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. Japanese 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 them further.
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 annual 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 at Essex University found November babies grow up to be fitter.
DECEMBER
Get frisky: More babies are conceived in December and fewer end up being premature, statistics show.
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.