Ever wondered what your personalised health risks are? It might be written in the stars!
Certain character traits associated with our zodiac sign could determine our well-being and show us that putting mind over matter can change the path of our future fitness.
As an alternative view, and to celebrate the launch of Thrive - a bespoke paid-for annual healthcare membership - private clinic Pall Mall Medical have taken the main attributes of each sign and explained how certain behaviours can manifest themselves physically.
“Emotions, behaviours and lifestyle choices can, and do, impact our health”, explained Dr Chun Tang Medical Director at Pall Mall.
“Anger, for example, in its extremities can lead to heart attack as the body goes into shock mode. If you’re carefree and lead a wild lifestyle, you may not be as diligent in selfcare and could be ignoring important signs your body maybe giving you.
“Either way, how we behave, our personalities and our lifestyle choices impact greatly on our health.”
To get 2023 off to a flourishing start, Pall Mall is now offering patients the options of four different new Thrive Annual Health Plans.
Designed for people who want quick access to private healthcare services, the packages offer face to face consultations, potentially life-saving scans, and treatments - making Thrive a welcoming alternative to those seeking care outside a struggling NHS.
So, without further ado, here are Pall Mall’s 2023 health horoscopes!
Pisces
Feb 20 – Mar 20
Pisceans are imaginative, compassionate, intuitive, and kind. But they are also weak willed and easily lead, as well as secretive, vague, escapist and idealistic.
A Columbia study discovered that being secretive is linked to overall lower well-being. Not only does a secret stress out a human being, it’s also a reminder that they aren’t being genuine.
“Guilty feelings mean a person may struggle to focus or concentrate on the job in hand,” says Dr Tang.
“This could be problematic when operating complex machinery or driving.”
Aries
March 21 – Apr 20
Aries are daring and adventurous, carrying an air of confidence and enthusiasm. However, they can also be quick-tempered and impulsive, often playing the foolhardy daredevil.
Health-wise they are at risk from injury for their daredevilish ways and their quick temperedness could loan itself to high-blood pressure, which could also lead to a heart attack.
“Your chances of a heart attack double in the two hours following an angry outburst,” say Dr Tang. “Anger can also increase risk of stroke, weaken your immune system and make anxiety and depression worse. Focus on breathing and relaxation to avoid bouts of stress.”
Taurus
April 21 to May 21
Patient and reliable, a Taurus is warm-hearted and has a determined attitude. But they can also be resentful, jealous, possessive, self-indulgent and greedy.
“When you’re holding on to resentment it can put your body into flight or fight mode,” explains Dr Tang.
“This can cause changes is blood pressure, heart rate and immune response. When this happens, you’re increasing your chances of diabetes, depression and heart disease. Let go of things, relax, meditate, or go for walks to de-stress.
“Greed manifesting itself as an eating disorder can impact health for obvious reasons. Being overweight can lead to diabetes and can put a strain on joints and the heart. Eat a healthy, balanced diet., and don't eat just before bed as your body will not have the resources to heal while you are asleep.”
Gemini
May 22 - June 21
Adaptable, witty and lively, Geminis are also intellectual and eloquent. But they can also be nervous and tense. Their cunning and inconsistent streaks could lead to bodily tension.
“This can then manifest in stomach issues and tension headaches,” says Dr Tang.
“And tension can lead to trapped nerves which can make life debilitating. Nervousness can lead to insomnia, indigestion and chest pain. Trying relaxing exercises like yoga will help to keep the body supple.”
Cancer
June 22 – July 22
Cancers are loving, emotional and protective, they have imagination, and they are caring and sympathetic. But they can also be changeable and moody, sometimes overemotional, and unable to let go of things. Emotions can manifest themselves as internal pain such as arthritis, gout and general inflammation.
“Being moody can lower the immune system too, but when you’re down your brain sets off opioids to try and combat this,” explains Dr Tang.
“These opioids can weaken immune systems, making you more prone to getting ill. Lift your mood by getting outside, exercising and smiling.”
