Staying healthy this winter and making the most of the NHS

With England’s NHS under immense pressure even before the full onset of winter, here are some tips on how you can make the most of the NHS, use health services more appropriately, and obtain the care you and your family need to protect your health and wellbeing.

1. Attend for appointments for medication reviews and for the management of long-term conditions when invited. This is important because it helps to ensure that your medication is up-to-date and that your condition is being managed effectively.
2. Take-up the offer of Covid-19 and flu vaccinations if you are eligible. Vaccinations are the best way to protect yourself from these serious illnesses. Also take up any other NHS vaccinations you and your family are eligible for.
3. Use the NHS app to book appointments, view your GP medical record and order repeat prescriptions. This is a convenient and efficient way to manage your healthcare.
4. Be aware of the range of options for NHS care – including opticians, pharmacists, self-referral services (e.g., podiatry, Talking Therapies, smoking cessation), and NHS 111. This can help you to access the care you need quickly and easily.
5. Use the NHS electronic prescription service so that your prescription is sent directly to a pharmacy. This can save you time and hassle.
6. For queries about hospital care, contact the hospital Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) team rather than your GP. The PALS team is there to help patients and their families with any concerns or questions they have about their hospital care. The contact details are usually present on the hospital’s website. 
7. Apply for online access to your hospital records if this is available. This can give you access to your medical information at any time, which can be helpful if you need to manage your own care or if you need to see a new doctor.
8. Don’t Smoke. Smoking is a major risk factor for many diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and stroke.
9. Exercise regularly including outdoors so that you get some sunlight exposure. Exercise is important for overall health and well-being, and sunlight exposure helps to produce vitamin D, which is essential for bone health.
10. Eat 5 portions of fruit and vegetables every day and eat plenty of high-fibre foods. Eating a healthy diet is important for maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
11. Limit your sugar and salt intake. Consuming too much sugar and salt can increase the risk of obesity, heart disease, and other health problems.
12. Limit your alcohol intake to a safe level. Consuming too much alcohol can damage the liver and increase the risk of other health problems.
13. Take time to improve your mental health; including by meeting regularly with friends and family. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and it is important to take steps to protect and improve your mental well-being.
14. Check your own blood pressure. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for stroke and heart disease, so it is important to monitor your blood pressure regularly.
15. Take your medication as prescribed. It is important to take the correct dose of your medication at the correct time in order to get the best results.
16. Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water is crucial, especially when using heating systems that can dehydrate.
17. Manage Stress: Stress can have a negative impact on your immune system. Consider incorporating mindfulness or relaxation techniques into your daily routine.
18. Telemedicine: Use telehealth options when appropriate, to save time and minimise exposure to potential infections.
19. First Aid Kit: Keep a well-stocked first aid kit and know how to use the basic items. This can be particularly useful for minor injuries and illnesses.
20. Home Safety: Falls and accidents are common during the winter due to icy conditions. Making your home slip-proof can prevent unnecessary hospital visits.
21. Keep Emergency Numbers Handy: Important contact numbers should be easily accessible, whether it's on your fridge or saved in your phone.
22. Regular Hand Washing: Promote good hand hygiene, especially if interacting with vulnerable populations like the elderly or very young.
23. Know the Signs of More Serious Conditions: Understanding the early symptoms of conditions like strokes, heart attacks, and other acute illnesses can save precious time in an emergency.
24. Air Quality: Try to keep up the air quality in your home and at work; for example, through ventilation.
25. Supplement Vitamin D: Sunlight exposure may be limited, so consider vitamin D supplementation if you are in a group that this is recommended for.
26. Community Support: If possible, check on neighbours and family members who might be vulnerable during the winter months, whether due to age, health conditions, or social isolation.
27. Use of Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medication: Understand when to use OTC medications for minor illnesses and when to seek professional advice.
28. Get a good night’s sleep. Sleep is essential for good health, so it is important to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
29. Listen to experts on health issues and not random people on social media. There is a lot of misinformation about health issues circulating on social media, so it is important to get your health information from reliable sources, such as the NHS website or healthcare professionals.