Winter is coming and Hato Hone St John is encouraging Kiwis to focus on prioritising winter wellness to avoid becoming seriously ill during colder months.

Hato Hone St John deputy chief executive clinical services Dr Damian Tomic says everyone can do their bit to stay on top of their physical and mental wellbeing to keep themselves and their whānau well throughout the year.

'Help us to help you and your whānau this winter by doing all you can to remain healthy throughout the year, says Damian.

'Preventing serious illness this winter can start by getting your flu vaccination and Covid-19 boosters on time, keeping on top of other medications, eating healthy, exercising and getting enough sleep.”

Healthy habits

Dr Tomic says practising the healthy habits we learnt during the pandemic, like staying home and taking a Covid-19 test if you do become unwell, regular handwashing, sneezing and coughing into your elbow and social distancing will also go a long way towards staying well and protecting those around you.

'It's also a good idea to wear a face mask when using public transport, when in indoor settings such as shops and supermarkets or when it is hard to physically distance from other people.

'These practical and simple steps play a big part in limiting the spread of infection.”

Damian says taking charge of keeping well will also help ease pressure on the wider health system.

'Hospitals, GPs, the ambulance sector and other community health providers continue to face ongoing prolonged increased demand for services, which are only expected to increase as the cold and flu season takes hold.

'Our incredible health workforce is under pressure and limiting the spread of infection will make a real difference in making sure that the health system can provide the right care, in the right place, to those that need it this winter.”

Have a plan

Damian says Hato Hone St John has initiatives in place to reduce pressure on the ambulance and wider health system and is working collaboratively with Te Whatu Ora to raise public awareness of the range of medical care options for common winter illnesses.

'While we're taking steps to help the communities who need us this winter, it's also important for whānau to have a plan in place for when there is sickness in the household.

"Thinking about things like do you have people you can rely upon for support. Creating a winter wellness kete can help get you through.

'This might include paracetamol and ibuprofen, a thermometer, tissues, cold and flu medications, enough food and household items for a few days, and a good stock of the regular medicines you or your whānau will need.”

Damian says should you or your whānau become unwell, most people should be able to manage at home by resting, keeping up their fluids and taking paracetamol or ibuprofen.

Warm home

Keeping your home warm and dry is also important for staying well. The Healthy Homes webpage has good tips and information about insulation funding through the Warmer Kiwi Homes programme.

'And don't forget that winter can also affect our moods and for some it can become quite debilitating – this is known as Seasonal Affective Disorder.

'For people affected by recent weather events this year, your moods are probably already low, so make sure you seek help early if it's getting all a bit too much.”

Get help online at: www.depression.org.nz or: www.SPARX.org.nz

If you need health advice, call Healthline for free 24/7 on 0800-611-116 to speak with a registered nurse or call your general practice. If you're struggling to breathe or it's an emergency call 111.