Been popping the same multivitamin for years now? As our bodies change, so do our nutritional needs - and what may have suited you fine at 30 isn't necessarily the best choice now. 'Only a third of women actually take a supplement, with most plumping for cod liver oil or a multivitamin,' says Dr Carrie Ruxton from the Health Supplements Information Service. 'Yet as we age, our need for certain nutrients - particularly vitamin D, calcium and the B complex vitamins - becomes greater. That's why it's important to review what's best for you. Never eat oily fish? Extra omega-3 is a good idea. Avoid red meat? Boost your mineral intake, particularly iron. Going through the menopause? Choose a B-complex. A pharmacist should be able to advise you on your specific needs.'
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Take regular exercise? Good for you! Been doing the same routine for years? Not so good! 'Over time, your body gets used to the same old workout, so it becomes less effective,' says personal training manager Chris Ward from Fitness First. 'You may also become more prone to overuse injuries. And sticking to the same class or workout can become pretty boring, which affects your motivation. A few ways to invigorate your routine? Add variety and introduce more challenging exercises to keep mind and body stimulated. If you like running, for example, mix indoor and outdoor training and vary your jogs by adding speed training. Also, why not shorten the length of your workout but work at a higher intensity? HIIT classes offer a great way to do this.'
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If you have a long-term condition - such as asthma, high blood pressure or diabetes - chances are you've been picking up your repeat prescription without a second thought. However, you should be invited for regular reviews at your GP's surgery or clinic to ensure this medication is still right for you - so never ignore these invitations. Can't seem to get an appointment at a time that suits you? An alternative is to book a 'medicines use review' at any participating pharmacy. This is a confidential consultation, during which you can discuss any concerns, such as whether your medication is still working or if you're taking the correct dosage. Find out more here: www.rpharms.com.
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No, we don't mean emailing, texting or liking a picture of her cat on Facebook. We don't even mean having a chat on the phone. When everyone's busy, it's so easy to slip off the radar with even your closest friends. But making the effort to catch up on a regular basis is hugely important for your health and wellbeing. People are happier and laugh an average 50 per cent more when talking face-to-face with friends rather than communicating using social networking sites, according to a recent study from the University of Chester. And if your best friend lives abroad or at the other end of the country? Skype her! It's far better than calling because you still get the benefits of talking face-to-face, say the researchers.
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Drinking a little too much is another bad health habit that's easy to slip into - particularly during the post-Christmas slump when you feel like you deserve a little treat at the end of a long winter's day. So there's no real problem as long as you stick to two or three units a day, right? Wrong! A couple of sobering pieces of research... Just one glass of wine a day has been linked to increased breast cancer risk, according to a major European study published in ‘Alcohol and Alcoholism’ in 2012. And last year, a study published in the ‘British Medical Journal’ found that one to three daily drinks significantly increases risk of developing an irregular heartbeat, which has been linked to heart disease, stroke and Alzheimer's. That glass of wine doesn't seem such a treat now, does it?
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Screening invitations are all too easy to ignore or forget about. And under-pressure GPs' surgeries and clinics aren't always as quick as they could be to send them out on time. But why avoid something so simple when it might just save your life? Instead, take the initiative, and check what's due when - then make those appointments if necessary. A few pointers? You should be invited for cervical screening every three years between the ages of 25 and 49, and every five years from 50 to 64. All women over 50 are currently invited for breast screening every three years. And from the age of 60, you'll be invited for bowel cancer screening every two years. Find out more about NHS health checks here.
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If it's been a while since you learnt something new, it's high time you went back to school. We're not necessarily suggesting you sign up for an Open University degree or retrain for a new career - but searching out an evening class or even just booking a one-day course can boost your mental agility, as well as your knowledge. Need a little more persuading? Older people who took up a mentally challenging new hobby - such as digital photography or quilting - experienced an improvement in their memories after just 12 weeks, according to a recent study at Texas University.
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So you don't look like Angelina Jolie? Who does (apart from Angelina Jolie, we mean)? Yes, it's important to look and feel the best you can - within reason. But if you put too much pressure on yourself, you're heading for a fall. 'Don't waste time and emotional energy talking about how awful you look or how much weight you've put on,' advises personal development specialist Jane C Woods (www.changingpeople.co.uk). 'Being self-critical and listening to that negative inner voice achieves absolutely nothing except making you feel depressed. Instead, focus on what you can do with your body. Be grateful that it literally holds you together! Try caring for, instead of punishing, yourself.'
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Had constant toothache? Stop reading this and call your dentist immediately! But if that doesn't apply to you, you may be pleasantly surprised to hear that we're not going to nag you to make yet another health appointment - unless it's definitely due, that is. If you take good care of your mouth, teeth and gums, your dentist may not need to see you for up to two years between appointments. The rules? Brush properly for two minutes, morning and night, with a good multi-benefit toothpaste; floss daily; and change your toothbrush at least every three months to avoid simply transferring bacteria from the brush to your mouth.
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Be honest: it was fairly recently, wasn't it? But it's also utterly pointless and destructive. So vow to make 2015 the year you shift your way of thinking. 'Being older is a gift; you have so much wisdom and experience,' says personal development specialist Jane C Woods. 'Focus on your wealth of experience and the amount of change you've managed throughout your life. Older people are world experts at change. We've lived through so much. I can't stand it when women begin a sentence with, "In my day..." What? It's still very much your day. So resolve to make the most of every minute.'
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Posted by 11280Adrienne Wyper
Posted by 11320Carol Muskoron