Keep Well And Carry On

Keep Well

How To Keep Well was first published during World War II by the Ministry of Health and Information.They were determined to ensure we carried out the basic routines that would keep us healthy during those years of austerity and hardship.They did not want to waste time or valuable resources, the basic message was to Keep Calm and Carry On.

So will those simple tips that were drummed into people during the 1940's help us to develop healthy habits today.The Ministries kept the messages brief, and focused on the population using their common sense.

Coughs and Sneezes Spread Diseases

The recent campaign to stop the spread of germs from flu viruses was based on a poster campaign from WWII,Catch It, Bin It, Kill It.

The cost to the war effort from cold and flu viruses was immense,as well as the human suffering the Ministry of Health calculated it cost thousands of tanks and rifles each year.

Today if you are a member of a club,work in an open plan office or spend your day at colleges and schools, it is easy to see how germs spread!

The message then was to isolate the infected person, take to your bed and stay there for a couple of days until you are well.

It was considered rude not to use a handkerchief to catch germs, and you should always use a handkerchief whether you had a cold or not.

Sleep Well, Keep Well

During wartime it was considered important that adults should try to have eight hours sleep each night,and start each day well and fresh.

It always helps to relax and have a clear mind. Tips for a good nights sleep are simple, a hot milky drink(avoid caffeine), hot baths and reading a book. Taking a walk in the fresh air will also help you to relax.

Keep Calm

Keep Calm was a frequent message from the Ministry of Health and they were keen to keep people fom becoming over anxious.People were advised not to over react and spread any signs of nervousness.

In particular children were found to be made nervous by over protective and over anxious parents. they had to find the happy medium of protecting children and giving them security and affection without causing too much alarm and unnecessary fear.

Fresh Air and Sunshine

Fresh Air and Sunshine were considered stimulating and refreshing for your circulation.The ultraviolet-rays react with your skin to create vitamin D. A great health benefit for your bones and teeth as it utilises and boosts calcium. Vitamin D will also enhance your immune system,and recent studies indicate it will help to reduce the risk of cancer.

The sun can also be very damaging to your skin, and you will do well to remember another wartime motto. "Everything in Moderation".