Wellbeing and Lifestyle

 Planning for your future care

None of us know how our health and abilities might change in the future, even though we cannot see into the future, we might have some idea about the sort of help and care we would or would not want.  

The ‘Planning for your future care’ booklet gives you the opportunity to think about, talk about and write down your wishes, preferences and priorities for your care. This booklet belongs to you and will give everyone a clear idea of the things that are important to you, if there comes a time when you cannot express your wishes and preferences yourself. You may find it helpful to talk to your family and friends about your future care.

You do not need to fill in all sections in this booklet; you can take your time filling in the sections you want to use. Professional carers, such as your doctor, nurse or social worker, can help you and your family with this.

For a downloadable copy of ‘Planning for your future care’ click here

 

Good Health for Winter

In the winter, colds and flu are circulating and older people can be particularly vulnerable to the effects of cold weather. Certain health conditions are more obvious when a cold spell takes hold – more people experience chest problems, such as infections and breathing problems – but it also means that there are likely to be more people hurting themselves through trips and falls due to icy paths, for example. Here are some simple tips and suggestions to help you and your loved ones stay healthy this winter. We have also included information on the local NHS health services which are there to help you.

 

Seasonal Flu

Seasonal flu is a highly infectious illness caused by a virus and cannot be treated with antibiotics. Every year there are approximately 8,000 seasonal flu related deaths in the winter months in England and Wales. 

 

Have a free flu jab

Everyone who is at risk of seasonal flu is encouraged to protect themselves by getting their free flu jab at their GP practice. The ‘at risk’ group includes.

• Everyone aged 65 and over
• Under 65s with long-term conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, serious kidney and liver disease
• Pregnant women
• Carers of people at risk
• Around 15 million people in the UK have the jab, which must be given annually, as it is altered each year to match the seasonal flu strains in circulation.

Flu symptoms hit you suddenly and severely. They usually include fever, chills, headaches and aching muscles, and you can also get a cough and sore throat at the same time. It is very different from a common cold.Remember – the flu jab will also help protect the people around you – family, friends and loved ones, by reducing the spread of flu in the community. If you or any member of your family is concerned about flu and would like to take up the offer of a free flu jab, then please contact your GP practice. When you see your GP, also ask whether you need the ‘pneumo jab’ to protect against serious forms of pneumococcal infection. It’s available to everyone aged 65 or over and for younger people with certain serious medical conditions.

 Further information on flu jabs is available in the leaflets which you can download below:

NHS Flu leaflet [pdf] 1.04MB    Flu facts leaflet [pdf] 7.03MB

NHS Flu Pregnancy Leaflet [pdf] 932.48KB    Flu Safe pregnancy [pdf] 3.05MB

 

Coping with flu

If you have the symptoms of a cold or flu, try to rest, eat well, and drink plenty of fluids.

Going to your local pharmacy could save you time and avoid a trip to your doctor. You can get professional advice and treatments without an appointment. There are many medicines that you can buy over-the-counter which will ease your symptoms.

• Painkillers, such as paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin, can bring down your temperature and help with aches and pains if you have a cold. But remember that aspirin shouldn’t be given to children under 16 years of age
• If you have a stuffy nose, decongestants can help. They reduce the swelling inside your nose so you can breathe more easily. You could also inhale steam with a decongestant in it which will help clear a blocked nose

Contact your GP if

• You already have a heart or chest complaint, diabetes,or a serious medical condition
• The symptoms persist or get worse
• You have chest pains or become short of breath

 

 For more information

Take a look at the Northamptonshire Winter Guide for more information and contact numbers in your area.

 

Last updated: 08 May 2013

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