hiya bucks in Bourne End, Flackwell Heath, Marlow, Wycombe, Wooburn December 2016 | Page 16

YOUR HEALTH
with Dr. Thakkar

DON’T LET JACK
FROST BITE!
The weather is turning and with that comes a huge number of risks,
particularly to those who are vulnerable or frail. So, what are the dangers
and how can you keep yourself safe?
We will predictably see a rise in the
number of circulating infections this winter.
‘Benign’ conditions such as the common
cold and viral sore throats circulate rapidly
in the community. Generally, the best
way to manage them is to stay indoors
to avoid spreading germs and by taking
over-the-counter medications. Influenza
is more serious and kills thousands
of people annually, particularly due
to its complications such as bacterial
pneumonia. Whilst there is no cure for
influenza itself, it can be prevented by the
vaccination - if you’re entitled and you
haven’t had your jab yet, it is essential you
see your GP.
Norovirus is a common cause of viral
gastroenteritis and is sometimes called
the winter vomiting virus. It is highly
contagious and will cause vomiting,
diarrhea, or both. Dehydration is the risk
here, which can cause falls and kidney
damage. Most cases can be managed by
drinking enough fluids so you’re peeing
normally, and by staying indoors and
adhering to strict hygiene measures (like
washing hands). Drinking plain water can
further dilute the body’s salts so instead
you can drink rehydration salts available
from the chemist, or even a glass of water
with a spoonful of salt and sugar, are
advisable.
Winter brings with it cold weather which

increases the risk of hypothermia. This
causes shivering, fatigue, dizziness and
falls, confusion and even death. Keeping
ourselves and those around us warm is
essential to keep our community safe.
Falls are commonplace in winter, not least
because of infection, loose fitting slippers,
poor lighting, turned up rugs and ice. One
in three people over the age of 65 and one
in two over the age of 80 will fall at least
once a year. Falls cause head injuries, hip
fractures and loss of confidence. They are
the leading cause of injurious death in the
elderly. Prevention is the best form of cure
and ensuring you reduce your risk of falls
around the home is imperative.
Loneliness is also a risk factor for falling
and is, in fact, as dangerous as smoking
15 cigarettes a day. Humans are designed
for connection, without which we can
lose our sense of purpose, get bored and
eventually depressed. Ensuring you have
people to talk to helps reduce loneliness
and its inherent consequences.
For many, winter is a wonderful and
social season, but for others it can
have disastrous medical, social and
psychological consequences. I’d certainly
recommend looking out for elderly
relatives and neighbours at this time of
year to see if they need a helping hand.

If you’re unwell, always seek advice and above all, keep happy and safe!
Dr. Thakkar is a GP
at Pound House Surgery

Chiltern C linical
Commissioning Group
16

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