Keeping warm in the winter

It’s winter time, the roads are icy and the mittens are on, but what can you do to keep warm and stop the cold weather affecting your health? It’s important to remember that the cold can affect anyone so keep an eye on those more vulnerable and help them stay healthy by following some simple tips.

Make sure you keep your house at an adequate temperature, usually around 21°C but of course you can turn it up if you are still feeling cold. Be sure to keep the heat in overnight as it’s generally the coldest just before dawn so make sure you’ve closed your bedroom window and close the curtains to keep as much heat in as possible.

If you are worried about finances and turning the heating on, make sure you get the right financial support that you’re entitled to, to help pay the energy bills.

It may seem obvious but wrap up!

It’s more effective to wear several thin layers than just one thick layer, and don’t forget about thermals, tights, hats, gloves and scarfs. Clothes made from fabrics like wool or fleecy materials work the best for those chilly nights.

Look around the house for that hot water bottle, it’s probably tucked in the cupboard under the sink, wherever it is just fish it out and start using it a lot more, it’s great alongside a blanket or a duvet, start leaving woolly blankets around the home – in safe positions so no-one trips over of course.

If you have to leave the comfort of your own home, be prepared. Make sure you’re wearing warm footwear and something for your hands, head and face warm, and if you can, invest in some non-slip soles because you don’t want to try ice skating without the blades, it’s very painful!

A good way to battle the elements outside is to invest in a scarf. By loosing wrapping it around your face and nose you can warm cold air before you’ve even breathed it in, making it less of a shock on the system.

You can spend months preparing for the cold but sometimes it just sneaks past all defences, so it’s vital to keep basic cold, flu and sore throat remedies in the house as well as a list of emergency number like electric and gas companies to stay on top of any problems, and stay on top of the weather forecast.

Eat well and enjoy at least one hot meal a day and try to get a balanced diet with lots of fruit and vegetables to ensure you’re getting the nutrients your body needs.

Last but no means least, keep as active as possible; this helps keep warm and also prevents muscle loss, with muscles being important to create body heat!

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