or nuts to keep up my energy levels. I make all my own preserves and chutneys. I’m lucky to have a great farmers’ market in the town of Abbeyfeale, Co Limerick, where I’m from, and my husband also grows potatoes and other vegetables.

Do you worry?

I think everybody worries about something. At the moment my biggest worry is the responsibility of running a national organisation. Our members voted to reinvent the ICA and make it more relevant to the women of today. One of my objectives is to see more women joining an organisation where they might make new friends.

What do you do to relax?

I don’t have too much free time this year, but I do get some time to socialise with friends. My ideal form of relaxation is to travel. As a family we spend many summer holidays in France.

What’s your unhealthiest habit?

I have a sweet tooth and have to be extra vigilant not to go overboard with the desserts.

In conversation with Joanne Hunt