Doctors in the Vale of York are encouraging local people to make a new start this New Year, and take steps toward a healthier lifestyle.

From help with stopping smoking through to support to lead a more active lifestyle, every little helps, and Dr Mark Hayes, Chief Clinical Officer from the Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) says there’s no better time to make a fresh start:

“New Year is typically the time when people pledge to make a positive change, and if that change is to improve their health, then the NHS has lots of ways in which it can help.

“It doesn’t have to be a massive change, in fact it could be something as simple as eating more healthily, taking a bit more exercise or cutting down on the amount of alcohol you drink, but whatever your personal challenge the NHS can offer support to help you achieve your goal.”

For those who are looking to quit smoking, they are up to four times more likely to succeed with the help of the North Yorkshire NHS Stop Smoking Service (tel 0300 303 1603) than they are if they go it alone. With help ranging from one-to-one and group meetings to telephone support and free nicotine replacement therapy (e.g. patches or gum), there should be something to suit everybody.

For those who have pledged to shift the Christmas pounds, the NHS Choices website currently features the ‘Couch to 5K’ challenge, which is designed to get those who don’t exercise fit and ready to run 5 kilometres in just 9 weeks with the help of some first class online support.

Meanwhile, the Change 4 Life website offers a wealth of advice for both individuals and families on how to make simple lifestyle changes which can lead to better eating habits, increased activity levels and, ultimately, living longer. The site provides ideas on how to incorporate a bit more exercise into the daily routine, replace unhealthy foods with healthier options, and reduce alcohol consumption to within safe drinking limits. It even allows visitors to search for local fitness classes, outdoor sports and other activities in the local area, so finding something to do shouldn’t be a problem!

Dr Hayes continues:

“Making what may seem like small lifestyle changes now can have a big impact in years to come, by helping to prevent long-term health problems such as heart disease and diabetes and improving overall life expectancy. The New Year is a great opportunity to make a fresh start, and to set personal health goals which are achievable and which come with the support of NHS professionals if it’s needed. The key to achieving these goals is to make them realistic and to take advantage of all the available support there is out there.”

< Back to all news stories