Brits are putting their health on pause, with new research revealing that the average UK adult waits 14 days before consulting a health professional about a common health issue1.

The study of everyday health concerns — from back pain to persistent coughs — commissioned by affordable healthcare provider, Benenden Health, found that a quarter (24%) of adults put off seeking advice for two to three weeks, while almost a fifth (17%) wait a month or more.

Among those who eventually do seek a professional opinion, the most common trigger is when the issue doesn’t improve or worsens (37%), with women more likely to reach this pivotal point than men (42% vs 30%). More than a third (36%) only consult a healthcare professional to obtain a prescription, while a quarter (25%) admit they simply want reassurance that their condition isn’t serious.

For those who did seek support, the outcomes underline the benefits of timely action: almost two in five (38%) received a prescription that improved their issue, nearly a third (32%) were referred on for tests or specialist consultations, and a fifth (21%) were given peace of mind that eased their concerns.

Despite this, many adults are still hesitant to ‘press play’ on their health:
Almost half (46%) said they didn’t think their issue was serious enough

Two fifths (42%) believed it would resolve itself

Nearly a quarter (24%) worried they would be wasting a professional’s time

Benenden Health, a not-for-profit healthcare provider, is urging people to act sooner rather than later and make health a daily priority.

Dr Cheryl Lythgoe, matron at Benenden Health, said, “Too often, people pause parts of their life due to health niggles, waiting weeks in the hope that symptoms will go away. Some people ignore it on purpose, and want to stick their head in the sand, while others can’t face the perceived admin burden of sorting out an appointment; both instances potentially making anxiety around the problem a lot worse.

“Yet this research shows how valuable it can be to seek advice sooner — whether that’s the right prescription, referral for tests, or simply finding peace of mind. And remember you can engage with your local pharmacist, dial 111 or call our GP 24/7 advice line for guidance before seeking a local GP appointment.

“We feel strongly about encouraging people to not put their health, and life, on hold, because taking action isn’t about overreacting; it’s about giving yourself the best chance to recover quickly and with confidence.”

To further drive the message home, Benenden Health is partnering with ITV on its ‘Press Play’ campaign2 which will see the launch of a series of new TV ads starring Ruth Langsford, Will Mellor and AJ Odudu. To find out more about how Benenden Health can support you and your family, visit: https://www.benenden.co.uk/press-play-on-your-health/