How Individuals Can Take Responsibility for Their Health and Well-Being

-The ability to speak for yourself regarding you own health

• Asking a GP for a referral to a specialist
• Asking a hospital doctor for a second opinion e.greferral to another specialist
• Researching one's own condition and possible treatments
  

• Making GP appointments before a health condition deteriorates
• Taking up opportunities for health checks offered at work e.g blood pressure checks
• Attending for regular check-ups e.g dental check-ups every six months

Access to services can lead to:

• Diagnosis of illness - screening can detect cancer
• Changes in BP being detected - treatment can be started to prevent stroke etc.
• Prevention of disease - vaccination

• Eating a healthy diet e.g 5-a-day
• Exercising
• Limiting alcohol intake e.g government's recommended units per week
• Avoiding illegal drugs e.g smoking marijuana
• Avoid smoking tobacco and passive smoking