Stay Healthy This Spring

If you’re worried about your health, don’t delay, your NHS wants to see you – help us help you get the care you need this spring and enjoy the warmer weather.

Colder weather conditions can be bad for our health, especially for people 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. Being cold can raise the risk of increased blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes.

The cold and damp weather, and high winds can all aggravate any existing health problems, increase the risk of a fall, and make us more vulnerable to respiratory illnesses. But there are lots of things you can do to stay well this spring.

Use digital resources for safe and trusted advice

If you are feeling under the weather, the NHS 111 symptom checker or the Health A-Z may be able to quickly provide the advice you need. They are free to use and designed by the experts at NHS Wales. These tools offer quick information on various symptoms, provide advice on what to do next, and give details of nearby health and care services.

Stay strong with seasonal vaccines

This spring, the NHS is once again offering the COVID-19 vaccine to those that are at highest risk of getting seriously unwell if they catch the virus. If you are aged 75 or over or if you or your child have a weakened immune system, then you can now top up your protection and book your vaccine. See here for more information about COVID-19 vaccinations.

You may be invited to get your free seasonal vaccines by the NHS through the NHS Wales App, text, email or letter. Don’t worry if you do not receive this – you do not have to wait for it before booking an appointment. If you are eligible, once these winter vaccines are available to you, go ahead and book.

Also, don’t forget that if you’re aged 65 or over, or have certain health conditions, you may be eligible for the pneumococcal vaccine and/ or the shingles vaccine, which will help protect you from pneumococcal diseases (pneumonia) and the shingles disease. Getting your vaccinations up to date is one of the most important things you can do to keep yourself and others around you safe.

Update your medicine cabinet

Spring cleaning? Don't forget your medicine cabinet. Make sure to check the dates of your medication, including any over the counter remedies that you may have (such as cold relief tablets, reflux medications etc.) and take old outdated and unused medications to your local Pharmacy for safe disposal.

Check in advance that you have enough of your prescribed medicine to cover the Easter weekend and any other spring public holidays. Your GP practice and pharmacy will need to time to process your request, at least 7 working days.

Ask your pharmacist what common medicines should be in your cabinet to help you and your family this spring.

As the pollen season starts to kick in, make sure your are well stocked up on Hayfever relief remedies, such as eye drops, nasal sprays, and antihistamine tablets (Cetirizine, Loratidine). Your pharmacist can help if you need any advice, and may even be able to offer free treatment under the Common Ailments Scheme.

For more information visit our medicine cabinet.

Be mindful of the daily change in weather

The weather can change dramatically from one day to the next during spring. Age UK and UKHSA suggest heating your home to a temperature that is comfortable for you. This should be at least 18°C in the rooms that you regularly use such as your living room and bedroom. Low indoor temperatures can have a serious impact on your health, especially if you have medical conditions or are older.

With the rising cost of living, simple changes can help to keep you and your home warm now.

Try to reduce draughts – you can fit draught excluders around doors cheaply.
Keep your bedroom windows closed at night.
Wear several layers of thinner clothing – this will keep you warmer than one thicker layer.
Ensure you are eating enough and having hot drinks.

If the sun does happen to make an appearance during spring, remember that it is still possible to burn at this time of year. Remember to stay safe in the sun and take the following precautions to reduce the amount of UV radiation damage from the sun:

keep covered up in the sun, especially when is at its hottest (11am to 3pm) - long-sleeved shirts, hats and sunglasses work best
get into shade when the sun is at it’s hottest (11am to 3pm)
ensure you have adequate fresh supplies of suncreen for all the family, and re-apply regularly!
always re-apply sunscreen after being in water

Keep active and get moving

There’s strong evidence that people who are inactive have an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, depression and dementia.

Regular exercise can help improve your physical and mental health, reduce the risk of falling and can be beneficial for recovery if you do get ill.

UKHSA advises to reduce the amount of time you spend sitting down during the day. There are many activities you could do at home to keep active. For tips and ideas on keeping active go to www.nhs.uk/keepactive or have a look at www.ageuk.org.uk/active.

Look after your mental wellbeing

We all feel down from time to time, no matter our age. If you’re feeling low, anxious or stressed, there are ways you can help look after your mental health.

Speak to your GP practice about NHS Talking Therapies if you are anxious, depressed or struggling to cope. Your GP team is there to help you – physically and mentally – and can refer you to the right service. Visit our page here for more information on mental health support organisations.

If you live with serious mental illness, you are entitled to a free NHS annual health check – talk to your GP, key worker or mental health service to book it. If you or a loved one are experiencing a mental health crisis, you can call your local NHS mental health helpline on 111 option 2 for 24-hour advice and support.

The Silver Line, Age Cymru and Re-Engage also offer a number of befriending and advice services. Remember it’s good to talk!