Five winter health questions for over 65s

If you are aged 65 and over or living with a long term health condition, here are five basic questions you can ask your GP, community nurse or local chemist, that could help you stay fit and well this winter:

• Do I need a flu jab?
• Would a medicines review help me?
• Have I got a care plan/checklist of what to do if I think I’m getting ill, 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week?
• Have I got the right medicines at home to treat myself if I get a minor illness such as a cold, upset stomach or earache?
• Are there any other local information or support services available for people with my condition?

You may well know the answers to some of these yourself but if not, don't feel embarrassed about asking. This five questions campaign is being run by the NHS so doctors and practice nurses will be expecting you to talk about it.

For practical advice and information about help that is available to make sure that you keep warm this winter go to www.nhs.uk and select the Winter Health option under Living Well. If you need to find NHS services in your local area, also go to www.nhs.uk and use the free on-line service finder.