With temperatures already dropping, NHS leaders in Lancashire and South Cumbria are urging everyone to take extra care.
An amber cold-health alert has been issued across the whole of the North West and is currently in place until 8am on Saturday 22 November.
This means that there is an increased risk to children, older people and other vulnerable groups due to colder temperatures, while people with long-term health conditions, such as respiratory and heart conditions, may find that symptoms are exacerbated.
Keeping warm, both indoors and outdoors, is important in winter as this can help prevent colds, flu and more serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and depression.
The cold and damp weather, ice, snow and high winds can worsen any existing health problems, increase the risk of a fall, and make people more vulnerable to respiratory winter illnesses.
Indoor temperatures should be kept at a minimum of 18 degrees in the rooms regularly used, such as the living room and bedroom. Councils across Lancashire and South Cumbria have set up cost of living support pages, with details available here: LSC Integrated Care Board :: Cost of living support (icb.nhs.uk)
If feeling unwell, get medical help as soon as possible. Pharmacists are experts in medicine and can provide treatment for a range of mild illnesses. Alternatively, speak to a GP or use the NHS 111 service (111.nhs.uk or call 111) if it’s an urgent medical problem. In a life-threatening emergency, visit A&E or call 999.
Other advice to help stay healthy this winter, includes:
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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, such as your living room and bedroom.
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If you’re feeling cold, drink hot drinks regularly.
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Try not to sit still for more than one hour at a time. Moving even a little bit can help you to keep strength and mobility.
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Eating and drinking enough is also important. If you are finding it difficult to prepare and eat three big meals, try smaller ones throughout the day.
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A good idea is to draw your curtains in the evenings to reduce heat loss through windows, and tuck long curtains behind radiators so that heat isn’t trapped. And make sure warm air can circulate by keeping radiators and heaters clear – don’t put furniture in front of them or dry washing on them.
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As the winter months are drawing in, look after your mental health as well as your physical health go to Every Mind Matters for advice.
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For more information about self-care options for common complaints, search NHS seasonal advice or Age Concern UK