NEW year, new you? It is that time when the pressure is on to set resolutions and goals for the 12 months ahead.
If health is top of your list, be it better sleep, losing a few pounds or getting fit, it can be difficult to know where to start, let alone stick at it.
We asked around 900 readers to take part in our Sun Health bumper survey to find out what is really bothering Brits health wise
That is why our Health Kick series is back for a second year.
We asked around 900 readers to take part in our Sun Health bumper survey to find out what is really bothering you health wise.
Over the next four weeks, with the help of a range of experts, we will tackle the key pillars of health, including sleep, nutrition, exercise and mental wellbeing.
Realistic goals
With the right tools, you can begin your journey towards a healthier lifestyle without the need for large, sweeping and unrealistic changes to your day-to-day lives.
Dr Rachel Ward, a GP at the Woodlands Medical Centre in Didcot, Oxfordshire, and host of Farmacy Podcast, tells Sun Health: “This year’s results reflect much of what I am seeing day to day in general practice.
“Many readers recognise the importance of improving their lifestyle.
“But people are struggling to lead the healthiest lives they can due to multiple barriers, such as cost of living.
“Making some significant lifestyle changes, such as losing weight and healthy eating, can be tough.
“Most of us know what we should be doing, but we can all find reasons not to.
“It’s easy to slip back into old habits.
“Try to focus on realistic goals.
“And rather than starting a fad diet, you can begin by cutting out highly processed foods, and replace them with whole foods like fruits and veg.
“If you want to increase your exercise, most importantly be realistic and find something you enjoy — walking is free and it is great exercise.”
As we stare down the barrel of yet another “worst winter” for the NHS, with waiting lists at record highs and the threat of more strikes, there is no time like the present to take your wellbeing into your own hands to help prevent ill-health before it happens.
We are here to help. If you have any specific questions, email us at [email protected].
In the meantime, read what our survey says.
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