Stay warm and well as winter sweeps in

Oldham’s doctors are urging patients to Stay Warm and Stay Well as part of a health awareness campaign in the wake of the first blast of winter weather.

An Oldham Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) roadshow will tour the borough, speaking to patients about how to stay healthy as temperatures plummet.

The CCG will talk to shoppers at a variety of locations about the risks that the cold weather brings, how to prepare for it and reduce vulnerability to illness, as well as offering practical tips on preventing coughs, colds and flu.

Urgent care clinical director and local GP Dr Shelley Grumbridge said: “Winter can be seriously bad for our health but there a number of things we can all do to keep ourselves and our families well this winter.

“Winter can be particularly serious for people aged 65 or older, and people with long-term health conditions such as COPD, heart disease and asthma need to be particularly aware of the dangers that cold weather can bring.

“My number one tip for everyone in this category would be to get your flu vaccination if you haven’t already, it will protect you from one of the most serious and potentially deadly winter illnesses.

“Last year we protected tens of thousands of patients by ensuring they were vaccinated and we want to continue this work across the borough this year, preventing the spread of the flu virus to vulnerable groups of patients who could be seriously affected if they are.”

Dr Grumbridge added that seeking advice from your local pharmacist is a good way to stay well during the winter months, asking them for guidance on non-urgent conditions.

She said: “If you start to feel unwell, even if it is just a cough or cold, don’t wait until it gets worse, seek immediate advice and help from your pharmacist.”

Patients are also being encouraged to stock up on medicine cabinet essentials, and make sure they pick up prescriptions before the Christmas break.

Help

Staying warm, both inside and outdoors, is also crucial to remaining healthy during the colder months with NHS guidelines stating that people should heat their homes to at least 18C.

Residents are also encouraged to check on older neighbours, relatives and friends who may need a bit of extra help this winter.

Anyone who needs help over the holiday period when GP surgeries or pharmacies are closed should call NHS 111 or visit www.nhs.uk.

For more information on the NHS Stay Well This Winter campaign visit www.nhs.uk/staywell.

The Roadshow will stop at various locations handing out information and cups of soup:

* Wednesday November 25: Oldham Bus Station, 7am-3pm.

* Thursday 26 and Friday 27 November: Tesco Chadderton, 9am-5pm.

* Saturday, November 28: Spindles Shopping Centre Oldham, 9am-5pm.

* Sunday, November 29: Tesco Failsworth, 9am-5pm.