Andrea Webb went to a health fair yesterday so her elderly mother could have her cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure tested.

But what she never imagined was that she would age three years in 20 minutes.

Ms Webb, who was born 42 years ago, took the Health Age Plus test, which includes recording her height, weight, body mass index, blood tests and a survey on her lifestyle.

The information is used to calculate her 'real' age – and Ms. Webb discovered she is actually 45 years old.

Part of the increase, she thought, was due to her elevated blood pressure, which was 169 over 91 yesterday and is usually a lot lower.

Undeterred, though, Ms. Webb said at least she knew now and could do something about it.

She said: "I was interested in finding out how healthy or unhealthy I am. My sugar is fine and my cholesterol is fine. It's just my blood pressure which is a bit high.

"Normally it's not bad. It's a good thing I came. This was the push I need to improve my health.

"I need to exercise and limit my meat intake. The big thing, though, is physical activity."

Her test was taken at the fourth Argus Health Fair which was held between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. yesterday at Number Six shed, which was attended by more than 2,000 people.

As well as the innovative Health Age Plus test, which takes into consideration your lifestyle choices, such as smoking, drug usage and alcohol consumption, the fair also featured more than 30 health charities.

Opening the day at 10.45 a.m. Argus Group chief executive officer and president Gerald Simons warned Bermuda they are what they eat.

He said: "The Argus Group believes that living healthy is the responsibility of each individual.

"It is vital that parents, schools, employers and individuals promote good health by encouraging a healthy diet with moderation and exercise.

"To that end, the theme for the Argus Group's Health Fair this year is 'You are what you eat.' That's a terrifying thought.

"Another terrifying thought is how much saturated fat we put into our bodies and the impact it will have on our health.

"The Argus Group is committed to educating people about the difference between 'good fat' and 'bad fat' or saturated fat that we eat.

"Poor eating habits is one of the main factors contributing to obesity in Bermuda."

The fair was held in conjunction with The Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB) and the Department of Health.

BHB chief executive officer David Hill said: "All of us at BHB are excited at this opportunity to share our knowledge in a community setting. If we can prevent just one child from developing type II diabetes, having a cardiac arrest or spiralling into substance abuse, it will be time well spent.

"If we can alert just one parent that they need to take charge of their health for their own sake and their family's then today's health fair has proved its importance.

"These are not results that will appear in any immediate headlines, but will hopefully be seen in a growing trend of wellness."

Cutting the ribbon to the fair was a slightly sweaty Nelson Bascome, Minister of Health who said he had cycled to work in an effort to advertise 'Burn Fat not Fuel Day' on Friday.

He then urged everyone to return to the days where everyone had vegetable gardens.

Mr. Bascome said: "Our National Health Promotion Strategy, Well Bermuda, includes as one of its goals to 'Encourage enjoyment and respect for the environment.' This is what this year's Public Health theme is about."