Hot tips to keep the cold at bay

WITH Oldham in the grip of the big freeze, it’s more important than ever that young and old stay well and warm. An estimated 25,400 people died from illnesses linked to cold weather last year. Direct.gov and NHS Oldham have revealed some simple ways to keep warm.

BEATRIZ AYALA passes them on.


In the home

During the day, the best way to keep warm at home is to set the household thermostat at around 21ºC (70ºF) and heat all the rooms you use.

If that is not possible, make sure the living room is kept warm throughout the day and heat your bedroom before going to bed.

Keep curtains drawn and doors closed to trap in heat and block draughts.

In very cold weather, rather than turn the thermostat up, set the heating to come on earlier so you won’t be cold while you wait for your home to heat up.

During the night, try to keep a temperature of above 18°C (65°F) in your bedroom.

An electric blanket or a hot water bottle will help you keep warm but never use them together as you could electrocute yourself.

If you use an electric blanket make sure it is safe to use by getting it tested every three years.

Insulation

Insulation makes your home warm and healthy and will also help to keep your heating costs down.

Try to fit draught-proofing to seal any gaps around windows and doors.

Make sure your loft has at least 10–11 inches (270mm) of insulation, any home with 4 inches (100mm) or less should have it topped up.

Cavity wall insulation and insulation for hot water cylinder and pipes can also help.

If you are over 60, disabled or on a low income you may be able to get financial help with heating your home including:

::Winter Fuel Payment

::Cold Weather Payment

::Heating Rebate scheme

::Warm Front scheme




Winter woolies

You can help keep warm by wearing plenty of thin layers, rather than one thick one.

Put on a coat, hat, scarf, gloves and warm shoes or boots when you go outside and wear clothes made of wool, cotton, or fleecy synthetic fibres, and wear bed socks and thermal underwear at night.Phone a friendCheck on neighbours, friends and relatives as it is often the people most at risk from cold weather who are least willing to ask for help, possibly because they don’t want to be seen as a burden.

Make the first move in checking on vulnerable friends an neighbours during cold weather, and check on them regularly to make sure they’re safe and well.

Make sure they’re warm enough, especially at night, and stock up on food and medicines for them.

If there is an emergency, always dial 999.

However, if it isn’t an emergency you may want to contact your GP, a local pharmacy or NHS Direct on 0845 4647.

If you are worried about a relative or an elderly neighbour, contact your local council or Age UK Advice on 0800 169 6565.


Stay healthy

REDUCE the risk of illness and protect against the cold by getting a free annual flu jab.

Anyone aged 65 or over, anyone who is pregnant or anyone with a long-term condition such as heart, lung or kidney disease or diabetes is eligible.

Contact your GP or talk to your pharmacist if you think you might qualify.

Try to have plenty of hot food and drinks as eating regular meals will help keep your energy levels up.

Plan your meals and keep your diet as varied as possible and aim for five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, which includes tinned and frozen fruit and vegetables

Exercise is good for your overall health and it can keep you warm in winter.

Even a small amount of exercise can bring health benefits.


Choose well

NHS Oldham and NHS organisations across the region are running the Choose Well campaign that aims to reduce the number of people who go to A&E with common complaints such as coughs, colds.

On average, one in four people who go to A&E don’t need to be there, and an estimated £2billion could be saved if people treated minor complaints themselves rather than go to a GP.

Local GP Hugh Sturgess, who is also chairman of NHS Oldham’s clinical executive, is advising people to stock up on medicine cabinet essentials.

These include paracetamol or ibuprofen for temperatures caused by coughs, cold and flu; paracetamol to ease pain from complaints such as earache, stomach ache, sore throats and sprains, and stocking up with anti-diarrhoea and re-hydration mixtures for adults with upset stomachs.

Your local high-street pharmacist can give you advice on the best medicines for simple alments