NHS 75th Birthday: Personal responsibility

We live in an environment which feels like a health casino. Aka a world where the majority of us lose out. Those from lower social economic backgrounds and ethnic backgrounds suffer most. What do I mean by a casino? Well our high streets pretty much exclusively sell us unhealthy food. Healthy shops often overcharge their products as they know those most interested in their health are those who have the time and money to prioritise it. Our towns and cities are designed for the car not our bodies. TV and radio is constantly encouraging us to eat calorie dense foods. Is it a surprise 72% of men in the UK are now overweight or obese. We need policy change to make an impact on a population level but I say DON'T WAIT FOR THIS! No one will care about your health more than you.?

Changing behaviours is really difficult given we have to continue to live in an unhealthy world but start with something small and meaningful rather than wholesale changes. Achieve it, and make it your keystone habit. The habit that will help to form your new healthier identity (for more info read atomic habits!).?

When I say we should all be taking more personal responsibility that is not finger pointing. It is letting people know that there is truly only a small impact any healthcare system can have on your individual health. It is quite scary if you truly knew the limitations of modern medicine to keep you healthy. It is about us all making a lifestyle for ourselves which allows us to enjoy our time. We can't control everything and health issues crop up unfairly for many. But regardless of this the approach should be the same.?

If you feel like you have no time or are to stressed to consider it, then you are the very person that should be making changes. Stress is a massive biological ager. It can seem impossible to change our stress levels but often that is because we are hesitant to make big changes in our lives. From professional and personal experience I can tell you that making tough decisions that focus on your own health is one of the most worthwhile interventions you can do. It is tough in the short term but incredibly rewarding in the long term. It is not selfish to want to live longer better. Potentially saying no to money, promotions etc. may well be the best decision for your own health and happiness.

#nhs75 #health #lifestyle #physicalactivity #lifestylemedicine