Do you think you have a healthy lifestyle?
Reasonably healthy. My job keeps me busy, but I try to have a good work/life balance.
How often do you exercise?
I'm not a big fan of gyms, but I try to get out and do a bit of exercise when I can. I live close to the city centre so walk briskly to and from work every day. When I have meetings in town I hop on a city bike. That seems to work.
Do you get your five fruit and vegetables a day?
Maybe not everyday. I do love salads and fresh fruit, so they would both be a staple part of my diet.
When I was living in Darfur, I lived off a breakfast of fresh mangoes and oranges straight from the local groves – absolutely delicious. It's been hard to beat that ever since.
Do you worry?
I'm not much of a worrier at all. I probably get more stressed over small things rather than big problems or issues that arise.
Working in places like Darfur, Sri Lanka directly after the civil war, Kyrgyzstan and Central African Republic helps keep things in perspective.
What do you do to relax?
The usual things – I love spending time with my friends and sisters, cooking dinner, going to gigs, going to rugby and GAA matches. My dad is from Dingle, so having been away from home for a few years I really appreciate being able to get down to west Kerry on long weekends. I love it down there.
What's your worst habit?
My friends and family would probably say my attraction to working in conflict zones. Once you start working with
Médecins Sans Frontières, it's very hard to stop – the field always keeps calling you back.
I’d have to say my worst habit is having two mobiles and never switching either of them off. That and coffee.
Jane-Ann McKenna is director of Médecins Sans Frontières Ireland (msf.ie).
