Rik, Park Care Meals, Founder and Owner, has the following suggestions to staying safe and healthy this winter.
1) Keeping Warm
This includes both you and your home. If you keep yourself warm this can help reduce your risk of health problems that are more common in the Autumn and Winter months, such as colds, flu, and chest infections.
Warm House – It is recommended to heat your house to at least 18C. During the day you may find it more comfortable to keep your living room warmer. There are several different benefits and schemes available to help with the cost of heating your home in the winter, for example the Winter Fuel Payment. Your local Age UK will be able to help you find out if you can benefit from any of the financial support available.
Keep yourself warm – Wearing several thin layers is an ideal way to keep warm. Also if you are sitting you may benefit from a shawl, blanket or hot water bottle.
2) Eat Well
Hot meals and drinks help keep you warm. Aim to have at least one hot meal a day. Eat a healthy, balanced diet – which includes a variety of foods from each of the main food groups. Providing a healthy, well balanced meal is at the heart of Park Care Meals. All of our meals are nutritionally well balanced and are in line with the recommended government guidelines. All are free from added salt and preservatives. We offer a wide variety of meals with over 40 different options.
3) Staying fit and healthy
It is useful to keep simple cold, flu and sore throat remedies in the house. Also the flu and pneumococcal (protects against pneumonia, meningitis and septicaemia) vaccinations are available. Contact your local GP to discuss these.
4) Regular Contact
Having someone visit you on a daily basis helps to ensure you stay safe and well.
5) Stay Active
If possible try to keep moving regularly. This helps your general wellbeing but also helps generate heat and keep you warm. This can simply be getting up and walking around the house, or making a hot drink.