Keep warm and well this winter

Health teams in Shropshire are urging residents to keep warm and well this winter.

Severe cold weather can be dangerous, and keeping yourself warm throughout the winter months is essential to staying healthy, especially for the very young, older people, or those with a chronic condition such as heart disease and asthma.

Each year the NHS sees people, particularly older people, admitted to hospital, or in serious cases dying, with conditions aggravated by the cold weather.  On average, 24,000 deaths occur in England per year as a result of the cold temperatures.

A significant proportion of these excess winter deaths could be prevented if people take a few precautions and are prepared for winter.  Those with respiratory problems should especially be prepared and take extra precautions to stay warm, as the cold can often aggravate their condition.  

The following tips can help people to keep warm and well, and stay out of hospital during periods of cold weather: 

• Keep warm by setting your heating to the right temperature (18-21°C).  Make sure curtains are drawn properly and doors are closed to block out draughts
• Make sure you’re up to date with your flu jab, to protect yourself and others from influenza.  To find out if you’re eligible visit www.healthyshropshire.co.uk/
• Look after yourself, and check on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be vulnerable to the cold.  Make sure they are safe, warm and well
• Stay alert to the weather forecast at www.metoffice.gov.uk and plan ahead with supplies.  So you know in advance when you need to take extra care on icy pavements, or take action to keep warm.
• Have regular hot meals and drinks throughout the day, and keep active to help your body stay warm.  Eating regularly helps keep energy levels up during winter.
• 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
• Get financial support to make your home more energy efficient, improve your heating or help with bills.
• Have your heating and cooking appliances checked regularly.

These precautions, including having enough medication and food in your house, can help avoid being admitted to hospital.

Shropshire’s health teams from the NHS, West Midlands Ambulance Service, Shropshire Council, Telford and Wrekin Council, and the Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs), are also urging communities to get involved in promoting these important messages.  If you know someone who may be vulnerable to cold weather, be a good neighbour and check on anyone who may be more vulnerable to the cold; help ensure they are keeping well and, importantly, warm.

Karen Calder, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for health, said:

“Winter can cause real problems, particularly for our most vulnerable residents.  We want to encourage as many people to be prepared this winter, to take care of their health, and prevent themselves and others from getting caught out in the cold.

“As the cold weather sets in, we urge local communities to be on the lookout for any sort of unusual activity in their neighbourhood, whether it be someone’s full milk bottles left outside, letterboxes ajar fior extended time with unremoved post and newspapers, or curtains closed all day.  Anything that could be a sign that something is wrong and that someone may need help.

“Every winter the NHS sees deaths caused by the cold weather and icy conditions, including heart attacks, strokes and pneumonia.  No one wants to end up in hospital, especially in the run up to Christmas, so please take heed of our advice, stay well and enjoy the festive season.”

There is a wide range of information and advice available at Shropshire Council’s Get ready for winter webpages to help people prepare themselves for cold weather and help those struggling to afford heating bills.  Visit http://shropshire.gov.uk/get-ready-for-winter/

Further information

If you are over 60, a family on a low income or have a disability, you can also download the Government’s “Keep Warm Keep Well” booklet at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/keep-warm-keep-well-leaflet-gives-advice-on-staying-healthy-in-cold-weather.  The booklet has been produced by Public Health England, in association with other partners.  It aims to help people maintain good health during winter, and to take advantage of the financial help and benefits that are available.

Public Health England’s Cold Weather Plan sets out a series of actions that health and social care organisations, voluntary groups and individuals can take, and help plan for cold temperatures to help reduce cold-related illnesses and deaths.  For more information about this visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cold-weather-plan-for-england-2013.