Stars of the treble winning Leeds Rhinos team have given their support to the NHS Stay Well this Winter campaign, which aims to help those who are most vulnerable to stay healthy.
The campaign is aimed at people aged 65 or over, those with long-term health conditions, pregnant women and parents of children aged two, three and four and in school years 1 and 2 and provides them with valuable information on how they can maintain their health over the winter months.
The Rhinos players are encouraging their fans to join them by saying how they will commit to helping a friend or relative stay well this winter. Supporters are asked to share their pledge on social media using #StayWellThisWinter and tagging in the twitter handle of Leeds Rhinos Foundation @rugbyleeds and they will then be entered into a draw to win tickets for the World Club Challenge game between Leeds Rhinos and North Queensland Cowboys on February 21 2016.
Speaking about the campaign, Leeds Rhinos player Tom Briscoe said: “Many people are susceptible to illness at this time of year and the important messages in the Stay Well this Winter campaign can make a real difference to people’s lives.
“I urge people to look at the information available and pass on this advice to their friends and family. We can all do our part to support the vulnerable in our community and if you are able to pledge a way to help those most at need to stay well then please share your pledge on social media so we can spread these messages even further.”
The club’s official charity Leeds Rhinos Foundation and its partners, including Mears and Asda, will also be backing the campaign by distributing specially designed information leaflets on how to ensure those most vulnerable have all the necessary facts to help them stay well.
Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s partnership manager, Dan Busfield added: “It is great to have the support of the Rhinos team and our partners for this important campaign. We know our public services are under increased pressure at this time of year and winter can be challenging for the health of older people or people who are not otherwise fit and well but there are a number of things which can help people prepare themselves for the cold weather and ward off common illnesses. This may be as simple as making sure you having your prescriptions medicines before pharmacies close on Christmas Eve or keeping your house warm if you can.”
The key messages of the NHS ‘Stay Well This Winter’ campaign are:
- Make sure you get your flu jab if eligible.
- Keep yourself warm – heat your home to least 18 degrees C or (65F) if you can.
- If you start to feel unwell, even if it’s just a cough or a cold, then get help from your pharmacist quickly before it gets more serious.
- Make sure you get your prescription medicines before pharmacies close on Christmas Eve.
- Always take your prescribed medicines as directed.
- Look out for other people who may need a bit of extra help over winter.
For more information on the Stay Well this Winter campaign visit http://www.nhs.uk/staywell