9 easy things to do for your health this year

Sometimes small changes are a catalyst for big ones. We look at some easy checks and changes you can do for your health this year.

A healthier you doesn't have to mean a total lifestyle overhaul. Sometimes the biggest changes start with small ones. Here are nine things you can do for your health this year, including some easy checks that will earn AIA Vitality members points while they're at it.

We've already covered why water is just about the best thing you can put in your body. Get yourself a swish bottle and we wager you'll want to drink water more often.

Overcommitting in our already busy everyday lives can lead to burn out and exhaustion. But 'no' is small word that can help remind you how much control you have over the way you live, so learn to say that little word more often.

For those who feel daunted by the thought, Rachel Service of Happiness Concierge recommends a 'No Sandwich' and says the trick to saying it more often is not making it personal.

Book in a check-up on your chompers with your dentist (and earn an easy 1,000 Vitality points while you're at it). Regular check-ups can help spot small dental issues you didn't even know you had before they become big ones, and it's always easier to deal with little health problems before they snowball.

According to a recent Sleep Health Foundation report, almost 40 per cent of Aussies don't get enough sleep, which can lead to all sorts of health issues. So make a conscious effort to catching more zzz's by setting a sleep schedule.

Last year Australia recorded almost a quarter of a million flu infections - the highest on record for the past 26 years.

There are a number of theories as to why 2017 was such a brutal flu season, but to best avoid being struck down this year, get yourself vaccinated at your local GP. If you log your vaccination with the Vitality app, you'll also score yourself 1,000 points. And if you do get the flu, here's what to do.

We've posed the question before: Should we be eating less meat? On average, Aussies eat 115kgs of meat a year, landing us in the world's top three when it comes to eating meat. But limiting your meat consumption, even if it's just for one night a week, can help reduce your risk of chronic preventable conditions like cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity.

Whether you're a spec-wearer or not, make sure your peepers are in fighting form (and earn up to 1,000 Vitality points while you're at it) by booking in for an eye exam at your local optometrist. Find out more ways to look after your eyes.

Skin cancer is super preventable if you're diligently slip slop slapping, yet the Cancer Australia estimates that almost 14,000 new cases of melanoma were diagnosed last year. Getting a skin check is the best way to stay on top of any changes in your skin. Complete the Skin Self Examination available in the AIA Vitality app and earn up to 1,000 Vitality points for doing so.

If moving more was one of your goals for this year, it's important to establish a base from which you can measure your achievements. Having your current level of fitness assessed by a personal trainer can help you to check in with where you're at and give you a view of where you'd like to be. Vitality members can book an assessment at any Virgin Active or Anytime Fitness gym, and log up to 3,000 Vitality points for your efforts.

Staff writers come from a range of backgrounds including health, wellbeing, music, tech, culture and the arts. They spend their time researching the latest data and trends in the health market to deliver up-to-date information, helping everyday Australians live healthier lives. This is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances. The information in this article is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances.

Disclaimer:
The information in this article is general information only and is not intended as financial, medical, health, nutritional, tax or other advice. It does not take into account any individual’s personal situation or needs. You should consider obtaining professional advice from a financial adviser and/or tax specialist, or medical or health practitioner, in relation to your own circumstances and before acting on this information.