Year we go... but carefully!

JAMES MOORE helps you get set for a healthier 2022 with our month-by-month guide to living your healthiest life

JANUARY ■ Ban the bug: Flu peaks from mid-january to March – it’s not too late to get a jab.

■ Take a breath: Make sure asthma medication is up to date as deaths from the condition increase in January.

■ Beat the blues: January 18 is officially the most depressing day of the year. Top up with mood-boosting vitamins B and D.

FEBRUARY

■ Top for sickies: Employees take the most days off now. See mind.org. uk for work stress tips.

■ Zap cancer: For World Cancer Day on February 4 drink coffee and eat garlic – both are linked to lowering your risk.

■ Bad snooze: Studies show it’s the worst month for sleep. Avoid gadgets for an hour before bedtime.

MARCH

■ Take the op: Studies of heart and lung patients suggest spring surgery is best for survival.

■ Chop the chocs: Sign up to Dechox, the 31-day choc-free challenge to slash sugar.

See bhf.org.uk

■ Bite of all right: For World Oral Health Day vow to brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day. APRIL ■ Spring clean your body:

Household chores are an effective way to burn calories, a 2007 study found.

■ Go green: For Stress Awareness Month get outdoors. Experts say just 20 minutes in nature reduces stress hormone levels.

■ Puppy power: During National Pet Month walk the dog more – it’s a brilliant way to hit the 150-minute weekly exercise target.

MAY

■ Lock lips: Hayfever begins to peak. Researchers say kissing can help by reducing histamine.

■ Slather up: Protect against skin cancer with sunscreen. UV rays are already strong in May.

■ Baby boon: A good month to have a baby as they are typically heavier than those born at other times of the year, and less prone to allergies.

JUNE

■ Tummy trouble: IBS symptoms are more common in this season. Keep a diary to find triggers.

■ Grill thrill: Marinating meat in beer before barbecuing lowers levels of cancer-causing compounds.

■ Pressure’s off: Blood pressure rates tend to be lower during the summer. Cutting salt helps even more.

JULY

■ Fertility factor: Sperm counts are highest at this time of year, according to an Italian study.

■ Appendicitis risk: Cases are high this month so watch out for strange abdominal symptoms.

■ Tall story: July babies are some of the tallest people but have a higher risk of developing short-sightedness.

AUGUST

■ Hol of a time: Avoid aisle seats in planes – research shows they increase your chance of getting bugs. ■ Surgery risk: Statistics reveal deaths after surgery surge this month due to the intake of new hospital staff.

■ Better off: Patients diagnosed with cancer in summer survive longer, possibly due to vitamin D’s role in stopping the growth of tumours.

SEPTEMBER

■ Smart move: Skip social media for the Scroll Free September campaign. A Danish study showed taking a break from Facebook boosted happiness.

■ Birth bonus: Babies born at this time of year do better at school because they are older than other children when they start classes, according to a US study.

■ Fit fact: Take up a new activity to celebrate National Fitness Day.

OCTOBER

■ Quit smoking: Sign up to Stoptober. Taking the 28-day challenge makes you five times more likely to stop for good.

■ Start a diet: Experts say dieting now works best as weight piled on towards the festivities is harder to lose.

■ Chest the job: Get into the habit of checking boobs for lumps for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

NOVEMBER

■ Grow face fuzz: As Movember begins, an Aussie study suggests facial hair can boost the immune system.

■ Cold comfort: Sniffles peak this month. Wash your hands regularly.

■ Strong kids: Researchers found November babies grow up to be fitter.

DECEMBER

■ Lose the booze: We drink more and get the most hangovers this month. Try to have a few alcohol-free days.

■ Hearty advice: Go easy on those festive treats. Heart attacks peak on Christmas Eve.