Keep an eye out for elderly relatives and neighbours and support them in the cold weather to Stay Well This Winter.
If you are a carer for an older or disabled relative or friend, there are a number of things you can do to help them to keep healthy this Winter:
• It is important for people to keep warm – both inside and outdoors – as it can help to prevent colds, flu and more serious health problems. Make sure they heat their home to at least 18°C (65°F), if they can.
• At the first sign of a cough or a cold, make sure they get advice from their pharmacist before it gets more serious.
• Check with the pharmacist about medicines they should have in stock to help them get through the winter season.
If you do need help over the holiday period when your GP surgery or pharmacy is closed, call NHS 111. Visit nhs.uk/staywell for more information.
And it’s not too late to get your free flu vaccination
Don’t forget to get your free flu vaccination if you’re at increased risk from the effects of flu. This includes:
• people aged 65 and over
• pregnant women
• people with a long-term health condition like COPD, bronchitis, diabetes, heart or kidney disease and for people who have suffered a stroke
• carers.
• You are also eligible for free flu vaccination if you receive a carer’s allowance, or you are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if you fall ill (https://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/vaccinations/Pages/who-should-have-flu-vaccine.aspx)
• Check whether you or someone you care for is eligible here: nhs.uk/staywell.
Get your vaccination now – it’s free because you need it.
Return to our home page for more local news here.
You can join us on our social media pages, follow us on Facebook or Twitter and keep up to date with whats going on in South Devon.
Got a news story, blog or press release that you’d like to share or want to advertise with us? Contact us
