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 your asthma medication is up to date.  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: 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 the risk.  Bad snooze: 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. Go to 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.  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. 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: Babies born in this month 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 in summer. Cutting salt helps them further. JULY  Fertility factor: Sperm counts are highest at this time of year, an Italian study found.  Appendicitis risk: Cases are high this month so watch for 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: Deaths after surgery surge due to the intake of new hospital staff.  Better off: Patients diagnosed with cancer in summer survive longer, possibly due to vitamin D stopping tumour growth. 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 as they are older than other children when they start classes.  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.