Staying Healthy

Corona Virus or COVID 19  advice – The rules keep changing as the virus changes how we can live our lives. Soon we hope to have a vaccine that can open up our freedoms to a more normal way of life. Until such a time please use the links below to access reliable and up date advice.

www.ageuk.org.uk/globalassets/age-scotland/documents/ia—factsheets/health-and-wellbeing/hwb-9-coronavirus—a-short-guide-aug-2020.pdf

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/scotland/information-advice/health-and-wellbeing/coronavirus/social-distancing-shielding-and-self-isolation/

COVID 19 Vaccine – is vital to getting our community back to some sense of normality. if you are offered an appointment please take the advice from your GP and attend your sessions.

Flu vaccination- As winter approaches, we face the risk of the flu virus striking. To ensure you are prepared, contact your local GP surgery and book a flu vaccination. While this won’t prevent an outbreak of flu, it will limit the transmission and the effects if you are affected.

Staying active – It is vitally important that you keep active both physically and mentally. Moving around is good for circulation and chemical reactions that affect our mood, so even if you are not able to get out to walk or enjoy the garden, take a look at the video below and try to engage in some activity based on being seated.

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/scotland/information-advice/health-and-wellbeing/coronavirus/your-wellbeing/

Staying well – There are many ways in which we need to stay well. Some of the links below will help should you need advice.

Mental Health  – https://www.ageuk.org.uk/globalassets/age-scotland/documents/ia—factsheets/health-and-wellbeing/hwb-4-mental-health—keeping-well-and-who-can-help-aug-2020.pdf

Eating well  – https://www.ageuk.org.uk/globalassets/age-scotland/documents/ia—factsheets/health-and-wellbeing/hwb-1-eat-well-bda-aug-2020.pdf

Sleeping well – https://www.alzscot.org/information-during-coronavirus

Dementia Support – www.alzscot.org

www.alzscot.org/sites/default/files/2019-07/Helpline_Leaflet_Revised_12.17.pdf

Support for women experiencing abuse www.womensaid.scot

www.home-start.org.uk/home-start-east-highland-inverness-office

Supporting young families – www.home-start.org.uk/home-start-east-highland-inverness-office

Stay warm in colder weather –

Keep warm – It is important to keep warm in winter – both inside and outdoors. Keeping warm over the winter months can help to prevent colds, flu and more serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and depression.

Heat your home to at least 18°C (65°F) – You might prefer your main living room to be slightly warmer.

Keep your bedroom window closed on winter nights – Breathing cold air can be bad for your health as it increases the risk of chest infections.

Keep active when you’re indoors – Try not to sit still for more than an hour or so.

Wear several layers of light clothes – Several layers trap warm air better than one bulky layer.

Make sure you’re receiving all the help that you’re entitled to – Learn how to make your home more energy efficient, improve your heating and keep up with your energy bills at

gov.uk/phe/keep-warm

And check your heating and cooking appliances are safe – Contact a Gas Safe registered engineer to make sure they’re operating properly. Visit gassaferegister.co.uk

Prepare for severe weather conditions –

• Stock up on store cupboard basics such as soup, tinned fish and long-life milk in case you can’t get out of your home for a few days. – BUT DON’T PANIC BUY
• Nominate a friend or neighbour who can collect essentials such as prescriptions on your behalf.
• Keep a list of useful and emergency contacts by your phone.
• Know where your stopcock and gas meter are located.
• Make sure your pipes are adequately lagged and your roof properly insulated.
• Keep torches, a battery-powered radio and spare batteries where they’re easy to find in the dark in case of power cuts.