Winter health
Now that the weather is getting colder it is important to keep warm to keep healthy. The Department of Health's annual Keep Warm Keep Well campaign aims to reduce the number of cold-related illnesses and deaths each winter. Older people, disabled people, families on low incomes and those with long-term health conditions, such as heart, lung or kidney disease, are particularly at risk from the effects of cold weather.
The campaign provides useful and practical advice on how to keep warm and healthy in cold weather, including advice about getting financial help with heating and home improvements in winter. Top tips for keeping warm and well include:
- Heat your home well. By setting your heating to the right temperature (18–21°C or 64–70°F), you can keep your home warm and your bills as low as possible.
- Find out if you can get financial support. There are grants, benefits and sources of advice available to make your home more energy efficient, improve your heating or help with bills.
- Eat well. Food is a vital source of energy, which helps to keep your body warm. Try to make sure that you have hot meals and drinks regularly throughout the day.
- Get a flu jab. You can get a free jab from your GP to protect against seasonal flu if you are over 65, have a long-term health condition or are pregnant.
- Wrap up warm. Several thin layers are better than one thick layer. Wear a hat. Up to half your body heat is lost through your head. Also, make sure that your shoes will grip in slippery conditions.
- Keep active. Regular exercise helps to control your weight and boost your immune system.
- Stopping smoking will boost your health for the winter, reduce the chances of a heart attack and improve the body’s circulation.For free help and support to quit smoking contact the Bedfordshire Stop Smoking Service on 0800 013 0553.
- Look out for friends and neighbours. If you have friends or neighbours who are elderly, check that they are safe and well throughout the winter months.
For further information about winter health, please visit www.nhs.uk/LiveWell/Winterhealth/Pages/Winterhealthhome.aspx
To help prevent the spread of germs remember:
- Always carry a tissue
- Cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue
- Bin the tissue as soon as possible
- Clean your hands as soon as you can or use a sanitiser gel.