Stay Warm and Healthy This Winter
Cold weather can have a big impact on our health, especially for people who are older, living on a low income, or managing long-term health conditions.
Staying warm during the winter months can help prevent colds, flu, and more serious issues like heart attacks, strokes, or pneumonia.
Here are some simple tips to stay warm and well:
- Keep your home warm: Aim to keep your main living room between 18-21°C and the rest of your house at a minimum of 16°C.
- Eat well: Hot meals and drinks give your body energy to stay warm.
- Layer up: Wear warm clothes, even indoors, and sturdy shoes with good grip if you need to go outside.
- Check on others: If you have elderly relatives or neighbours, make sure they’re warm, have food and medicines, and don’t need to go out in freezing weather.
If you’re at risk of flu complications, you may be eligible for a free flu jab. Vaccination is one of the best ways to protect yourself and others from this highly infectious illness.
You may also be entitled to financial help with heating, like the Winter Fuel Payment or Cold Weather Payment. For advice on saving energy and keeping bills down, the Energy Saving Trust can provide support.
For more detailed advice on staying warm and saving money this winter, visit the Stay Well This Winter website at www.nhs.uk/staywell. The site includes a helpful Energy and Money Saving Booklet, which covers:
- Tips for saving on energy bills: Simple steps to keep your home warm while reducing costs.
- Financial support options: Information about Winter Fuel Payments, Cold Weather Payments, and grants to help with heating.
- Energy efficiency advice: How to insulate your home and make small changes to save money.
- Practical guidance: Advice on managing heating, hot water bottles, and electric blankets safely.
The booklet is a valuable resource for anyone looking to stay warm and reduce energy costs this winter.