Winter Do’s and Don’ts
Do:
Wrap up warm
Ensure you wear several layers of clothes as
opposed to one chunky layer – clothes made from materials such as cotton, wool
or fleecy fibres help to maintain body heat. When indoors, wear warm socks and
slippers; if you’re really cold, tuck your shirt in and tuck your trousers into
your socks to ensure that your skin doesn’t become exposed to the cold. When in
bed, wear thermal underwear and bed socks to keep you cosy. When venturing
outdoors, wear a hat as well as shoes with a good grip, along with a scarf wrapped
loosely around your mouth. If you suffer from a heart or respiratory problem,
stay indoors during very cold weather.
Heating your home
If you’re a healthy and active person
under 65, it is safe to have your home below 18C, however if you’re 65+ and
aren’t very mobile, or you suffer from a health condition, ensure your home is
heated to at least 18C. If you have a baby in the house, ensure that they sleep
in a room heated to between 16C and 20C to reduce the risk of sudden infant
death syndrome (SIDS). To block out draughts, draw curtains at dusk and keep
doors closed. Get your heating system serviced regularly by a qualified
professional to prevent a difficult winter.
Have warm food and drink
Eating regularly helps keep you
warm; eat a balanced diet with lots of fruit and veg to get nutrients and stay
healthy during the winter period. It’s recommended that you have at least one
hot meal (e.g. porridge, soups, stews) a day along with hot drinks throughout
the day.
Stay active
Moderate exercise is a good way to stay warm;
not only does staying active boost your circulation, it also prevents muscle
loss – this is significant because muscles play a part in creating body heat.
When seated, put your feet up, as the ground will be the coldest given that
heat travels upwards.
Use hot water bottles and electric blankets
An obvious way
to keep warm is to use hot water bottles and electric blankets. The two should
not be used simultaneously though and electric blankets may not be suitable for
those that suffer from incontinence problems, so it’s advised that you consult
a doctor before use.
Be prepared if you’re heading out
Before heading out,
check weather updates provided by the Met Office on radio, TV and Twitter. When
its below 8C, you’re at an increased risk of a heart attack, stroke, flu,
pneumonia, hypothermia and falls/injuries. Those most vulnerable include people
aged 65+, people with a long-term health condition, pregnant women and those
who suffer from mental health conditions like depression and dementia.
Have medication on hand
It’s important to keep cold, flu
and sore throat remedies in the house, as the immune system becomes weaker when
it’s cold. It’s also recommended that you enquire about getting a free flu jab
on the NHS.
Don’t
Don't Let the cold in
Ensure you close all doors in the house
and use a keyhole cover to block draughts. You can also buy thermal linings for
the curtains to keep the heat in your home.
Don't use alcohol to stay warm
Avoid the consumption of alcohol
before going outdoors or whilst outdoors during the winter. It may make you
feel warm, due to the blood vessels in the skin expanding, but it actually
draws the heat away from your vital organs.
Don’t let your financial situation prevent you from staying
warm
Don’t suffer in the cold because you don’t think you can afford to stay
warm – check what support is available to you. You may be eligible for grants
regarding the heating in your home, such as the Winter Fuel Payment, the Cold
Weather Payment and the Affordable Warmth Grant. The Energy Saving Trust also
has advice on how to reduce bills, as well as suggesting ways to make your home
more energy efficient.
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