Your NHS
Cold weather can be seriously bad for our health. Make sure you seek advice quickly to keep well this winter. Useful information and advice is available on staying well over winter through the NHS. You can contact your local pharmacy for minor ailments, see your doctor, go to NHS 111 Online or call 111. It's really important that you seek help with medical conditions as soon as you notice an issue. Please don't delay. If it's an emergency call 999.
Vaccinations
Flu and Covid-19 can be serious. If you can have a free vaccine, it's because you need it. You are more at risk if you have a long-term condition, are older, or are pregnant. Visit www.nhs.uk and search 'flu vaccine' to find out if you should have it and what to do.
Avoid falls in winter
It's easy to slip and fall during the cold, icy and snowy winter months. A fall can often lead to a hospital visit. Dudley Falls Prevention encourages you to take care in the winter months, particularly if you are older, as you may struggle to recover from a fall. If you do fall or are worried about your balance and mobility we offer advice and support. Telephone 0300 555 0055 and select option 3, or email fallsspa@dudley.gov.uk
Doing regular strength and balance exercises can help you avoid falls. For ideas on easy exercise routines, look at the Healthy Dudley Let's Get Moving campaign.
Long-Term Health & Wellbeing Programme
The Long-Term Health & Wellbeing Programme offers free courses for adults who live or work in the Dudley borough and are living with a long-term health condition, such as arthritis, heart conditions, depression or anxiety. There are also specialist courses for adults who:
- Have caring responsibilities
- Are living with diabetes
- Have cancer or are on a cancer journey
These courses can help you feel more confident in managing your health and wellbeing by providing practical ways to look after yourself.
Group courses run for two and a half hours each week for six weeks and can be in person or online.
To find out more call Referral Support on 01902 932170 or Email: Referral.Support@dudleycabx.org.
Mental health
Changes to our lives, such as loneliness and worries about health and finances, can have a big impact on our mental wellbeing.
The Road to wellbeing resource can help you mange the stress of everyday life. It covers the signs and symptoms of stress, the effects of stress, the sources of your stress and alternative ways of dealing with it.
If you are registered with a Dudley borough GP and are suffering from anxiety or depression, you can get help from Dudley Talking Therapy Service.
If you find yourself in a mental health crisis, it can be difficult to know what to do.
NHS 111 is here to help with the introduction of a mental health option for urgent mental health support. This will be option two.
To access the service call 111 and selection option two.
Please note that if you would prefer to text this service, you can contact 07860 025 281
