Recommendations to Improve Health

Why Recommendations Matter

Once a health professional has assessed an individual’s physiological and lifestyle indicators, the next step is to make recommendations — specific actions the person can take to improve their health and wellbeing. These recommendations must be person-centred, realistic and linked to the indicators that were identified as abnormal.

In the Component 3 exam, you will often be given a case study with physiological data and asked to suggest appropriate recommendations. This lesson covers the established recommendations and the support available to help people follow them.

Established Recommendations

The Pearson spec identifies eight key areas where recommendations can be made. Each one targets a different aspect of physical health.

Recommendations in Detail

Improving resting heart rate and recovery rate — a resting heart rate above 100 bpm is considered high. Regular cardiovascular exercise (such as brisk walking, swimming or cycling) strengthens the heart muscle, lowering the resting rate over time. A faster recovery rate after exercise shows improved fitness.

Improving blood pressure — high blood pressure (140/90 mmHg or above) increases the risk of stroke and heart disease. Recommendations include reducing salt and saturated fat intake, taking regular exercise, managing stress and, if necessary, taking prescribed medication.

Maintaining a healthy weight — a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m² is considered healthy. Overweight or obese individuals are advised to increase physical activity and reduce calorie intake. Underweight individuals may need to eat more nutrient-rich foods.

Eating a balanced diet — the Eatwell Guide recommends eating plenty of fruit, vegetables and starchy carbohydrates, moderate amounts of protein and dairy, and small amounts of unsaturated fats and oils. Sugary and high-fat foods should be limited.

Getting enough physical activity — the UK Chief Medical Officers recommend that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity. Children and young people should aim for 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity every day.

Quitting smoking — smoking damages the lungs and cardiovascular system. Recommendations include using nicotine replacement therapy (patches, gum or inhalers), prescription medications, and support from NHS Stop Smoking services.

Sensible alcohol consumption — the UK guidelines recommend no more than 14 units of alcohol per week, spread over three or more days, with several alcohol-free days each week. Binge drinking is particularly harmful.

Stopping substance misuse — misuse of substances such as cannabis, opiates (e.g. heroin) or other drugs has severe physical and mental health consequences. Recommendations focus on accessing professional treatment and support services.

Formal Support

Formal support comes from trained professionals and organised services. It includes:

• Professionals — GPs, nurses, dietitians, physiotherapists, counsellors and other qualified practitioners who provide expert advice, treatment and monitoring.
• Trained volunteers — people who give their time and have received training to support others, for example at NHS Stop Smoking services or mental health helplines.
• Support groups — organised groups where people with similar conditions meet to share experiences and encouragement, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Weight Watchers or local diabetes groups.
• Charities — organisations such as the British Heart Foundation, Mind or Macmillan Cancer Support that provide information, helplines, practical resources and sometimes financial assistance.

Informal Support

Informal support comes from the people around the individual in their everyday life. It is not organised or professionally delivered, but it can be just as important.

• Friends — can provide emotional encouragement, exercise with the individual, or help them stick to a healthier routine.
• Family — can help with practical tasks such as cooking healthier meals, attending appointments together, or providing transport.
• Neighbours — can check on the individual, offer lifts to appointments, or reduce feelings of isolation.
• Community and work colleagues — workplace wellbeing programmes, community sports clubs or faith groups can all provide motivation and social support.