‘Keep warm, keep well’ this winter

With the cold months upon us, residents across Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale are being encouraged to ‘keep warm, keep well’ this winter.

As the weather gets colder, people are more likely to catch colds or flu; and if your body temperature drops then the risks of a heart attack, stroke or breathing difficulties increase, especially for older people or those with long-term conditions.

“It’s vital to keep warm and keep well by living as healthy a lifestyle as possible,” explains Dr Sheila Will, Director of Public Health at NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale. “This can be done by eating and drinking healthily and taking regular exercise, as well as keeping your home warm and wrapping yourself up well when you go out.”

Working in partnership with Rochdale Council and other partners, NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale have devised 10 top tips to ensure you keep well this winter:

Heat well

Try to keep a temperature of 21ºC (70ºF) in the main rooms you use during the day; your bedroom should be kept above 18 degrees. Use a hot water bottle or electric blanket (not both for safety reasons) if your bedroom is cold at night.

Dress well
Wear plenty of layers and put on a good coat, hat, scarf and gloves when you go outside to help you keep warm.

Eat well

Food is a vital source of warmth, so try to have regular hot meals and drinks throughout the day. Stock up on tinned and frozen foods, especially vegetables, so you don’t have to go out too much when it’s cold.

Keep moving

Moving around is good for your health and generates extra body heat, so any exercise or activity will help keep you warm. If possible, try and move around at least once an hour.

Stop smoking

Stopping smoking will boost your health for the winter, reduce your chances of a heart attack and improve your body’s circulation.

Get a flu jab

You can get a free flu jab from your GP if you are aged over 65 or if you have serious heart or chest complaints including asthma, serious kidney or liver disease or diabetes, lowered immunity due to disease or treatment or have had a stroke/ transient ischaemic attack (TIA).

Your GP may also advise a flu jab if you have multiple sclerosis or degenerative conditions of the central nervous systems.

Stay safe, look out for neighbours

Get your heating system serviced and your chimney swept every year – be aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and protect yourself against them. If you have an older neighbour or relative, keep an eye out for them in the winter months and make sure they are safe and well.

Insulate your home

Fit draught proofing, insulate your walls and attic space. Grants are available from the Warm Front Scheme and your energy supplier – check whether you are eligible.

Update and improve your heating system

Grants are available from the Warm Front Scheme for installing efficient and modern forms of central heating. Again, check whether you are eligible.

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 of the benefits you are entitled to.

Further information and useful contact numbers can be found on the Keep Warm, Keep Well website – www.direct.gov.uk/keepwarmkeepwell.

For health advice, call NHS Direct on 0845 46 46. 

For advice about heating your home, call the strategic housing department at Rochdale Council on 01706 926671.