Prepare yourself for this winter and help support your friends and loved ones

Health and care organisations are asking people across Lancashire and South Cumbria to make a real difference in our community and support health and care services this winter by helping to look out for your friends, neighbours, loved ones and those who are most vulnerable and at risk from flu and Covid-19. Let’s do it for Lancashire and South Cumbria.

Dr Andy Knox, GP and Director of Population Health in Morecambe Bay, said:

“It is really important that we work together across our communities to support those who are most vulnerable this winter. We can all play an important role in this by looking out for our loved ones and neighbours. Let’s do it for our community.”

Dr Sakthi Karunanithi, Director of Public Health and Wellbeing for Lancashire, said:

“By supporting our neighbours and our families, we can help keep each other happier and healthier this winter. There are lots of simple steps you can take to make a positive change – have the courage and compassion for good health, long life, prosperity and peace. Remember there is help out there for you if you are struggling. We all have a personal responsibility to keep following the guidance on self-isolation and to think hands, face, space: we can protect our loved ones and those working in health and care to save lives of others.”

There are some simple actions you can take to stay well this winter:

A - Ask for help - If you're struggling with your mental or physical health, ask for help from your GP or mental health services.

B - Blood pressure - Keep your blood pressure low to protect you from heart attacks and strokes.

C – Covid - Wash your hands regularly, wear your face mask and keep two metres space. Follow the rules and if you've got symptoms, get a test and self-isolate.

D - Diet - Eat a healthy diet – low sugar, low carbs, low salt, low alcohol. Eat lots of vegetables, more protein and vitamin B.

E – Exercise - Try and get out for a 20-minute walk every day, or do some high intensity training at home or even some chair-based exercises.

F - Have a flu jab - If you're entitled to a flu jab on the NHS, get it done to help you stay healthy and well this winter.

Health and care organisations are working together with community organisations and groups to support those who are most vulnerable in our communities such as people with diabetes, respiratory conditions or those who are overweight.

If you, or your family members, have any of these conditions, there are services in place locally to help with staying well and to reduce the risk of becoming ill this winter.

Find out more on the Keep Well This Winter section of the website.