A local health campaign to make people more aware of the effects of cold weather and provide advice on staying healthy has been launched in Blaby district.

The Blaby District Staying Healthy forum has teamed up with local GPs to produce a booklet with valuable information on staying warm, the new NHS 111 number, flu vaccination, and help with fuel costs, loft clearance and insulation.

Councillor Sheila Scott, portfolio holder for policy, partnerships and health improvement at Blaby District Council, said:

“Cold weather is linked to serious health problems such as flu, heart attacks, pneumonia and depression, and every winter in the UK there are around 30,000 associated deaths.

“Excess winter deaths is a significant problem in our district due to our ageing population, and this is why it is so important we raise awareness of keeping well during winter to local residents.”

Doctor Nick Glover, a GP at Blaby’s Northfield Surgery, said:

“It is great to see health and social care working together and we are delighted with the response from Blaby District Council to make this campaign happen. Through our GP locality forum we have been able to work with the council to provide valuable advice and signpost residents to what is available.”

Booklets will be available in doctors’ surgeries, libraries, leisure centres, parish councils, Blaby District Council offices in Narborough and the Blaby Joint Service Shop.

For more information on the keeping well this winter campaign call 0116 272 7703, visit www.blabystayinghealthy.co.uk or email leisure@blaby.gov.uk.