11th November 2024
By Melissa Cooper
Simple steps to stay well this winter
Eat well
There is no specific ‘diet’ that can boost immunity. That said, there are foods that can help keep your immune system in tip-top condition. A balanced diet will give you the nutrients and vitamins you need to help you stay well this winter.
Stay active
Exercise helps you stay fit, encourages good circulation and can promote good immune function. It can be tempting to hibernate away during the winter months, but remain active. It may be helpful to alter your routine to account for the shorter days or cold weather.
Sleep well
Sleep is especially important in the winter, when viruses are common, the days are shorter and we might find ourselves battling winter bugs. It is essential for recovery from illness and for replenishing our energy. Put your sleep first with this helpful advice.
Winter vaccinations
Each winter the Flu and COVID-19 vaccinations are offered to vulnerable people to help stop the spread of these preventable, but sometimes serious, illnesses.
Find out if you are eligible and where you can have your vaccines here.
Stock up your medicine cabinet
Ideally, you should have a well-stocked medicine cabinet before getting ill, although we know in reality this might not always be the case. At very least it’s a good idea to have the basics like Paracetamol and ibuprofen, which can be bought at the supermarket for around 30p a pack.
In this video, Grimsby GP Dr. Nathalie Dukes shares what she thinks you should keep in your medicine cabinet.
Keep warm, keep well
We know that feeling cold doesn’t cause colds or flu, but did you know that it can affect your body’s ability to fight off viruses and infections?
It sounds simple, but staying warm is one of the most important things you can do to stay well this winter. This is especially important if you have a long term health condition like asthma, COPD or heart disease. We’ve put together lots of advice and information to help you keep warm this winter here.
Financial support and advice
East Riding of Yorkshire Council
Find information about financial guidance and support, warm spaces and budgeting in the East Riding here.
Hull City Council
Cold weather advice and support for staying healthy and warm in Hull is available online here.
City of York Council
There is lots of health, wellbeing and financial advice for people in York online here.
North Yorkshire Council
Tips for keeping warm, safeguarding your health, and accessing financial support in North Yorkshire is online here.
North Lincolnshire Council
There is a variety of information to help you stay well this winter in North Lincolnshire online here.
North East Lincolnshire Council
Information to help boost your health and keep your home warm in North East Lincolnshire is available here.