Stay Well This Winter
Let us help you Stay Well This Winter!
Whether it’s advice and support to boost your immunity, keep warm, protect your mental health, eat well, stay active or look out for vulnerable family, friends and neighbours, Stay Well This Winter provides a link to top tips and a wealth of information and resources.
Our dedicated campaign webpage is here to help and includes links to different organisations who can offer support to help you stay well this winter.
PROTECT YOUR MENTAL HEALTH
“Research tells us that there are five simple things we can do to have a positive impact on our mental health.
Chris Gillmore, Consultant Clinical Psychologist,
The first is to connect with other people, using our relationships to get emotional support and share positive experiences. Keeping active can also make a difference, helping our fitness and lifting our mood. Trying to learn a new skill can boost our confidence and self-esteem, such as learning to cook a new recipe or trying a new task at work. We can also gain a great deal from helping others, such as volunteering or visiting family or friends that you haven’t seen for a while. Lastly, bringing our attention to focus on the present moment so that we increase our awareness, can help us understand ourselves better, changing how we feel and developing ‘mindfulness’.
Trying one or more of these five things may help your wellbeing.”
aVON AND WILTSHIRE MENTAL HEALTH PARTNERSHIP
PRACTICE GOOD HAND HYGIENE
“A really simple way to help you stay well this winter is hand washing.
DANA DI.LULIO, INFECTION CONTROL NURSE, ruH BATH
“We know it is the most effective way to reduce the spread of infection.
“Although germs are often harmless, they can also cause illness. Washing hands with soap prevents infections, stops the spread of infections, reduces the risk of illness and helps to protect others”
THINK PHARMACY FIRST
“Many pharmacies can now assess, treat, and when appropriate, provide some prescription medicine for…
ANIL KUMAR CHOPRA, SUPERINTENDENT PHARMACIST AND INDEPENDENT PRESCIBER, ePICARE hEALTH
“Earache for those aged between 1 and 17, impetigo for those aged 1 year and over, infected insect bites for those aged 1 year and over, shingles for those aged over 18 years old, sinusitis for those aged 12 years and over, sore throat for those aged 5 years and over and urinary tract infections for women aged 16-64 years without the need for a GP appointment.”
KEEP WARM AND WELL
“There are lots of welcoming spaces across BSW providing a warm and friendly place for people to go if they need support or help through the cost of living crisis.
KATIE CHUN, MANAGER, THE HIVE at Peasedown St John
“Open for residents to spend time, meet people, feel safe and offer warmth in cold weather, these spaces provide somewhere to find information about what is going on in your neighbourhood and to feel welcomed.”
KEEP A WELL STOCKED MEDICINE CABINET
“Be prepared for common illnesses and injuries by keeping your medicine cabinet stocked with these items all year round…
NICK DAINES, PHARMACIST, LIFESTYLE PHARMACY BATH
“Painkillers, antihistamines, oral hydration salts, indigestion treatment, anti-diarrhoea tablets, suncream and a first aid kit with bandages and plasters, a thermometer, antiseptic, eyewash solution, sterile dressing, medical tape and tweezers.”
LOOKING AFTER AN ILL CHILD AT HOME
“There are lots of things you can do to keep yourself and your child well this winter.
DR ANDY VIRR, DEPUTY CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER, BSW ICB
If you need medical advice you can use NHS 111, contact your GP surgery or visit your local pharmacist for clinical advice on minor health concerns.”
EAT WELL TO STAY WELL
“Here’s our top tips for eating well to stay well this winter.
JESS FuNNELL, PUBLIC HEALTH SPECIALIST, WILTSHIRE COUNCIL.
Vitamin D – adults and children over 4 years consider taking a daily 10mcg supplement during the autumn and winter months.
Buy frozen! Frozen fruit and veg are a great way to get your 5-a-day, often at lower cost and increased nutritional value.
Dehydration is also possible in winter! Fluids are essential for good health with some choices being healthier than others.
Eating seasonally is a great way to get a variety of fruit and veg at a lower cost and as a more sustainable option.”
GET VACCINATED
“It’s important to get your winter flu and COVID-19 vaccinations if you’re eligible.
BECKY EDWARDS, REHABILITATION SUPPORT WORKER, CHIPPENHAM HOSPITAL.
Getting vaccinated every year will top up your protection and reduce your risk of getting severe symptoms.”
CATCH IT, BIN IT, KILL IT
“We often see cases of flu, RSV, COVID-19 and norovirus reach high levels in the winter.
cONNIE TIMMINS, LEAD NURSE FOR INFECTION, PREVENTION AND CONTROL, BSW ICB.
Help stop the spread of infections by staying home if you feel unwell and washing your hands regularly.
Germs spread easily. Carry tissues to catch coughs and sneezes and dispose of them as soon as possible.
Hands can also transfer germs so clean your hands as often as you can.”
STAY CONNECTED, LEND A HAND
“A simple chat or small act of kindness can make all the difference. I always try to stay in touch with older friends, family, or neighbours—whether it’s a phone call, a doorstep chat, or sharing a cuppa.
MARK, I&A Team and Wellbeing Support Workers, Age UK Banes.
Offering a hand with shopping, errands, or transport can help keep life running smoothly. And if someone would enjoy more regular company or support, our Befriending or At Home service is here to help.
For free advice on housing, health, support, and care, contact Age UK Bath & North East Somerset on 01225 466135 or visit our website www.ageukbanes.co.uk.”
THE NHS IS ALWAYS HERE TO HELP YOU
“Please use NHS services wisely to make sure you can get the most appropriate support and help us to help you.
ENDA CORRY, trainee specialist paramedic, south western ambulance service.
We want to make sure you get seen in the right place, at the right time by the right healthcare professional.
If you are not sure what help you may need, 111 online can advise. There is also your GP practice, pharmacies, minor injury units and urgent treatment centres across BSW.”
CHECK YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE
“Around a third of adults in the UK have high blood pressure, although many will not realise it.
IMran akhar, pharmacist, midsomer pharmacy
High blood pressure rarely has noticeable symptoms but if untreated, it increases your risk of serious problems such as heart attacks and strokes.
You can get your blood pressure checked at your local pharmacy, or with a home monitor – they are cheap and easy to buy.
If you do have high blood pressure you can make healthy lifestyle changes, such as stopping smoking, exercising regularly, eating healthy, reducing your salt intake and drinking less alcohol.”