Top tips for staying healthy and well this spring

Spring is a great time to start some healthier habits and take care of YOU. Here are some top tips to get you started.

1. SLEEP BETTER

Sleep is closely linked to mental health and wellbeing. Poor sleep can lead to worrying and stress, which can mean more sleepless nights. To break the cycle, take time to relax and unwind before bed and try not to use your phone or tablet just before bed. Still can’t sleep? Don’t force it - get up and read a book until you feel sleepy, then head back to bed.

For more advice, search ‘NHS tips for better sleep’ online.

2. MOVE MORE

Regular exercise can reduce your chances of developing major illnesses, such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and cancer and lower your risk of early death by up to 30%. Start small by finding easy ways to squeeze more activity into your day. Try getting off the bus a stop earlier, parking your car further away, or taking the stairs. Every bit of extra activity matters but the more you do, the more you benefit. The GM Walking Festival is on now. Go online to find walks for all abilities: https://gmwalking.co.uk/festival.

3. EAT WELL

If winter is all about cosy comfort foods, then spring is the time for fresh seasonal produce and hitting the 5-a-day target with ease. Fruit and vegetables are a tasty way to boost your immune system, plus filling up on the good stuff means you’re less likely to reach for sugary and high-fat snacks. To find out more about eating healthily, head to the GM Health Hub website: www.gmhealthhub.org/eating.

4. GO OUTDOORS

With longer days and milder weather, spring is the perfect time to get outdoors. Just swapping the sofa for a garden bench or your nearest park could help improve your sleep, boost your mood, and reduce anxiety - plus a dose of vitamin D!

If you suffer from hay fever, your pharmacist can advise on over the counter medicines to help. Fancy some company? The Nature for Health website has details of nature-based activities in Greater Manchester: https://gmnatureforhealth.org.uk/ nature-for-health-join-an-activity.

5. GET THE BEST PROTECTION AGAINST SERIOUS ILLNESS

If you’re aged over 75, or are immunosuppressed, one of the most important things you can do to stay healthy and well is to get your COVID-19 spring vaccine. ‘Immunosuppressed’ means that someone has a weakened immune system due to a health condition, or because they’re on medication or treatment that suppresses their immune system.

Dr Helen Wall, GP partner and clinical director for population health, NHS Greater Manchester, said: “If you have a weakened immune system your protection against COVID-19 may fade more quickly than others. You can now get the extra protection you need and book the spring vaccine.”

The NHS will be in touch if you’re eligible for a vaccine, but you don’t need to wait. • Scan the QR code or go to

• Download the NHS App

and book an appointment

• Call 119 to book your

vaccine by phone

• Scan the QR code or go to

If you need to communicate in another language, call 119 and ask to speak to a translator.

If you have hearing difficulties, you can use textphone 18001 or access the NHS 119 British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter service (https://signvideo.co.uk/nhs119/). We’ve all got busy lives, so once you’ve booked an appointment or planned when to go to a walk-in, don’t forget to put a reminder in your diary, mobile phone or calendar. Or write it down on the slip below, then cut it out, and keep it somewhere safe.