Dr Liam Twomey, Fine Gael spokesman on Health and Children, tells Patricia Westonabout his habits and lifestyle
Do you exercise?
My children are four, three and 1½ so keeping up with them is the best exercise you could get.
Are you a member of a gym?
No, and I'm unlikely to consider becoming a member.
What's your favourite exercise?
Exercise and relaxation are two sides of the same coin. Swimming in the sea would be my favourite activity.
Do you follow a healthy diet?
I eat a fairly balanced diet but I eat too much. It gets harder to control your weight as you get older and my lifestyle does not lend itself to putting time aside for myself.
What would you like to change about your body?
I wouldn't mind changing one or two discs in my lumbar spine that cause me backache.
Patricia Weston recommends: Some Pilates movements to help alleviate back pain.
Lie on your back on the floor, lift one leg bending the knee. Hold this position for eight seconds; relax the leg then hold for a further eight seconds. Repeat on the opposite leg.
Lie on a mat on your stomach. Bend your elbows and keep your forearms in contact with the floor. Look down on the floor then gently raise your head and shoulders off the mat. Repeat slowly eight times.
Crawl onto all fours, sit on your heels, tuck your head in and stretch out your arms. Bring your arms around to the back and breathe deeply. Remain kneeling but sit up and stretch your arms up over your head and clasp your hands together.
Patricia Weston is an NCEHS fitness instructor, personal trainer and Pilates teacher.