Winter can be a hard time to stay fit and well. What can help?
Tip One: Get Vaccinated
Getting vaccinated against common winter illnesses, like flu, can top up your immunity and reduce the risk of getting severe symptoms.
Tip Two: Keep Warm
Try to keep warm this winter.
- Heat your home to a temperature that’s comfortable for you. If you can, this should be at least 18°C in the rooms that you regularly use. It’s best to keep your bedroom windows closed at night.
- Check your heating and cooking appliances are safe. Contact a Gas Safe registered engineer to make sure they’re working properly.
- Make sure your home is fire safe.
- Check to see if you are entitled for the winter fuel payment
- Keep a list of emergency numbers and insurance documents in case something breaks/ leaks.
- Make sure you have some tins of food in the cupboard just in case you are ill or the weather stops you getting to the shops for a few days.
Tip Three: Eat, Sleep and Move Well
Keep up healthy routines. Make sure you eat a balanced diet, go outside for walks and try and get eight hours of sleep each night.
Make sure you have well fitting slippers and shoes with good grip for the wet winter to avoid slipping or falling.
Tip Four: Get Help If Unwell
Check if you have enough over the counter medicines for common winter issues like colds and sore throats and that they are in date.
If you feel unwell, visit your local pharmacy for help.
Tip Five: Don’t Ignore Low Mood
Everyone feels down at times but it can be worse over winter. Don’t ignore these feelings, take actions to improve your mood quickly, before it deteriorates further.
Tip Six: Help Others
Remember to keep in touch with your older friends, family and neighbours over the winter. Make sure they are feeling alright and check if they need any help. If the roads and pavements are icy, older people might not be able to get out so be prepared to offer help if needed.