Wigan people are given tips on how to manage long-term health conditions in winter
Some expert advice to those with health issues which are in danger of worsening during the winter months
With the cold weather approaching, NHS Greater Manchester is urging Wigan people who have a long-term condition to make sure they take some extra steps to look after their health during the winter season.
It can be challenging to stay well during the winter, especially for people with long-term conditions.
The damp and cold weather can lead to a flare up of certain conditions such as asthma attacks, arthritis pain, higher/increased blood pressure for people with heart conditions, make breathing harder for people with lung conditions like COPD, and increase the risk of strokes, heart attacks and flu.
In the UK, hospital admissions for asthma increase by 130 per cent during the winter months compared with the summer and a study by the British Heart Foundation funded scientists found that heart attacks and strokes for people aged over 60 were more than twice as likely to happen during cold spells lasting at least four days.
Case Study
Emily, a 33-year-old mother of two from Greater Manchester, had been experiencing worsening asthma symptoms over four to six weeks.
Due to caring for her children and running a busy household, she had missed her regular asthma reviews and had been struggling with increasing breathlessness.
The colder weather only made the symptoms worse, and she found herself relying on her reliever inhaler more frequently just to get through the day.
When Emily finally booked an appointment with her GP, the healthcare team reviewed her asthma management plan.
They found that although she had been using her inhalers, a few simple adjustments to her technique could help her get more benefit from them.
During the consultation, Emily was shown how to use her inhalers correctly, and her treatment plan was simplified by switching to a single combination ‘green’ inhaler.
This reduced the number of medications she needed – making it easier for her to stay on top of her symptoms.
The team also introduced Emily to the NHS app and demonstrated how she could use it to order her repeat prescriptions quickly and conveniently.
This gave her peace of mind knowing she could manage her medication more efficiently without needing to visit the practice in person.
At the appointment, Emily was also encouraged to book her flu and Covid-19 vaccinations to protect herself and her family from serious respiratory illnesses during the winter.
With these changes in place, her symptoms significantly improved within weeks. Emily found herself breathing more easily and regained the energy to enjoy activities with her children, like playing in the park and walking them to school.
Tips To Stay Well
It’s because of cases like Emily’s that NHS Greater Manchester is encouraging anyone who does have a long-term condition to take the following extra small but highly effective actions to help them stay well during the cold winter months:
- Say ‘Yes’ To Vaccinations
During the winter it is vital that those with ongoing health conditions keep up to date with their vaccines, including flu, shingles, measles, RSV and others where eligible. They help make us less likely to be seriously ill from symptoms of these infectious diseases.
If you’re not sure whether you are fully up to date, check with your GP practice or on the NHS app which is available to download at anytime.
- Book Your Annual Check Up
Regular check-ups are especially important during winter, when symptoms can become worse.
Attend your appointments and let your health and care team know about any changes in your condition. Annual health checks help identify any changes early and ensure your treatment is still right for you.
To book a health check, contact your GP practice or use the NHS App.
If you have more than one long-term condition, you may need separate health checks for each one.
- Learn To Love Fruit And Veg
Eating well can help support your immune system.
If accessing healthy food is difficult, you don't have to manage alone. Food banks across Greater Manchester can provide support. Find out more here: Food Banks Near Me - Manchester | foodbanks.co.uk
- Keep Moving
Being active doesn’t have to mean intense exercise.
A short walk or light chores can help boost your energy, lift your mood and support your wellbeing.
- Keep Warm
Having a warm home, at least 18°C, will help reduce the risks of heart attacks and strokes.
For advice on being more energy efficient or to find out if you can get any heating and housing grants visit the government’s website or call the government helpline on 0800 444 202.
- Get Help With Breathing Difficulties
Cold weather can be particularly challenging if you have a lung condition such as COPD.
Pulmonary rehabilitation sessions, available at locations across Greater Manchester, can help you feel more in control of your symptoms, improve your breathing and build confidence in day-to-day activities.
Whether it's enjoying a walk, spending time with family or getting back to the things you love, these sessions can make a real difference to your quality of life.
Find locations here: https://www.pulmonaryrehabgm.co.uk/where-to-go/.
Even if you haven’t been diagnosed with a lung condition and you’re having trouble breathing, speak with your GP as soon as possible. Early intervention can prevent symptoms from worsening.
- Take Your Medication
Take your medication and follow your treatment plan as advised as this will help keep your condition well managed. If you have any questions or concerns, your GP practice is there to help.