With forecasters predicting another cold winter, now is the time to make sure you start protecting yourself.

There is more to just feeling the chill in the winter months - cold weather can lead to serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes or pneumonia, and the lower levels of sunlight may have an impact on emotional wellbeing.

Cold weather can even lead to death, particularly if you have long term health conditions.

NHS Choices has a host of advice about how you can keep your body and mind healthy this winter, including:

Avoid catching colds or flu

Follow simple hygiene measures to reduce the risk of catching and spreading infections. Use the ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ motto - cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, throw away used tissues as soon as possible, and wash your hands with soap and water where possible. You can use a hand sanitizer if you are out and about.

Have a seasonal flu jab

15 out of 100 people will contract seasonal flu. In the worst cases it can result in a stay in hospital, or even death as it can lead to serious illnesses, such as pneumonia or bronchitis. You are more at risk of contracting the flu virus if you have a long-term health condition, are older, or are pregnant.

Stay warm

Not only does staying warm help reduce the winter blues, but cold homes also have an impact of health. You should aim to keep your main living room between 18-21C and the rest of the house at no less than 16C. Outside of the home, wear lots of thin layers - clothes made of cotton, wool or fleecy fibres are good at insulating your body.

Eat healthily

Eating regular, healthy meals will not only boost your mood, but give you more energy and stop you putting on weight. Make sure you have a good mix of carbohydrates, dairy products and fruit and vegetables each day.

Stay active

Exercising is good for overall wellbeing as it helps to control weight and boost your immune system, but in winter it can help to keep you warm too. Going outside in daylight, especially on bright days or at midday, may also help prevent the winter blues.

For more information and advice about winter health, visit nhs.uk/Livewell

medical@rbch.nhs.uk