We're all responsible for our health and regular health checks are vital.  

• If you're aged 40 to 74, you may be eligible for a free NHS health check. Find out where you can have your NHS Health Check in Hampshire.
• Anyone who is on their GP's learning disability register can have a free health check once a year. You can ask to go on this register if you think you have a learning disability.
• Annual physical health checks are also available for people registered with their GP as having a severe mental illness. You should be invited annually for a health check but if you think you are due one, you should contact your GP surgery.

The NHS One You website has information and advice to help you with all aspects of your physical and mental health. Check your own health by taking the  How are You? quiz.

Make sure you get your annual flu jab. These will usually be free if you are over 65, have certain medical conditions or are a carer. If you are in one of these groups and are not invited for a flu jab, contact your GP.

It may seem like you don't drink much, but a drink or two most evenings can do harm to your body. From making you gain weight to increasing your risk of cancer, alcohol can have serious effects on your body. You can find out more, take a free 'alcohol test' and book online coaching sessions at Don't Bottle It Up.

Drug use has very clear effects on health and wellbeing. FRANK's A to Z gives information about the effects and impact of different drugs. The NHS website has comprehensive information about drinking and alcohol as well as drugs and drug abuse.

Do you need help and support?

To find out more about treatment services in Hampshire visit the Inclusion Recovery Hampshire website, telephone 0300 124 0103 or email Inclusionhants@sssft.nhs.uk

For information and advice:

• Alcohol 
  Drinkline is a free national helpline. Call 0300 123 1110. 
  Alcoholics Anonymous has a national helpline 0800 9177 650.
• Drugs
  Talk to FRANK for information, support and live chat. Call 0300 123 6600. 
  Narcotics Anonymous has a national helpline 0300 999 1212.
• For those affected by someone else’s alcohol or drug use 
  Parent Support Link offers information and advice as well as support groups across Hampshire for anyone affected by someone else's drug or alcohol use. Call 023 8039 9764. 
  Al-Anon  provides support and advice for those affected by someone else's drinking. Call 020 7403 0888. 
  Adfam provides support for families affected by drugs or alcohol. 
  NHS information for families of drug users .

Now is the right time to quit. Every cigarette causes you real harm and quitting smoking is healthier for you and your family. Smokefree Hampshire is committed to helping smokers who live or work in Hampshire who want to quit. Visit the:

• Smoke free Hampshire website
• call 01264 563039 or 0800 772 3649
• text Quit to 66777
• email smokefree.hampshire@nhs.net 

Tailored support to help you quit – including access to free Nicotine Replacement Therapy.

It sounds obvious but having a balanced diet is crucial for good health and energy and to prevent illness.

There are lots of cheap and tasty ways you and your family can eat well every day.  The One You website has tips  on cutting out sugar, salt and how to eat well, for less. You can also find out more about healthy eating on the NHS website and visit change4life to get ideas aimed at helping you to lead a healthier life.

Losing weight is not a natural part of getting older and undernutrition can lead to illness. Age UK have produced a Healthy eating guide which you can print.  

If you, or someone you are caring for, is losing weight and you are concerned, you should speak to your GP. Your local pharmacist may also be able to give you some advice.

BAPEN have developed a simple online self-screening tool you can use along with advice to follow if you are at risk of becoming malnourished. 

It is equally important to make sure that you drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.  This is especially important for older people. See this information leaflet for top tips to stay hydrated.

Maintaining a healthy weight is important for your overall health. Becoming overweight or obese increases your risk of developing conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers. Find information and advice to help you lose weight.

Hampshire County Council is working with Weightwatchers to provide  support for adults over the age of 18 who want to lose weight or who have been identified as obese. If you’re an adult living in Hampshire and your body mass index (BMI) is above average, you may qualify for free support. (This service is not available to residents living in areas covered by Portsmouth or Southampton city councils).

Incontinence can be very distressing. However, there is a lot of information and support available.

 Information 

• An overview of urinary incontinence from the NHS – including a ‘Bladder self-assessment’
• An overview of bowel incontinence from the NHS
• Can I get incontinence products on the NHS? 

Support 

• Bladder Health UK offer support and advice including a confidential advice line 0121 702 0820
• Incontinence UK offers advice, product guides and an interactive forum offering advice from experts and members of the public.
• Help and information about incontinence from Bladder and Bowel UK.
• Information and advice about incontinence from Age UK.
• Continence service from Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust.
• Continence service from Solent NHS Trust
• The Changing Places Toilet map is a directory of publicly available disabled friendly toilets and changing facilities across the UK.
• The RADAR National Key Scheme (NKS) offers disabled people independent access to locked public toilets around the country.

Mental health needs can affect anyone, of any age or background and at any time of our life. See our Mental health page to find information and support.

The Men’s Health Forum is a charity supporting men's health in England, Wales and Scotland. You can find fast, free independent advice online as well as manuals and free downloads.

Sleeping well is essential if you are to stay well and feel good. It is especially important if you lead a busy life, are coping with illness or stress or if you are caring for someone else.

If you are having sleep problems, it is important that you understand what is causing this and take steps to sleep better.  

See our top tips and advice for staying indpendent.