New Year, New You

17th January 2014

Another year has passed and as 2014 begins, many of us will be making resolutions to be healthier in the new year.

In fact, according to NHS Choices, a staggering seven million of us will resolve to improve an aspect of our health, with losing weight, quitting smoking and getting fit amongst the most popular vows taken. But how many of us will actually stick to our promises? Despite our good intentions, it's estimated that only one in every 11 people will still be keeping up their good habits in six months' time. A study carried out by Cancer Research UK in 2013 found that almost four in ten people will break their new year's resolutions within the first two weeks, with almost half blaming a lack of willpower. However, improving your health doesn't need to be an uphill struggle. By making small changes, you can see a major difference in your health and wellbeing without having to overhaul your entire lifestyle, making your new year's resolution a bit easier to stick to. For example, if you want to get fit, try fitting exercise into your daily routine. Improving your fitness doesn't always mean you need to run marathons or spend gruelling hours at the gym, just by walking to work or getting out and about during your lunch hour you can make a difference. Equally, losing weight doesn't have to mean missing out on everything. Making changes to your portion sizes, cutting down on sugar and salt and simply drinking more water can all help shift the pounds. More NHS tips for healthy eating and losing weight can be found online. Improving your health can make an enormous difference to the way you look and feel. Both exercise and a healthy diet have been proven to reduce people's risk of developing major illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease, boost energy levels and help maintain a healthy weight. Maintaining your general healthcare can also play a big part in keeping problems at bay. Whether it's regular dental check-ups or sight tests, physiotherapy for an aching back or chiropody for tired feet, identifying potential problems early on and getting the right treatment can prevent periods of ill health from occurring down the line. Westfield Health's Chamber Plan allow policyholders to claim back the cost of everyday healthcare up to set limits, meaning you can keep your health in check and access appointments quickly without worrying about the cost. For more information about the Chamber Plan, visit www.westfieldhealth.com/chamber or call 0845 602 1629, available 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.