At this time of year, there's a little bit less depression, fewer nasty winter viruses, and of course lighter evenings and the promise of warmer weather.
People do seem more able to eat a bit more healthily and are encouraged to take more exercise.
Easter tends to get in the way of these good intentions - and actually most people see Easter as a time for a treat and a bit of chocolate over-indulgence.
The problem comes when people eat chocolate excessively - it's fine if you offset it against some exercise, or have it instead of that dessert.
My top tips for spring cleaning your health:
Take advantage of longer evenings and better weather and do some low-cost outdoor exercise - like walking, cycling, running
Consider buying the kids a small toy or gift rather than an Easter egg, especially if they receive eggs from other people too
Encourage your child to eat their Easter egg as a treat after a meal, rather than as a snack - this is better for their teeth
Use the Easter weekend to do some outdoor activities - if the weather is bad, dress appropriately and go out anyway!
Organise all those health-related jobs that you have been meaning to do: check whether your cervical smear is due, make sure your children are up to date with their immunisations, have that dental check up, book that optician's appointment, get your cholesterol and blood pressure checked if you are over 40 and never had it done.
The doctor's diary is a weekly insight into the local and national issues affecting a busy GP practice.
The Doctors
The BBC diary doctors work at Brocklebank Health Centre in Wandsworth, London, which has 15 GPs and nine nurses. It is open seven days a week, and also offers services including physiotherapy, counselling, a travel clinic and the Citizen Advice Bureau.
DR NICOLA JONES
Nicola has been a GP for 14 years and has a particular interest in heart conditions, preventative health care and women's health. She has three children and a passion for exercise and the outdoors.
Lucy has been practising as a GP since 1996. After a period of time in Australia and Hampshire she is now settled in London. Her main areas of clinical interest include paediatrics, palliative care and psychiatry. She is married with three young boys and a puppy.
Tom has been a GP for 14 years. He also works at A&E in Charing Cross Hospital, Hammersmith. His particular interests are sports medicine, allergies and lung disease. He is a keen tennis player and has been a Chelsea season ticket holder for 10 years.
Reggie qualified from Cardiff medical school in 1995, she did her GP training in Brighton and has been a practising GP for nine years. Her specialist interests include sexual health, family planning and expedition medicine. In her spare time she likes playing tennis and is a keen photographer.
Jane graduated from Bristol University in 1999. Her interests are women's health, sexual heath and psychiatry. She likes travel, food and fine wine, with the odd trip to the gym to compensate!
Bookmark with:
What are these?