OLDER residents in Warrington are being encouraged to stay fit, healthy and well during the cold winter months.
Warrington Borough Council and local health organisations are encouraging people to watch out for signs of winter illness in themselves and their elderly relatives or friends, to help them stay well.
Older people are mostly vulnerable during the winter as cold weather increases their risk of illnesses such as colds, coughs, flu, heart attacks, strokes, breathing problems and hypothermia (a dangerous fall in body temperature).
To help elderly residents stay well, the council is promoting their ‘11 top tips’ for ageing well in Warrington. These include:
1) Get your flu jab – the flu vaccination is available to all people over 65 and it’s free because you need it!
2) Heat your home – rooms should be heated to at least 18C and your boiler should be serviced regularly.
3) Reduce your risk of falling – remove potential hazards, wear sensible shoes and take care when out and about, especially in icy conditions.
4) Mental health and wellbeing – recognise the signs and symptoms of mental health conditions and seek help early. Visit happyoksad.org for support.
5) Attend health screenings – make sure you attend health screening appointments when invited.
6) Eat a good healthy diet – eat a healthy and balanced diet and try to include five portions of fruit and vegetables per day.
7) Regularly review your medicines – your GP or pharmacist can give you detailed advice on the medications you need to stay well.
8) Involve yourself in the community – keep yourself active and involved in your community as this will help stop you from becoming isolated and lonely.
9) Check your benefit entitlement – make sure you are claiming everything you’re entitled to. Visit warrington-advice.co.uk for more information.
10) Keep hydrated – drink plenty of fluids throughout the day and limit alcohol intake.
11) Independent living – consider the support you need to continue to live independently at home.
For more information, visit mylifewarrington.co.uk, an online directory with information about local services and support networks to help you at home and in the community.
For information on any disruption to council services, including bin collections, school and road closures or for general advice throughout winter, visit: warrington.gov.uk/winter.
Cllr Pat Wright, executive board member for statutory health and adult social care, said:“It’s so important that local people, in particular our older and vulnerable residents, stay safe and healthy during the colder months, especially when there are spells of bad weather.
“Check in with older friends or relatives, and those with heart or breathing problems, to make sure they’re safe, well and warm enough, especially at night. Ensure they have stocks of food and medicines so they don’t need to go out during very cold weather.
“If you’re worried about your own health or that of someone else but it’s not an emergency, call NHS 111 for advice and signposting to the most appropriate service.”
