A prominent medical expert has issued a vital set of five health principles for the coming year, urging the British public to refocus on the foundational pillars of long-term wellness. While New Year's resolutions often centre on dramatic fitness overhauls or restrictive diets, Prof Dr Eren Erken emphasises that consistent, simple preventative measures and early detection are far more impactful for health as we age.
The Five Foundational Rules for Lifelong Health
Prof Dr Erken argues that January is the perfect time to reset not just daily routines, but also our awareness of our own bodies. "Many serious conditions are significantly more treatable when caught early," she explained. "Yet, people frequently delay seeking crucial medical advice because their initial symptoms don't seem severe enough." Her five-point plan is designed to combat this complacency.
1. Commit to Regular At-Home Cancer Checks
Prof Dr Erken states that life-saving checks can and should be performed routinely at home. These simple self-examinations, which take just minutes, empower individuals to notice changes early. Key actions include regular breast checks, testicular self-examinations, and staying vigilant for unexplained lumps, persistent pain, significant changes in bowel habits, or any unusual bleeding. Early detection through these methods allows for prompt medical consultation before potential problems advance.
2. Proactively Protect Your Vital Organs
As the body ages, organs like the heart, liver, kidneys, and lungs naturally experience a decline in efficiency. Protecting them requires a proactive approach: managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, limiting alcohol intake, maintaining good hydration, and avoiding smoking. Regular blood tests and health screenings are critical, as they enable doctors to identify signs of organ strain long before any overt symptoms manifest.
3. Prioritise Sleep and Recovery
Sleep must be viewed as a non-negotiable biological necessity, not an indulgence, the doctor insists. Poor sleep is directly linked to an increased risk of heart disease, a weakened immune system, and cognitive decline. To safeguard health, Prof Dr Erken advises prioritising consistent sleep schedules, reducing screen time before bed, and addressing issues like chronic snoring or sleep apnoea, which can have a profound effect on overall wellbeing.
4. Increase Water Intake for Whole-Body Support
Adequate hydration is fundamental to nearly every bodily function, supporting kidney operation, digestion, circulation, and cognitive health. Conversely, dehydration can lead to increased fatigue, headaches, and added strain on vital organs. Making a conscious effort to drink water steadily throughout the day is one of the simplest yet most effective health strategies. A useful tip is to use a water bottle marked with hourly goals to track intake accurately.
5. Schedule Preventative Screenings, Even When Feeling Well
Perhaps the most crucial rule is to book annual preventative health checks regardless of how healthy one feels. Many conditions, including cardiovascular issues and certain cancers, develop silently. Regular assessments—such as cardiovascular evaluations, cancer screenings, and metabolic tests—allow for early detection and intervention. "Feeling well does not always mean being well," Prof Dr Erken cautions. These tests provide valuable reassurance and can prevent unnecessary anxiety.
A Shift in Mindset for 2026
The overarching message from Prof Dr Eren Erken is clear: sustainable health is built on consistent, preventative habits rather than short-term, drastic changes. By integrating these five rules into daily life—focusing on self-checks, organ protection, quality sleep, proper hydration, and regular screenings—individuals can take powerful, proactive control of their long-term health outcomes. This approach, she concludes, is the most reliable path to maintaining vitality and wellbeing throughout the ageing process.
