HEALTH experts in Warrington have drawn up an essential guide to winter to help older people keep warm, well and safe.
The Winter Warm Directory is a comprehensive guide to local services put together by NHS Warrington to help prevent older residents from falling ill when the temperatures drop.
A free, 1950’s themed directory, it also features a 2012 calendar includes information and advice on energy saving, top tips for keeping your home heated and healthy winter recipes.
Heather Norman, health practitioner for health improvement said: “It’s really important that people are fully prepared for winter, particularly older and more vulnerable members of the community. We know they’re more likely to contract an infection or illness in colder weather and have published this guide to minimise the risk of them falling ill.
“There are fact sheets in the calendar with essential information about how to keep warm, well and safe and also a directory of services in which older people can access a wealth of information, and receive more support during the winter months”.
The NHS is also urging people at risk from flu who haven’t already done so, to contact their GP Practice to arrange a vaccination.
Seasonal flu is a respiratory illness caused by a virus which can spread rapidly through the coughs and sneezes of infected people. Flu can cause severe health complications in vulnerable patients such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
The vaccine is free on the NHS to people over 65 and those with the following conditions: Pregnant women, People aged 65 and over, Those with diabetes, People who have a chest problem or breathing difficulties, People with a heart problem, Anyone with kidney disease or liver disease, those with a neurological condition, People who have a low immune system, Anyone who has had a stroke, People who have a problem with the spleen.
You should also have the vaccine if you live in a residential or nursing home or are the main carer of an older or disabled person.
Flu vaccine is also available through high-street pharmacists.
For more information about flu and vaccination go to http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Flu/Pages/Introduction.aspx or talk to local pharmacists or GP practices.
For a free Winter Warm Calendar, directory and thermometer, please contact NHS Warrington Health Improvement team in 01925 406083.
Keeping older people safe and warm
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