Keep warm and well
The local NHS would like to encourage people to be prepared and take care of their health during the cold weather over the next few weeks.
Both PCTs are encouraging people to be a good neighbour. More vulnerable people, including the elderly, may suffer when the weather turns cold. If you know someone who may struggle with the winter weather check on them; have they been able to leave their home to restock on food, are they able to heat their home sufficiently?
Winter can be especially harsh for people with existing health conditions and the elderly. People with respiratory problems should also be prepared and take extra precautions to stay warm, as the cold can often aggravate their condition.
The local NHS is encouraging people to be prepared for winter. By regularly checking the weather forecast at www.metoffice.gov.uk, people can know in advance when they need to take extra care on icy pavements or take action to keep warm.
The following tips can help people to keep warm and well and stay out of hospital during periods of cold weather:
- Have regular hot drinks and at least one hot meal a day if possible. Eating regularly helps keep energy levels up during winter
- Look after yourself and check on older neighbours or relatives to make sure they are safe, warm and well. Wrap up warm if you need to go outside on cold days, but wear layers and wear shoes with a good grip if you need to go outside
- Keep as active as possible
- Keep curtains drawn and doors closed to block out draughts
- Keep your main living room at around 18-21°C (64-70°F), and the rest of the house at least 16°C (61°F). If you can’t heat all the rooms you use, heat the living room during the day and the bedroom just before you go to sleep
- 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. It’s worthwhile claiming all the benefits you are entitled to and to access these before the winter sets in, visit www.nhs.uk or www.gov.uk for more information on who is eligible
- If you are aged 65 or over, pregnant, have an eligible long term condition, or are a carer for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may suffer if you fall ill, make sure you take up your free NHS flu immunisation
- Watch out for icy conditions- icy pavements and roads can be very slippery. Take extra care if you go out and wear boots or shoes with good grip on the soles. For advice on how to safely clear driveways and footpaths from snow and ice visit www.metoffice.gov.uk and read their snow guide
- Keep an eye on the weather- visit www.metoffice.gov.uk and be prepared.
Dr John Reid, Consultant in Public Health at NHS Telford and Wrekin, said:
“We know that winter weather is difficult for everyone – and taking steps such as leaving more time for your journey to work, being careful when walking or driving in icy conditions and keeping wrapped up warm, can help us all stay safe and healthy.
“However, for some groups of people including the elderly, people with disabilities, those struggling to heat their homes and people with long-term conditions, winter can be potentially life threatening. Every winter the NHS nationally sees deaths caused by the cold and ice including heart attacks, strokes and pneumonia. Don’t be one of them: ensure you are prepared for winter.”
Dr Irfan Ghani, Shropshire County PCT’s Consultant in Public Health, said:
“This winter we are encouraging people to be prepared. No one wants to end up in hospital, especially in the run up to Christmas. By wrapping up warm before leaving the house, taking care on icy pavements and keeping warm including; having hot meals and drinks, keeping active and keeping your home warm you can stay well and enjoy the season.
“It is vital that communities get involved in promoting these important messages. If you know someone who maybe vulnerable to cold weather, be a good neighbour and check in on them – are they able to heat their home, do they have enough food, do they need support? There is a range of health advice available at www.nhs.uk to help people cope with the cold weather and help people struggling to afford heating bills.”
For more information on how to keep warm and well visit www.nhs.uk.
