NHS England is urging people with heart conditions to take extra care this winter.
Experts say cold weather can lead to serious health conditions and even kill, especially for those with a chronic heart condition, such as heart failure or congenital heart disease.
Dr Kiran Patel, medical director, NHS England (West Midlands), who is working on the future of health care services in north Worcestershire, said: “Cold weather can be bad for your health, but there are some easy things you can do to stay healthy if you have a heart condition. The most important thing is to make sure you have your free the flu jab to help protect you against flu.
“It is also important to heat your home to at least 18°C (65°F) and keep windows closed on a winter’s night.
“Keep a supply of cold and flu remedies in the house so you don’t need to go out if the weather is bad. If you start to feel ill, get help from your pharmacy straight away before symptoms gets worse. This will help you recover much quicker.
“If you’re prescribed antibiotics, make sure you finish the course even if you feel better, unless a healthcare professional tells you otherwise. If you stop taking an antibiotic part way through a course, the bacteria can become resistant to the antibiotic.”
Other things to stay healthy this winter:
· Sleep well – It is important to try and get a good night’s sleep for health and well-being. Seven to nine hours is recommended.
· Drink more milk – People are 80 per cent more likely to get a cold in winter, so make sure the immune system is in tip-top condition. Milk and dairy products such as cheese, yoghurt and fromage frais are great sources of protein and vitamins A and B12.
· Eat more fruit and veg – When it’s cold and dark outside, it can be tempting to fill up on unhealthy comfort food, but it’s important to ensure you still have a healthy diet and include five portions of fruit and veg a day. Explore varieties of fruit and veg that you may not normally eat.
· Exercise – Don’t use the cold winter months as an excuse to stay in and lounge around. Regular exercise helps control your weight, boost your immune system and strengthen your heart. If you do have a heart condition ensure that you consult your doctor first.
· Have a hearty breakfast – Winter is the perfect season for porridge. Eating a warm bowlful on a cold morning isn’t just a delicious way to start your day but also helps boost your intake of starchy foods and fibre. Try it with a few dried apricots, some raisins, a sliced banana or other fruit for extra flavour and to help you hit your five a day.
If you feel you need further advice, NHS111 can help you get the right treatment. Just call 111 and you will be put through to the NHS. NHS111 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
For more information about staying well this winter, visit www.nhs.uk/staywell
