NHS - Winter health

Your good winter health

Keeping warm, well and safe over the winter can help prevent unnecessary trips to the doctor and avoid hospital admissions for older and more vulnerable people. There are some simple things that you can do to look after yourself both in the lead up to winter and over those cold winter months.

Watch our short film about keeping warm, well and safe this winter.

Be prepared

At this time of year, you should be thinking about what you can do to prepare yourself and your home for winter.

Get your home warm

There are certain grants available for you to get double glazing, energy efficient boilers, wall and loft insulation. Depending on individual circumstances you can either have the total cost covered or to receive a good subsidy. There is a simple way to find out if you are eligible for the grants by contacting the Dorset Energy Advice Centre who can assess you on the telephone and provide information there and then – no forms, no delay no fuss. Contact www.deac.co.uk or call on 0800 975 0166 to check for latest grant availability.

Get your repairs done

Check your home and get those repairs done while the weather is still fine. Check your drains and gutters, draught-proof your doors and windows and get your boiler checked. Make sure you use reputable and professional people, and use a service that has been checked by your local authority or an organisation such as Age UK.

Get the flu jab

Getting the flu if you have an existing chronic health condition, are elderly or identified as a key ‘at risk’ group is essential to maintain your good winter health. It is important to have the jab each year as the flu virus changes from year to year. Attend the flu clinic at your GP surgery or contact them if you are not sure about your own circumstances. For more information open the seasonal flu leaflet under the downloads menu.

Get active

Before the cold weather sets in start to get more active to build up your energy and fitness levels. This can be in the home, in the garden or out and about in the local area. Try to do at least 30 minutes physical activity every day. This need not be strenuous, but should increase your heart rate. Walking is fine, as are housework, dancing, gardening and cycling. It is best to keep your body moving rather than sit for long periods.

Eat well

Eating well is an important part of maintaining good health, and can help you feel your best. It can be simple too. The two keys to a healthy diet are:

Eat the right number of calories for how active you are, so that you balance the energy you consume with the energy you use. If you eat too much, you’ll put on weight. If you eat too little you’ll lose weight. The average man needs around 2,500 calories a day. The average woman needs 2,000 calories.
Eat a wide range of foods to ensure that you’re getting a balanced diet and that your body is receiving all the nutrients it needs.

The local NHS works closely with it's partners to ensure people are able to get the most up to date information on winter weather and health. For more information please visit

Your health