DR ZOE’S TOP FIVE HEALTH TIPS

When it comes to changing habits to healthier ones it makes all the difference if that change is something you actually want to do. For me it’s exercise, for the next person it might be meditation or drinking more water. It’s hard enough to make healthy changes, so start with those that are easier for you.

■ Get yourself checked. We are so lucky in this country to have access to the NHS and one of the benefits is access to screening. This includes screening for early detection of breast and bowel cancer, and to detect abnormal cells of the cervix before cancer even develops. If you’re asked to attend an appointment or do a test for the purpose of screening, my advice is, don’t miss it – it might just save your life!

■ Always be prepared. Keep a basic First Aid kit at home, as this will enable you to treat minor ailments and accidents. When it comes to managing minor cuts and grazes, as well as reducing the risk of wounds becoming infected, I recommend following Elastoplast’s ‘Cleanse, Protect, Heal’ regime.

■ Firstly, start by cleansing the wound of dirt, bacteria and visible particles with running tap water or a spray like Elastoplast Wound Spray.

Secondly, cover your wound with a plaster or sterile wound dressing.

Thirdly, apply Elastoplast Wound Healing Ointment to heal safely, fast and with a lower risk of scarring.

■ Mental health. We should all take steps to look after our mental health, even those who feel that theirs is tip top. You wouldn’t reach the peak of your physical fitness then stop taking steps to maintain it, and the same is true for mental health. The five ways to take care of your mental health and wellbeing are: Connect, Be Active, Keep Learning, Give, and Take Notice. Regularly practising these is beneficial for everyone, whether or not you have a mental health problem. But if you are struggling with your mental health, then please speak to your GP.

■ Seek help early. As doctors we would much rather you come early when a problem starts than wait for things to get worse – when the problem may be more difficult to treat. Also access support from healthcare professionals such as pharmacists, who aren’t only experts in drugs, but are also trained to help you manage minor illnesses and ailments. So, use them, as they’re free and you don’t need an appointment.