08/01/2016 - Permalink

Cold weather alert: advice on hand for people to keep safe and well this winter

Related topics: Community / Health

With the a cold weather front approaching this weekend, health teams across Shropshire are urging residents across the county 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.

Shropshire Council’s Stay safe and well this winter website offers a range of advice and information, from helping vulnerable people to remain well, to notifications of school closures and travel updates.

The website signposts people to a variety of both local and national winter-related information which includes:

  • Stay well this winter, NHS advice – to help those people who are most at risk of illness during winter to take steps to stay well
  • Road gritting – updates on where and when gritters are out in Shropshire
  • Staying safe – advice on how to stay safe during the festive season and throughout the year
  • Weather warnings – updates from local and national weather sites
  • Flooding advice – Government advice on preparing for a flood and getting help during and after
  • Winter advice for older people – advice and information from Age UK
  • Shropshire Newsroom – news and updates from Shropshire Council
  • What’s On – diary of council run events throughout the festive season and New Year.

Karen Calder, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for health and well-being, and Chair of Shropshire’s Health and Well-being Board, said:

“Shropshire Council’s Stay Safe and Well pages are designed to help residents in Shropshire remain well throughout the winter period.

“The information is particularly helpful for those most at risk during the winter. People aged 65 and over, those with existing long-term health conditions and children under five are often hit worse by cold weather-related illnesses, and so the Stay Well this Winter information targets these groups directly, as well as those people who often look after those groups such as carers and parents.

“I’d really encourage everyone to view our Stay Safe and Well pages, which offer invaluable advice and tips, as well as useful contacts, on keeping safe and well.”

Lee Chapman, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for adults, added:

“During the colder months it’s important to keep warm, safe and well, alongside keeping an eye on those in our community who may be vulnerable and may need extra help.

“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.”

For advice and information on how to stay safe and well this winter visit: http://shropshire.gov.uk/stay-safe-and-well-this-winter/.

For up-to-date news on emergency situations in Shropshire follow us on twitter @shropcaution.

For up-to-date news on keeping well in winter follow @shropcouncil.

Further information

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, well and safe, and stay out of hospital during periods of cold weather:

Your health and well-being: Make sure you and the people you care for have the flu vaccine. If the flu virus strikes in winter it can be far more serious than you think. Flu can lead to serious complications such as bronchitis, pneumonia and it can also be deadly. Flu vaccines are free for over 65s, children under 5 and in school years one and two, those with long-term health conditions and pregnant women. Contact your GP practice to find out more.

Keep warm and keep well: Keeping warm can help prevent colds, flu and more serious health problems. Heat your home to at least 18 degrees Celsius and keep your bedroom window closed at night. Try and keep active when you’re indoors, get up and move about and try not to sit still for longer than an hour at a time. Also, try and wear several layers of light clothes, as they trap warm air better.

Do you feel unwell? Don’t wait until your illness starts getting worse, get advice from your nearest pharmacist. Pharmacists are fully qualified to advise you on the best course of action, and the sooner you get advice from them, the better. They can also advise on the best medicines to have in medicines cabinet to help get you and your family through the winter. You can also call NHS 111 (just dial 111 from your phone) any time of the day or night when you need free medical help fast, but it’s not an emergency.

Look out for other people: We can all do with a little bit of extra help and support at different times. If someone you know is feeling unwell or may need some support during the cold weather ask to see if they need any practical help.

Travel

Need support?

  • Get financial support to make your home more energy efficient, improve your heating or help with bills.
  • 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.