The cold winter months can have a rough impact on individuals, especially those who suffer from a long-term health condition and/or people who are over the age of 65.
Am I at high risk from the cold weather?
You may be more vulnerable to the effects of cold weather if you fall under any of the following risk categories:
- Elderly people (65 and older)
- Babies and children under the age of 5
- People who have a long-term health condition
- People with a disability
- Pregnant women
- People who have a mental health condition
Whether you’re a healthcare assistant, carer or client, Nurseplus has put together some top tips to help you stay warm and well this winter:
Keep fit and stay active this winter:
Due to the current Coronavirus pandemic, many of us are spending more time at home which can make it harder to keep active. It is important to make time for physical activity as strong evidence shows that more active people have a lower risk of heart disease, strokes, type 2 diabetes and dementia. Physical activity doesn’t have to be strenuous and take place outdoors, some forms of physical activity can be done in the space of your own home, such as light housework, online fitness classes and walking up and down the stairs. The choice of physical activity doesn’t matter as long as you keep moving at a comfortable pace that suits you. For more tips and advice on how to keep active during the cold winter months visit NHS and AgeUK.
Maintain a healthy winter diet
When it comes to the winter season, many of us change our wardrobes, but changing your diet and what you feed your body throughout winter is just as important. Making sure you’re getting the right vitamins and nutrients is vital, as they can help prevent common winter illnesses such as colds and flu. Nurseplus have compiled a list of vitamins that can be beneficial to your health this winter. Like any other changes you make to your diet, always check with your doctor or pharmacist before adding new vitamins to your regime.
Vitamin D – Also known as the “Sunshine Vitamin”. When the cold and dark winter nights come to a close, our bodies have less exposure to sunlight. Incorporating vitamin D into your diet has many health benefits, such as improved resistance against certain diseases and can also help you fight the ‘winter blues’. Including fish and dairy into your diet can be helpful as these foods are high in vitamin D.
Vitamin C – Vitamin C is seen as the ‘Magical Vitamin’ during winter. There is a common myth that taking vitamin C can prevent you from the common winter cold, unfortunately, this is not true but it can reduce the severity as vitamin C strengthens your body’s immune system. Great sources of vitamin C are foods such as; leafy greens, citrus fruits and cranberries.
Keep Warm
Keeping warm in winter is important both inside the house and outdoors. Keeping warm during the winter months can help prevent the cold, flu and more complicated health problems such as heart attacks and pneumonia. We have put together some useful tips to help you stay cosy and warm this winter.
Increase the temperature on your thermostat – Heat your home to at least 18°C (65°F).
Add extra layers – From adding extra layers to your bedding to extra layers of clothing, several layers trap warm air better than one bulky layer.
Keep active – As well as improving your physical health, keeping active promotes the blood flow around your body helping to keep you warm.
Get the flu jab
The flu virus spikes the highest in the winter months and can lead to more serious health complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Did you know the flu jab is free if you’re aged 65 or over and/or have any underlying long term health conditions? Contact your local GP or pharmacy to book in for your flu vaccination today.
Get advice if you feel unwell
If you are 65 or over, or in one of the other at-risk groups, it’s important to get medical help as soon as you feel unwell.
You can get help and advice from:
- Your local pharmacy – pharmacists can offer treatment and advice for a range of minor illnesses.
- Your Local GP – You may be able to speak to a GP online or over the phone, or go in for an appointment if the matter is urgent.
- NHS 111 – go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111 if you have an urgent medical problem and you’re not sure what to do.