With colder weather and dark evenings settling in, the NHS and county council are asking people to take some simple steps to keep themselves safe, well and healthy.

“From keeping your home safe to wearing the right clothes and doing some exercise, there’s lots you can do to ensure a safe and healthy winter season”, said Dr Hein Le Roux, Clinical Lead for Health and Wellbeing at NHS Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

The CCG’s Information Bus will be out and about around the county from Tuesday 24 November – Friday 4 December with advice on how to keep safe and well and reduce the risk of falling.

Local people are encouraged to come along to get useful tips from experts. There will also be a range of information, vouchers and discounts from related shops and services, including local opticians and shoe shops.

Dr Le Roux added: “Cold homes have a significant impact on people’s health, so keeping warm is really important. Exercise is also really important whatever your age – it’s the most effective thing you can do to keep actively involved in all the things you enjoy.”

Other Top Tips for wellbeing and avoiding a fall, particularly for older people, include:

  • Keeping active and taking regular exercise
  • Being a good neighbour – check up on any older people who live nearby
  • Testing your smoke alarm to make sure it works properly
  • Asking your pharmacist for a medicines check-up if you take several medicines
  • Drinking alcohol within sensible limits
  • Keeping your home well-lit and removing things you might fall over
  • Wearing well-fitting shoes or slippers to avoid falling over
  • Having your eyes checked regularly (if you are over 60, you can get a free check-up from your local optician)
  • Drinking plenty of fluids – water is best

The Information Bus will be situated in the following locations:

Date Venue
Tuesday 24 November
9.30am – 3.30pm		 Coleford, Clock Tower roundabout
Wednesday 25 November
9.30am – 3.30pm		 Tewkesbury Hospital
Thursday 26 November
9.30am – 3.30pm		 Stow-on-the-Wold Market Place
Friday 27 November
9.30am – 3.30pm		 Gloucester, Cross, Westgate Street
Tuesday 1 December
9.30am – 3.30pm		 Newent Co-Op
Wednesday 2 December
9.30am – 3.30pm		 Cheltenham ASDA
Thursday 3 December
9.30am – 3.30pm		 Dursley, Town Centre
Friday 4 December
9.30am – 3.30pm		 Cirencester Market