Practice News
How to stay healthy, safe and well this Autumn!
Key areas to focus on in Autumn
Autumn brings changes in temperature, daylight, and circulating respiratory viruses. These changes affect health in many ways. Below are general recommendations plus links to Greater Manchester / NHS-region resources.
| Area | Why it matters in Autumn / Winter | What you can do | GM / NHS resources & links |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vaccination & prevention of infections | Flu and COVID-19 (and other respiratory viruses) tend to spread more in colder months. | • Check whether you’re eligible for flu and COVID-19 winter vaccinations and book them as soon as possible. • Practice good hand hygiene (washing hands thoroughly, avoiding touching face). • Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated indoor spaces when virus circulation is high. | NHS Greater Manchester is urging eligible people to get winter vaccinations (flu, COVID-19) to protect the vulnerable. (GM Integrated Care) |
| Maintain good nutrition & hydration | Poor diet or not drinking enough can weaken immunity and impact energy. | • Aim for a balanced diet rich in fruit, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. • Ensure adequate fluid intake (water, diluted drinks) even if you feel less thirsty. • Consider vitamin D supplementation (from October to March) — autumn days have less sunshine, and NHS Greater Manchester advice mentions topping up vitamin D to help combat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). (GM Integrated Care) | Greater Manchester / NHS region mental health advice includes guidance on diet, light exposure, and vitamin D for seasonal mood changes. (GM Integrated Care) |
| Stay physically active & preserve strength / balance | Activity helps maintain muscle mass, stamina, balance, and supports mood. Less daylight / cold weather may discourage people from going outside. | • Keep doing regular physical activity (walking, gentle exercise, strength & balance training). • For older people, balance and strength exercises are especially important to reduce fall risk. • If weather or mobility limits outdoor activity, try indoor exercises or classes. | Greater Manchester has falls prevention initiatives. For example: • “Falls Prevention Awareness Week” emphasises that many falls are preventable and offers tips like keeping home clutter-free, good lighting, reviewing medications. (GM Integrated Care) • Local “Falls Prevention” pages advise clearing clutter, improving lighting, checking vision, reviewing medications, and being prepared for icy or slippery surfaces outdoors. (wlmc.co.uk) |
| Home environment, heating & insulation | Being cold, drafts, poor heating, or hazards inside the home (poor lighting, clutter) increase risks (respiratory problems, falls, worsening chronic conditions). | • Aim to keep indoor temperature at least ~18 °C (especially for older people) if possible. • Check your heating / boiler, insulation, windows, draft seals. • Use rugs or non-slip mats, ensure good lighting especially in corridors, stairs, bathrooms. • Be cautious about slipping hazards (wet leaves, ice outside, wet floors). • Arrange for maintenance or safety checks before winter worsens. | Greater Manchester’s “Winterwise” guide for older people includes recommendations to “keep warm,” maintain heating, check boiler safety, and maintain home safety. (Greater Manchester Combined Authority) |
| Mental health, mood & seasonal effects | Shorter days, lower light, colder weather can trigger low mood, lower energy, or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). | • Maximise daylight exposure (open blinds, sit near windows). • Keep a regular sleep-wake schedule. • Stay socially connected (meet friends, call family, engage in group activities). • Use creative or relaxing hobbies (arts, music, reading). • Monitor mood: if you notice persistent low mood or loss of interest, seek help early. | NHS Greater Manchester / Integrated Care region provides advice on how to combat SAD: “top up your Vitamin D, fill your home with light, stay sociable, get creative, have a sleep routine” etc. (GM Integrated Care) Also, the “Arts for Good Health” programme in Greater Manchester offers short courses that combine creativity and wellbeing. (Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS FT) |
| Review long-term conditions & medications | For people with chronic illnesses (e.g. asthma, COPD, heart disease, diabetes), changes in temperature or seasonal triggers may worsen symptoms. Some medications affect balance, hydration, or temperature regulation. | • Keep up with routine reviews (GP / specialist). • Ensure you have an adequate supply of medicines and know how to manage if you’re unwell. • Monitor your symptoms more closely as autumn progresses. • Ask your clinician whether any dosage adjustments or seasonal considerations are needed. | The Greater Manchester winter vaccination advice also emphasises people with long-term health conditions are among those eligible. (GM Integrated Care) |
| Preventing falls (especially for older adults) | With darker nights, wet or icy conditions outside, and changes to vision or balance, the risk of falls increases in Autumn/Winter. | • Ensure your home is free of trip hazards (clear clutter, secure rugs). • Improve lighting (hallways, stairwells, paths). • Wear shoes with good grip. • Be cautious when outdoors (slippery paths, leaf litter, ice). • Get vision checked regularly, review medications that may cause dizziness. • Engage in strength and balance exercises. | Greater Manchester’s falls prevention programmes note ~10,000 people aged over 65 in GM injure themselves via falls each year, and emphasize early intervention and safety measures. (GM Integrated Care) Falls prevention advice is also published via GM region health pages. (GM Integrated Care) |
Suggested “Stay-Well in Autumn” checklist
Here’s a practical checklist:
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Check vaccine eligibility & book (flu, COVID-19)
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Ensure heating & insulation are in good order
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Stock up on essential medicines / supplies (so you’re not caught out)
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Keep active — schedule regular walks or indoor exercise
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Review your diet & hydration
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Consider vitamin D supplements from October–March
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Improve home safety — lighting, remove trip hazards
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Check vision / hearing and review medications
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Stay socially engaged — plan activities, creative or group courses
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Watch for mood changes — seek help early
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Plan for emergencies — have someone you can call, especially if mobility or health declines
Published on 30th Sep 2025
Pill Checks
The contraceptive pill check shall now be conducted annually as a face-to-face appointment with your local pharmacy.
Please contact the practice and we will happily refer you to a pharmacy of your choice.
Thinking about starting the PILL, then get in touch and we can refer you onto your local pharmacy via the Pharmacy First Scheme.
Published on 30th Sep 2025
Pharmacy First
The Pharmacy First scheme was launched by the government and NHS England on 31 January 2024 to give patients quick and accessible care and ease pressure on GP services.
Pharmacy First will enable community pharmacists to supply prescription-only medicines, including antibiotics and antivirals where clinically appropriate, to treat seven common health conditions without the need to visit a GP.
If you need referring, then please contcat the practice.
For More Infomation Visit Pharmacy First
Published on 30th Sep 2025
Better Health-Let's Do This!
Kickstart your health!
Healthy changes start with little changes. Whether you want to lose weight, drink less alcohol, get active or quit smoking, you have access to lots of free tools and support through Better Health. You can also find simple ways to lift your mood with Every Mind Matters.
There has never been a better time to kickstart your health. Let's do this!
Website:Better Health
Published on 5th Jul 2024
Page created: 15 February 2021