Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS launches campaign to promote good health this winter

Lancashire and South Cumbria residents are being reminded where 'Good Health Starts...' this winter to make sure they stay healthy and reduce pressure on the NHS.

The new health campaign highlights a variety of messages to promote good health and how making small and simple changes can have a big impact on not only your own health, but those around you too.

Research has shown that winter can negatively affect our mental and physical health - worsening conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), among others. The darker days can mean we get out of the house less, impacting our mental health, lowering our mood and increasing anxiety.

To tackle this, hospital trusts and the Integrated Care Board (ICB) in Lancashire and South Cumbria have come together to deliver winter messages to the public.

This new campaign also highlights ways in which adults and children can get mental health advice and support from professionals or online via trusted and reliable sources. Checking in on neighbours or protecting children online are all ways you could have a positive impact on someone else’s mental wellbeing.

‘Good Health Starts...’ launches this week encouraging self-care, best use of services, health and safety, good mental health, and supporting family, friends and neighbours through the winter months.

Local GP and ICB medical director Professor Andy Knox said: “This campaign is a great way to encourage people to stay safe and keep well over the winter period.

"Winter is an incredibly busy time for our health services, and we need the public’s support to make sure they are used in the best way possible.”

The campaign will be rolled out across Lancashire and South Cumbria over the coming weeks, shared by hospital Trusts, the ICB, primary care providers and local partners.

Find out more at www.lancashireandsouthcumbria.icb.nhs.uk/goodhealthstarts