A regular health check helps to identify problems before they become more serious. Your health is important and, aside from underlying conditions or genetic factors, there's always something you can do to improve your health.

Having just passed a significant birthday, there are certain age-related things that start landing on the doormat or dropping in to the Inbox. Now I've moved into a different decade, there are apparently things I can now do ... or more often, am no longer expected to do.

Bowel cancer is one of the many tests and screenings offered in the UK. Last week Dame Deborah James #bowelbabe sadly died of bowel cancer, a very timely reminder to get checked.

At the end of last week, I did the test, popped it into the tube and reply paid envelope and took it in the nearest postbox. It's that easy and it's not nearly as unpleasant or time consuming as booking a hospital or GP appointment, driving to the appointment, sitting in a waiting room, then having an uncomfortable or invasive test.

Women in the UK are offered and have breast screening and smears on a regular basis. They're never a bundle of laughs but we do it. Or most of us do. About 30% of women invited to breast screenings don't attend. It's a similar number for cervical smear tests.

The number is the same for men. They're less likely to go to the GP or go for those age related tests and checks.

There's really no reason not to, other than being afraid of what the results might be. Fearing the worse is far worse than not getting checked early and ending up diagnosed with a late stage cancer.

For those of you have been following me for a while, you'll know that a few years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. You can read about my journey through diagnosis, process and treatment in Working Through Cancer.

Taking responsibility for your own health

We take the time and effort to give our cars a regular health check with MOTs and servicing.

We only get one body, so surely our own health and wellbeing is far more important than a mode of transport. Why not give yourself a regular health check.

Sedentary lifestyles, poor diet and lack of exercise lead to longer term problems. Poor health in later life costs - and it might not be as late you think. Many health problems start to creep in during your 40's!

"Prevention is better than cure."

• When did you last get your eyes checked? Regular sight tests can also pick up underlying health problems.
• When did you last visit the dentist or hygenist?
• Do you know your BMI and your resting heart rate? You may think it's just a few extra kilos/pounds but it takes it's toll.
• When did you last get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked? Body type doesn't always equate to healthy readings.
• Be more conscious of what you eat - how much sugar, salt, fat is in the food you eat? How often do you eat vegetables, unrefined, unprocessed food.

Give yourself a home health check

Instead of ignoring the signs or thinking it won't happen to you. Know your own body. There are several health checks you can do at home or ask your partner to do:

• women - be breast aware
• men - check your balls
• check/know your resting heart rate
• check your temperature - probably the easiest and one we're more likely to check when we're ill ... especially during Covid.
• waist fat measurement - regardless of BMI this can indicate if you have too much fat around your waist.
• skin check - for new lumps, growths or changes to moles

If you notice anything different or unusual get it checked. It's probably nothing but if it isn't, the sooner you get treatment, the better the outcome.

Don't put if off because you're too busy or don't have time. Make time!

What could you do, starting this week, to improve your health? Book that appointment. Take that test.

Read More:

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The power of good health