MID Devon doctors are encouraging people to make a small change this January to improve their health for years to come.

A very simple New Year’s Resolution such as quitting smoking, cutting down on alcohol intake, or exercising more can go a long way to improving a person’s health.

Northern, Eastern and Western Devon Clinical Commissioning Group (NEW Devon CCG) this month announced its support for patients to be offered evidence-based guidance on the benefits of weight loss and stopping smoking as part of their healthcare.

This includes being invited by their GP to quit smoking or lose weight before undergoing surgery, although there will be no requirement for them to do so.

Dr David Jenner, a GP from Devon and Board member of NEW Devon CCG, cal-led on people to make a change to their lifestyle in 2015 that could benefit them for the rest of their life.

He said: “A New Year means a fresh start for many of us and if you can make one change such as giving up smoking, drinking less alcohol, eating healthier or exercising more it’s likely to benefit you for the rest of your life.

“As an organisation responsible for buying healthcare services for people in Devon our vision is healthy people, living healthy lives, in healthy communities and a positive New Year’s Resolution can help us all to achieve this.

“Regular exercise can dramatically improve your health and reduces the risk of major illnesses, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer by up to half, and can lower the chance of early death by almost a third.

“Giving up smoking is the single best thing you can do to improve your health.

“You are four times more likely to give up smoking with NHS help so either speak to your GP or pharmacist.”