NHS Gloucestershire says ‘Keep Warm, Keep Well’

18/12/2009

As the weather starts to get even colder, NHS Gloucestershire is highlighting the useful advice and practical help available to people this winter to keep warm and well.

A wide range of information is available including advice on keeping warm and healthy, home improvement grants, heating the home and help with bills.

Director of Public Health at NHS Gloucestershire, Dr Shona Arora said:

“Keeping warm really matters. Cold weather can cause other serious health problems which can often be avoided if the right precautions are taken such as eating healthily and dressing warmly.”

The top five tips for keeping warm and well are:

1 Heat your home well - By setting your heating to the right temperature, (between 18–21°C or 64–70°F) you can still keep your home warm and lower your bills. If you feel cold at night, use a hot water bottle or electric blanket – but never use both together.

2 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 is worthwhile claiming all of the benefits you are entitled to.

3 Eat well - Food is a vital source of energy, which helps to your body warm. Try to make sure you and your family have hot meals and drinks regularly throughout the day.

4 Get a seasonal/swine flu jab - You can get a free seasonal flu jab from your GP if you are over 65 or if you or your children have a long-term health condition. A swine flu vaccination is also available for those with long-term health conditions, pregnant women, household contacts and those with a suppressed immune system and for children aged between six months and five years of age.

5 Look after yourself and others - On cold days try to avoid going outside: however, if you do need to, remember to wrap up warm. If you have an older neighbour or relative, look out for them during the winter to make sure they are safe and well.

Other practical advice includes:

Keeping a stock of food from each of the five groups described below in case you can’t get out to the shops in very cold weather:

Group 1: bread, cereals, potatoes, pasta, chapattis
Group 2: fresh fruit and vegetables
Group 3: milk and dairy foods
Group 4: meat, fish, eggs, peas and pulses such as beans (including baked beans)
Group 5: foods containing fat and sugar.

If people are outside in the cold, for whatever reason, the advice is to keep moving rather than standing or sitting. At home, try not to stay sitting still for long periods.

The ‘Keep Warm, Keep Well’ guides are available from www.dh.gov.uk/keepwarmkeepwell or from local GP surgeries and hospitals.