7 things your GP WANTS YOU TO KNOW

Stay healthier for longer with these simple lifestyle tweaks

When life is full, the last thing you need is to fall ill. But what if your everyday actions are inadvertently causing you health problems? ‘As GPs, we often see patients with issues that have been caused by avoidable mistakes,’ says Dr Hana Patel, NHS GP specialist in women’s and mental health. ‘If you know the pitfalls, you can take steps to protect yourself.’ Here’s what to do.

1 STOP POPPING EXCESS PAINKILLERS

All medications have a specific maximum dosage in any 24-hour period. Taking too many ibuprofen, aspirin, paracetamol or codeine may cause digestive problems, ulcers, light- headedness or even liver damage. And it’s more common than you think.

‘This is certainly an issue I come across in people living with chronic pain, such as migraine and back pain,’ says Dr Zoe Watson, NHS GP and founder of Wellgood Wellbeing. ‘Paracetamol overdose is a leading cause of liver damage – even going a small amount over can result in problems. Never take more than the stated dose.’

2 BE SMART ABOUT SUGAR

Tempted by sweet treats? Don’t deny yourself only to give in to a piece of cake or biscuits a few hours later. By eating something sweet after a healthy meal, you lessen the glucose spike you’d get if you ate the same thing in between meals. Glucose spikes will give your doctor cause for concern, as over time they can lead to organ, nerve, and blood vessel damage, especially if you’re diabetic.