Topics and contents

The main topics in the resource area of the Proactive Health Guide are listed below together with a brief description and links to each section. A full list of the issues covered by each topic is at the beginning of the relevant section. Specific age-related information can be found by clicking on the links in the Age Groups page.

1.     What to do, why and when

A summary of the benefits of proactive health including what you need to do to improve your health, well-being, resilience and slow down the effects of ageing. Homepage summary

2.     Diet and nutrition

This covers issues such as: What is the “right diet” for you? How you can eat affordably and still support the important roles played by your microbiome, mitochondria and antioxidants. How your diet influences your general health, your brain, your heart and stress levels. Diet and Nutrition

3.     Physical activity

This section explains how exercise boosts your immune system; energy; brain function and metabolism – not just your fitness – and the benefits of different types of exercise … including what is best for you. Exercise

4.     Better brain health

Learn what nourishes your brain and what harms it, and how your lifestyle influences your mood, memory, sleep, stress and cognitive function (or dysfunction). Brain health

5.     The brain’s role in health

See how your brain shapes different aspects of your health and how to use mindfulness and positive thinking to boost your well-being. The brain’s role

6.     Other health priorities

This section deals with those factors – other than your diet, exercise and your brain – that need to be looked after to improve your health and build resilience. Other priorities

7.     Early warning signs

Here you will find a list of signs and symptoms that may indicate an actual or potential health problem; what different signs may mean; when to act and how to distinguish early warning signs from normal responses to life’s rhythms.  Signs and symptoms

8.     No early warning signs

Find out about those health conditions – some serious – that can remain hidden for years, how to identify them and what to do. No signs

9.     Healthy habits

Healthy people have better habits – find out what they are and how to gain, and maintain, these beneficial habits. Healthy habits

10.     Your proactive plan

This section provides a simple, personalised framework to help you turn your knowledge into action and action into lasting health. Planning