Winter warmth – keeping warm keeps you well

Being snug and cosy in your home will help protect your health. Being too cold can cause serious problems for your breathing and lead to bad chests. Sitting for long periods of time in a cold home puts pressure on your heart and blood circulation too. This can lead to very serious problems such as heart attacks and strokes.

Older people who may be frail or have existing health conditions are particularly at risk.

We are asking everyone to remember the needs of friends, relatives and neighbours who could be at risk.

Many people are not aware that by not keeping warm they are putting themselves in danger. As a minimum, to keep warm and healthy, sitting rooms should be 21C and bedrooms 18C.

Top 10 tips to keep warm and well this winter

• Don't let the cold catch you out Check the weather forecast and be ready for cold weather.

• A hot meal a day helps to keep the cold away Hot meals will keep you warm. Stock up on tinned, dried and frozen foods – they will keep fresh.

• A cuppa will help keep you warm Have plenty of hot drinks like tea, coffee or hot water as this will help to keep you warm. – Just boil the amount of water you need each time and this will save you money too!

• Make sure you can get your medicines If the weather turns bad you may not be able to collect or have your medicines delivered, check the forecasts and make sure you have enough in stock.

• Protect yourself this winter – have a flu jab The flu is much more serious than a cold; it often leads to a hospital stay and can be fatal. Keep yourself safe and make sure you have your flu jab. People over 65, or people with existing medical conditions, get this for free.

• Know the room temperature for good health Sitting rooms should be 21C, and bedrooms 18C.

• Stay snug and warm with lots of layers Wear a few layers of thin clothing rather than one thick layer; this will trap the heat better to keep you warm. Socks and hats are great too and are a good idea to keep you warm in bed.

• Get wrapped up Cover yourself with a blanket or shawl if you are sitting for long periods, this will help keep you warm and put your feet up if you can; the air is colder near the floor.

• Tuck curtains behind radiators This will keep the heat in the room.

• Keep moving if you can, this will help keep you warm Try not to sit for more than one hour – get up and walk around. If walking is a problem try moving your arms and legs whilst sitting or wiggling your fingers and toes.

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