Simple steps to a healthy winter

AS the countdown to Christmas continues, doctors, nurses and hospital staff get ready for what is usually their busiest time of year.

An increase in office parties, festive nights out and socialising means an increase in alcohol consumption which, in turn, often leads to a rise in the number of accidents and injuries.

We are also entering the second phase of the swine flu pandemic and winter brings its own round of seasonal coughs, colds and stomach bugs.

Local doctors’ leader KAILASH CHAND has put together some useful advice for Chronicle readers to help keep themselves safe and well as we head into the festive season.


AS sure as Christmas comes but once a year, the ritual of the winter crisis is built into the British calendar. It is also built into the fabric of the NHS.

But problems can be alleviated if the public know the right place to go for the right care, are aware of the range of services available, have information to help them to stay well over the winter period and get the message that 999 and accident and emergency services are for those who are seriously ill or for emergencies only.

People who inappropriately use the ambulance services and accident and emergency departments are diverting resources away from those who may be in desperate need of care and urgent attention.

We are now well in to the second wave of the swine flu pandemic but we may be seeing a peak that is lower and earlier than expected.

This is good news, but it may mean that we will see a more extended period of pressure on the NHS as the pandemic continues to be present throughout the winter months in addition to the seasonal flu that is expected in the new year.

For the vast majority, swine flu is a mild disease but the threat that it poses to those in the at risk groups is still there.

Anyone who has an underlying chronic health condition, is pregnant, or elderly and frail can suffer from more severe and serious symptoms.

We want to get across the message that good hand hygiene is so important to stopping the spread of viruses and bacteria.

Those people in the at risk groups should consult their GP if they are concerned about swine flu.

Swine flu vaccinations are now available at your GP surgery for high risk groups.

Pregnant women are at a significantly increased risk of complications from swine flu to both themselves and their babies.

Getting the vaccine is a way of considerably reducing that risk and the Department of Health is strongly recommending that women take up the offer of the vaccination.

More than 11 million people from groups deemed a priority, including pregnant women, are being offered the jab alongside two million health and social care staff.

Many people have questions about the vaccine and wonder whether they should have it.

On that there is very clear advice from all medical bodies and public health experts — if you are in an at risk group (such as those with asthma, heart disease, lung problems, immune disorders or are pregnant) you really should have the vaccine.

Infectious viruses such as coughs, colds, sickness and diarrhoea are more common in the winter months.

If you are a normally healthy adult you can treat yourself with a well-stocked medicine cabinet — for example, paracetamol, indigestion, anti-diarrhoea and re-hydration remedies.

And keep away from anyone with an underlying health conditions until you have been free of symptoms for 48 hours.

People are more likely to catch colds or flu in winter leading to an increase in the number of patients admitted with respiratory problems. The cold weather can also contribute to other serious health problems like heart attacks, strokes, and pneumonia.

The spread of the winter vomiting bug, norovirus, is another seasonal health hazard.

In addition, snow and icy conditions coupled with increased alcohol consumption over the festive season, increase the number of accidents and injuries which occur and the number of 999 calls made.

The public can and do play an important part in helping the NHS to ensure that these pressures do not cause significant disruption.

Simple measures to take to ensure this continues include:

:: Heat your home well: by setting your heating to the right temperature (between 18-21 °C or 64-70 °F) you can still keep your home warm and lower your bills. If you feel cold at night use a hot water bottle or electric blanket but never use both together.

:: During the short winter days try and stay active and get outside in daylight if possible to ward off the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder.

:: In bad weather, take sensible precautions to avoid falls and fractures. In particularly cold weather it is important to consider hypothermia. Remember that alcohol can contribute to lowering your core body temperature so use common sense in terms of what you wear and how much you drink on nights out.

:: Eat well: food is a vital source of energy which helps to keep your body warm. Try to make sure you have hot meals and drinks regularly.

:: Dress well: wear several thin layers of clothing rather than one thick layer, wearing a warm hat is useful too.

:: Use out-of-hours services only when you think it can’t wait until your GP practice is open.

:: If you feel unwell contact NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 (available 24 hours a day for advice) and only visit the hospital’s accident and emergency department or dial 999 in a genuine emergency.

:: You can also go for advice to your local pharmacy or visit Oldham’s Walk-In Centre at the Integrated Care Centre in New Radcliffe Street.