Keep Fit and Safe

Keep safe, fit and health during the cold Cheshire weather

With the met office issuing a yellow warning for snow and ice in Cheshire , the local NHS want us to keep safe, fit and healthy during the cold weather.

Cold weather can cause treacherous conditions underfoot which can lead to dangerous slips, trips and falls for elderly or frail people. Cold, damp conditions can also leave people with long-term conditions ' such as respiratory problems- more vulnerable to winter illnesses.

NHS South Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS Vale Royal CCG have put together the best tips to stay healthy:

Keep your home warm- If you have reduced mobility, are 65 or over, or have a health condition such as heart or lung disease, you should heat your home to at least 18C. If you're under 65 and healthy and active, you can safely have your house cooler than 18C, if you're comfortable.

Eat well this winter- Food is a vital source of energy, which helps keep your body warm. Try to make sure that you have hot meals and drinks regularly throughout the day and keep active in the home if you can.

Stay active- If you can stay active, even moderate exercise can bring health benefits. If possible, try not to sit still for more than an hour or so.

Wear lots of thin layers- clothes made from cotton, wool or fleecy fibres are particularly good and help to maintain body heat. Wear shoes with a good grip to prevent slips and falls when walking outside. If possible, stay inside during a cold period if you have heart or respiratory problems.

Help your neighbours- Check on older neighbours to make sure they're safe and well. Make sure they're warm enough, especially at night, and have stocks of food and medicines so they don't need to go out during very cold weather.

If you're worried about a relative or an elderly neighbour, contact your local council or ring the Age UK helpline on 0800 00 99 66.

Dr Sinead Clarke, GP and Clinical Director at the CCGs, said: 'It's really important that you keep yourself warm both outdoors and indoors this winter. Keep your rooms at at least 18'C.

'Before you go outside, make sure you check the weather forecast in advance and dress appropriately with lots of layers.'

Outdoor surfaces such as steps and footpaths can become slippery in cold weather. You should use grit on outdoor surfaces to prevent any slips or falls. Falls can be especially harmful to elderly people who are much more likely to break bones.
In addition to injuries from slips and falls- colds and flu also affect a lot of people in winter. Make sure you are washing your hands often and get your flu jab to avoid getting sick.

Dr Clarke added: 'If you do pick up a cold or a minor injury this winter, there are steps you can take before having to wait for an appointment or in a waiting room which you may not need.
'Give self care a go, this is all about you knowing what to do to help develop, protect, maintain and improve our health, wellbeing and wellness.

'A well-stocked medicine cabinet and first aid kit will help you tackle minor illnesses and injuries as soon as they develop.

'Your local pharmacist can also give you loads of health advice, as is the NHS 111 phone line for when you need urgent but not emergency health advice.'

Find out more about self care, with advice videos from local GPs, go to the CCG website:

http://www.southcheshireccg.nhs.uk/self-care/self-care/how-to-self-care

http://www.valeroyalccg.nhs.uk/self-care/self-care/how-to-self-care

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