During the cold winter months, residents are being encouraged to try and avoid the need to go to A&E by following ten tips for staying safe and well this winter. 

Stoke-on-Trent City Council has worked with the University Hospital of North Midlands Trust (UHNM) to develop ten tips to stay as healthy and safe as possible during the festive season. 

The ten tips are:

1. Manage long-term conditions - Cold weather can make conditions like asthma wose as well as being cold and flu season. People are advised to book COVID-19 booster and flu jabs if invited and ensure repeat prescriptions are ordered in plenty of time. 
2. Check medicine cabinets - Stocking up on over-the-counter medications like painkillers can help with the common illnesses seen at this time of year. 
3. Enjoy festive parties safely - Residents are advised to drink sensibly and never drink and drive. 
4. Stay safe and avoid accidents - Take care in icy conditions and only make essential journeys in bad weather. Check for choking hazards for children and make sure there are no batteries or medications within the reach of children. 
5. Look after mental health and wellbeing - Christmas and New Year can be a stressful period but help is available. Mental health support is available from the Brighter Futures helpline 2pm-2am 365 days a year on 0808 800 2234. Residents can also get their personalised mental health action plan from Every Mind Matters on the NHS website.
6. Keep warm and well in winter and access support where needed – It is more important to heat the person than the room. Any residents who are struggling with the cost of living can get support from Stronger Together Through Winter. 
7. Eat well – Eating a healthy, balanced diet can protect against some diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer. 
8. Keep active – Staying active can help physical and mental wellbeing. Anything from an intense workout or brisk walk or an activity such as gardening can be beneficial.
9. Get any health checks or screenings you are invited to – Health Checks and screening can spot any early issues so treatment can be offered or information given.
10. Think 111 – Residents who do need urgent or emergency help can use 111 online at 111.nhs.uk or call 111 to be directed to the most appropriate service. 

If in doubt, 111 is always available for medical advice (Stoke-on-Trent City Council).

Councillor Lorraine Beardmore, cabinet member for culture, leisure and public health said: "However you're spending the Christmas period, we want everyone to have a fantastic time and staying safe and well is an important part of that. 

"Helping our residents to live their lives well is one of our key priorities as a city council and we want everyone to have a fantastic Christmas and New Year. A&E departments can get incredibly busy this time of year and, by only attending in a genuine medical emergency, we can make sure everyone who needs to be seen at A&E can be.

"I'd urge all residents to know when it's appropriate to call 999 or go to A&E. often, another service is more suitable and 111 can help with this if you're unsure.

"I'd like to wish everyone a happy, and safe, Christmas and New Year."

Further details on the Stronger Together Through Winter Campaign, including mental health support, benefits, food vouchers, Welcoming Spaces and more, can be found on their website or call 01782 208200 (Monday to Friday, 2pm – 7pm).

Information on when to go to A&E for a genuine life-threatening emergency is available on the NHS website.