1. I'm quitting smoking

Quitting smoking is the number one New Year’s resolution every year. Protecting your health and that of your loved ones, saving money—all are good reasons, and there are plenty of resources to help future ex-smokers.

If the desire is there, motivation often needs a little boost…

Because quitting smoking is a real challenge for many smokers, Santé publique France has created Tabac Info Service, an information and support program tailored to all types of smokers, from teenagers to adults. Tabac Info Service helps you choose the strategy that works best for you and supports you throughout your new smoke-free life. Its effectiveness has been proven!

• Hotline 3989: advice and free, personalized support provided by tobacco specialists (free service + cost of a call), Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• Website tabac-info-service.fr: online information, assessments to evaluate your addiction; ask a tobacco specialist a question, find contact information.

• Mobile app: personalized and free coaching.

• Facebook: share your experience and encourage former smokers on the page

More information on the health risks of tobacco and our initiatives: see the TOBACCO section

2. I stick to the guidelines: "For my health, I limit myself to a maximum of two drinks a day, and not every day"

In France, alcohol consumption is closely tied to social interactions. Family dinners, drinks with friends, office farewell parties… there are many opportunities to have a drink with loved ones. While alcohol is often associated with socializing, alcohol consumption is also a cause of many diseases (stroke, cancer, high blood pressure…) and health risks begin with the very first daily drink.

"For your health, limit alcohol to a maximum of 2 drinks per day, and not every day"—this phrase sums up the new alcohol consumption guidelines developed as part of expert studies by Santé publique France and INCa, published in 2017.

For this reason, and with a view to reducing risks, Santé publique France has launched several initiatives since 2018 to prevent the harmful effects of alcohol on health. In 2020, three initiatives, launched in 2019, will continue, reflecting Santé publique France’s year-round and long-term commitment:

• one focuses on awareness and understanding of guidelines (“For your health, limit alcohol to a maximum of 2 drinks per day, and not every day”),

• the second is aimed at pregnant women and their loved ones (“No alcohol during pregnancy”),

• and the third is specifically aimed at young people (“Friends at night, too”).

In addition, to help you assess your drinking habits, Santé publique France has created an alcohol meter that, based on a few questions, allows you to evaluate your weekly alcohol consumption against the new guidelines and estimate the risks associated with that consumption. It is available on the homepage of the website www.alcool-info-service.fr.

Alcool-info-service: This remote support service offers both those affected and their loved ones a confidential listening service via a hotline at 0 980 980 930 and a chat service staffed by qualified professionals. The website provides the public with a wealth of information and tools, such as an alcohol meter to assess one’s alcohol consumption and a national directory of specialized addiction treatment centers. The site also features a section dedicated to young people and another for healthcare professionals.

For more information on the effects of alcohol on health and our initiatives: see the alcohol section

3. I’m eating better

Another New Year’s resolution: eating a more balanced diet. While the nutritional guidelines of the National Nutrition ^and Health Program (PNNS), which are essential for a healthy diet, are fairly well known, it isn’t always easy to put them into practice in everyday life.

Santé Publique France is encouraging the French to take a first step toward better eating with the campaign “Start by improving a dish you already love,” launched in October 2019. This campaign avoids promoting an “ideal” behavior in favor of one that is easily adoptable. It is based on the “small steps” strategy: by starting to eat a little better every day, people can change their habits without giving up enjoyment. The campaign is based on the new dietary recommendations developed by Santé publique France based on the work of ANSES and the HCSP.

The simplified dietary recommendations for adults are divided into three categories:

• Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables, legumes, and unsalted nuts, as well as your physical activity and home-cooked meals.

• Choose organic, seasonal, or locally produced foods; alternate between fatty and lean fish; consume dairy products in moderation; opt for whole-grain starchy foods; and use rapeseed oil, walnut oil (rich in omega-3), and olive oil.

• Reduce consumption of meat, processed meats, alcohol, sugary foods and beverages, salty foods, products with a Nutri-Score of D or E, and time spent sitting.

To help you improve your diet, the website mangerbouger.fr offers healthier versions of French people’s favorite recipes. Mangerbouger.fr also lets you assess your level of physical activity through an online questionnaire (developed by the World Health Organization).

For more information on nutrition and our initiatives: see the nutrition and physical activity section

4. I’m more active

Thanks to manger-bouger.fr, you can also find activities that appeal to you or that fit naturally into your life by checking out the physical activity profiles. And since staying active every day isn’t always easy with a busy schedule, the physical activity planner will help you organize your activities for the week. It has been proven that scheduling time for physical activity is an effective way to move from intention to action. So in 2020, no more excuses for not lacing up your sneakers.

For more information on the benefits of physical activity and our initiatives: see the nutrition and physical activity section

5. I protect myself and those most at risk by following the 4 key winter precautions

Every year, winter viruses cause outbreaks of the flu, gastroenteritis, and bronchiolitis. These three illnesses affect millions of people each year and place a heavy burden on healthcare systems during the winter. Simple preventive measures can reduce the risk of infection.

4 preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection:

• Wear a disposable mask as soon as the first symptoms appear (fever, cough, sneezing) when in contact with the elderly, infants, people with chronic illnesses, or pregnant women.

• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water (preferably liquid) for 30 seconds. Wash your hands systematically:

  • before preparing, serving, or eating meals

  • after using the restroom

  • after every time you go outside

  • after using public transportation (bus, coach, train, subway), upon arriving at the office or at home

  • after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing

  • before and after caring for a baby

  • after visiting someone who is sick

• Use a disposable tissue to blow your nose, throw it in the trash, and then wash your hands.

• Sneeze or cough into the crook of your elbow. If this isn’t possible (e.g., holding a child), cover your mouth with a disposable tissue before discarding it, or cough or sneeze into your hands: in both cases, wash your hands as soon as possible to avoid contaminating people or objects.

For more information on winter viruses and our response: see the winter viruses section