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Keeping the cold at bay

Contributor: Enderby EYE - December 2005

According to the Meteorological Office, the coming winter months could be the coldest in recent years. Older people and the infirm are more at risk from cold weather as they are more prone to developing colds and flu, and may not realise they are getting cold until their body temperature drops. Many older people also live in homes that can be expensive to heat.

It's a sobering thought, but its possible that a staggering 8 pensioners per hour will die of the cold this winter, according to an estimate published by the Office of National Statistics.

There are, however, some simple measures that could help everyone to stay healthier, including keeping moving both indoors and outside.

Be aware of those in your neighbourhood who are old, frail or infirm and take steps to check that they are o.k. See if you can spot some potential hazards - like iced-over paths and driveways.

Dress in appropriate clothing.

Wear several thin layers of clothes rather than one thick layer and choose clothes made with wool, cotton, or fleecy synthetic materials. As mentioned above - whether indoors or outside - stay active. When outdoors, take a hat or some form of head covering... most body heat loss is through the head.

Don't stay sitting still for long periods.

Spread necessary jobs throughout the day and alternate between rest and activity. Ensure that when outside you do not take risks in wet or icy weather. If your pathways are iced-up, spread some grit or cat-litter around. Ice is not always highly 'visible' and packed snow can be just as dangerous.

Ask your G.P. about a flu jab

- especially if you are in one of the high-risk categories... your G.P. will be able to advise.

Eat as well as you can

- good food is fuel for the body and will help maintain your metabolism.

Eat at least one hot meal a day, and sip hot drinks regularly throughout day and before bedtime. It is a good idea to keep a flask of hot drink by your bed should you wake up feeling cold.

Prepare your home and stock-up on provisions in case it is too cold to go to the shops. Seal gaps around windows and doors. Insulated lofts reduce heat loss. Check your heating system is working before the real winter bites.

Ideally, systems should be checked and serviced once a year. If you are using an electric blanket, make sure you have it checked before using it this winter.

Again ideally, electric blankets should be checked by a safety expert at least once every three years.

Useful Links:

Age Concern Information line: 0800 00 99 66
Free phone 7 days a week from 8am to 7pm.
Contact your local Age Concern Age Concern Leicestershire & Rutland (View map)
Lansdowne House
113 Princess Road East
LEICESTER
LE1 7LA
Phone: 0116 299 2233
Fax: 0116 299 2244
Email: enquiries@ageconcernleics.com
website: http://www.ageconcernleics.com

Winter weather forecast from the Met Office

Winter Warmth Advice Line: 0800 085 7000
Department of Health 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday.

Keep warm, keep well: Winter guide 2005/06 (the Department of Health website).

Utility and Medical telephone numbers from Enderby EYE ' Useful Telephone Numbers ' directory.

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