Healthcare tips to save the NHS from extra pressure

Jackie Buxton is chief officer at Community Pharmacy Derbyshire.

However, in order to prevent further outbreak we must continue to actively take precautions that will ensure the safety of ourselves and our loved ones.

Those at most risk of Covid-19 being fatal have underlying medical conditions. Many of these, such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and chronic respiratory disease are largely preventable if you have a healthy lifestyle.

I thought I’d provide some useful tips on how we can follow healthy behaviours, not only to protect ourselves but also prevent the NHS from being put under any more pressure.

Eating healthily can seem like a simple task, but sometimes it’s hard to know which foods are healthy and which aren’t. It is important to understand the difference between saturated and unsaturated fats, with the NHS advising you get most of your fat from unsaturated oils and spreads. These include avocado, nuts and olive oil.

Adults should do some type of physical activity every day. This can be anything from going on a walk (providing you don’t have any symptoms of Covid-19 and follow the government guidelines on social distancing) to following a workout video at home. Do strengthening activities that work all the major muscles (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders and arms) at least twice a week.

Exercising regularly could also lead to a more positive state of mental wellbeing. Not only does the body release endorphins when you exercise which triggers a positive feeling, exercise can also provide structure to your day in uncertain times.Maintaining a healthy weight can have many positive outcomes. Shedding excess fat could reduce the risk of having medical complications such as type 2 diabetes. Seeing your body progress into a healthier shape can make you more confident.

Smokers have a higher risk of getting Covid-19 because they are repetitively putting their hands to their lips. To curb your craving, take ten deep breaths to relax until the urge passes, drink water as an alternative to putting a cigarette in your mouth or do something else to distract yourself.