News from January 2025 Posted or Updated on 3 Jan 2025

New year, new challenges
Thinking of changing your lifestyle for the new year? Whether you’re trying to exercise more, improve your diet or give up a habit, support can make the difference between success and lapsing into old ways. Choose a support link, based on what you’re focusing on:

https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/

https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/get-active/

https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/lose-weight/

Dry January
If you’re thinking about a month without alcohol but aren’t sure what to expect, then read on! Over the first few weeks, you’ll find your energy levels increase, you sleep better, your memory improves and you may lose weight.

To help keep you on track throughout the month with support, encouragement and goal setting, Dry January has introduced a new app this year, available free on the website.

https://alcoholchange.org.uk/blog/benefits-of-dry-january-and-when-you-can-expect-to-see-them

Love Your Liver Month
Did you know that 90% of liver disease is preventable? Taking steps towards a healthier lifestyle can help to avoid damage to your liver.

The liver is the largest organ in the body, performs hundreds of functions, and has the incredible ability to regenerate, but it’s really important to prevent damage that can become irreversible.

Show your liver some love by making a pledge to do something healthy this January.

https://britishlivertrust.org.uk/love-your-liver-month/

Cold weather challenges
Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can cause long-term health problems for vulnerable people. There’s a higher risk of stroke, respiratory infection and falls, alongside the mental health impacts of being in a cold home.

Warm Welcome Spaces are inclusive, heated, offer hot drinks and are free to visit. Not only are they warm, friendly places to visit, but they’re great places to meet new people. Find your local Warm Space here: https://www.warmwelcome.uk/find-a-space

National Obesity Awareness Week, 10th – 16th January
Losing weight can be a struggle, but setting small goals can help you achieve and maintain your goals in the long term.
Here are some useful tips to help keep you on track:

• Get active every day
• Aim to eat five portions of fruit and vegetables daily
• Cut down on sugar, fat and salt
• Read the coding on food labels – opt for green rather than red!

To find out if your eligible for free weightloss support visit North Northamptonshire Council weightloss support or download the free NHS plan here: https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/lose-weight/

STIQ Day, 14th January
Did you know it can take two weeks for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) to be detectable? Even if you have no symptoms, you could still be carrying an infection.

Getting routinely tested for STIs can help detect an infection earlier, which can help prevent long-term damage.

http://www.stiq.co.uk/about/

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/sexual-health-services/find-sti-testing-and-treatment/

Samaritans’ Brew Monday, 20th January
‘Brew Monday’ highlights the importance of getting together and chatting. It’s really important to make time for a cuppa and a catch-up! Listening to someone who’s opening up about their worries and difficulties can help them to work through their problems and make them feel a little better.

If you’re struggling, every day can be so difficult. The Samaritans are here whenever you need them; just call 116 123. 

https://www.samaritans.org/support-us/campaign/brew-monday/

Cervical Cancer Awareness Week, 22nd – 28th January
It’s really important to attend your cervical screening when you receive your invitation. This test checks for a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV), and catching this early can help reduce the risk of cervical cancer developing.

Cervical screening is free for anyone with a cervix, between the ages of 25-64. It’s not a test for cancer, but detects a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). High-risk HPV may cause cellular changes which could develop into cancer over time, although not all cell changes will cause cancer. Regular screening is essential to catch any changes quickly.

Some people can be anxious about having a cervical screening test. It can be helpful to know what to expect when you come for your appointment. Once you have received your invite letter, call reception to book with our nurse. 

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cervical-cancer/getting-diagnosed/screening/about

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cervical-cancer/getting-diagnosed/screening