Keeping fit during the winter months
Following the recent changes in weather, it is not only shorter days that winter brings with it. Winter provides a major challenge to the healthcare system as hospital admissions rise through common respiratory infections including flu, RSV and COVID-19. However, with a few proactive lifestyle decisions and steps patients are able to greatly reduce their risks of becoming seriously unwell. At Hopwoods Pharmacy, we care about the health of our community and encourage residents of Llanedeyrn to take control of their health by following some of the following advice.Follow these tips
1 Get your flu vaccination We provide NHS and private flu vaccinations at Hopwoods Pharmacy. Getting your vaccination is one of the most effective ways of protecting yourself and your family from the influenza (flu) virus. For some patients, particularly those with long-term chronic health conditions and elderly, the flu virus can lead to serious ill health and complications. The role of vaccination is to help your immune system build up defences against the virus in case it encounters it later. The best time to get your flu vaccination is between October and November. As your friendly, neighbourhood pharmacy in Cardiff you can book to see our pharmacist who will gladly provide you the vaccine in a professional, safe environment.2. Don't miss out on vitamin D During the winter and because we live in a Northern Hemisphere country, we all lack the necessary sun exposure to meet our vitamin D demands. For those patients who avoid the unpleasant winter weather and lack vitamin D in their diet, they can quickly become deficient in vitamin D. A fat-soluble vitamin, vitamin D is one of the most important vitamins for overall health and wellbeing with crucial roles in maintaining a strong skeletal system, healthy immune system and even our moods. A daily vitamin D supplement (1,000u) daily can help to maintain vitamin D levels and help you combat the winter storms. Our trained team at Hopwoods Pharmacy can advise you more on the right supplements for you.
3. Prioritise personal hygiene Bacteria and viruses spread particularly easily during the winter months as we spend more time indoors in close contact to other individuals. But there are simple measures you can take to reduce the transfer or germs: i) Wash your hands more frequently ii) Avoid touching your face iii) Cover your coughs and sneezes (catch it, bin it, kill it) iv) Avoid sharing cups and drinks with others v) Have a window open to improve circulation in the room
4. Maintain a healthy lifestyle A strong immune system is your best defence and will allow you to deal with common winter respiratory illnesses more quickly and efficiently. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and healthy fats is essential to ensure you hit all your dietary requirements. Regular exercise and adequate (7-8h) sleep is just as important. These habits not only help keep your immune system firing but will improve your overall health and wellbeing.