---

One in five Brits admit they put off dealing with problems until it’s ‘too late’, a study has found.

Rather than taking preventative measures or trying to solve an issue as it starts to arise, 44 per cent admit they only take notice when it is almost too late to do anything about it.

Another 87 per cent even admitted burying their heads in the sand – and ending up in a worse situation because of it.

Fixing items around the house is the most common issues Brits try to avoid dealing with, followed by financial worries and health concerns.

More than one in ten will delay addressing problems with a partner, with others putting off a break-up until they feel they absolutely have to.

A spokesman for ColdZyme Mouth Spray, which commissioned the research, said: “Almost all of us are guilty of putting things off or leaving it until the last minute, and inevitably making things worse.

“And while in most cases this may be harmless, ignoring a health complaint could have a serious impact.

“The saying ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’ is certainly something more of us should take on board, especially when it comes to colds.”

The study of 2,000 adults found Brits will bury their head in the sand on an average of 36 issues every year, from mortgage payments to illnesses.

One in six hold off on dealing with a problem because they don’t believe the amount of time they take to address an issue will make a difference, with one in five postponing the task in hand because they don’t know what they’re doing.

Almost one third admitted they put things off because they are simply too busy to deal with it.

It also emerged men are more likely to leave important issues until it’s too late.

And while blokes are more likely to delay when it comes to relationship issues and work complications, women often turn the other cheek to health problems and financial worries.

The poll, conducted via OnePoll.com, also revealed putting off dealing with a problem has led to 23 per cent getting into serious debt.

Another 43 per cent have had arguments with loved ones as a result of an inability to tackle problems head-on.

Researchers also found the average adult will spend around two weeks worrying before taking action, with one in ten giving it a couple of months before they start to deal with it.

One in 20 even admitted they will put things off or an entire year before facing the consequences.

As a result, more than one in five have fallen ill because they haven’t dealt with an issue and one in four have had an illness which has, consequently, gotten worse due to their lack of action.

However, when it comes to colds, two thirds of Brits are making an attempt at averting the illness by drinking orange juice, having an early night and taking preventative medication at the first sign of a sniffle.

Three in four even reckon they have managed to stop a cold in its tracks before it’s developed.

A spokesman for ColdZyme added: “With ColdZyme, it is possible to help prevent a cold before the virus is able to take hold, as the over the counter mouth spray forms an active enzyme protective barrier in the throat protecting you from infection.

“ColdZyme can also help to shorten the duration of illness if used prophylactically.

“From 2014-2016, over 300 ColdZyme users were asked what they believed the early symptoms of a cold were.

“Across three different market research groups the result was the same; malaise and a sore, irritated throat and that identifying and treating these early on is the most effective way of stopping a cold in its tracks”

Top 20 things we ‘put off’ until we absolutely have to:
1. Fixing items around the house
2. Cleaning the oven
3. Seeing a health professional about a health complaint / issue
4. Booking a dentist appointment
5. Losing weight
6. Getting an eye test
7. Confronting a friend or relative about an issue
8. Dealing with debt
9. Paying bills
10. Cutting the grass
11. Talking to a partner about a problem
12. Writing/changing a will
13. Trying to beat colds and bugs
14. Fixing a problem on the car
15. Changing jobs
16. Updating anti-virus software on the computer
17. Ending a relationship
18. Changing a lightbulb
19. Servicing the car
20. Addressing a problem with a colleague at work

Article By Astrid Hall

ENDS