TV doctor tells NHS patients 'take 2p pill now' in Saturday advice update

TV doctor tells NHS patients 'take 2p pill now' in Saturday advice update ITV’s This Morning and Sky News regular said people should do 5 things now - including medication check A TV doctor has told people in the UK they need to be doing 5 things now - including, taking a 2p pill every day. Dr Raj Arora who regularly appears on ITV’s This Morning and Sky News said that as a GP she advises all people to take action, In the winter and darker months, the body can come under more stress from the cold and other conditions - but Dr Arora said people can take precautions, Firstly people should, where they are eligible, get the flu vaccine. She said: “Flu isn’t just a bad cold. It can make you seriously unwell. Check whether you’re eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine, particularly if you’re pregnant, older or have certain long term health conditions.” You are eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine if you are pregnant, aged 65 or over, in certain clinical risk groups, or a carer. To check if you’re eligible visit the UKHSA site here. People get exposed to far less sunlight. Dr Arora said: “From October to March, we don’t make enough vitamin D from sunlight in the UK. The NHS advises everyone to consider taking 10 micrograms (400 IU) of vitamin D daily during autumn and winter.” Vitamin D pills are available from online retailers like Amazon for around 2p a pill. The NHS advises everyone to consider taking a daily vitamin D supplement of 10 micrograms (mcg)—also written as 400 IU—during the autumn and winter months from October to March. NHS said: “Government advice is that everyone should consider taking a daily vitamin D supplement during the autumn and winter. “People at high risk of not getting enough vitamin D, all children aged 1 to 4, and all babies (unless they’re having more than 500ml of infant formula a day) should take a daily supplement throughout the year.” She advised people to also make a point of going outside: “Shorter, darker days can mean we naturally spend more time indoors. Regular movement and getting outside during daylight hours can support your physical health, sleep and wellbeing.” Skincare can suffer so the doctor advised: “Cold weather outside plus central heating inside can mean dry, irritated skin. Think gentle cleansing, regular moisturiser and don’t ditch the SPF just because summer is over.” Finally people should make sure they are stocked up for potential illnesses -a nd make sure the medication they’ve got in is actually usable. Dr Arora said: “Check expiry dates, make sure you have basics like a thermometer and paracetamol at home, and don’t leave repeat prescriptions until you’ve completely run out.”