Winter 2022Together we can tame the ill wind

Winter is traditionally a time of warm greetings – with every faith from Christianity to Hinduism celebrating hope.

So, it is with no pleasure at all, that I bring tidings of what I predict may be the most difficult winter we have experienced for many, many years.

The cost-of-living crisis allied to rising energy prices has resulted in the vulnerable struggling for fuel and food. Debt also brings with it anxieties around money and family, which could precipitate a mental health tsunami.

As if that was not catastrophic enough, we have the ever-present spectre of Covid, which contrary to popular belief, hasn’t died.

Hope lies in our community and our ability to show fortitude, one of the strongest traditions our country displays. We must also take responsibility to protect our own health as never before, because demand on our NHS is set to be humongous.

With the vulnerable hit hardest, those of us fortunate enough to enjoy good health and plenty to eat, have a duty to look after our neediest neighbours. Please make sure you pop-in and see that the frail are healthy and heated properly and if not, intervene and call health and social care services. Ergo we should have a compunction to look out for the homeless. Sadly, a cold snap may result in hypothermia and serious illness.

Speaking with our friends and neighbours may also reveal mental health issues. The dire situation the country finds itself in will do nothing to calm the increased misery caused to those with conditions traditionally associated with winter such as Seasonal Adjustment Disorder or acute depression.

Speaking of cold weather illness there is the growing threat of flu, pneumonia and, of course, Covid. There are inoculations to prevent all three, please make sure you get them. An increase in vitamin C intake to boost the immune system will help here, too. Make this part of a renewed drive to care for your own health, rather than simply expect the NHS to fix you.

The cold weather can also promote a dangerous sense of idleness, as we abandon exercise regimes to stay lounged indoors. Remember, even a short walk can do you good physically, and mentally.

Lastly, 2023 will be upon us before we know it and its beginning will herald a set of often unrealistic New Year’s health resolutions. Laudable though they are, crash attempts to lose weight can result in dangerous complications, as can drastic attempts to become teetotal and get fit. It is better to consult a medic before embarking on such a journey, they are likely to help you make your change healthy and sustainable.

It is with a heavy heart that I warn you that we have a tumultuous winter ahead. The pressure on our doctors, nurses and heroic health service will be onerous. But we can at least reduce that burden by caring for ourselves and each other, so that we may see the more optimistic, brighter days that surely lie ahead

About the writer
Dr Chauhan OBE is a respected GP, health and social care campaigner, and champion of social justice and charity. As a local GP, he has become a powerful advocate for his patients and introduced innovative methods to improve their care. His work mentoring and employing young people has won national recognition and he was awarded an OBE in 2020 for his creation of the Homeless-Friendly charity.