Keep well this winter

As the nights get darker and the weather turns colder, more people get ill and need support from the health service. The winter months can place significant pressures on our health and on NHS services.  Staying as healthy as possible by proactively managing our own health and wellbeing and following key advice can help prevent complications and avoid unnecessary illness and admission to hospital.

• Keep Warm, Keep Well – make sure you keep your house warm during winter; there are lots of grants available to help you do this.  Make sure you eat properly as this provides your body with energy to keep itself warm and well.  Find out more about keeping warm and well.

• Choose Well – have a well stocked medicine cabinet at home and make use of your local pharmacist, walk-in centre or NHS Direct who can often provide you with the help and advice you need without you having to visit your GP or go to A&E.  Find out more about services available in your area.

• Get the flu jab – if you are aged over 65 or have a serious medical condition you should speak to your GP about getting a jab to protect yourself.  Find out more about seasonal flu and the flu jab.

• Manage your long term condition –speak to your GP about getting a personalised care plan which will ensure you’ve got the right support in place to reduce flare-ups in your condition. If you do feel yourself starting to become unwell seek help straight away rather than wait until your symptoms get so much worse you need emergency treatment.  Find advice on managing your condition.