Stay Well this Winter

Winter conditions can be bad for your health, especially for people over 65 and for people with long term conditions such as COPD, bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, diabetes or heart disease.

Public Health England are urging older people to follow this advice:

If you feel unwell, don't wait - get advice from your nearest pharmacist

If you can't get to a pharmacist yourself, ask someone to go for you or call your local pharmacy. Even if it's just a cough or cold, act quickly before it gets worse.

Make sure you get your flu jab.

Flu can lead to complications such as bronchitis or pneumonia, and it can be deadly. The jab is free if you're over 65 or have a long term health condition. If you are the main carer of an older or disabled person you may also be eligible for the flu jab.

You may also be eligible for the pneumococcal vaccine to protect you from pneumococcal diseases like pneumonia

Keep Warm 

 Keeping warm can help prevent colds, flu and more serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and depression. Try to heat your home to at least 18 degrees C (65 degrees F). You might prefer your living room warmer than this. Keep your bedroom window closed on winter nights as breathing in cold air increases the risk of chest infections. Try to keep active indoors by not sitting still for more than an hour or so.

Wearing several layers of light clothes traps warm air better than one bulky layer. 

Make sure you are receiving all the help you are entitled to. Age UK can carry our benefit checks or you can learn how to make your home more energy efficient at: www.gov.uk/phe/keep-warm

Check your medicine cabinet

Ask your pharmacist for advice on what medicines should be in your cabinet to help get you through the winter season.

Prescriptions

Make sure you get your prescription medicines before your GP practice closes for Christmas. You can also order your repeat prescriptions on line. To sign up for GP online services ask at your practice or find out more by visiting: nhs.uk/GPonlineservices

If you have older relatives or neighbours, there's a lot you can do to help this winter. Cold icy weather can stop people getting out. Keep in touch and ask if they need any help or if they are feeling under the weather. Make sure they are stocked up with food and have all their medicines. If they have to go out, encourage them to wear shoes with a good grip and a scarf around their mouth to protect them from the cold air. If they need help over the holiday period when the GP or pharmacy is closed, call NHS111 and speak to an advisor who will be able to direct you to a local service that is open.