Cork Kerry Community Healthcare
Friday, 22 December 2023
HSE experts from Cork and Kerry are sharing their best advice for staying well in a new video series.
The videos are available at the following links, and please contact us if you need the full original video files. More advice to be added over the coming weeks:
All videos are available to reproduce free of charge.
Respiratory advice:
Deborah Casey, a nurse specialist at the chronic disease hub in St Mary’s, Cork city said it’s particularly important for people with asthma and COPD to mind their health over the winter period
“It’s important to take your inhalers as prescribed, especially your routine inhalers. It’s important to use your reliever inhaler as needed, this can be used in emergencies or when you have acute symptoms,” she said, adding that anyone who needs to use their inhaler or reliever inhaler more than usual should contact their GP as it may be a sign of a chest infection.
She added that in cold weather, people with asthma should remember cover their mouth or nose, as this will help symptoms of asthma.
Minding your mental health:
Resource Officer for Suicide Prevention Martin Ryan listed six ways to maintain health and wellbeing, including keeping active; talking about issue; eating and sleeping well; drinking less alcohol; doing something you enjoy; staying in touch.
“Do something you enjoy, set aside a bit of time – half an hour or 10 minutes even. Have a game of chess or have a game of cards, do something you really enjoy for yourself. For me, it’s a move I have on the planner for a long time so that’s something that’s going to be my time.
Advice for older people:
Consultant geriatrician Dr Bart Daly, who works at the Older Person’s Hub at St Finbarr’s in Cork city, gave his tips for older people.
These included trying to keep to a routine.
“With all the nice things we do at Christmas, which are really important, it’s good to make sure you’re getting enough hydration, keeping taking your medications and getting some activity during the days,” he said.
He also advised people to take stock of their own health and set some goals for 2024 related to living well, including considering group exercise classes like Staying Fit for the Future and local social activities such as Men’s Sheds, Active Retirement group and other community health initiatives.
Advice on winter viruses:
Dr Nicola Murphy, specialist registrar in Public Health had advice for parents about RSV, warning that the under-twos are particularly vulnerable and urged people with very young or vulnerable children to limit visits to the house where possible.
She added that flu is circulating at high levels, and advised people firstly to get the vaccine, adding that children are twice as likely to catch and spread the flu.
“If you are unfortunate enough to pick up one of these viruses, we would advise you to stay at home and limit your contacts as much as possible. We would also advise you to drink plenty of fluids, stay hydrated, take paracetamol where needed and to rest.
There’s still time to get vaccines, and Dr Murphy advised everyone to check which winter vaccines they are eligible for on hse.ie (YouTube)
“We know through research over the years that these vaccines are extremely safe and very effective.”
Last updated on: 05 / 01 / 2024
