Cold Weather Warning - Information & Advice

According to the Meteorological Office, the coming winter months may well be the coldest in recent years. This has health implications for us all, but particularly for vulnerable groups such as the elderly who are particularly at risk because they may not sense they are getting cold until their body temperature falls.

Here are simple measures issued by the Department of Health that should help us all to stay healthier this winter:

  • Keep warm at all times even when it appears mild outdoors – allowing your hands and feet to get cold can cause problems with your circulation
  • When indoors keep the living room temperature at 21C (70F) and other rooms at 18C (64F).
  • During cold weather bedroom windows should remain closed - you are more likely to be struck by the common cold if you have a cold nose! This is most likely to happen if you sleep in a cold bedroom.
  • Wear adequate clothing and keep moving, whether inside or outside -several layers of thin clothes may be more effective than one thick one
  • If at all possible, make sure you get a flu jab

Finally, please remember to check on any elderly relatives or neighbours living alone.

For more information on keeping warm visit the Deparment of Health website or if you are concerned about your own health or that of others during a cold period contact the Winter Warmth Advice Line FREEPHONE 0800 085 7000.

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