Stay well this Winter

Cold weather can be seriously bad for your health. That’s why it’s important to look after yourself, especially during the winter. If you start to feel unwell, even if it’s a cough or a cold, don’t wait until it gets more serious. You can also seek advice from your pharmacist.

Winter conditions can be seriously bad for our health, especially for people aged 65 or older, and people with long-term conditions such as COPD, bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, diabetes or heart or kidney disease.

Being cold can raise the risk of increased blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes.

The cold and damp weather, ice, snow and high winds can all aggravate any existing 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.

There is more useful information on the NHS – Stay well this Winter website – https://www.nhs.uk/staywell

Calling all parents & carers…

Free medical advice app available to help look after your children’s health.
Parents and carers can now find NHS advice at their fingertips to help them look after your children’s health. The app gives easy to understand guidance on childhood illnesses, recognising when your child is unwell, and advice on when and where to seek further treatment.

The app, which is also available as a 115-page booklet, contains everything from oral health, upset tummies and diarrhoea to advice on bumps and bruises.

Download the app now, available on Google Play and the App Store by searching for ‘NHS child health’ or view the booklet online here –  http://www.urgentoremergency.co.uk/uploadedfiles/Images/FINAL%20BOOKLET%20-%20updated%20Feb%2017.pdf

5 Key Recommendations

  • Make sure you get your flu jab.
  • Visit your local pharmacist as soon as you start to feel unwell with the symptoms of a respiratory winter illness.
  • Keep your home at 18°C (65°F) or higher if you can.
  • Take advantage of financial schemes and discounts to help you pay for heating.
  • Look out for other people who may need a bit of extra help over the winter.

Useful information

HM Government booklet ‘Keep Warm Keep Well’. Information booklet for Over 60’s, Low income families and those with a Long Term Condition. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/748499/keep_warm_keep_well_2019.pdf

Age UK Top Tips on keeping Warm and Well 

(printable version)

 https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/465111/Top_tips_to_keep_warm_keep_well.pdf

Please click on the three lines on the left hand side of ‘Appleby Medical Practice’ for further practice related information.