Keep warm keep well this coming winter

Keeping warm over the winter months can help prevent colds, flu or more serious health conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and depression.

There are some practical steps that you can take to help keep you warm and well throughout the winter months.

•   If you are eligible for the free flu jab get protected as soon as you can, contact your GP practice and make an appointment.

•   If you have asthma, a cold snap can be a major trigger for symptoms, so be prepared to help keep your symptoms under control.

• Cold homes can have a significant impact on people's health, one of the best ways of keeping yourself well during winter is to stay warm. 

•   Find out if you are able to claim financial and practical help with heating your home through the winter fuel payment or cold weather payment.

•   Eating regularly helps boost energy levels which in turn keep your body warm.  Try to have regular hot meals and drinks throughout the day and keep active if you can.

•   Wrapping up warm inside and out with layers of light clothing (rather than one chunky layer) will help you to stay warm, and if you are going outside, wear shoes with a good grip to avoid slips. 

If you find yourself catching a winter bug, self-care is the best choice to treat things like coughs, colds and sore throats.  Many minor ailments can be treated with over-the-counter remedies available from your local community pharmacy.  Just having a few basic essentials at home can help to treat the symptoms of many common illnesses and injuries.

Lesley Jones, Bury’s Director of Public Health, said: “Every winter too many people die from health conditions, many of which can be linked to cold weather and sadly could be prevented through relatively simple measures.  As we head into the colder winter months, keeping our homes warm, dressing in warm clothes and eating well are just some of the things that are so important to help keep our families warm and well.

“If you are eligible for the free flu vaccination getting protected is really important, and if you find yourself with a winter bug, self-care is the best option.  Many conditions can be treated with over the counter remedies from your pharmacy.  Pharmacies can also provide advice on a range of minor ailments including bugs and viruses, but also tummy troubles, women’s health and much more.”

Ends

Date: 14^th November 2014