At CityCare we are focused on improving the health and wellbeing of people in our community all year round. During the Winter months there are a lot of seasonal factors that affect our health, and it can also be more challenging to maintain the good behaviours that keep us well, such as regular exercise and a balanced diet. Here are five quick tips to help us stay healthy through the colder months.

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1. Get your flu jab!

Healthcare experts advise that anyone over the age of six-months should receive a flu vaccine. People who have other health concerns should talk with their doctors about receiving these vaccines as soon as possible. 

This procedure not only protects you but also those in our community who you may expose to germs.

2. Stay home if you feel ill

A lot of illnesses are circulating at this time of year, if you catch one you should do what you can to prevent giving this to other people. While flu and COVID are serious risks, even lesser diseases can be unpleasant, so try not to share them.

3. Keep your hands clean

Viruses such as cold and flu spread easily throughout this season. Because of this, it’s no surprise that people get sick more often.

When we touch surfaces that viruses and bacteria live on, we can easily make ourselves ill.

Washing your hands often and avoiding touching your face decreases your chance of getting sick. Clean your hands with soap and water and use alcohol-based hand sanitiser to reduce the number of germs.

4. Stay hydrated

While it is cold and wet outside, it is easy to forget that we need to keep ourselves hydrated. We focus on hydration more during the summer when it’s hot, we’re sweating more, and we’re active, but good hydration is important all year round. 

It is recommended that you drink just under two litres of water each day. Staying hydrated helps us functioning properly. 

5. Boost your immune system

A nutrition-rich diet and plenty of sleep is crucial to boosting your immune system during winter. The cold weather can make us crave sugar-rich ‘comfort food’ however, too much sugar can be bad for our waistline and overall health. Sweet root vegetables can curb cravings, such as sweet potato and parsnip that can be incorporated into pies, stews, and soups. Increasing Vitamin D and B12 through food such as fish, eggs and cheese will give you the immune boost you need. 

Tackling unhealthy habits such as smoking, drinking alcohol and overeating will also make a huge difference. Smoking and alcohol causes inflammation and impairs your immune response.

If you need support to break these habits visit Better Health - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

What do our experts in Infection, Prevention and Control think….?

Jane Clarke – Infection, Prevention and Control (IPC) Matron at CityCare was asked for her views on how we can keep ourselves safe and healthy this winter. She said: “It is important you keep up to date with your Flu and Covid jabs, make sure you wash your hands regularly and wear a face covering in public spaces.”

Jane cautioned that “We’re starting to see Flu on the increase plus in winter we could also be talking about Norovirus”. She urged people with symptoms to minimise contact with others for at least 48 hours after the last symptom has abated. She also suggested that even if you test negative on a PCR test but have symptoms, the likelihood is you still have a respiratory virus and should take all of the necessary precautions to prevent further spread of the infection.

For more information and advice about how to stay healthy this winter visit: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/keep-warm-keep-well/