Health Scan

LIFESTYLE Q&A:Jimmy Magee, broadcaster and patron of the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association

Do you think you have a healthy lifestyle?

No. But I don’t drink and I don’t smoke, so those are two pluses. I eat probably too well, but not cleverly enough – I like food but not all the food would be recommended by a dietitian. But by and large, I am lucky enough to enjoy good health.

How often do you exercise?

I was talking to my doctor this morning and he asked me had I done any walking. I said I’d do 10 minutes, but I’ve no intention of doing it. I don’t do enough exercise and I’m not proud of it. I don’t have time, but if I wanted to do it, I could find the time.

Do you get your five a day?

I don’t like vegetables. I hate them with a passion. It goes back to my childhood. I remember saying to myself, if ever I grow up and I’m making my own decisions, I won’t have any more cabbage, turnips or parsnips, and I’ve adhered to that. But I do eat peas, spinach and tomatoes, and I like fruit.

Do you worry?

Yes I do, I think everyone does. I wouldn’t sicken myself worrying but I’d be concerned about loads of things – my family, my 11 grandchildren. I’d worry that everything would be going well for them.

What do you do to relax?

What I do to relax is what I do to work – I go to a football match or some event. I like travelling. This year alone I was in the US, France, Germany and Italy and I went on a cruise.

What’s your unhealthiest habit?

I don’t have too many really. I have a sweet tooth – I’ve reduced that considerably but I might still walk into a shop and buy a pound of sweets on a whim and eat them all. I like that.

Jimmy Magee is supporting Garda Ian Redican on June 14th as he begins his run from Dublin to Galway for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association. See imnda.ie or freefone 1800-403403.