As we enter the new year, here are some tips on how to stay healthy and well and to make better use of the NHS in 2025:
1. Exercise regularly, aiming to include outdoor activities for sunlight exposure, which can help with physical fitness and improve mood, especially for those affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
2. Don’t smoke. Smoking is a major risk factor for diseases such as lung cancer and heart disease. Quitting smoking significantly reduces these risks.
3. Take-up the offer of any NHS vaccinations that you are eligible for. If you have young children, make sure they are also up to date with their NHS vaccinations.
4. Sunlight exposure may be limited in Winter, so consider vitamin D supplementation if you are in a group that this is recommended for.
5. Attend for NHS health screening appointments when invited.
6. Eat five portions of fruit & vegetables every day and eat plenty of high-fibre foods. Eating a nutritious diet is important for maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
7. Limit your sugar and salt intake.
8. Limit your alcohol intake to a safe level.
9. Take time to improve your mental health; including by meeting regularly with friends and family. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and it is important to take steps to protect and improve your mental well-being.
10. Use the NHS app to book appointments, view your GP medical record and order repeat prescriptions.
11. Attend for appointments for medication reviews and for the management of long-term conditions when invited. This helps to ensure that your medication is up-to-date and that your condition is being managed effectively.
12. Be aware of the range of options for NHS care – including opticians, pharmacists, self-referral services (e.g. Pharmacy First, podiatry, IAPT, smoking cessation), and NHS 111.
13. Use the NHS electronic prescription service so that your prescription is sent directly to a pharmacy.
14. For queries about hospital care, contact the hospital Patient Advice and Liaison (PALS) team rather than your general practice. The PALS team is there to help patients and their families with any concerns or questions they have about their hospital care. The contact details are usually present on the hospital’s website.
15. Apply for online access to your hospital records if this is available
16. Check your own blood pressure. Blood pressure machines are now relatively cheap. In some parts of England, the NHS may be able to provide you with a machine. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for stroke and heart disease, so it is important to monitor your blood pressure regularly.
17. Take your medication as prescribed.
18. Get a good night’s sleep.
19. Reduce the risk of injury by wearing seatbelts and bike helmets, and driving or cycling safely
20. Listen to experts on health issues and not uninformed people on social media. There is a lot of misinformation about health issues circulating on social media, so it is important to get your health information from reliable sources, such as the NHS website or healthcare professionals.
21. Use telehealth options for accessing healthcare when appropriate, to save time and minimise exposure to potential infections.
22. Keep a well-stocked first aid kit and know how to use the basic items. This can be particularly useful for minor injuries and illnesses.
23. Keep your home safe. Falls and accidents are common during the winter due to icy conditions. Making your home slip-proof can prevent unnecessary hospital visits.
24. Keep Emergency Numbers Handy. Important contact numbers should be easily accessible, whether it's on your fridge or saved in your phone.
25. Regular Hand Washing. Promote good hand hygiene, especially if interacting with vulnerable populations like the elderly or very young.
26. Ensure food is stored safely to reduce the risk of food-borne illnesses such as gastroenteritis.
27. Know the Signs of More Serious Conditions: Understanding the early symptoms of conditions like strokes, heart attacks, and other acute illnesses can save precious time in an emergency.
28. Improve indoor air quality. Try to keep up the air quality in your home and at work; for example, through ventilation.
29. Community Support. If possible, check on neighbours and family members who might be vulnerable during the winter months, whether due to age, health conditions, or social isolation.
30. Use of Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medication. Understand when to use OTC medications for minor illnesses and when to seek professional advice.
Let me know about any other suggestions for staying healthy.
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