Beat the winter health worries with these tips
With the cold weather and dark nights setting in, All About Health pharmacist Ajit Malhi offers some top tips on staying healthy this winter.
Beating the flu
Having a flu vaccination may be the difference between enjoying the festive season and spending it tucked up in bed. If you don’t have time to suffer this winter then a flu vaccination is the most effective way of preventing its onset.
The flu virus tends to change each year so even if you had the vaccine last year, be aware that it won’t protect you again this winter.
It can take up to 14 days for your body to react to the vaccine and start fighting off viruses so it’s important to get your jab sooner rather than later.
The vaccination stimulates the first wave of the body’s natural defences and creates antibodies that will help defend your body from the strain of flu virus.
Visit www.allabouthealth.org.uk and locate your nearest pharmacy offering the flu vaccination service.
Winter bulge
Obesity increases your risk of developing cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers, so if you find yourself piling on the pounds it’s time to take action.
We tend to eat more sugary foods during winter but cutting down on processed foods and treats may have a positive impact not just on your waistline but also your immune system.
Taking care of your gut also helps to protect your immune system so eat immune-boosting foods like cauliflower and berries to stave off those winter colds. If your digestive system is in need of a boost then ask your pharmacist to recommend a probiotic to help.
All About Health pharmacies offer tailor-made programmes which include regular weigh-ins and body mass index calculations with on-going advice on diet and exercise.
A healthy New Year
If you’ve decided that 2013 is the year to improve your well being get healthy then getting a Health MOT at your local pharmacy is a good starting point.
A poll by All About Health revealed that nearly 60 per cent of people have failed to keep their New Year’s resolutions in the past but your local pharmacist can help you stick to yours.
The first step is finding out how healthy you are and this isn't complicated. The pharmacist will carry out simple checks such as monitoring your weight and getting your blood pressure and cholesterol measured.
All you have to do is walk in off the street without the need for an appointment.
The Health MOT results will help you understand the shape you’re in so you can realistically aim to stick to your New Year’s resolutions with a support from your local pharmacist throughout the year.
Advice at a click
For those not wanting to venture out into the cold this winter, the www.allabouthealth.org.uk website offers extensive advice and online tools to help people with busy lifestyles manage their own health.
An Ask Your Dr service is also available for access to prescription medication from a UK based doctor team for anything from winter travel health to smoking cessation, sexual health and weight management.
Tagged in Health