Hertfordshire Health Matters

Friday 29 November 2019

Protecting yourself and others this winter

We can't believe it either, but it's December already next week.

If you're busy planning end of year get-togethers, don't forget to take care of your health so that you and the people you spend time with are less likely to be ill.

The #HelpUsHelpYou campaign has some simple guidance about NHS services and health advice, and you can follow NHS East and North Hertfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) on social media platforms including facebook, Twitter and Instagram to read and share advice and information.

Cases of norovirus are at higher levels than we would expect to see at this time of year, although these levels are not unprecedented. One of the best ways to protect against norovirus is by practicing good hygiene. This includes thorough hand washing with soap and warm water after using the toilet and before eating or preparing foods. Most people will make a full recovery within one or two days but it is important to drink plenty of fluids during that time to prevent dehydration especially in the very young, elderly or those with weakened immunity.

We advise people not to visit GP surgeries and hospitals with symptoms, and instead anyone concerned should contact NHS 111 or talk to their GP by phone. If you or your child have had symptoms of norovirus, it is important to stay home from work or school until 48 hours after symptoms have cleared.

Flu is now circulating and is starting to increase in the community, particularly in the north of the country. The main circulating strain of flu is well matched to this year’s vaccine - if you are eligible, get your vaccine from GP or Pharmacist to ensure you are protected.

When using local services, you may want to visit the Urgent Care Centre at the New QEII Hospital in Welwyn Garden City which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you have a minor illness or injury that you think could be treated there, you can walk in to speak to clinical staff about what's happened. There is an x-ray service between 8am and 11pm, and children can be seen between 8am and midnight.

Taking action against domestic abuse

The Hertfordshire Domestic Abuse Partnership is raising awareness of domestic abuse as part of a '16 days of action' campaign.

Running until 10 December, the campaign highlights that violence and / or controlling behaviour in the home is never okay and that there is confidential advice and help available for anyone who is directly affected or has a concern about a friend or relative.

Domestic abuse includes threatening behaviour and / or violence whether physical, sexual, financial or emotional abuse, isolation or the destruction of property and pets.

Helping others if you think they are affected can make a big difference. Giving someone a safe, private space to talk, and raising your concerns are just two steps towards helping them.

Visit Herts Sunflower for more information.

More chances to learn about health and wellbeing this winter

Thank you to everyone who has got behind the 'Winter Warmers' being held in the East and North Hertfordshire area at the moment.

The free sessions are designed to help older people stay safe and well this winter, and guests hear from a range of organisations on topics ranging from exercise and nutrition to advice on contacting services such as NHS111.

They are hosted in collaboration with local community groups, councils and third sector organisations and also can mean residents who might be isolated get to meet new people. There's also a lunch included.

A session is being held in Stevenage on Monday (2 December), and although spaces are now very limited please let someone you know who might benefit and book a place at http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/winter-warmer-stay-safe-and-well-this-winter-tickets-78599163213.

The next planned session is in Letchworth on 24 January and places can be booked via this link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/letchworth-winter-warmer-event-tickets-78599552377

Find out more about our STP by visiting: www.healthierfuture.org.uk

There are links to the STP’s ‘Healthier Future’ newsletter and copies of the STP leader’s update on our intranet.

Sign up to receive the Hertfordshire and west Essex Sustainability and Transformation Partnership (STP) newsletter by clicking here...

NEWSLETTERS AND EVENTS

This section promotes useful newsletters from organisations in our area which you can share. We'll also post information on health-related events in the area that you might find interesting.

1 December: World Aids Day is opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died.

2 December: Free 'Winter Warmer event', Stevenage Arts and Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage, 10am-1.30pm. Book a place on Eventbrite or call HertsHelp on 0300 123 4044.

3 December: Learning Disability Carers' Forum, Birchwood Leisure Centre, Hatfield. If you are caring for an adult who has a learning disability Carers In Herts' Forums are a good place to meet other carers and hear from speakers about issues relevant to carers.

3 December: International Day of People with Disabilities, this year's theme focusses on the empowerment of persons with disabilities for inclusive, equitable and sustainable development.

LOCAL NEWS week ending 24 November

Some of our area's outlets covered a range of health matters in the past week. Click on the links to take you to their home pages where you can search for health news.

The Comet

St Albans & Harpenden Review

East London and West Essex Guardian

Herts Advertiser

Welwyn Hatfield Times

Watford Observer

@ENHertsCCG Twitter report
18 - 24 November 2019

Total followers: 5,094
New followers this week: 14
Tweets sent this week: 23
Total number of views of our tweets: 10,164
Retweets this week: 15
Total number of ‘follows’ or tweets ‘favourited’ or ‘re-tweeted’: 109

Top tweet

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