Research has been done into underage drinking and the surprising results are that if children are exposed to alcohol from the age of 14 they have an above average chance of developing a drink problem as they get older. This is surprising as many of us have held the continental belief that it wold have the opposite effect. A bit like reverse psychology, if you  let children have a little taster with a meal at home then they are less likely to feel that it is forbidden and therefore take the excitement factor out of alcohol consumption. It also does depend on genetics and peer pressure, which are huge contributory factors. It is becoming an increasing problem, especially with it being so readily available. Maybe the licensing laws need to be looked at again!!

Three things you can test yourself on as a clue to how long you’ll live:
Stand on one leg for 10 seconds or longer with your eyes closed

Stand up and sit down again in a chair; 39 times a minute for men and 36 times for women

The grip test : applying pressure of up to 54.5 kg, which I reckon is the ability to open a jar of pickled onions!!

If you can do those three things at the age of about 53 which is considered to be middle aged, then chances are you will be fit and healthy for the next 13 years. If you can’t do any of them, don’t give up hope, just put in a bit of practise.

Finally, make sure you’re getting the right amount of sleep. Too little and it could contribute to brain shrinkage and possible dementia, and too much could be just as bad. Aim for a good balance between 6 and 8 hours.

Sweet dreams.