Local people are being urged to choose the right care for their symptoms and help health services during the colder months.
Winter conditions can make some health problems worse and can lead to serious complications, particularly for those aged 65 or older, or have a long-term health condition such as asthma, diabetes or heart conditions. Younger children and pregnant women are also more at risk from winter ailments.
This year, NHS South Yorkshire wants to focus on giving local residents a wide variety of useful health and wellbeing information and advice, signpost them to the wide range of health and support services available across the area, as well as giving practical advice on how people can help themselves to stay safe and well over the winter months.
There’re lot’s people can do over winter to help them stay well, from having a flu or Covid vaccination and by keeping warm and by making sure medicine cabinets are well stocked to support with coughs and colds.
Local pharmacies are highly trained healthcare professionals who can provide advice on common illnesses and over the counter medicines on how to treat them. Most now have a quiet area away from other customers to speak more privately.
It is also important to keep warm in winter – both inside and outdoors. Keeping warm over the winter months can help to prevent colds, flu and more serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and depression.
Experts are also advising to keep warm at home during the day, it is recommended to heat the main living room to around 18-21°C (64-70°F) and the rest of the house to at least 16°C (61°F). Cold and damp homes can contribute to poor mental health and social isolation, which are key factors in increased winter illnesses.
Dr David Crichton, Chief Medical Officer from NHS South Yorkshire said “Throughout the cold weather, looking out for yourself and others is essential to keeping healthy. With winter on the way, now is a good time to make sure you, and those you know who may be particularly at risk from the cold, are as prepared as possible. If you qualify for the free flu jab, get it now. Also remember that eating a healthy, balanced diet and that staying physically active can keep you healthy”.
“The NHS is here to help but there are important things we can all do to take care of ourselves during the winter months. It is vital that the most vulnerable people take preventative steps to keep healthy and stay well. We have a high number of A&E attendances over this time that are due to issues which could have been avoided had people sought advice at the first sign of illness”.
For further information and advice how to stay well this winter, visit: https://syics.co.uk/icb/your-health/be-winter-well
