{"id":8499,"date":"2017-10-12T12:30:05","date_gmt":"2017-10-12T11:30:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/care-and-health\/?post_type=older-adults&#038;p=8499"},"modified":"2024-07-31T12:16:14","modified_gmt":"2024-07-31T11:16:14","slug":"staying-well-in-winter","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/adult-social-care\/independent-living\/health-and-wellbeing\/staying-well-in-winter\/","title":{"rendered":"Staying well in winter"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Cold weather can lead to very serious health problems, such as heart attacks, strokes or pneumonia, and sometimes the cold weather can even kill \u2013 especially if you have a long-term health condition or are 65 or over. The following information should help you to stay well during the winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-24258\" src=\"http:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/adult-social-care\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/125\/2017\/08\/Heating-Cost-2-300x300.png\" alt=\"Staying well this winter\" width=\"87\" height=\"87\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/adult-social-care\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/157\/2017\/08\/Heating-Cost-2-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/adult-social-care\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/157\/2017\/08\/Heating-Cost-2-440x440.png 440w, https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/adult-social-care\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/157\/2017\/08\/Heating-Cost-2-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/adult-social-care\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/157\/2017\/08\/Heating-Cost-2.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 87px) 100vw, 87px\" \/><a href=\"https:\/\/assets.nhs.uk\/nhsuk-cms\/documents\/SWTW2020_Leaflet_EasyRead_WebAcc_FINAL.pdf\" rel=\"noopener\">Easy read to help you stay well this winter<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Flu vaccine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The annual flu vaccine can help reduce your risk of getting flu each year. The vaccine is available for free on the NHS for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>anyone&nbsp;aged 65&nbsp;and over<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>pregnant women<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>children and adults with an underlying health condition (particularly long-term heart or&nbsp;lung disease)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>children and adults with weakened immune systems<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>children two and three years of age &#8211; that is, born between 1 September 2013 and 31 August 2015<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>children in reception class and school years 1, 2, 3 and 4 &#8211; that is, born between 1 September 2008 and 31 August 2013<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Find out more about the flu vaccination on the NHS Stay Well This Winter website which also contains more advice about being prepared for the winter weather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/Livewell\/winterhealth\/Pages\/Winterhealthhome.aspx\" rel=\"noopener\">The NHS Winter health guide<\/a> contains further advice to help you stay healthy during winter including healthy&nbsp;eating, exercise and how you can help the elderly in your community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-24288\" src=\"http:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/adult-social-care\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/125\/2017\/10\/Vaccine-Story-A3-300x300.png\" alt=\"Flu vaccine story\" width=\"94\" height=\"94\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/adult-social-care\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/157\/2017\/10\/Vaccine-Story-A3-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/adult-social-care\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/157\/2017\/10\/Vaccine-Story-A3-440x440.png 440w, https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/adult-social-care\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/157\/2017\/10\/Vaccine-Story-A3-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/adult-social-care\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/157\/2017\/10\/Vaccine-Story-A3.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 94px) 100vw, 94px\" \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.learningdisabilitydevon.org.uk\/health\/#038;preview=true\" rel=\"noopener\">Easy read guide<\/a> on getting your Flu vaccination<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">COVID vaccine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-24286\" src=\"http:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/adult-social-care\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/125\/2017\/10\/Covid-Passport-300x300.png\" alt=\"Covid Passport\" width=\"106\" height=\"106\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/adult-social-care\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/157\/2017\/10\/Covid-Passport-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/adult-social-care\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/157\/2017\/10\/Covid-Passport-440x440.png 440w, https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/adult-social-care\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/157\/2017\/10\/Covid-Passport-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/adult-social-care\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/157\/2017\/10\/Covid-Passport.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 106px) 100vw, 106px\" \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/covid-19-vaccination-easy-read-resources\" rel=\"noopener\">Easy-read guides<\/a> providing information on coronavirus (COVID-19) and vaccination.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">New films support vaccines and health checks for people with a learning disability<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>People who have a learning disability and those who care for them are being reminded that it\u2019s not too late for them to have a free flu vaccination and additional Covid-19 booster.&nbsp;Preventing Covid-19 and flu is particularly important for people with learning disabilities, who are much more vulnerable to both viruses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A series of new films, launched by NHS Devon and Devon County Council highlight the importance of having both the vaccinations and annual health checks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Damon\u2019s story about vaccinations and annual health checks<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Damon&#039;s Vaccine story - vaccines for people with a learning disability\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/HeVvblXT9v0?feature=oembed&#038;rel=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Kylie\u2019s story &#8211; a Carers story<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Kylie&#039;s Vaccine &amp; Health Check story -  for people with a learning disability\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/Vah-OWhqy3M?feature=oembed&#038;rel=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Keeping well in winter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>NHS Choices<\/strong>&nbsp;and <strong>Age UK<\/strong>&nbsp;both provide guides offering advice on how to stay healthy, safe and as comfortable as possible in winter. Both guides are available below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/Livewell\/winterhealth\/Pages\/KeepWarmKeepWell.aspx\" rel=\"noopener\">NHS Choices &#8211; how to stay well in winter<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.ageuk.org.uk\/health-wellbeing\/keeping-your-body-healthy\/winter-wrapped-up\/preparing-for-winter\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Age UK &#8211; keep well this winter<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Help with heating costs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>LEAP (Local Energy Advice Programme) is a new free energy and money-saving advice service. LEAP can help you to save money and to keep your home warm. Find out more about who is eligible for the service and apply at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.applyforleap.org.uk\/\" rel=\"noopener\">www.applyforleap.org.uk<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Information about the various benefits available to help with heating your home can be found at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/browse\/benefits\/heating\" rel=\"noopener\">GOV.UK &#8211; heating and housing benefits<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Look out for each other<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Older neighbours, relatives, friends and other elderly members of the community are more vulnerable in the winter months and may need <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/Livewell\/winterhealth\/Pages\/KeepWarmKeepWell.aspx#vulnerable\" rel=\"noopener\">a bit of extra help this winter<\/a>. Try to keep in touch, check if they are feeling under the weather, help them stock up on food supplies and make sure they have the necessary medication before the Christmas holidays start or before a spell of bad weather. Look at our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/adult-social-care\/independent-living\/education-and-employment\/volunteering\/\">volunteering page<\/a> if you want to help your local community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If they\u2019ve been prescribed medication, don\u2019t forget to tell them to pick up their prescription before the Christmas holidays start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many GPs and pharmacies will close over the holidays. If you do need help over the holiday period when your GP surgery or pharmacy is closed, call NHS <a href=\"tel:111\">111<\/a> or visit <a href=\"http:\/\/www.nhs.uk\" rel=\"noopener\">www.nhs.uk<\/a> who can direct you to a local service that is open.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Cold weather can lead to very serious health problems, such as heart attacks, strokes or pneumonia, and sometimes the cold weather can even kill \u2013 especially if you have a long-term health condition or are 65 or over. The following information should help you to stay well during the winter. Easy read to help you [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":748,"featured_media":0,"parent":25305,"menu_order":8,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-8499","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-04-26 12:29:23","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/adult-social-care\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8499","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/adult-social-care\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/adult-social-care\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/adult-social-care\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/748"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/adult-social-care\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8499"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/adult-social-care\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8499\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":38771,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/adult-social-care\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8499\/revisions\/38771"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/adult-social-care\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/25305"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/adult-social-care\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8499"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}