Keeping fit and healthy requires that we take responsibility for our wellbeing. Sleeping and eating well are high on the priority list and being physically active is vital. Having at least an annual check up with your primary care doctor or GP should also be on your radar. April 7th is World Health Day and what better way to celebrate it than to ensure you have your annual check booked in for 2023. But I feel fit and well, I hear you cry! Let’s review why annual checks are important and why avoiding them might mean you are leaving better health opportunities on the table. In the UK, annual health checks are advised for all adults over the age of 40 years.

• Weight - A year can wizz by and although we might feel the same as last year, our weight may have been gradually creeping up or down. Fluctuations in weight certainly have implications on our health. A gradually decline in weight may prompt the GP to initiate further tests, or it may be an indication of frailty and a decline in muscle mass, which can put us at risk of falls. Keeping strong muscles and bones are paramount to a healthy life. Conversely a gradually increase in weight, especially around the waist, increases the risk of heart disease,stroke and diabetes. A review at least yearly, can help keep us on track for the year ahead

• Blood pressure - Changes in blood pressure can leave you feeling symptom free, but a blood pressure check gives a glimpse into your heart and brain health. Keeping your blood pressure within optimum range, lowers the risk of chronic poor health.

• Diabetes - Screening for diabetes is usually done by a blood test and urine test. Diabetes is a condition where a person's blood sugar level becomes too high.

•  Cancer screening - keeping up to date with our national screening programmes such as colon cancer screens and breast cancer screening for women and prostate cancer screens for men, can ensure early detection of targeted treatment which increases the likelihood of successful treatment.

If you haven't got your annual check in your diary for 2023, then what are you waiting for? Give your local GP a ring or see the link below for more information. Lets all celebrate our good health on April 7th and ensure that we give ourselves and our loved ones every opportunity for good health in the years ahead.

Monday's exercises focus on shoulder and arm mobility. Taking your joints to the ends of their movement regularly ensures you don't start to experience stiffness when moving

Water Aerobics is a fun, sociable way gateway to success. It provides you with moderate intensity exercise which helps keep the heart and lungs healthy. Exercising in the water can be beneficial for those who struggle with joint pain or have conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis . The buoyancy and the warmth of the water can find that it is easier to move your body without stressing the joints. In this way, you can focus on strengthening your muscles which your joints will love you for. It is an all weather sport so no matter what the UK weather throws at you, it will not disrupt you getting your exercise goals achieved. It is common for participants to hang around for coffee at the local leisure centre afterwards and before you know it, you have made new friends. If you are not a swimmer, then it is still an option for you. The classes take place in shallow water so you will always be able to stand up. Human beings have always found a sense of peace around water, so jump in and see what it can do for your physical and mental well being.

• The largest water aerobics class was held in Australia in 2022 and had 319 participants

• One hour of aqua aerobics can burn 400-500 calories

• You do sweat during a water workout so make sure you take your water bottle for regular hydration top ups

• Water aerobics can replace your daily steps, with 134 steps on average clocked per minute!

We all need some inspiration to keep us motivate fitness. I wanted to share with you this beautiful front cover of April's edition of Vogue Magazine from the Philipines. It features Apo Whang-Od who is an amazing 106. She is the oldest living tattoo artist in the world and continues the ancient tradition of tatoo using thorn and stick. She lives high up in the Cordillera mountains and is the keeper of a tattooing tradition that goes back thousands of years. To her community, tattoos symbolise beauty and strength. She currently trains a younger generation to continue the tradition which helps the finances of the community as they cater for local tourists. As we discussed in our last newsletter, having a purpose and belonging to something more important that ourselves can be the secret sauce to a long and happy life. Apo Whang-Od does not plan to give up her creative talents any time soon.

Are you active and would like to feature here? We would love to hear from you! Get in touch, preferably with a picture so we can celebrate and promote you living your best life. Just reply to this newsletter