Home and Away star Ada Nicodemou has opened up about her health after having a ‘wake-up call’ following recent surgery.
The actress, who has played Leah Patterson-Baker in the Australian soap since 2000, revealed that she suffered a herniated disc in her spine that caused her to lose all feeling in her left foot.
The 47-year-old star spoke of how the incident happened as she sneezed while getting dressed as she prepared to go out and exercise one morning last year.
Ada later underwent surgery, from which she had a long recovery.
Sorry, this video isn't available any more.
Writing in her Stellar magazine column (via Yahoo), Ada said it forced her to ‘slow down’.
‘I had to come to terms with the fact I couldn’t push my body the way I used to. It was a wake-up call, physically and emotionally, she said.
‘I started to think about exercise differently, realising that health isn’t about extremes.’
She continued: ‘Now, I focus on what makes me feel good: pilates, walks, light weight training, and a more balanced approach.
‘Instead of chasing a perfect body, I’m being kind to myself and listening to what my body needs.’
Ada previously utilised her magazine column to announce some happy and ‘unexpected’ news.
Earlier this year, she revealed she was in a relationship with co-star James Stewart, who plays her on-screen husband Justin Morgan.
‘Jimmy and I are together, yes. It’s only early days,’ she said back in July.
She added: ‘It’s very recent and very unexpected. I’m super happy. It’s really lovely.’
Home & Away airs weekdays at 1.45pm on Channel 5, with first-look episodes airing at 6.30pm on 5STAR.
If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you.
Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage.
MORE: TV legend huge in the 80s and 90s unrecognisable in new soap role
MORE: EastEnders star who played loved character lands major role in Christmas film
