Self care over the winter months…

Advice from Dr Emma Chapman

Okehampton Medical Centre

Wrap up warm this winter

The winter months are linked to an increase in accidents and illness. It is important to know how to stay warm during the coming winter months. The cold can be associated with various illnesses including common colds, heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and the flu. All of these can have particular impact on older people, but you can take steps to stay healthy this winter. In addition, free flu vaccinations are available for those over the age of 65 and for those who have certain long term conditions.

Wear lots of layers

Wrap up in several thin layers comprised of cotton, wool and fleecy fibres that help maintain body heat, including scarves, hats and gloves. Wearing the correct shoes is also important. Wearing the correct footwear with the correct grip will reduce your risk of falling. Check the weather forecast each day so you can prepare and dress appropriately.

Stay active and eat well

Exercising regularly can make you feel good and builds self-esteem as well as boosting your body’s self defence system to fight against illnesses. Food is an essential source of energy that helps to keep your body warm. It is important to regularly have hot meals and hot drinks during the day, as this will help raise the body’s temperature.

Sickness & Diarrhoea

Gastroenteritis is a common condition that causes diarrhoea and vomiting. It can be unpleasant, but usually clears up by itself within a week. Try to avoid going to your GP, as gastroenteritis can spread to others very easily.

Symptoms of gastroenteritis: The main symptoms of gastroenteritis are sudden, watery diarrhoea, feeling sick, vomiting, which can be projectile or a mild fever.

What to do if you have gastroenteritis: If you experience sudden diarrhoea and vomiting, the best thing to do is stay at home until you're feeling better. There's not always a specific treatment, so you have to let the illness run its course.

To help ease your symptoms:

• Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration

• Take paracetamol for any fever or aches and pains.

• Get plenty of rest.

• Use special rehydration drinks made from sachets bought from pharmacies if you have signs of dehydration.

• Take anti-vomiting medication and/or anti-diarrhoeal medication if you need to

Gastroenteritis can spread very easily, so you should wash your hands regularly while you're ill and stay off work or school until at least 48 hours after your symptoms have cleared, to reduce the risk of passing it on.

Get medical advice if:

• you have symptoms of severe dehydration, such as persistent dizziness, only passing small amounts of urine or no urine at all, or if you're losing consciousness

• you have bloody diarrhoea

• you're vomiting constantly and are unable to keep down any fluids

• you have a fever over 38C (100.4F)

• your symptoms haven't started to improve after a few days

• in the last few weeks you've returned from a part of the world with poor sanitation

• you have a serious underlying condition, such as kidney disease, inflammatory bowel disease or a weak immune system and have diarrhoea and vomiting

Dr Emma Chapman