The 10 Year Health Plan for England describes a shift from treating sickness towards preventing ill health. What does prevention mean for individuals, and which parts of our future health can we realistically influence?
Healthcare has traditionally been very good at responding when something goes wrong. Preventing or delaying ill health is becoming just as important. The Government's 10 Year Health Plan for England, published on 3 July 2025, sets out three shifts for the NHS:
Prevention does not mean every disease can be avoided. Genetics, age, environment and many other factors influence health. But some important risks can be identified, monitored or changed, including:
Finding a risk earlier creates an opportunity to act before disease becomes established or progresses.
Many cardiovascular and metabolic conditions develop gradually. People can feel well while blood pressure, cholesterol or blood glucose are rising. This is one reason the NHS offers the NHS Health Check to eligible adults aged 40 to 74 in England, to assess the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease.
Vivarta shares the view that healthcare should become more proactive. We want to help people understand their health, recognise the risks that are relevant to them, and make informed decisions over time. No one can promise a disease-free future, but better information can make the decisions in front of you clearer.
Vivarta is an independent health brand. It is not part of the NHS and does not deliver the 10 Year Health Plan.
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