THINGS YOU'RE NOT SURE ABOUT
While it's tempting to ask your doctor for every test going, you might be wasting your time - and theirs.
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| People need to keep an eye on their weight |
Brown says having your iron levels, cholesterol or thyroid function tested is only necessary if you have a medical condition or a family history of problems in these areas.
"Iron tests are not routinely done unless people have symptoms of anaemia or blood loss - such as very heavy periods or bleeding piles.
"Unless you have a medical condition, if you have concerns about your iron intake, it's better to increase it," she says.
Many pharmacies now offer free cholesterol testing, but Brown suggests you consider carefully if you need it.
"There's no value at all in getting tested and just getting a number if you don't know what it means. If you have other risk factors - such as smoking, being overweight or having a family history of heart disease, then you should certainly have your cholesterol checked. But if you're a young, reasonably fit person, there's little point."
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| Eat more fruit and vegetables and exercising to lose the pounds |
LIFESTYLE FACTORS
"More than anything, people need to keep an eye on their weight," Brown says. "They need to weigh themselves and get an objective measure of what they weigh by calculating their BMI (Body Mass Index)."
To find out your BMI, divide your weight in kilograms by your height in metres squared - if your BMI is between 18.5 and 25, you're the ideal weight for your height. The NHS Direct website has an online calculator
- www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/interactivetools/bmi/
default.asp
Brown says it's important to compare your weight with previous years and act accordingly.
"If your BMI is going up year on year, you need to do something about it.
"A BMI above 30 means you're obese - and the best thing you can do for your health is to get your weight down."
She recommends making lifestyle changes, such as eating more fruit and vegetables and exercising to lose the pounds.
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