Winter Wellness
We want to help you stay warm and healthy during the chilly months. Whether you’re indoors or out and about, taking care of your well-being is crucial.
Ways to Keep Your Home Warm
You should heat your home to a temperature that is comfortable for you. Otherwise, it can have a serious impact on your health. This is especially if you have medical conditions or are older.
Simple changes can help to keep you and your home warm. These include:
try to heat rooms you spend a lot of time in, such as the living room or bedroom, to at least 18°C
try to reduce draughts; you can fit draft excluders around doors
keep your bedroom windows closed at night
wear several layers of thinner clothing. This could keep you warmer than one thicker layer
Protect Yourself Against Flu
Winter often brings an increase in flu cases. Alongside staying warm, consider getting the flu vaccine. The vaccine protects you from the flu. If you do catch the flu after vaccination, it’s likely to be milder and shorter. Don’t miss your chance for a free flu jab, particularly if you’re eligible.
For more information about the flu vaccine, and to find out about our pop-up clinics, visit our vaccine page.
Check in on your vulnerable relatives and neighbours
Remember that other people may need some extra help over the winter. There’s a lot you can do to help people who need support. Icy pavements and roads can be very slippery, and cold weather can stop people from going out.
Keep in touch with your friends, neighbours and family. Ask if they need any practical help, or if they’re feeling unwell.
make sure they’re stocked up with enough food supplies for a few days, in case they cannot go out.
if they do need to go out in the cold, encourage them to wear shoes with a good grip and a scarf around the mouth.
make sure they get any prescriptions before the holidays or if bad weather is forecast
if they need help over the holidays when the GPs and pharmacies are closed, or they’re not sure what to do, go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111.
Need extra support?
Help from Adult Social Care
For those needing support to live independently, Sandwell Council’s adult social care services offer advice and assistance.