How many health problems are YOU "putting up" with instead of seeing a doctor?
We know that going to the doctor's can be a hassle, but nothing is more important than your health - right?
Well, apparently us Brits don't seem to think so, as LOADS of us are sticking our heads in the sand over health problems that are arising.
According to research undertaken on behalf of Hidden Hearing, a high street hearing specialist, the average Brit is putting up with worrying or annoying health symptoms for over FIVE MONTHS before making an appointment.
GALLERY: Skin expert reveals 7 top tips on how to keep your skin healthy in winter
Abigail James' top 7 tips for healthy skin in winter (slider)
![skin](https://images.bauerhosting.com/legacy/media/5a69/aa7c/7ea6/2d50/bcaa/356f/skin-tips-winter.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
skin
![skincare, healthy, tips](https://images.bauerhosting.com/legacy/media/59f8/a92f/fa9f/051e/934d/c505/healthy-skin-tips-winter2.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
1. Say goodbye to unnecessary chemicals
"Some fragrances and colours are skin irritants and have no actual benefits for the skin - they simply look and smell nice. "According to the research almost two thirds of British women are concerned about the chemicals in their personal care products so my advice would be to avoid unnecessary chemical ingredients and look for shower gels and deodorants that are kinder to skin - such as the Sanex Zero% range which is formulated with 0% colourants, 0% soap and 0% parabens."
![skincare, healthy, tips](https://images.bauerhosting.com/legacy/media/59f8/a95e/fa9f/051e/934d/c511/healthy-skin-tips-winter3.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
2. Avoid low fat diets
"When it comes to holistic health, achieving a healthy balance is really important. Choose healthy fats for healthy cell function – this can be added into your diet through foods such as avocadoes, fish, nuts and seeds and plant oils such as flax and hemp. "Another tip is to ditch the processed margarines. If you're going to have butter then make it organic natural butter which has less synthetic ingredients."
![skincare, healthy, tips](https://images.bauerhosting.com/legacy/media/59f8/a92f/fa9f/051e/934d/c503/healthy-skin-tips-winter4.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
3. Try light exercise
"Getting up and moving daily will boost circulation, and getting your muscles moving will increase your levels of 'happy' hormones or endorphins and blood flow. This in turn will give your skin a lovely healthy glow. "It doesn't matter whether it's a light stroll or training at the gym, as long as you're moving your skin will feel the benefits."
![skincare, healthy, tips](https://images.bauerhosting.com/legacy/media/59f8/a92f/fa9f/051e/934d/c504/healthy-skin-tips-winter5.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
4. Get an early night
"Lack of sleep increases the visible appearance of ageing, such as dark circles caused by sluggish circulation."With that in mind say goodbye to your phone or tablet at least an hour before going to bed and try to get a good night's sleep – your skin will thank you for it."
![skincare, healthy, tips](https://images.bauerhosting.com/legacy/media/59f8/a92f/fa9f/051e/934d/c508/healthy-skin-tips-winter6.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
5. Reduce sugar intake
"A high intake of sugar can cause an inflammatory reaction within the skin resulting in a whole host of skin conditions, from acne and rosacea to premature ageing and dry skin. "A little treat every now and then won't hurt, but try to keep an eye on your sugar levels if you're looking to keep skin healthy."
![skincare, healthy, tips](https://images.bauerhosting.com/legacy/media/59f8/a92f/fa9f/051e/934d/c507/healthy-skin-tips-winter7.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
6. Curb the caffeine
"Too much coffee or caffeinated drinks can put extra stress on the liver and digestive system which impacts your body's natural detoxification process. "This build-up of toxins can have a negative effect on the health of your skin causing issues such as dry skin, redness and sensitivity."
![skincare, healthy, tips](https://images.bauerhosting.com/legacy/media/59f8/a933/fa9f/051e/934d/c50d/healthy-skin-tips-winter8.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
7. Skincare shouldn't stop at your face
"There can often be a temptation to focus on the health of the skin on our faces but we must remember that the whole body is covered in skin which is the largest organ of your body – so we need to make sure we are giving it the care it deserves."Our skin absorbs a percentage of the products we apply, so choose products that are gentle on skin with natural moisturisers."
Of the 2,000 adults polled, many claimed to be living with issues such as back pain or hearing problems for months before they finally get them checked out.
More than one in twenty even admit to waiting at least a year before approaching a professional for advice.
Three quarters of Brits are currently putting up with a health concern they have ignored - with back ache the most common complaint.
The study also found that many ignore poor eyesight, headaches, hearing loss and digestive problems.
Almost half of those surveyed have held off on getting a check-up because they didn’t want to waste the health professional’s time, while 42% admitted that they're in denial about certain issues.
WATCH: Peter Andre's wife Emily MacDonagh dishes out health advice on Lorraine
But more than four in 10 admit that not dealing with a symptom as soon as it arose has led to the condition worsening before they finally got it treated.
And more than one in five say their reluctance to get things checked out has led to arguments with a loved one.
The top 10 health issues people are putting up with instead of seeing a doctor about:
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Back pain
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Poor eyesight
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Lack of energy/ lethargy
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Muscle aches
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Headaches
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Toothache
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Stomach pain
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Digestion issues
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Hearing problems
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Acne/ bad skin
**Are you suffering from any of these problems? Have you been putting off going to a doctor? Let us know over on **Facebook or Twitter.
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