With the importance of health and nutrition now being better understood than ever, more people in developed countries are living longer and healthier lives. However, widespread problems such as obesity persist, highlighting the need for further education in the importance of a good diet for overall health.

Everybody has at least some vague awareness of which foods are considered healthy or unhealthy - with fresh fruit, vegetables and whole grains being important in everyday consumption, and food or drink high in calories, fat, salt and sugar not being recommended. Following a good diet can help people maintain a steady weight, but sometimes the allure of unhealthy treats and the convenience of junk food can make this difficult.

Staying healthy doesn't always mean compromising your favourite foods and drinks though, as long as you make sure your body stays in good shape by staying active and carrying out as much exercise as is recommended for your body size. It's usually recommended that people exercise at least 2.5 hours per week - which can mean just 30 minutes each working day - with a focus on activities that increase heart rate and respiration, as well as strengthen muscles. For children and teenagers who are still growing, at least one hour of exercise might be advisable per day, and exercise can also lower your risk of type 2 diabetes and other conditions - both physical and psychological.

Mental health is another essential aspect of overall wellbeing, and more health information is now available on how to protect yourself from conditions such as stress, depression and anxiety - both at home and in the workplace. Mental and physical health are often linked, and your diet and activity levels can also improve your emotional wellbeing.

Different times of the year and different situations bring their own share of health risks, which can make it important to take proper precautions at all times. In the hot summer, this can mean remembering to apply sun cream to protect yourself from UV rays, wearing appropriate eye protection such as sunglasses and drinking lots of water to make sure you stay hydrated. In the winter, wrapping up warm can help you avoid common winter illnesses.

Safety equipment such as seatbelts should also be worn at all times when in moving vehicles, either as a driver or passenger, while cyclists and construction workers may want to consider always wearing helmets to reduce their risk of receiving serious head injuries.

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