EVEN if we had a well functioning hospital at the corner of every street, coupled with a world class social care system, the health of the nation would not improve.

For many of us, a slow burn humanitarian crisis began 10, 20, 30 years ago.

Our high fat, high sugar, high salt diet has led to an unprecedented level of illness in our country. Add in smoking and excessive alcohol consumption and we do indeed have a recipe for disaster.

Today’s prescription, for all of us, is to switch to a whole food, plant based diet with increased levels of activity.

The human body has a great ability to heal itself given the right ingredients.

Dr Helen Pennock (retired A&E doctor)

Belbroughton