Be prepared for the cold weather
There’s more to feeling ‘under the weather’ than most people realise. The cold and wintry conditions can cause severe illness and, in the worst cases, people can die. The cold weather, combined with low levels of sunlight after the clocks go back, means that many of us feel in poor health.
Severe cold snaps like those we suffered last winter can have dramatic effects on everyday life, especially for those people who are already vulnerable as a result of their age, illness or disability. The Met Office provides weather forecasts on radio and TV, and tuning in to these bulletins regularly can help you keep up to date with the weather. Severe weather warnings are also issued on the Met Office website at www.metoffice.gov.uk, or you can ring the Customer Centre on 0870 900 0100. The centre is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide you with accurate and timely weather information so that you can stay one step ahead of the weather.
Your top five tips for keeping warm and well
1 Heat your home well. By setting your heating to the right temperature (18–21°C or 64–70°F), you can keep your home warm and your bills as low as possible.
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’s worthwhile claiming all the benefits you are entitled to.
3 Eat well. Food is a vital source of energy, which helps to keep your body warm. Try to make sure that you have hot meals and drinks regularly throughout the day .
4 Get a flu jab. You can get a free jab from your GP to protect against seasonal flu if you are over 65, have a long-term health condition or are pregnant.
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 winter to make sure that they are safe and well.
Keep Warm, Keep Well Booklet
The Department of Health have produced a Keep Warm, Keep Well Booklet, in association with other partners. It aims to help you maintain good health during winter and take advantage of the financial help and benefits available.
Please click on the link to download a copy of the booklet
Keep Warm, Keep Well
- Department of Health
The Government body that is responsible for delivering the highest quality of health and social care within England. - GP
GP stands for General Practitioner. GPs are family doctors.