Doctor: These are the five health considerations every Australian should be thinking about in 2023

A doctor has shared the five health considerations every Aussie should be thinking about in 2023, and they’re guaranteed to keep you in good shape by the end of the year.

dr Preeya Alexander is a general practitioner known as The Wholesome Doctor online, based in Melbourne and she’s built an online following for sharing her health tips and tricks.

“These are the top five health considerations for the New Year,” posted Dr. Preeya on Instagram.

A doctor has shared the five health considerations every Aussie should be thinking about in 2023, including making sure your brain and body are healthy (Dr Preeya Alexander pictured)

1. Are you up to date on the cancer screening programs you are eligible for?

The first thing Dr. Preeya should think about is whether you are up to date with the cancer screening programs you are eligible for.

Whether it’s breast cancer, colon cancer or a cervical exam, the GP said cancer screening programs “aim to catch unpleasant things much earlier so that intervention is easier and the outcome is better.”

“If you’re due (or past due), now is the time,” said Dr. preeya

2. Exercising is about much more than changing the way your body looks

The second health consideration every Australian should make, said Dr. Preeya, refers to physical exercise.

“Don’t forget all the mental and physical benefits of exercise – it’s good for you even if it doesn’t change your appearance,” said Dr. preeya

The GP recommends just one hour of exercise per week to reduce the risk of depression, but said regular exercise has even better benefits in that it can help glycemic control in type 2 diabetes and lower blood pressure in patients.

“Exercise in sunlight can also help improve sleep quality,” she added.

Aim for 20-30 minutes daily to really see the benefits.

dr Preeya (pictured) said you need to make sure all your cancer screenings are up to date and remember all your fertility preservation options

3. Is your brain okay?

The doctor’s third point relates to your brain as opposed to your body.

dr Preeya said you must be wondering is your brain okay?

“Is your mood okay? Do you have your stress level well under control? Do you sleep well at night?’ She asked.

dr Preeya said you shouldn’t “sit on stuff” and speak to a friend, GP or hotline if something is wrong.

4. Think about fertility preservation options

If you’re a woman and think you’ll ever want to have a baby, Dr. Preeya urged you to avoid it until it’s too late.

“Some people consider fertility preservation in their late 20s or early 30s (if necessary), and while there’s a lot to consider (like cost, medical history, etc.), options are available,” she said.

If you want to talk about things and consider your options, Dr. Preeya encourages people to make an appointment with their GP – who may run some tests and refer them to a fertility specialist.

“If you’re considering pregnancy in the next year, don’t forget to see your GP or fertility specialist for preconception care to improve outcomes for both mother and child,” said Dr. preeya

Finally said Dr. Preeya (pictured) that eating the rainbow — or more fruits and veggies — is the key to good health; and things like tomatoes are good for this, as are canned vegetables

5. Eat the rainbow

Finally said Dr. Preeya that eating the rainbow — or more fruits and veggies — is the key to good health.

“Don’t forget that two servings of fruit and five servings of vegetables daily are recommended for adults,” she said.

The doctor explained that eating more fruits and vegetables has tremendous benefits, namely reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes and colon cancer.

“A few extra tips: Tomatoes count as part of your vegetable intake and canned beans are an inexpensive way to get more vegetables into your diet,” said Dr. preeya

To Dr. To follow Preeya Alexander on Instagram please click here.