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A doctor has shared the five health considerations every Aussie needs to think about in 2023, and they’re guaranteed to make sure you’re in great shape by the end of the year.
Dr. Preeya Alexander is a GP known as the healthy doctor online who is based in Melbourne, and has built a following online to share his health tips and tricks.
“Here are the top five health considerations for the new year,” Dr. Preeya posted on Instagram.
A doctor has shared the five health considerations every Australian needs to think about in 2023, including making sure their brain and body are doing well (Dr Preeya Alexander pictured)
1. Are you up to date with the cancer screening programs for which you are eligible?
The first thing Dr. Preeya said to think about is whether you’re up-to-date with the cancer screening programs you’re eligible for.
Whether it’s breast cancer, bowel cancer or a cervical checkup, the GP said cancer screening programs “aim to catch nasty things much earlier so that intervention is easier and the outcome is better.”
“If you’re beat (or beat), now is the time,” said Dr. Preeya.
2. Exercise is much more than changing the appearance of your body
The second health consideration that Dr Preeya said all Australians should make relates to exercise.
“Don’t forget all the mental and physical benefits of exercise—it’s good for you even if your appearance doesn’t change,” said Dr. Preeya.
The GP recommends just one hour of exercise per week to reduce the risk of depression, but said regular exercise has even better benefits in that it can help control blood sugar in type 2 diabetes and lower blood pressure. in the patients.
“Exercise in sunlight can also help improve sleep quality,” he added.
Try 20-30 minutes daily to really see the benefits.
Dr. Preeya (pictured) said you need to make sure all your cancer screenings are up to date and remember your fertility preservation options.
3. Is your brain okay?
The doctor’s third point concerns your brain as opposed to your body.
Dr. Preeya said you have to ask yourself if your brain is okay.
‘Is your mood okay? Are your stress levels well controlled? Are you sleeping well at night? she asked.
Dr Preeya said you shouldn’t “sit on things” and should talk to a friend, GP or helpline if something isn’t right.
4. Remember fertility preservation options
If you’re a woman and think you’ll ever want a baby, Dr. Preeya urged you to avoid giving it up until it’s too late.
“Some people consider fertility preservation in their late 20s or early 30s (if needed) and while there’s a lot to consider (like cost, medical history, etc.), there are options available,” he said.
If you want to talk things through and consider your options, Dr. Preeya recommended that people book an appointment with their GP who can run some tests and refer them to a fertility specialist.
“If you are considering getting pregnant next year, be sure to see your GP or fertility specialist for preconception care to improve outcomes for both mother and baby,” said Dr. Preeya.
Finally, Dr. Preeya (pictured) said that eating the rainbow, or more fruits and vegetables, is key to good health; and things like tomatoes are good for this, as well as canned vegetables
5. Eat the rainbow
Finally, Dr. Preeya said that eating the rainbow, or more fruits and vegetables, is key to good health.
“Don’t forget, for adults, the recommendation is two servings of fruit and five servings of vegetables a day,” she said.
The doctor stressed that eating more fruits and vegetables has enormous benefits, namely reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes and bowel cancer.
“A couple of extra tips: Tomatoes count as part of your vegetable intake, and canned beans are a cost-effective way to get more vegetables into your diet,” Dr. Preeya said.
To follow Dr. Preeya Alexander on Instagram, click here.