AUTUMN'S THE IDEAL TIME FOR A HEALTH MOT

STARTING to feel increasingly mentally and physically drained as the days grow shorter? You aren't alone.

- BY CAMILLA FOSTER

"This time of year is a perfect storm for illnesses because we've got reduced sunlight that leads to lower vitamin D levels, which is essential for immune function," explains Dr Elise Dallas, GP at The London General Practice. "Also, the environment gets colder and the air gets drier, so mucous membranes in the nose and the throat, which are the body's first defence system, get less good at fighting the airborne viruses."

Here are eight easy expert-backed ways to conduct an autumn health MOT to reset your body and boost your health for the chillier months ahead...

1. BOOK ROUTINE HEALTH CHECKS

"Book any overdue reviews for things like blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes and thyroid," recommends Dr Michael Zemenides, co-founder of the AZ General Practice at The Wellington Hospital, in London. "If you have a long-term condition, schedule your annual review and ensure prescriptions are current. The better your health is going into the winter months, the better prepared you are to fend off infection."

2. STAY HYDRATED