5 Health checks to have in the New Year

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I no longer make resolutions, I've realised it's now always a positive thing to set myself up for possible failure but I do see New Year as a time of change, to take a pause and revaluate what is and isn't working in my life.

I think like most people it's the perfect time to focus on health and wellbeing but without any crazy diet restrictions or unrealistic lifestyle changes. What we can do is get ourselves checked out with things like an Eye test or dental check-up - both essential yet something we often overlook when life gets busy and they also offer professional advice and as they say

So here is a list of Health and wellbeing checks that we should all make time for in the new decade.

1. Eye Test

Regular eye tests are really important yet many of us go years without having one and you would be surprised how many of us do need glasses, especially as we age, whether just part-time for reading or ones that help correct our vision and therefor improve day to day life. An annual eye test can also detect other conditions such as glaucoma which often has very little to no symptoms but can be picked up on a routine test, as well as things like diabetes, high blood pressure and even some types of cancer! It's also painless and many highstreet opticians if book online in advance offer free eye tests.

2. Dental Check-up

Dental health is so important to your overall wellbeing not only does good oral health prevent bad breath, tooth decay and gum disease but an unhealthy mouth can increase your risk of serious health problems such as a heart attack or stroke. A Dental check-up is all about preventative care and reducing any issues before they happen and it's one of the best things you can do for your physical wellbeing. We should all be aiming to visit our dentist twice a year as well as maintaining a low-sugar diet and brush our teeth twice a day. Read more about the importance of a healthy smile here.

3. Get your Ear's Cleaned

We all have ear wax, in fact we need it as it protects our ears and stops them feeling dry and itchy as well as having antibacterial properties. However, on occasion we can suffer from an excess amount of wax which can lead to pain, hearing loss and discomfort as well as dizziness, vertigo and a condition called tinnitus. When I was pregnant I struggled with a build-up that affected my hearing and caused the rinning you find with tinnitus, I visited my GP twice but with the NHS waiting lists so long it's worth checking out respectable private clinics if you're in pain or it's affecting you as some ear cleaning in London clinics can offer same-day appointments and have over 10yrs experience and can treat both adults and children.

4. Smear Test

Ladies this one is so important as a routine cervical screening test as it's one of the best ways to prevent cervical cancer and it's offered for free to all women over 25 via your GP service. I know many think that this is a painful procedure but in my experience, it isn't, maybe a little uncomfortable for a minute or two but really nothing untoward and in the scheme of things, considering it can save your life, being a bit uncomfortable it's an issue. If you have any issues getting an appointment via your GP due to long waiting times, you can also access an HPV test privately. 

 

6. Be Drinkaware

Many of us enjoy the odd tipple, especially over the festive period but if you find you're starting to drink more reguarly, mid-week or going over the recommended amount of 14 units (which equates to  6 beers or 6 small glasses of wine) then it's time to re-access your lifestyle. While it is perfectly safe to have the occasional drink, over-indulging on a regular basis can have long term effects on your health such as high blood pressure, weight gain, sleep disturbances, increased risk of heart attack and stroke among many other health issues. Starting a drinks diary so you know where you stand and working on reducing your intake and reaping the benefits. There are also plenty of alcohol-free alternatives on the market these days and mocktails.