Keeping well this winter
Cold weather can make some health problems worse and even lead to serious complications. It also means diseases spread more easily as we spend more time indoors.
Keeping warm and well over the winter can help to prevent colds, Covid-19, flu and more serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and depression.
Cost of living support
We know this is a challenging time with increasing costs for everyone, but there is support available for people struggling over the festive period.
Tips for keeping well
Stay warm
- Heat your home to a temperature that’s comfortable for you. If you can, this should be at least 18°C in the rooms that you regularly use, such as your living room and bedroom.
- Wearing several layers of clothing will keep you warmer than one thicker layer.
- If you are struggling to heat your home, you can visit a number of warm spaces in Kingston.
Check your medicine cabinet
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Make sure you have enough prescription medications. Stock up early as your GP or pharmacy may closed over the bank holidays. The best place to find an open or late night pharmacy is through the NHS website: Find a Pharmacy
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Make sure the medicine you do have is still in date.
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Stock up on essential over-the-counter medications for common winter illnesses like coughs, colds, sore throats and general aches and pains. Ask your pharmacist for advice.
Stay healthy
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Try to reduce the amount of time you spend sitting down during the day and keep active. It doesn’t matter what you do, as long as it’s something you enjoy and keeps you moving.
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Eating a healthy balanced diet can help you to feel your best and keep your energy levels up.
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Wear shoes with good grip when you go outside to avoid slips and falls on slippery or icy surfaces.
Stay connected
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Keep in touch with your family, friends and neighbours.
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Speak to someone if you are feeling under the weather, and don't be afraid to ask if you or they need any help.
Winter Vaccinations
Getting the flu and Covid-19 vaccines ahead of winter are two of the most important things you can do to keep yourself and those around you safe.
Find Covid-19 and flu walk-in vaccination clinics across South West London: Get Vaccinated
Find out more about flu vaccine eligibility: Winter vaccinations and winter health
Hospital and Community Services
Your Healthcare
Your Healthcare are a social enterprise that delivers NHS community services in Kingston Upon Thames and learning disability and autism services across Kingston and Richmond Upon Thames.
Visit the Your Healthcare website to learn more about the services they offer.
Royal Borough of Kingston
Find out how to look after your and your family's health, and get support with children’s health, information about mental health, dementia, sexual health, drug and alcohol problems, weight loss and stopping smoking.
Visit the Kingston council website to learn more.
Achieving for Children
The mission of Achieving for Children is to provide children and their families with the support and services they need to live happy, healthy and successful lives.
Visit the Achieving for Children website to learn about the services available in Kingston.
Connected Kingston
Connected Kingston is a site dedicated to helping Kingston residents find local activities and navigate local services.
Visit Connected Kingston to find services, organisations and activities that can support you.
Where to turn for mental health support this winter
From NHS Talking Therapies to a local Mental Health Crisis Line, support is available both for those in crisis and to help people look after their mental health and wellbeing in the community.
