Sandwell Council issues health and wellbeing advice as winter approaches

Sandwell Council is urging residents to follow health and wellbeing advice this winter.

Here are some tips you can use to help you feel well and keep well.

Keeping warm and healthy

Whether you are staying indoors or getting out and about, it’s important to keep warm in winter – especially if you are aged 65 or over or have a long-term health condition.

Keeping warm helps to prevent colds, flu and mores serious health problems.

  • Stay active when indoors, avoid sitting still for too long;
  • Heat your home to at least 18 C (65 F);
  • Wear several layers of light clothing to trap warmth.
  • Check your heating and cooking appliances are safe. Visit the Gas Safer Register website
  • If you are concerned someone may have hypothermia, call NHS 111.
  • For more tips on staying well, including eating a healthy, balanced diet, go to the NHS Live Well website.

You may be able to claim financial and practical help to make your home more energy efficient, improve your heating or help with bills. Visit the GOV.UK improve energy efficiency webpage or call 0800 444 202 to speak to an adviser.

Warmer Homes West Midlands offers personalised energy advice to households if you are struggling to heat your home. Visit the Warmer Homes website or call 0800 988 2881 or 0808 196 8298 and press option 2.

Looking after your mental health

Need to talk? If you’re feeling low, anxious or lonely – or if you know someone who is struggling, you’re not on your own.

Visit the Healthy Sandwell mental health webpage for more information about support.

Keeping active

Just moving around can result in massive health benefits. You can boost your energy levels and break up the day with some bitesize chunks of movement.

Any exercise you do is better than none and you don’t need a gym membership or fancy kit. There’s lots you can do either at home or outdoors.

Find out more on the Healthy Sandwell move more webpage.

Arm yourself against flu and Covid-19 this winter

If you’re aged 50 and over you can now book your autumn Covid-19 booster and flu vaccines.

Go to the NHS winter vaccinations webpage for advice on how to book, contact your GP practice or visit a participating pharmacy. Call 119 if you need advice by phone.

Some people under 50 are also eligible for these vaccines doses, including pregnant woman, frontline healthcare workers and some children.

If you have a specific health risk or condition, are a carer or live with someone who has a weakened immune system, check your eligibility on the NHS website.

If you’re eligible for the free flu vaccine, it’s likely you can get the Covid-19 seasonal booster.

Leader of Sandwell Council, Councillor Kerrie Carmichael, said: “With the current cost of living crisis continuing, we want residents to know that we’re offering a wide range of help, support and advice.

“Through our Supporting Sandwell campaign, we aim to reach anyone who is struggling. This includes creating Warm Spaces at all of our libraries, plus some leisure and community centres. These are places you can come for hot drink, a chat and advice if you need it.”

Councillor Suzanne Hartwell, cabinet member for adults, social care and health, added: “As we move into the winter months with falling temperatures and darker nights, it’s more important than ever that we’re doing all we can to keep ourselves, our families and neighbours fit, healthy and warm.”

Wednesday, 16th November 2022