Winter Health: Tips to Stay Healthy When the Temperature Drops

Keeping well during the winter months can be challenging and requires additional measures to protect your health. However, there are simple ways that can boost your wellbeing and save you the trip to the doctor.

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Make Good Nutritional Choices

It can be tempting to opt for unhealthy comfort food when it’s cold and go for a quick sugar fix to give you an energy boost, but you'll have more energy if you include plenty of fruit and vegetables in your diet. A sugar fix will wear off quickly so try opting for a healthy choice such as a clementine or satsuma instead.

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Stay Active

Don’t use winter months as an excuse to hibernate. We often feel more sluggish and tired due to the lack of sunlight. Get outdoors in natural daylight as much as possible. Consider trying a new activity or doing something with your family or friends. Adding exercise to your daily routine helps control your weight, and boost your immune system, and is a good way to break the tension that can build if the family is constantly cooped up inside the house. Read our tips here.

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Wash Your Hands

Regular handwashing, especially before and after certain activities, is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick, and prevent the risks of germs spreading to others. It's quick, simple, and can keep us all from getting sick.

Handwashing is a win for everyone, except the germs!

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Outdoor Safety

If you are required to work in a cold environment make sure you:

·        Wear sturdy footwear, with a good grip - you can always change into other footwear when you move indoors.

·        Keep an eye on what is underfoot. Some places will remain icy for longer than others (e.g. places that are not exposed to the sun).

·        Wear several layers of clothing rather than one chunky item to help preserve body heat

·        When driving in winter, watch out for icy conditions - look for clues such as ice on the pavement or on your windscreen before you start your journey and take extra care.

·        Have at least one hot meal a day and plenty of hot drinks throughout the day

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Flu Vaccine

Follow NHS guidelines for flu vaccines, especially if you fall into high-risk groups such as:

• Adults aged 50 and over
• Those with certain health conditions
• Pregnant women
•  Those in long-stay residential care
•  Carers
•  People in close contact with immunosuppressed individuals
• Frontline health or social care workers
• Children of a certain age.

Your GP/health centre will advise whether you should have the flu vaccine.

If you have an illness or injury that just won't go away, contact your GP or visit your local pharmacist for assistance.