Winter ailments can be seriously bad for our health, especially for people aged 65 or over, and those with long-term conditions.

That’s why it’s especially important to look out for our elderly neighbours and relatives over the Christmas period – it only takes a few minutes to call around to make sure someone is okay.

By helping them to keep warm, picking up essentials like food and medicine to preventthem going out unnecessarily, or making sure they can safely get in and out of their home in icy conditions, you could really make a difference.

Even though the weather has been milder than expected so far this year, we still need to take extra care of neighbours, friends and relatives who are disabled or elderly.

It’s also equally important to look after ourselves as, aside from no one wanting to be ill during the festive season, people taking steps to Stay Well This Winter also takes pressure off the NHS during its busiest time of year.

Cold weather doesn’t have to go hand in hand with illness.

Here are some simple things you can do to help yourself stay well this winter.

Keep warm – this may help prevent colds, flu or more serious health conditions such as heart attacks, strokes and pneumonia.

Eat well – food gives you energy, which helps to keep you warm. So, try to have regular hot meals and drinks throughout the day.

Get a flu jab – flu vaccination is offered free of charge to everyone aged 65 and over, children aged six months to two years, and adults with long-term conditions as they are at risk of falling seriously ill if they catch flu..

However, the jab is also recommended for pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.

For more winter health advice, visit nhs.uk/livewell/winterhealth/pages/winterhealthhome.aspx.

To help you choose the right service at the right time, visit easterncheshireccg.nhs.uk and search for Choose Well and Think Pharmacy.