A prominent medical expert has issued a vital public health message for the coming year, urging people to shift their focus from fleeting New Year's resolutions to the enduring fundamentals of wellness. Professor Dr Eren Erken has outlined five essential rules for 2026, emphasising that simple health checks, preventative habits, and early intervention are the true cornerstones of positive health outcomes as we age.
The Five Foundational Rules for Long-Term Wellness
Professor Erken argues that January presents a prime opportunity to reset not just daily routines, but also our awareness of our own bodies. "Many serious conditions are far more treatable when caught early," she explained. "Yet, people frequently delay taking crucial action because their symptoms don't seem 'that bad' at the time." Her five-point plan is designed to combat this complacency.
1. Commit to Regular At-Home Cancer Checks
Life-saving vigilance can begin at home. The doctor stresses the importance of incorporating simple self-examinations into your regular routine. This includes regular breast checks and testicular self-examinations. Crucially, it also means being alert to any persistent changes in your body, such as unexplained lumps, ongoing pain, shifts in bowel habits, or unusual bleeding. These few minutes of self-awareness can lead to early medical advice and dramatically alter the course of potential health problems.
2. Proactively Protect Your Vital Organs
As we get older, organs like the heart, liver, kidneys, and lungs naturally face increased strain. Proactive protection is key. This involves actively managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, alongside limiting alcohol intake, staying well-hydrated, and avoiding smoking. While some of these may be common resolution goals, combining them all offers profound benefits. Regular blood tests and health screenings allow doctors to spot signs of organ stress long before any symptoms manifest.
3. Prioritise Sleep and Recovery
Sleep must be reframed not as a luxury, but as a non-negotiable biological necessity. Poor sleep is directly linked to a higher risk of heart disease, weakened immunity, and cognitive decline. To safeguard health, prioritise consistent sleep schedules, limit screen time before bed, and seek help for issues like snoring or sleep apnoea. The impact of quality rest on overall wellbeing is profound.
4. Hydrate Consciously to Support Your Whole Body
Hydration is critical for virtually every bodily function. Drinking sufficient water supports kidney function, aids digestion, promotes healthy circulation, and maintains cognitive health. Conversely, dehydration can lead to increased fatigue, headaches, and unnecessary strain on vital organs. One of the simplest health boosts is making a conscious effort to drink water regularly throughout the day. A useful tip is to use a time-marked water bottle to track your intake accurately.
5. Book Preventative Screenings, Even When You Feel Well
This may be the most important rule of all. Many dangerous conditions develop silently. Annual health checks—including cardiovascular assessments, cancer screenings, and metabolic tests—empower doctors to detect issues at their most treatable stage. "Feeling well does not always mean being well," Professor Erken cautions. These proactive tests provide invaluable reassurance and can prevent unnecessary anxiety, stopping your brain from "working in overdrive" about your health.
A Shift from Short-Term Fixes to Lifelong Habits
Professor Eren Erken's guidance represents a significant shift from the typical January focus on rapid weight loss or intense fitness regimes. Instead, her rules champion sustainable, vigilant self-care. By embedding these preventative health checks and fundamental habits into daily life, the public can build a far stronger foundation for long-term health, ensuring that the positive choices made in January resonate throughout the entire year and beyond.
