Thousands of people in Lincolnshire will make New Year’s resolutions this January and GPs across the county are urging everyone to think about making choices that will bring positive changes to their health. 

Being more active, stopping smoking or drinking less can help to reduce your risk of developing serious long-term health problems such as diabetes and lung disease. 

The NHS across Lincolnshire has named five top resolutions to make a healthier 2023 and a fresh start to the New Year: 

Get active, try a new exercise or sport

We could all do with being a bit more active so try fitting exercise into your daily routine. Why not take the stairs instead of using a lift, try an exercise class, get off the bus earlier than your usual stop to walk the rest of your journey or take up a new sport. 

Find more ways to get active at letsmovelincolnshire.com and get help and support to move more with One You Lincolnshire.

Get a check-up

If you are invited by your GP for a routine cancer check don’t put the appointment off. It’s important to remember that these checks, in particular breast cancer screening or prostate cancer screening, can help to find signs of cancer at an early stage, improving the chances of successful treatment. 

If you’re aged 40-74, you’re entitled to a free NHS Health Check every five years. It’s designed to spot early signs of developing kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, dementia or heart disease. As we get older, we have a higher risk of developing these conditions. The NHS Health Check helps find ways to lower this risk. 

Stop smoking

About one in every two smokers dies of a smoking related disease. This January, join millions of others and give up smoking for good. Quitting smoking is the best thing you’ll ever do for your health. It may seem scary, but there’s lots of free support available to help you go smoke-free. You are four times more likely to stop smoking by using the free support from your local NHS Stop Smoking Service.

Find out more at www.nhs.uk/smokefree or visit your local pharmacy for free advice on how to start the New Year smoke free. Get support to help you quit smoking with One You Lincolnshire.

Cut back on the amount you drink

Reducing the amount of alcohol you drink will not only make you feel healthier and help you sleep better, it will also save you money. To kick start this why not join in with Dry January, the annual campaign which sees millions of people give up alcohol for the month. You can find out more information and an alcohol impact calculator at: www.dryjanuary.org.uk.

Get support to help you reduce your alcohol intake or abstain for good with One You Lincolnshire.

Look after your mental health

One in four people at some point in their life experience problems with mental wellbeing. You don’t need to struggle on your own! steps2change Lincolnshire provide short term therapy for people with common mental health problems. This is a FREE and confidential NHS service for anyone in Lincolnshire over the age of 16 who is feeling stressed, unhappy, depressed, sad, worried or anxious.  For more information visit www.steps2change.nhs.uk for a self-referral form or call SPA if don’t have access to internet 0303 123 4000.

Published 31/12/2022