Stay Well 2018. The cold weather can cause severe problems if you are the age of 65 and above or if you have underlying health conditions.
Who is most at risk?
- Aged 65 and older.
- People with a disability.
- Pregnant Women.
- People with a long-term health condition.
- People who have a mental health condition.
- Babies and children age five and below.
- People with low income (so cannot afford to heat).
Getting advice if you feel unwell
If you are in one or more of the at-risk groups listed above or aged 65 and above, it’s imperative to choose the right medical help when you are feeling unwell. Stay well 2018.
The first point of contact for advice should be:
- a pharmacy – pharmacists can give advice and treatment for a range of minor illnesses and can tell you if you need to see a doctor
- your GP – you may be able to speak to a GP online or over the phone, or go in for an appointment if they think you need to
- NHS 111 – go to 111.NHS.uk to check the next port of call or call 111 if you have an urgent medical problem and are unsure what to do
The sooner you seek help, the sooner you are likely to get better.
Information:
Call us on 01908 803499 before going in person. You can get medication delivered without the need for waiting in the cold or queue.
The flu vaccine and how it can help you
The flu is a yearly seasonal virus that can make sure people very ill but will often get better with rest, fluids and eating well. Every year the flu vaccine is offered to those age 50 and over, those with certain health conditions and children aged six months to 11 years olds.
It’s essential to get the flu vaccine if offered, as it is a safe and effective vaccine that could protect you from getting severely ill during winter. The best time to have the flu vaccine is before the spread of flu happens, generally before autumn, but vaccinated later if need be. Stay well 2018.
Warming your home this winter to Stay Well 2018
Here are a few tips to keep you and your loved ones warm over the winter:
- heat your home to at least 18C if you are 65 and over, have an underlying health condition or aren’t very mobile.
- Try to have hot meals during the day, even if it’s 1, this will help you keep warm and energised throughout the day.
- Drink warm drinks regularly; this could be a cup of hot cocoa, milk, tea or even hot water.
- Keep your curtains closed during the evening to keep in warm and prevent draughts; draught excluders for doors are helpful if you live in a freezing house.
- Check your heating is working efficiently and get it checked regularly; this prevents any breakdowns over the winter months.
- Babies should sleep in rooms that are 16C and 20C to avoid the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).
- Keep windows closed if possible; temperatures can drop quickly at night.
- You can have your home cooler than 18C, provided that you are active, well and under 65.
- Using a hot water bottle or electric blanket to keep you warmer, those with auto shut off are deemed safer and never leave on during the whole night for safety purposes.
Heating cost help and advice to Stay Well 2018
The winter fuel payment(£100-£300 towards your heating bill) and cold weather payment (£25 a day for each day of 7 consecutive days of 0C or below) are government grants that could be available to you, please check eligibility and see if you can get help.
Contact the governments Simple Energy Advice line on 0800 444 202 or visit the website www.simpleenergyadvice.org.uk for information and advice on how you can make your home energy-efficient, reduce bills or be able to apply for grants to help you keep warm this winter.
It’s always helpful to prepare before winter arrives as it could keep you in better health and your home much warmer.
Checking on neighbours and relatives in winter to Stay Well 2018
Those with breathing problems or heart conditions could be more vulnerable during winter; checking that they have the right amount of food and medicine could keep them safer over winter. They avoid trips out in the cold and potentially icy conditions. Ensure they are safe and well and can stay warm at night and ask if they need help with anything.
If you think a neighbour or relative may need extra help or are worried about their wellbeing, please get in touch with the local council or call.
Age UK on 0800 678 1602 between 8 am to 7 pm every day.
If you think someone you know may have hypothermia, ring NHS 111.
