In Self-Care Week (13-19 November), Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust is sharing tips and advice to improve overall physical and mental health, and a sense of wellbeing this winter for the local community.

People are being encouraged to manage minor ailments at home and choose healthy options such as eating well and keeping active.

District nurse Anne Hartley is a community team leader with the Hillside Bridge District Nursing team, which works across Bradford Moor, Bowling and Barkerend, Bolton and Undercliffe and said: “Simple things like wrapping up warm when you go out and keeping the house warm can help to stave off minor illnesses and eating well and keeping active are just as important for your mental health as your physical wellbeing during cold weather and long winter nights.”

The Care Trust website has a whole range of helpful self-care information on the Supporting You pages, from mood boosting tips and mental wellbeing advice, to information about flu and keeping little ones well.

For older people who may be indoors more than usual this winter, the Falls Prevention team has put together an easy home-based strength and balance exercise programme. Falls are one of the biggest causes of accidents in the home and one of the main reasons for emergency hospital admission for the over ‘65s. One in 20 older people who fall fracture a bone, yet many falls can be prevented.

Anne Hartley said: “Flu can be horrible, causing symptoms like fever, chills, aching muscles, headache, stuffy nose, dry cough and sore throat. And for children or adults with diabetes or asthma, it can potentially bring serious complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Check with your GP if you’re eligible for the free vaccine and please return your child’s consent form to school so they can be vaccinated.”

Minor illnesses like colds, sore throats, diarrhoea or vomiting which are common in the winter months should clear up within a few days to a week and can be treated at home with over-the-counter medicines. It’s helpful to stock up now with your usual choice of pain management products, rehydration salts, bandages, plasters, thermometer, antiseptic cream/wipes etc.

The over ‘65s as well as people with long-term conditions are advised to be especially alert to the first signs of illness and treat it early. Your local pharmacist can provide expert, confidential advice and treatment for minor illnesses. NHS 111 can help if you have an urgent medical problem and you’re not sure what to do. Only call 999 if you have a life-threatening emergency.

Bradford District and Craven Talking Therapies, for support with your mental wellbeing offers a range of options to suit individual needs, including phone advice or one-to-one courses at a range of locations available across the district. The website also offers a range of free guides and tools to help people better manage life’s ups and downs. The service is open to anyone over the age of 16 who is registered with a GP in Bradford, Wharfedale, Airedale or Craven. People don’t have to go through their GP to access support. People accessing support can register online at: www.bdctalkingtherapies.nhs.uk
For information on all mental health and wellbeing support services in Bradford and Craven and self-help resources and apps, visit www.healthyminds.services.