LUNG diseases such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema can flare up as temperatures plummet during winter. On average two people living in Oldham are admitted to hospital each day through Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Reporter DAWN MARSDEN explores the simple steps COPD sufferers can take to help them stay well this winter. COPD kills around 30,000 people a year in the UK — more than breast, bowel or prostate cancer. it is one of the most common respiratory diseases in the UK and usually affects people over 40. The most common cause of COPD is smoking. Early diagnosis is vital and although there is no cure treatment can slow down the progression of the disease and help people to live a longer, healthier and more active life. there are about 4,400 people living in Oldham who are known to have COPD. it is estimated that a further 4,000 people in Oldham have COPD but who have yet to be diagnosed. Patients with COPD should have a routine check-up at their doctors at least once a year. Patients with very severe COPD should be routinely seen at least twice a year. Alan Higgins, public health director for Oldham, said: “People with COPD should look after themselves all year round, but especially so during the winter months. “I encourage people to follow the advice on how to stay healthy and to watch out for the early warning signs of a flare-up. Fast treatment is important, as starting antibiotics and or steroid tablets early can really help people avoid being admitted to hospital.” Symptoms of a flare up include a new or worsening cough, breathlessness or wheezing, change in the amount of phlegm, change in colour and/or thickness of phlegm, raised temperature, shivering, lethargy and lack of appetite. Flare ups are treated by the use of inhalers or antibiotics as well as nebulisers, physiotherapy and ventilation machines. The 10 simple steps to stay well over winter issued by NHS Oldham are: 1, have a flu jab. They are free to anyone with a long-term condition, like COPD. 2, have a regular check up with your practice nurse or GP. 3, Make sure you know how to use your inhaler properly. 4, Make sure you don’t run out of medication and carry your reliever inhaler with you at all times. 5, Be aware of the early symptoms and signs of a flare-up and get help straight away. 6, Know who to call for help — during the day people can ring their GP practice or walk into the Urgent Care Centre at the Oldham Integrated Care Centre between 7am and 11pm. From 11pm-7am, people can phone Go To Doc on 0161-336 3252. 7, Stay away from people who have a cold, flu or sore throat. 8, Stop smoking. Support is available from Oldham Community Health Services’ specialist stop smoking service and can be tailored to suit individual needs. The service can be contacted on 0800 328 8534 or 0844 873 0032. 9, Wrap up warm if you have to go outside. if the cold air affects your breathing use your reliever for 20 minutes before going out. 10, keep your home at the recommended temperature as cold and dampness can make COPD symptoms worse. A living room should be kept at 21C and a bedroom at 18C. Some group education sessions are being held this month and next for those with COPD who have been admitted to hospital in the last year. Anyone in this group who hasn’t already received an invitation, should ask their GP receptionist about the sessions. The British Lung Foundation website and helpline are good sources of general information about COPD. Its number is 08458 50 50 20 (lines are open Monday to Friday 10am until 6pm) and the website is lunguk.org General information is also available from NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or at nhs.uk Local pharmacies offering flu vaccinations are the Co-op in Greenfield, Lees, Horsedge Street, Oldham, Chadderton Health Centre and Block Lane, Chadderton, Tesco in Huddersfield Road and Westwood, Superdrug in Oldham, Lloyds at Glodwick Primary Care Centre and the Oldham Integrated Care Centre, Strachan’s in Uppermill and St Chad’s in Limeside. Anyone interested should contact the pharmacy directly for further details. Contact information can be found on the NHS Choices website at nhs.uk meanwhile, the Energy Savings Trust provides free and impartial advice on how to make homes more efficient which can help to save money. They can advise about entitlement for Government or energy company grants for insulation or to improve heating systems. As there have been changes to some of the schemes, someone who may have been turned down in the past for funding may now qualify. Phone 0800 512012 for more information. there is also a new council funded Warmth for Health scheme in Oldham which provides free home insulation for those with health conditions made worse by cold and damp who do not qualify for a national grant. The list of eligible health conditions includes asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, back pain, damaged joints and mental ill-health. People can still get a highly subsidised energy efficiency measures through this scheme even if they do not qualify for the free insulation.