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At New Year on 1st January, we set ourselves personal goals for the coming year. Read on and be inspired!<\/p>\nLast updated 23 December 2022<\/small><\/p>What is a New Year\u2019s Resolution?<\/h2>\n
At New Year on 1st January, we set ourselves personal goals for the coming year. Read on and be inspired!<\/p>\n
What\u2019s your New Year\u2019s resolution? Listed below are some great ideas for a healthy New Year<\/strong>!<\/p>\n My biology teacher once said to my class at school:<\/p>\n YOU are representative of everything you have ever put into your mouth!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Everything you put in your mouth has consequences \u2013 whether it\u2019s food, alcoholic drinks, cigarettes, or drugs\/medicines.<\/p>\n There are a number of ‘modifiable lifestyle risk factors’ \u2013 so let\u2019s consider them one at a time below.<\/p>\n Your body is a machine and only works as well as the nutrients you put into it. Follow a diet such as the Mediterranean diet<\/a> \u2013 rich in fruit and vegetables, high in unsaturated fats such as olive oil, plus fish but with limited red meat and dairy products.<\/p>\n Time to weigh yourself, then measure your height, and use this handy BMI (Body Mass Index) calculator<\/a> to work out your BMI.<\/p>\n For best health your BMI should be between 18.5-25. If your BMI is raised, how can you lose weight? Your GP can offer practical advice and support about helping you to lose weight.<\/a> You need to eat less, and exercise more. In addition, getting fit<\/a> is sociable, and can be fun \u2013 a way to make new friends and feel good about yourself. There are numerous ways to get fitter and more active<\/a>, many you can do at home and are totally free. Why not start by taking this quiz from the British Heart Foundation, How Healthy Are you Really?<\/a><\/p>\n Do you know the safe limits of alcohol<\/a>?<\/strong> The NHS recommends no more than 14 units per week, one unit being half a pint of low strength beer, or one 100ml glass of low strength (11%) wine.<\/p>\n Consider ways you can cut down on your drinking<\/a>. It\u2019s easier if you get your partner on board and you do it together, saving a bottle of wine for a treat like a romantic night in! Rather than pouring the wine as reflex action every night, when you get in from work.<\/p>\n Alcohol is actually a depressant- any euphoria from drinking is temporary \u2013 you will actually feel brighter and happier from drinking less! Not to mention losing weight \u2013 as alcohol contains lots of calories.<\/p>\n Do you really want to smell of cigarettes, develop yellow nicotine fingers, bad breath, gum disease and premature ageing\/wrinkly skin?<\/p>\n NHS Stop Smoking<\/a> services are free of charge \u2013 to help you. The benefits of giving up smoking are huge. Your GP will discuss the best way to stop smoking. They can prescribe a range of products to help block the cravings such as Champix (varenicline)<\/a>.<\/p>\n Drug addiction is a serious problem. You can get help for this just as you can for any other medical problem. Go and talk to your doctor.<\/a> They will put you in touch with specialist agencies which can help you.<\/p>\n You are offered a series of screening appointments by the NHS \u2013 make sure you are up to date? Don\u2019t miss these opportunities (listed below) to look after your health!<\/p>\n You do need to be registered with a GP<\/a> to take advantage of these appointments.<\/p>\n You should receive an appointment letter, inviting you to be screened. If you do not receive a letter \u2013 contact your GP.<\/p>\n Cervical screening<\/a> \u2013 all women in the UK are offered cervical screening: in England from age 25-49, every 3 years, and from age 50-64 every 5 years.<\/p>\n Try not to be too worried about going for a screening test \u2013 it\u2019s really not that bad! It\u2019s over very quickly, and having it done might save your life! Read one person\u2019s story here!<\/a><\/p>\n Mammograms<\/a> are currently offered to women on the NHS between the age 50-71, every 3 years. Early detection leads to improved chances of survival. In the meantime do check your breasts regularly \u2013 Be Breast Aware<\/a>, and go for help immediately if you notice any abnormalities.<\/p>\n You are entitled to a free NHS Health Check<\/a> between the ages of 40 and 74. At this appointment all issues such as BMI, smoking, alcohol, blood pressure and cholesterol, lifestyle and fitness, will be assessed.<\/p>\n You will be offered one bowel screening<\/a> visit when you are 55 or over. Early detection of bowel cancer improves outcomes. Aged 60 to 74 years, you will be offered a home testing kit every 2 years. Read Shane\u2019s Story.<\/a> Don\u2019t be embarrassed – just do the test!<\/p>\n Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening<\/a><\/span>\u00a0is offered to all men in their 65th year. Early detection saves lives.<\/p>\n Dental checks<\/a> and eye checks<\/a> are also recommended. These can be partially NHS funded. Poor dental health is associated with poor general health.<\/p>\n Looking after your eyes is similarly vital to help you stay well, and live well. Don\u2019t neglect these check-ups!<\/p>\n All women resident in the UK, are entitled to free NHS, contraceptive and sexual health care. All types of contraception are available in the UK, free of charge. You can visit your GP, or a community Sexual Health clinic<\/a>.<\/p>\n Menopause care and advice may be offered by your GP practice. But if this is not the case, or if you need a specialist opinion, you can ask to be referred to a specialist menopause clinic. Find the nearest clinic to you.<\/a><\/p>\n It\u2019s very important also to look after your mental health<\/a>. Good mental health, means you can function optimally in your daily life. When you are in good mental health, you are able to learn, to build and sustain healthy relationships, and to cope with change, and challenging situations.<\/p>\nGood health \u2013 a new year, and a new you!<\/h2>\n
Modifiable Lifestyle Risk Factors<\/h2>\n
Food and nutrition<\/h3>\n
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You are what you eat!<\/p>\nWeight management<\/h3>\n
\nYour doctor may refer you to a Slimming Group for example. There are also a large range of products available, designed to help weight loss.<\/p>\nModifying alcohol intake<\/h3>\n
Stop smoking<\/h3>\n
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Could this be your year to quit smoking<\/a>? Cigarette smoke contains more than 7000 chemicals, many of which are directly known to cause cancer. Do something amazing for yourself \u2013 and stop smoking! Do it today!<\/strong><\/p>\nDrugs\/medicines<\/h3>\n
Other options for health care<\/h2>\n
Cervical smears<\/h3>\n
Breast cancer screening<\/h3>\n
Free NHS check<\/h3>\n
Bowel screening<\/h3>\n
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening<\/h3>\n
Dental and eye checks<\/h3>\n
Contraception and sexual health<\/h2>\n
Menopause care<\/h2>\n
Positive mental health<\/h2>\n