Keep Warm, Keep Well this Winter
To keep well during winter, it's essential to keep warm. As the weather gets colder, we are all more likely to catch colds or flu, and if your body temperature drops then the risks of a heart attack, stroke or breathing difficulties increase. This is especially true for older people, or if you have a chronic disease, or are vulnerable due to a physical disability.
The best way to combat winter is to keep warm and follow as healthy a lifestyle as possible. What you eat and drink, and the exercise you take, can make a big difference and it's vital to keep your home warm and keep yourself warm when you go out. We'd also like to remind local people that they can call NHS Direct on 0845 4647 for advice and information on health matters anytime. The helpline is open 24 hours a day and you can speak in confidence to a qualified nurse. You don't need to be ill to use the service, it's there to help you keep healthy as well
At home, wear several thin layers of clothes rather than one thick layer - the warmth from your body will get trapped between the layers. Choose clothes made with wool, cotton, or fleecy synthetic fibres. Outdoors, wear several thinner layers of clothes under your coat and wear something on your head or you'll get cold very quickly. Wear warm, dry, flat, non-slip shoes or boots especially in frosty weather.
If you have any questions about keeping warm and well, call the national winter warmth advice line on 0800 085 7000 (or textphone 0800 085 7857). The advice line is open 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and your call is free of charge. You can get a free copy of a "Keep Warm Keep Well" winter guide from the advice line as well as information on how you can get help with winter heating costs, benefits, and home improvement grants including for insulation costs. The guide is also available from the Department of Health website at www.doh.gov.uk/kwkw