Tuesday 08 January 2019
With cold weather expected Public Health Services are reminding people of how they can try and stay healthy as temperatures drop.
This is very much in line with the ethos of the Partnership of Purpose with the focus on prevention and keeping people healthy looking after their own health.
Dr Nicola Brink, Director of Public Health, said:
"Staying healthy in the winter is important as colder weather conditions can be seriously bad for our health, especially for people aged 65 or older, and people with long-term conditions such as COPD, bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, diabetes or heart or kidney disease.
Being cold can also raise the risk of increased blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes.
The cold and damp weather, ice, snow and high winds can all aggravate any existing health problems and make us more vulnerable to respiratory winter illness."
Joana Rocha, Health Protection Nurse, advises:
"If you feel unwell your pharmacist may be able to advise you. However, to manage your symptom at home we recommend:
- Rest
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Have at least one hot meal a day to keep your energy levels up
- Use over-the-counter medications to help give relief.
So our top tips to keep warm and stay healthy are:
- Get your flu jab if you are over 65 or are in an "at risk" group
- To reduce the risk of spreading flu, use tissues to trap germs when you cough or sneeze, wash your hands often with warm water and soap, and bin used tissues as quickly as possible. Catch it. Bin it. Kill it.
- Wear several layers of clothes rather than 1 chunky layer - clothes made from cotton, wool or fleecy fibres help to maintain body heat
- Try not to sit still for more than an hour or so indoors - get up and stretch your legs
- Make sure you have all your prescriptions up to date
- Keep in touch with friends and family - check on vulnerable neighbours and relatives
- Heat your home to at least 18°C (65°F) if you can.
"It is not too late to get your flu jab and we would encourage all those who are over 65 or who fall into an at risk group to contact their GP and arrange to receive the vaccine."
Alex Hawkins Drew, Head of Public Health Women and Children's Services, said:
"This year the Maternity Services have been running a free flu vaccination service for pregnant women. Pregnant women are at an increased risk of contracting flu as pregnancy naturally weakens the body's immune system. Influenza in pregnancy can have serious complications, including pre-term labour, pneumonia and babies born with a low birth weight. New mothers can also pass on influenza to their babies. To reduce this risk we recommend that any service user who has not received their vaccination yet contact Loveridge Ward on 707377 to book an appointment."
Dr Brink said much of the advice could be labelled "common sense" but it was important to make sure the messages got through. The sad reality is that when the weather gets just a bit colder, vulnerable people in the community can become unwell and may be admitted to hospital.
Heidi Soulsby, President of the Committee for Health & Social Care, said:
"We are proud of the strong community spirt displayed in Guernsey and Alderney and encourage all members of our community to check on older family, friends and neighbours to make sure they are safe and well, particularly if they have any health conditions. Spread the message, not the germs."
