Your health New Year revolutions

Poised for a New Year health kick? These tips might sound unusual – but could be key to a fitter and happier 2018.

Swap your afternoon chocolate bar for a packet of Brazil nuts. They’re a great source of an antioxidant called selenium, and doctors in the US have found this helps lower the risk of bladder cancer in women. Other studies have found selenium cuts the risk of lung and bowel cancer. And they taste great! Just don’t overdo it.

Chocolate fan? Research has shown that being exposed to vanilla can dampen cravings for sweet treats.

Dietician Catherine Collins led a trial at St George’s Hospital in London, where she gave different scented patches to overweight volunteers – those who wore vanilla patches lost most weight. Try it at home by lighting a vanilla candle, or using an aromatherapy oil. On average, we tell a whopping 11 fibs a week. And while a little white lie might seem like the best way to save someone’s feelings, it could be bad for your health. An American study found that people who lie less have better physical, as well as mental, health. Lying doesn’t just make us feel stressed, it can also lead to headaches and sore throats. So bite the bullet and be honest.

Video game addiction is to be recognised as an illness by the World Health Organization. Its list of mental health conditions includes “gaming disorder” – those who play compulsively for long periods – in a draft of its 11th Classification of Diseases.

Singing in groups can help recovery from mental illness, making people feel valued and increasing their confidence, a study shows. The University of East Anglia team found singers joining free weekly workshops in Norfolk saw benefits to mood and social skills.