Raleigh experts offer healthy lifestyle advice

Royal Navy personnel based at HMS Raleigh have been reminded of the benefits of a good diet, regular health checks and exercise.

The training base in Torpoint staged a healthy lifestyle event in the gymnasium, with experts on hand to offer advice and guidance.

 Staff and trainees from the Defence Maritime Logistics School brought along some healthy eating salad options and a Thai Green Curry and spoke of the benefits of home cooking.

Trainee Chef Lewis Smith said:  “The reason we cooked curry is because curry is usually associated with unhealthy eating, but the ingredients in this one are all good.

"Food is important; some illnesses are related to food and if we had the wrong diet it could make a difference to the effectiveness of the team.”

HMS Raleigh’s medical and dental team were also present to give advice on health related issues, such as work-related stress, alcohol awareness, back pain, ways to quit smoking and the effect the habit has on the whole body.

They also offered blood pressure checks and used equipment to show people the bugs on their hands to highlight the importance of good hand-washing routines.

 The attendees were also encouraged to try out different exercises with a cycling, rowing and kettle bell challenge.  They were also given advice on how to prevent injuries and information on the Adventurous Training opportunities available to Service personnel.

Organiser Leading Physical Trainer Joe McGarry said:  “The purpose of the event is to promote a healthy lifestyle within the Royal Navy, so we have various stances.

"Nowadays with obesity on the rise and the play-station generation, people are more inclined to sit indoors, so this about getting people out and about to get them moving.

"It’s all about changing people’s attitudes.”

Trainee Warfare Specialist (Sonar Submariner) Jordan Webster said:  “Overall it’s been good to get an insight into different exercises and how to keep fit.”

Food is important; some illnesses are related to food and if we had the wrong diet it could make a difference to the effectiveness of the team.

Trainee Chef Lewis Smith