With winter approaching it's important to make sure you're on top of your health in terms of vaccines, companionship, exercise and keeping warm.
Vaccines
By now you should have been offered your free flu and COVID vaccination. These can help ensure you don’t pick up a severe case of either virus this winter, and both vaccinations can be taken at once. You should have been notified of a date for your COVID vaccine by now but if not, contact your local surgery. The free flu jag can also be obtained from your local GP or even a community pharmacy.
Getting vaccinated also means that if you do develop a milk case of COVID or the flu, that you won’t pass the virus on to friends and other people you meet with. If your arm is sore after having the vaccine then take a painkiller such as paracetamol and ensure you get some rest.
Get exercise
Going for a walk outdoors in the crisp, winter weather can be heartening and is great for the circulation. Just make sure it’s not too icy and put on lots of layers for warmth (it’s a more effective way of trapping body heat that wearing one big jacket, for instance). Layers are also a good idea for when you go to bed.
If you can’t face going outside then exercise indoors. Grabbing a can of soup or beans in each arm and doing some arm lifts will keep your muscles flexible and your bones strong. Walk around as much as you can indoors to keep your legs in motion. Better still, join a senior’s exercise class. That way you’ll meet people for a chat too.
Keep the heat up
Experts recommend that if you’re sitting around at home then the indoor temperature needs to be around 18C (64F). If this seems a bit steep for you to pay for then you may be able to access a heating grant from the government in the form of a Winter Fuel Payment and Cold Weather Payment. This regardless of any other benefits you may receive. As a pensioner you may also be able to sign up to the Priorities Register.
Remember to pull the curtains closed at night to seal in the heat and if you have wooden or laminate flooring then it’s not a bad idea to put down a couple of rugs for extra warmth.
Tackling illness
Make sure you have plenty of supplies of your medication in case you get snowed in this winter. Check with your pharmacist or doctor exactly what you should have. It’s also an idea to stock up on cold or sore throat remedies in case you do develop symptoms and can’t get out to the shops or feel to unwell to order online. By the same token, stock up on food supplies in case you find yourself housebound for a time.
If you do develop symptoms or feel ill then contact your GP or pharmacist as soon as you start to feel unwell. If you feel you need help that day then call 111 or go online to the NHS 111 website. For an emergency call 999.
