HEALTH MATTERS
CLINICAL lead for urgent care at NHS Eastern Cheshire CCG COLD weather can aggravate health problems and make us more vulnerable to respiratory winter illnesses but there are lots of things you can do to stay well this winter.
Free advice on how to stay healthy is available on our website at easterncheshireccg.nhs. uk.
Just click the Help Us Help You link on the home page. Here are five top tips: 1. Make sure you get your flu jab. The flu virus strikes in winter and it can be far more serious than you think.
Flu can lead to serious complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia, and it can be deadly.
You are eligible for the free flu vaccine if you are pregnant, are aged 65 years or over, have a long-term health condition or are a carer.
Children aged two or three and children in reception class and school years 1 to 5 are also eligible.
2. Keep warm. Heat your home to at least 18°C (65°F), and keep your bedroom window closed on winter nights.
Keep active when you’re indoors. Wear several layers of light clothes, and check your heating and cooking appliances are safe. Visit gassaferegister.co.uk.
3. Take advantage of financial schemes and discounts to help you pay for heating.
Make sure you’re receiving all the help that you’re entitled to. Learn how at gov.uk/phe/ keep-warm.
4. Visit your local pharmacist as soon as you start to feel unwell with the symptoms of a respiratory winter illness. Many over-the-counter medicines (including paracetamol and ibuprofen) are available to relieve symptoms of common winter ailments such as colds, sore throat, cough, sinusitis or earache.
To manage winter illness symptoms at home: Rest and drink plenty of fluids; Have at least one hot meal a day to keep your energy levels up; Use over-the-counter medications for relief.
5. Look out for other people who may be in need of a bit of extra help over the winter.
Keep in touch with your friends, neighbours and family and ask if they need any practical help, or if they’re feeling under the weather. Make sure they’re stocked up with enough food.
If they do need to go out in the cold, encourage them to wear shoes with a good grip and a scarf around the mouth to protect them from the cold air.