By Jennifer Green
The trees that line the Eastern Primary are turning a glorious shade of amber, the air is crisp, it will soon be time for this year’s Donnington Bonfire and the great central heating debate begins again. Love it or hate it, colder weather and everything that goes with it is on the way. So we thought we’d share some of our best advice to prepare for Autumn:
Clare, Public Health Commissioner:
“Keep cosy! I find my hands get stiff when it’s chilly. Fingerless gloves are brilliant as you can wear them all the time and still do stuff like typing, driving, shopping. Get several pairs if you can, so you can wash them frequently. Also cosy socks and slippers, keeping your ankles warm helps keep your feet from getting cold.”
Ann-Marie, Public Health Nurse:
“Get your blood pressure checked! More than 1 in 4 adults in the UK have high blood pressure and most people don’t know it.
There are rarely any symptoms and the first time many people realise their blood pressure is high is when they have a stroke or a heart attack. The only way to know your blood pressure is to get it checked.
Find your nearest place to get your blood pressure checked to get measured or find out more about high blood pressure.”
Tom, Marketing & Communications Officer:
“There’s no better time for a walk in the British countryside than the autumn. With trees painted in bright reds, oranges, and yellows, autumn walks are perfect for clearing your head and taking the time to notice how the world around you looks. It’s also just warm enough for you to enjoy the crisp coolness of a morning walk without it being too cold.”
Vicki, Public Health Commissioner:
“Here’s a little known fact – September, October and November are year-upon-year our busiest birth months!
So if you’re a new mum check if you’re eligible for Healthy Start to ensure you’re able to buy health food and milk for baby and you.”
Alix, Work Experience Student:
“Having just returned to college and started part-time work, I’m really making an effort to make time for self-care. It’s important to relax and look after yourself, so I’m consciously making an effort to get enough sleep, listen to music, take deep relaxing baths and walk my dog.”
Stacey, Public Health Commissioner:
“I would advise anyone who is thinking about stopping smoking to join in with Stoptober – it’s a great time of year to give quitting a go because everyone is doing it together.
Don’t be put off if you have tried before and it hasn’t worked out, most people make several attempts before they quit for good!”
Jen, Public Health Practitioner:
“Eat hearty, healthy meals! Warm meals and hot drinks will help you stay toasty, but your body will also use the calories from these meals to generate some heat too. Make your slow cooker your best friend for a batch of something lovely that can be lunch all week. This is one of my favourite winter recipes full of veggies, proteins and fibre.”