SDHB’s tips for healthy winter

THE Southern District Health Board is urging people to take early action this winter to prevent serious illnesses.

The health board announced yesterday it was launching its ‘‘plan to be well this winter’’ campaign together with WellSouth.

It focuses on urging residents to be proactive about staying well and providing advice to people about how best to manage their health to avoid more serious illnesses.

SDHB primary and community medical director Dr Hywel Lloyd said in many cases preventive measures, or seeking help earlier, could mean avoiding a more serious illness.

WellSouth medical director Dr Stephen Graham said there was a wide range of places available to support people so they could seek care early.

‘‘You can call Healthline, or ask for advice from your community pharmacy. If you’re getting worse, your general practice is the best place to first seek medical attention.

‘‘Your local urgent primary care facility, including the winter clinic in Invercargill, is also there for you.’’

SDHB emergency department consultant Dr Chris Johnstone said it ended up looking after people who could have avoided their condition becoming so serious if they had sought help earlier from their doctor.

The campaign urged people with longterm health conditions such as diabetes, stroke, heart disease or respiratory illness to prepare for winter by having a flu vaccination to protect themselves, to plan to manage their condition with their GP, and to seek help early if it got worse.

Dr Lloyd said keeping warm both inside and outside was really important to health, especially for the very young, for older people or those with chronic conditions.

‘‘There are a range of health problems associated with cold housing and winter weather, but in particular, a cold indoor or outdoor environment can make heart and respiratory problems worse, and lead to serious complications.’’