A new campaign is asking people (specifically the Brits, but good advice for everyone) to look after themselves this winter, in an effort to reduce the pressure on emergency departments.

As temperatures are forecast to plummet this month thanks to the arrival of Arctic winds, health experts have issued a plea to the public, which suggests wrapping up and consuming hot meals and drinks to stay warm.

"Food is a vital source of energy, which keeps your body warm," the Stay Well This Winter campaign says. "Try to make sure that you have hot meals and drinks regularly throughout the day and keep active in the home if you can."

The campaign advises those aged 65 or over to heat their homes to at least 65 degrees F (18C) and recommends that those who are eligible for their flu vaccination get one as soon as possible. It also urges the public to visit a pharmacist at the first signs of a cough or cold.

The warnings come after concerns that the "big chill" could overload hospitals which are already full. Professor Keith Willett, NHS England medical director for acute care, has asked the public to try and lessen the burden on emergency departments by taking "preventative steps."

"It is vital that the most vulnerable people take preventative steps to keep healthy and stay well," he said. "We have a high number of A&E attendances over this time that are due to issues which could have been avoided had people sought advice at the first sign of illness."

According to the Met Office, we should be prepared for a few icy spells in the coming weeks. Speaking about its three-month weather outlook, Adam Scaife told The Telegraph, "It all points to a higher risk of cold snaps between now and Christmas in contrast to the mild winters we've had recently."

Winter is coming and there's no better excuse to put the kettle on.

From Good Housekeeping UK.

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From: Country Living US