I am Rupa Joshi, Deputy Medical Director for NHS England – South West and a GP.

As a GP, I too often see the affects that winter has on our health. So I’d encourage you to keep warm and well this winter if you can by following some simple steps to stay well.

Winter weather conditions can be bad for our health, especially for those aged 65 or older, and people with long-term conditions such as heart or kidney disease, COPD (including emphysema and chronic bronchitis), asthma or diabetes. You may not know, but being cold can also raise the risk of increased blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes.

The cold and damp weather, ice, snow and high winds can all aggravate any existing health problems, make you more vulnerable to respiratory winter illnesses and increase the risk of trips and falls.

There are several things you can do to keep yourself well this winter, especially in any cold weather snaps.

Make sure you get your COVID-19, flu and RSV vaccinations if you are eligible. All those who are at greater risk from respiratory viruses should take the extra protection offered by the vaccination.

COVID-19 and flu can be serious for older people, pregnant people, those who have a weakened immune system or long-term health condition. They can lead to serious complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia, and can be deadly.

So getting your COVID-19 and flu vaccines are two of the most important things you can do to keep yourself and others around you safe this winter.

You can book your vaccinations through the National Booking System, at your local community pharmacy or speak with your GP.

Keeping warm over the winter months can also help to prevent colds, flu and more serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and depression.

I know heating is a big cost for many households, but there are things that you can do to help reduce this and keep your home warm such as reducing draughts with curtains, draught excluders, wearing layers of clothing and insulating your boiler and pipes.

If you can, you should be aiming for the main room you use during the day, and at night, to be at least 18 C, this is particularly important if you have a long-term health condition like heart failure or chronic airways disease.

Wearing several thinner layers will keep you warmer than one thicker layer and it is also very important to ensure you are eating enough and having hot drinks when you can.

There are some great organisations across the South West providing help and advice. Your local Council and NHS websites will have information on local resources and support as well as the national Help for Households Website https://helpforhouseholds.campaign.gov.uk/

Being active everyday can help improve your mental health, reduce the risk of falling and can be beneficial for recovery if you do get ill.

You should be aiming to do enough activity that will make you feel a little bit warmer but can still have a conversation. Don’t do anything that doesn’t feel comfortable and trust your instincts about your own limits.

Try to reduce the amount of time you spend sitting down during the day and try not to sit still for more than an hour or so if you can.

Break up your time spent being inactive by walking around your home or standing up from your chair. There are various exercises you can do to keep active whilst sat.

There are many activities you could do at home, such as walking up and down stairs, dancing, gardening, housework, or taking part in online fitness classes. It doesn’t matter what you do, as long as it’s something you enjoy and keeps you moving.

If you can take these simple steps, you will be putting yourself on the right track for staying well this winter.