Leo
July 23 – Aug 21
Leos are generous and warm-hearted. They’re faithful, loving and full of sheer enthusiasm putting their heart and soul into all they do. But they can also be bossy and interfering, and have traits of intolerance, which can be exhibited both mentally and physically.
“A bloody-minded attitude could lead to stress, and it could also lead to Leos experiencing intolerances to certain foods,” says Dr Tang.
“Their pompousness and stubbornness can eat away at them causing stomach upset and perhaps irritable bowel syndrome. They may suffer from neck pain, back pain and generally other aches.
“Practice tolerance, patience and understanding of others, learn to be a team player, take up group exercises like walking clubs and share healthy meal plans.”
Virgo
Aug 22 – Sept 23
Virgos are modest and shy, practical and diligent. But that can also sway them to being overtly fussy and serial worriers. These character flaws can make Virgos tense and bothersome, influencing their health as they are likely to suffer from insomnia.
“Lack of quality sleep affects the body in multiple ways from a weakened immune system to tension headaches,” says Dr Tang.
“Chronic sleep deprivation can increase the risk of diabetes, blood pressure, heart failure and stroke. Avoid these risks by eating a healthy diet, indulging in calming activities, drinking camomile tea and going for long walks to clear the head.”
Libra
Sept 24 – Oct 23
Well-balanced, courteous, easy going and sociable, Libras love peace. But their quest for calm can sometimes make them indecisive, changeable, and gullible. They also have a tendency for self-indulgence which can be harmful if it’s too much of a good thing.
“Over-indulgence with alcohol, for example, can be damaging to the liver and kidneys,” says Dr Tang.
“Being changeable could cause digestive problems and stomach issues if your mood fluctuates.
“Probiotics can help with digestive issues. Listen to your gut and make sure to keep it healthy by eating well, exercising and staying happy.”
Scorpio
Oct 24 – Nov 22
Scorpios are described as determined, powerful, passionate and forceful, but they can also be jealous, obsessive and compulsive.
“Both obsession and compulsion can manifest in unhealthy ways,” says Dr Tang.
“Taking exercise to extremes or dieting can have negative impacts on health as well as mentally impacting your life.
“You can have panic attacks if you do something unhealthy and punish yourself. Combat this with good sleep and exercise and making healthy lifestyle changes. Cognitive behavioural therapy, which is all about problem-solving and putting your mind at ease, can also help.
Sagittarius
Nov 23 – Dec 22
Sagittarians are generally very happy and optimistic, making them a fun and positive sign to be around. But they are also tactless, restless and irresponsible - so you could say accident prone and clumsy at times.
“Keeping an eye on your posture and spinal cord might be a good idea for a Sagittarius given their character traits,” says Dr Tang.
“Anyone who tends to throw themselves into dare-devil activities will be more prone to having accidents. Try to keep an air of sensibility, practice good posture and take the right supplement like vitamin D for bone strength.”
Capricorn
Dec 23 – Jan 20
Capricorns are prudent, practical, patient and caring. They also have a good sense of humour. But they can be quite stingy, bear grudges and be pessimistic at times as well as despondent.
“Despondency isn’t good for mental health and well-being,” says Dr Tang.
“Being disheartened, leaving things unfinished or not caring about certain issues or projects can be damaging mentally and physically.
“Despondent people are less likely to seek medical attention if they have something troublesome going on with their health. If it’s something serious like an unchecked lump or mole, the consequences could prove devastating. Don’t be the despondent Capricorn, get things checked out!”
Aquarius
Jan 21 to Feb 19
Friendly, honest, loyal, independent, and original, but the darker side of an Aquarius can lead them to be perverse and unpredictable as well as unemotional and detached.
“The desire to behave in an unreasonable or unacceptable manner can lead to physical issues caused by an excessive lifestyle or carelessness when it comes to self-love and self-worth,” says Dr Tang.
“Going against the grain can harm a person physically. Their lifestyle choices could mean they don’t take care of themselves as they should. Being detached can also lead to a feeling of loneliness and an unwillingness to share concerns, affecting social and emotional well-being.”
