Taking Control of Your Health: How At-Home Testing Is Empowering Self-Care

Health is often at the top of the agenda when it comes to resolutions and January plans, and recent research shows that for many of us, health is a core 2026 focus.^[1]

And two leading GPs are reminding people that health and self-care need to be taken seriously and go beyond January. Here in this e-news they share a few simple solutions to help you look out for your health.

Dr Gill Jenkins says: “Kicking off a new year with a new motivation to look after your health is great. But we also need to remember that health is a long-term commitment.

“Often, what people need is simple, accessible support and tools that can empower them to look after their health and make informed decisions.

“The January health kick-off doesn’t have to mean going full force into running miles, lifting heavy weights or going to the gym every day.

“It can also be about knowing and understanding your own health and health numbers, taking proactive action where you would usually ignore symptoms or taking responsibility for those health niggles and putting your mind at ease.”

Taking Control of Your Health: At-Home Testing

Many of us are finding it difficult to get access to a GP appointment or having the time to visit a healthcare professional with a health concern, or simply don’t want to feel like a burden visiting the doctor.

But this can mean a key health problem is overlooked, not managed and could run the risk of becoming more severe or causing other health problems.

So, what can people do to take control of their health?

More people are now taking advantage of the increasing availability of self-diagnostic tests, which allow them to take control of their health in the comfort and privacy of their own home.

Berkeley Health offers a variety of at-home testing kits, which test for a range of health conditions, including prostate health, vitamin D deficiency, iron deficiency, UTIs, thyroid health, menopause and vaginal infections.

Dr Janine David, GP, says: “We want individuals to feel empowered, so they can have the confidence to take greater control over their health.

“Health concerns and niggles don’t only take place in January, so knowing what feels right for you, or putting your mind at ease year-round with an at-home testing kit, can help support your health – and encourage you to seek the professional advice and treatments needed.”

Dr Gill Jenkins adds: “These rapid self-tests from Berkeley Health allow users to access results conveniently, privately and quickly, without the long wait for a GP appointment.

“And this proactive approach helps people make informed health decisions with speed and ease, from the comfort of their own home.”

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