We often take our joints for granted and don't think about looking after them until later in life or if we have over used them through sport or exercise. Whatever our age and whether a walker or runner, gardener or serious athlete, we should all be thinking about the long-term health of our joints. Joints are really amazing mechanisms. What other machinery do we know of in the physical world that can move flexibly and carry weight for decade after decade without breaking down?

If running the marathon isn't your cup of tea and you just want to be fit and well, and able to get on with your life, read on.

Eat at least 5 servings of fruit and vegetables a day - these contain antioxidant vitamins A, C and E, carotenoids and selenium different which may help maintain healthy cartilage.

Eating oily fish such as salmon, trout, sardines, herring and mackerel can also help.

Drink 6-8 large glasses of water a day to maintain good hydration and flow of nutrients to the joints.

If you are overweight, try to lose some as excess weight places extra stress on joints.

Regular physical activity is good for your joints - it keeps the muscles around the joints strong and helps replenish lubrication to the cartilage of the joint. Exercise also helps to enhance energy and stamina by decreasing fatigue and improving sleep. It will help you maintain good balance.

Try a balanced fitness programme that includes walking, swimming, cycling, and stretching exercises.

Try these

	Walking to the shops and getting the bus back.
	Walking the dog - yours or the neighbours! 20 mins is enough
	Swimming or water aerobics - the water's buoyancy reduces wear and tear on joints.
	Cycling - you can always stop for a pub lunch somewhere!
	Get a video - not any old video - try gentle yoga or tai chi. - stretching is a simple way to keep joints and muscles flexible and it's a good stressbuster too.
	Remember - you don't have to wear a leotard to exercise - gardening, dancing and cycling can be just as good as any Jane Fonda workout.